Episodes

  • Teaching the Brain: The Impact of Education on Brain Health

    Teaching the Brain: The Impact of Education on Brain Health
    Feb 12 2026
    In this episode, host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Dr. Anna Jansen, child neurologist and President of the European Paediatric Neurological Society, to explore brain health from a fresh perspective: childhood and adolescence. They dive into how the brain develops in young people and the powerful role education plays in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Together, they debunk common myths, share evidence-based insights, and discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy brains from an early age. From the classroom to everyday life, this conversation highlights the transformative potential of education in creating brighter, healthier futures. Blending scientific expertise with practical takeaways, this episode is ideal for young listeners, parents, educators, and anyone curious about brain health in early developmental stages.
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    38 mins
  • The Sad Brain and Winter Blues: How to Cope with Depression and the Seasonal Low

    The Sad Brain and Winter Blues: How to Cope with Depression and the Seasonal Low
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Fiorillo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Naples and President of the European Psychiatric Association, to explore the neurobiological and clinical aspects of depression during the winter months—a phenomenon affecting millions of people worldwide. Professor Fiorillo discusses the role of reduced daylight exposure, explains why certain individuals are more vulnerable to seasonal mood changes, and examines how environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors interact to increase risk. This episode offers valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and the general public, providing a deeper understanding of winter-related depression along with practical, science-based strategies to help mitigate its impact.
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    45 mins
  • The Impact of Sleep on Brain Health

    The Impact of Sleep on Brain Health
    Dec 21 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with neurologist, sleep expert, and best-selling author Dr. Inge Declercq to explore the essential role sleep plays in protecting and optimising brain health. Drawing on rigorous science and years of clinical experience, Dr. Declercq explains why sleep is a non-negotiable priority and challenges common misconceptions about what it really means to sleep "well” and sleep "enough". She emphasises that sleep does not exist in isolation, but is closely connected to how we spend our days, from light exposure and movement to stress and screen use. This insightful conversation offers many pieces of practical advice and a full-picture perspective on sleep—and key tools for better brain health.
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    47 mins
  • A Glass Too Much for the Brain

    A Glass Too Much for the Brain
    Oct 27 2025
    In this episode, we discuss how alcohol impacts brain and liver health, and explore strategies to reduce harm with Prof. Frank Murray from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and Catherine Paradis from WHO Europe.
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    50 mins
  • Brain Health on the Move

    Brain Health on the Move
    Sep 24 2025
    In this episode, Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Ole Petter Hjelle, renowned physician and associate professor in Medicine, former marathon champion, and “The Sporting Physician,” about the powerful connection between physical activity and brain health. Ole Petter shares his journey from elite athlete to neuroscientist, insights from his clinical work, and practical tips for integrating movement into daily life to support a healthy brain.
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    39 mins
  • Brain Health and Multiple Sclerosis

    Brain Health and Multiple Sclerosis
    Aug 6 2025
    This episode explores brain health in the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a lifelong neurological disease affecting millions worldwide. Host Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by two MS experts—Natalia Szejko and Sanja Gluscevic to discuss what brain health means for people with MS, how to measure and improve it, and why this matters not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
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    33 mins
  • What is Brain Health and Why It Matters

    What is Brain Health and Why It Matters
    Jun 22 2025
    In this debut episode, Jana Midelfart-Hoff welcomes Professors Paul Boon and Barbara Casolla to unpack the concept of brain health.
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    39 mins