Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

How to Achieve Anything You Want in Life with Marie Forleo #86

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing. What’s holding you back in life at the moment? Is there a problem – be it practical or emotional, to do with your health, relationships, work, finance or anything else – that seems insurmountable? Whatever your struggle, my guest on this week’s Feel Better Live More podcast believes that the solution is already within you – that you have what it takes to transform or transcend any challenge you face.   She’s Marie Forleo, a US entrepreneur, writer, philanthropist and, above all, an unshakeable optimist. I caught up with Marie on the London leg of a promotional tour for her new self-help book, Everything Is Figureoutable. The title is quite a promise but after listening to what she has to say, I think you’ll be inspired to think the same way.   We discuss perfectionism and why comparing ourselves unfavourably to others – so common in this age of social media – can really threaten our creativity. We also discuss the truth about excuses, the liberating difference between ‘can’t’ and ‘won’t’, and why a growth mindset is preferable to a fixed mindset if we want to make changes in our lives. Whatever it is that you want from life, I think Marie’s strategies will shift you into a more positive mindset and help you take action. This is a really energising and inspiring conversation – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/86 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Is it Time for a Tactical Break from Alcohol? With Andy Ramage #85

How does alcohol fit into your life? Have you ever given it any thought?   My guest on this week’s podcast is Andy Ramage, a performance coach and author. He’s also one of the founders of One Year No Beer, a habit-changing programme that invites people to try 28, 90 or 365 days alcohol free – and see what it does for them. Andy was like many of us, he was not an alcoholic but he was what he calls ‘a middle lane drinker’. He would drink a little bit to unwind, at work events, when he saw his friends and probably a little bit more on the weekends. Andy started off on a 30 day trial without alcohol and now hasn’t drunk any alcohol for six years and says he can’t envisage doing so again. But his agenda is not to make you stop drinking for good. It’s to demonstrate that taking a break from the booze can bring a surprising host of benefits, even if you don’t think of yourself as a problematic drinker.   Andy and I delve into just what some of those benefits might be. We discuss how alcohol is so ingrained in our social lives and often our work culture that often we don’t even consider what life would be like without it. It’s linked to every part of our lives from relaxation and fun to social bonding or even just relieving boredom. We talk about societal expectations and peer pressure and both of us share our own individual stories and our own journeys with alcohol. Finally, Andy shares some brilliant, practical tips to help anyone who maybe considering tactical break from alcohol.   This is a really inspiring conversation. Whether you’re already thinking of cutting down, it’s not something you’ve considered, or even if you’re already abstaining, I hope you’ll find some life-enhancing lessons in this podcast.  Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/85 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why Walking Is The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had with Professor Shane O’Mara #84

When was the last time you gave any real thought to walking? It’s so easy to put one foot in front of the other. Yet this unique, underrated activity sets us apart from other species, and brings incredible advantages – yes, superpowers – if we do it enough. My guest on this week’s podcast is the neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, a professor of experimental brain research at Trinity College Dublin. After reading his remarkable new book, In Praise of Walking: The New Science of How We Walk And Why It’s Good For Us, I couldn’t wait to talk to him about the topics it raises. Shane has always been a keen walker and aims to clock 15,000 to 17,000 steps each day on his pedometer. But as we discuss, the positive effects of walking go way beyond the fitness benefits we all know about. Walking helps more than our hearts and lungs, our muscles and posture, yet modern, sedentary lives mean we’re doing far less of it than nature intended. It can increase creativity and problem solving, lift our mood and protect us from depression. Shane reveals how it helps learning, memory and cognition and how it can slow and even reverse the functional ageing of the brain. All this science, he hopes, will help convince town planners and public health officials that we must redesign our environments with pedestrians in mind. This is such an enlightening conversation and I know you’ll gain some fascinating new perspectives on how you could (and why you should) fit more walking into your life. Why not head out for a stroll as you listen? Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/84 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Dr Rangan Chatterjee LIVE at The Scottish Parliament with Annie Wells MSP #83

This week, the microphones are turned and it’s me in the hot seat. This conversation was recorded at The Festival of Politics 2019 on World Mental Health Day in The Scottish Parliament with Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Mental Health, Annie Wells MSP. I was invited to speak about my mission to inspire people to make small sustainable changes to their lifestyles, which as many of you know, I believe is the secret to having a healthier and happier life. We discuss how my own experience as a carer shaped the way I practice medicine and I talk about my passionate belief that everybody should have access to good quality health information. We also delve into a wide variety of different topics from breathing and sleep to this podcast and how it has grown so rapidly. Finally, the floor is opened up to the attendees of the event and I answer their questions – including being put on the spot at the very end as to what my top tips would be for reforming the NHS. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/83 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Create the Life You Were Born to Live with Peter Crone #82

What is preventing you from living the life of your dreams? Are you waiting for the right person to come along? Will you be happy when you get a pay-rise? Or perhaps you just aren’t capable of getting what you really want? The truth is, that your perfect life is right here waiting for you to discover it. The only thing separating you from it is the dialogue that exists within your subconscious mind. Guest on this week’s podcast is writer, speaker and thought leader in human potential, Peter Crone, a.k.a The Mind Architect. Peter believes that resistance to the way life is, is not only futile, but it is the pre-curser to dis-ease both psychologically and emotionally, which can then manifest physiologically. He believes that to attain true freedom and joy, we need to release ourselves from the prison of our subconscious mind – those limiting thoughts that tell us we are not enough. When we understand that our behaviours and thoughts are a result of our subconscious programming, we can deconstruct where those limiting beliefs came from and we are able to free ourselves from them and experience true liberation. Peter demonstrates how we can deconstruct our own negative thought patterns by talking to me about some of the things that have affected me in my life. We discuss how our subconscious programming can affect our intimate relationships and question whether the Hollywood ideal really exists. This is a really powerful conversation and I really hope it helps you to find more happiness in your life.  Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/82 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why When We Eat May Be More Important Than What We Eat with Professor Satchin Panda #81

RE-RELEASE - This episode originally aired as a 2-part episode almost 18 months ago and has been one of the most popular episodes to date. After releasing Episode 77, I have had many requests for more information on the impact of circadian clocks on our health. I have therefore decided to re-release this conversation with world-leading expert in circadian biology, whose research in this area is truly ground-breaking. So, here it is! We know that snacking late at night isn’t a good idea, but until recently, there was little research into what health benefits we could gain from avoiding it. This week, I talk to world leading expert in circadian biology, Professor Satchin Panda, whose research has shown that mice who were restricted to eating within an 8-10 hour window were completely protected from obesity, type-2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease! Professor Panda discusses the findings of his ground-breaking research and explains that when we eat really may be more important than what we eat. We delve into sleep, how research in this area may influence the timing that pharmaceutical drugs are given in the future, why we should wait an hour after waking before eating or drinking anything and much more. Professor Panda’s wealth of knowledge in this area is amazing and this is a really fascinating conversation. CAUTION: If you have diabetes or are on any blood sugar lowering medications, talk to a healthcare professional before you go for prolonged periods without eating. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/81 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why Spending Time With Your Friends Is More Important Than You Think with Dhru Purohit #80

Loneliness is an epidemic. We are surrounded by people yet many of us feel empty. Why is this? This week, one of my best friends, entrepreneur and podcast host, Dhru Purohit explains that many of us are craving deep meaningful connected friendships and we don’t even know it. We have the feeling that we are in control of our lives, that we are surviving, but we miss the fact that we need a deep connection to others to truly thrive. We discuss the power of touch and how having someone to open up to about the way you feel literally calms your nervous system down. We talk about why making friendships is harder as an adult and why this is a particular problem for men – a fifth of whom say they don’t have any close friends. We chat about our own personal experiences and what works for us. These days, many of us expect our partner to be everything to us – from confidant to our best friend – Dhru explains why having friendships outside of our intimate relationships is essential. Finally, we delve into how we can deepen the friendships we have and how communication is essential to maintain them. Dhru’s insights are invaluable and I think they will really make you examine the relationships in your life. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, I hope it inspires you to take some time out to sit down and talk to one of your friends. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/friendship Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How Running Can Transform Your Life with Sanjay Rawal #79

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains mild swearing. When we think about running, most of us think of it as a form of physical exercise – something that we do to lose weight, look better or stay healthy. Some of us like to measure how far and how quickly we can run. But running can be so much more than that. What if someone told you that running could be a tool to transform your life? This week, film-maker and inspirational human being, Sanjay Rawal, is here to do just that.   Whilst making his latest film (3100: Run and Become), Sanjay followed the most elite multi-day race in the world - the 3,100 mile race, which takes place on the streets of Queens, New York City each summer. He also followed the Kalahari Bushman and a group of Japanese Monks. What was common amongst all three groups of people was that they performed superhuman feats with the sole goal of spiritual growth. Sanjay talks about their individual journeys and what we can all learn from them.   Through physical exertion, Sanjay believes that we can all understand who we are and connect to something bigger than ourselves. We discuss how modern life presents many obstacles for us, but Sanjay explains how we can all achieve self-expansion, whether we are running or simply walking down the road. This is an incredible conversation – I think you will really enjoy it.  Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/79 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Reverse Childhood Obesity with Kim Roberts #78

SPECIAL EPISODE FOR WORLD OBESITY DAY to support a charity called HENRY, which is doing amazing work to combat childhood obesity. The statistics look gloomy. 1 in 10 children are obese when they start school and the odds are stacked against them. Only 1 in 20 children who starts school obese, will be a healthy weight when they leave primary school. But finally, there is a glimmer of hope. Have HENRY found a solution to reverse the trend? Their results so far are extremely promising. Today, I talk to Chief Executive of HENRY, Kim Roberts about the amazing work that HENRY does and what they have achieved so far. HENRY believes that the problem doesn’t just lie in what people are eating and tries to work with parents to create healthy environments. Kim explains that empathy before education is key and that HENRY takes a holistic approach to helping families become healthier and happier. The practitioners that HENRY trains have reported that they too have benefited from the training and have made positive change in their lives. HENRY’s approach echoes my own approach when tackling health of families and I believe that if it was available to all families, we would be a happier, healthier nation. At a time when childhood obesity is on the rise and we are at risk of our children having a lower life expectancy than their parents, it has never been more imperative to talk about these issues. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/henry Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why Getting More Light Will Transform Your Health with Linda Geddes #77

Since the dawn of time, humans have worshipped the sun. And with good reason. Our biology is set up to work in partnership with it. From our sleep cycles to our immune systems and our mental health, access to sunlight is crucial for living a happy and fulfilling life. Our bodies and our brains are designed to function during the day and rest at night. But as more of us move into light-polluted cities, spending our days in dim offices and our evenings watching brightly lit screens, we are in danger of losing something vital: our connection to the star that gave us life. It's a loss that could have far-reaching consequences for our health. This week, I sit down with award-winning journalist, Linda Geddes, to discuss just what those health implications are. We talk about the concept of night owls and larks and examine whether getting a lie in at the weekend is really as restorative as it sounds. We discuss jet lag and Linda shares the fascinating findings of her research in this area – including her own experiment of getting rid of light at night in her own home. Finally, we discuss what we can all do to get a little more light into our days. If you are listening to this podcast during the day, you won’t be able to resist the urge of going outside to soak up some natural light! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/77 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Optimise Your Brain Health with Dr Rahul Jandial #76

We are undergoing a huge technological experiment. In our pockets we have tiny technological miracles through which we can communicate, instantly, with anyone on the planet. We are constantly bombarded with endless information. But what impact is all this having on our brain? Why is it important to allow our brains to drift into random thoughts and be creative? I discuss all this with neuroscientist and brain surgeon, Dr Rahul Jandial, who loves technology but believes that we need to structure some boundaries around its use – especially for children. We talk about the impact of music on the brain and what it means to be in flow state. Dr Jandial explains what happens in the brain when we engage in what he calls “meditative breathing” and why he is such a huge proponent of it. He explains how his knowledge of brain health has shaped the way he parents– from encouraging navigational skills in his children to exposing them to a diverse range of experiences. It seems where the brain is concerned – if you don’t use it, you lose it! Finally, he draws on his years of experience as a brain surgeon to share some practical tips that can help us all get the best out of our minds.  Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/brainsurgeon Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

What Every Parent Should Know with Philippa Perry #75

How do we improve our relationship with our children? Why do our children make us feel so irritated at times? And what do we do if we’ve acted in a way that we shouldn’t have? I’m joined this week by psychotherapist and author, Philippa Perry, to talk about all these issues and more. We discuss why culture gets in the way of our natural instincts and why she believes that allowing your child to “cry it out” can be harmful. We delve into the effect that technology is having on our relationships and discuss screen-time for kids. Philippa explains that although we all get it wrong at times, it is how we repair our mistakes that is key. We also discuss why being authentic with our children is important for a close connection. Finally, Philippa shares her tops tips, which I have started putting into practice already! At the heart of Philippa’s advice is connection and the advice she gives is applicable to all our human relationships – not just those with our children! I hope this conversation helps you deepen the human connections in your life. Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/75 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How Diet Can Save Your Mental Health with Professor Felice Jacka #74

We all know that a poor diet negatively impacts our physical health. In fact, it is now the leading cause of early death in men and number two in women. But it’s not only our physical health that is affected – the effects on our mental health can also be devastating. This week, I am joined by world leading expert in the field of nutritional psychiatry, Professor Felice Jacka, to discuss her ground-breaking research into the link between food and our mental health. We discuss why lifestyle medicine should be the starting point for many mental health conditions and why there is an urgent need to train medical practitioners to give such lifestyle advice. We delve into the important role the gut microbiome plays in this area and how a diet rich in diversity is key. We also talk about the link between a mother’s diet in pregnancy and their child’s emotional health. At a time where the modern food environment is so broken and depression and anxiety are on the rise, this conversation is more important than ever. It really is a fascinating listen – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/brainchanger Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why You Are Stronger Than You Think with Ross Edgley #73

“You are more powerful than your mind allows you to believe”   This week, I have the great pleasure of sitting down with arguably the fittest (but definitely one of the loveliest) men on the planet – swimmer and all-round adventurer, Ross Edgley. He believes that the next frontier of human performance is the mind and his superhuman feats are testament to that fact. He is the first ever swimmer to circumnavigate the whole of Great Britain without ever setting foot on land. And this is just one in a long list of mind-blowing accomplishments for Ross. But how is all that relevant to the rest of us? As well as talking about how he got through his epic journey, Ross explains the science behind why our minds limit us. He explains how we can all push ourselves beyond our comfort zones and reap the amazing knock-on benefits that come from doing that. We delve into the importance of intrinsic motivation and self-discovery through self-discipline. Ross speaks with wisdom and humility and is truly inspirational – he challenges you to go on your own journey of self-discovery. The overriding message from both of us is – it doesn’t matter where you start, just start somewhere. I hope this episode inspires you to push yourself outside your circle of comfort. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/73 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Brain Training, Addiction, Self-Love and Community - End of Season 2 #72

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing and themes of an adult nature. This week's episode wraps up the second season of the Feel Better, Live More podcast. Over the past 12 months, I've had the honour of sharing fascinating conversations with a wide variety of incredible people. Thank you to every single one of my guests - each conversation has been an inspiration to me.    In this episode I re-share some of the anecdotes and wisdom shared by a few guests from this series - Dr Tara Swart explains how we can all take back control of our lives by training our brains to create the life we want to live; Dr Gabor Mate calls for a compassionate approach toward addiction, where we look for the source of the pain that has led to the addiction; Chloe Brotheridge talks about self love and the importance of putting ourselves first in order to be in the best that we can be for others; and Johann Hari shares a heart-warming story of how an unlikely community was borne out of desperation and the unbelievable transformations that occurred for the whole community as a result of it.   This isn't a 'best of' episode - there are far too many amazing conversations to choose from for that - but I hope that you enjoy these clips and that this short compilation reminds you of some of your favourite episodes or inspires you to check out previous episodes you might have missed. Thank you to every single one of you who downloads, listens, shares, comments and gives feedback on this podcast - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!    I'd love it if you would join the #FBLM podcast conversation online, share the podcast, let me know what your favourite topics have been and what you'd like to see covered in the new series. Until then, I hope that you have a fantastic summer. Whatever you get up to, I really hope that you try and apply some of the things that you've learnt from this podcast. And finally, in the words of Haemin Sunim in episode 62, 'May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be peaceful, may you always be protected'.   Links to full podcast episodes available at drchatterjee.com/72 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk Join the NEW Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe on Facebook.  DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

What Makes Us Human with Tony Riddle #71

This week I sit down with natural lifestyle coach, Tony Riddle, who plans to run the whole length of Great Britain completing 30 miles every day for 30 days completely barefoot in order to show what humans are capable of and what he believes is biologically normal for us. He also plans to raise awareness of sustainability along the way. Tony believes that we are a species that is destined to be innately empowered, wild and connected yet our modern lives are removing us from this natural state. For the last 18 years, Tony’s whole raison d’etre has been to find ways of living that are more in sync with our human biology in order to allow himself, his family and his clients to thrive in this modern world and in this episode, we discuss what he has learnt. Tony believes that the closer you take people to nature, the better able they are to heal. Many would consider Tony’s lifestyle extreme – he has no chairs in his house and is mostly barefoot. Tony explains why he has made the decision to get rid of all the chairs in his home, why the squat is so important and why having functioning feet is critical for our overall health. Tony also shares some simple ways that office workers and night shift workers can improve their health whilst at work. Finally, Tony shares some of his top tips that will help us all feel better in our everyday lives. This conversation provides a really fascinating insight into what Tony believes is the true essence of being human. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/naturallifestyle Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Why Sleep is the Most Important Pillar of Health with Professor Matthew Walker #70

This interview originally aired 12 months ago as a 2 part conversation, which have proved to be two of the most popular episodes that I have released so far. Many listeners have asked me to re-release them as one single conversation so that they can listen from start to finish without interruption, so here it is! Sleep is one of the most undervalued components of our health, yet neglecting it can have devastating consequences. In this episode, I talk to world-leading sleep researcher, author of the international best-selling book ‘Why We Sleep’ and Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, Matthew Walker. We discuss everything you ever needed to know about sleep. Matthew shares some brilliant tips to combat jet lag, explains how sleep can enhance athletic performance and decrease risk of injury and reveals just how much caffeine consumption can impact sleep. We explore the reasons behind the current global sleep-loss epidemic and how sleep deprivation can affect every aspect of our health – from our blood sugar levels and our risk of heart attack to our mental health. Finally, we discuss alcohol’s impact on sleep and the staggering financial costs associated with lost sleep. Matthew also shares what he has changed in his own life since starting his research. This is an invaluable conversation – I hope you enjoy it! Please note: Matthew has agreed to do a follow-up podcast to answer any questions you may still have about sleep. Listen and let me know which questions you would like me to put to Matthew via my closed Facebook group (Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe), where you can also discuss other podcast episodes and any lifestyle changes that you are trying to make. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/70 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Michael Pollan: Could Psychedelics Solve the Mental Health Crisis? #69

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing. Many of you will know Michael Pollan as a world-renowned food writer but now he has written a book that brings psychedelic drugs into mainstream consciousness. But why? Long before they gained a bad reputation, it seemed to researchers, scientists and doctors as though psychedelics were going to be the new wonder drugs for mental illnesses. They promised to treat conditions like alcoholism, depression and anxiety without the side effects associated with conventional drugs. But unfortunately, in the 1960’s, there was a backlash against the counter-culture who had embraced psychedelics and all further research was banned. Now, decades later, the world is in the grip of a mental health crisis. But thankfully, there is a glimmer of hope – research has recently begun again on the amazing potential of LSD, DMT and psilocybin. This week, I sit down with Michael Pollan to take a deep dive into this extraordinary world. We explore the remarkable history of psychedelics, the findings of the current research in this area and Michael shares his own personal experiences with psychedelics under the guidance of therapists. Whilst larger scale studies are still needed, we talk about how therapist-guided psychedelic drug therapy could potentially change the way healthcare is delivered for mental illnesses – perhaps meaning a resolution of not only symptoms for patients, but also in many cases, the fundamental root causes. Finally, we discuss the potential wider use of psychedelics as a tool for social change. This really is a gripping and eye-opening conversation – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/changeyourmind Click here for Michael's book How to Change your Mind: The New Science of Psychedelics. Click here for Dr Chatterjee's books The 4 Pillar Plan and The Stress Solution. Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Tennis: A Game for Life with Jamie Murray #68

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains mild swearing. Having won 6 grand slam titles, Jamie Murray is one of the most successful British tennis players of all time. This week, with Wimbledon nearly upon us, I sit down to talk with him about what he does behind the scenes to keep fit and healthy and what we can all learn from this – from the equipment he carries with him to how he focuses his mind before a match. We talk about his childhood, how much tennis he and his brother (Andy Murray) played as children and whether just focusing on one sport is beneficial for children. We also discuss the benefits of playing doubles and Jamie talks about his youtube channel in which he has created instructional videos to help people improve their doubles game. Jamie believes that tennis is a game for everyone – I hope this conversation inspires you to pick up a tennis racket or simply get more active. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/jamiemurray Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Secret to a Long and Happy life with Dan Buettner #67

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing. A long healthy life is no accident. It begins with good genes, but it also depends on good habits. If you adopt the right lifestyle, experts say, chances are you may live up to a decade longer. So, what’s the formula for success? National Geographic Explorer and author Dan Buettner has lead teams of researchers across the globe to uncover the secrets of Blue Zones—geographic regions where high percentages of centenarians are enjoying remarkably long, full and happy lives. In this week’s episode, I talk with Dan about his adventures in the Blue Zones and discuss what we can all learn from his findings. Dan found commonalities amongst each of these Blue Zones which led to a formula for success that includes lifestyle, community and purpose. We delve into all these areas and discuss how achieving a long, healthy and happy life is something that goes far beyond personal responsibility. People in these longevity hot spots do not pursue health and happiness. Health and happiness ensues from the environment which they are in. Dan explains what you can do to design your surroundings to stack the deck in favour of health, longevity and happiness. We also discuss Dan’s Blue Zones Project - a health and longevity initiative that models the principles of communities around the world that have the longest living people and applies those principles to other cities and communities. The results have been staggering. Finally, Dan explains how he has changed his own lifestyle following his research and he shares his top tips for living a longer and more fulfilling life. This is a fascinating conversation – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/bluezones Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Pushing Your Limits and Discovering Yourself with Kilian Jornet #66

When was the last time you were completely alone?  Not alone by modern standards, but truly alone - with no mobile phone or outside influences providing information to your brain. Can you think of a time? Global icon, prolific mountain runner and guest on this week’s episode, Kilian Jornet believes that it is only when you take away the storm of information, that you can discover what your true priorities are. And for him, the mountains are the tool to do just that. Not only do they allow him to explore the beauty of nature, they allow him to discover himself. He explains that by pushing his body to its limits, all the masks that he wears in everyday life are removed and he is able to find out who he really is.   Kilian and I discuss the benefits of solitude, failure and visualisation. We delve into Kilian’s amazing feat of climbing Everest twice in one week and talk about how immersing oneself in a challenging situation can be a form of mediation. Finally, Kilian shares some brilliant tips to help us all connect with ourselves and live our best lives.  I found Kilian’s single-minded drive to live the life he wants to live truly inspiring – I hope this conversation inspires you too.    Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/66 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Developing Confidence and Learning to Say No with Chloe Brotheridge #65

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you were more confident? This week, I sit down with hypnotherapist, anxiety expert and author, Chloe Brotheridge, to talk about how confidence is a skill that everybody can learn. Chloe explains that by taking small steps to challenge yourself, you can retrain your nervous system and gradually, you will be able to achieve things that you never thought would be possible.  We discuss how shame can be the root of many of our anxieties and why striving for perfection is so problematic. We talk about how we can all cultivate more acceptance by embracing things as they are. Finally, we delve into the importance of learning to say no – in a world where we are all struggling to find time for ourselves, by saying no to the things you don’t want to do, you are freeing up time for the things you do want to do and saying yes to yourself. Chloe finishes with some brilliant tops tips that will help you transform the way that you feel. This is a really empowering conversation – I hope it helps you in your lives. Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/bravenewgirl Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Time and How to Spend It with James Wallman #64

Time is the most precious commodity we have, yet despite all the advances in technology, most of us are more time poor than ever before. Cultural commentator and best-selling author, James Wallman, believes that few of us really understand which experiences bring us joy and success, and which don’t. In fact, for many of us, free time can be harder to enjoy than time at work. James argues that just as we have learned to spot the differences between junk foods and superfoods, we need to learn the equivalent rules for time. He has drawn on research from psychology, economics and culture to create a seven-point checklist that he believes will help you avoid empty experiences and fill your free hours with exciting and enriching ones instead. We discuss the importance of putting ourselves in challenging or unusual situations, having fulfilling relationships, achieving a state of flow and being in nature. James also talks about the importance of having status and significance for happiness and explains how we can all attain this in our lives. Finally, James gives his top tips for leading a happy and fulfilling life. This is a really lively conversation and James is bursting with anecdotes – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/64 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Gut Health and Probiotics with Dr Michael Ruscio #63

Gut health is a hot topic these days, with more and more research showing that our gut health impacts so much more than our digestive system. The gut is now being implicated in a host of different conditions, from joint pain to depression. But why is gut health so problematic for so many of us in the 21stCentury? I discuss this with clinical researcher, author and gut expert, Dr Michael Ruscio, on this week’s episode. We talk about the increase in hygiene practices and antibiotic use and ask whether we have traded life expectancy and infant mortality for allergy and autoimmune conditions. We delve into what happens in the gut in the first three years of life and discuss what you can do to improve your gut health. We also discuss the use of probiotics and Dr Ruscio explains how you can figure out which probiotics are right for you. Finally, Dr Ruscio shares some fantastic top tips to help you live your best life. This is a really interesting conversation – I hope you find it useful! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/63 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection with Haemin Sunim #62

This week, I sit down with one of the most influential Zen Buddhist monks and teachers in South Korea, Haemin Sunim. He offers a unique perspective on vulnerability, authenticity and the journey to finding out who we really are. Haemin believes that we have become used to sacrificing the present for the sake of the future and that intentional living is key to happiness. He argues that only by accepting yourself – and the flaws which make you who you are – can you have compassionate and fulfilling relationships with your partner, family and friends.  We discuss the importance of stealing back some down-time in our busy lives and learning to say no. Haemin reveals what he does each day to bring about happiness and calm in his own life as well as some brilliant tips that we can all put into practice to improve the way that we feel. This is an uplifting and thought-provoking conversation – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/62 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Talking Mental Health with Matt Haig #61

Mental health problems are extremely common - it is estimated that 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. Yet so many of us still view these illnesses as a weakness or a personal failure. On this week’s episode, I sit down with best-selling author and one of the most prominent voices in the mental health arena, Matt Haig to talk about all things related to mental health. We discuss how society’s understanding of mental health can be very limited and often very toxic and how talking about it and understanding the different textures that exist under its banner is essential. We explore the pressures put on us by modern society, how work place cultures affect our mental health and the need to teach our children about mental health. As someone who has suffered from depression and anxiety, Matt shares his own personal journey and explains how he finds optimism in dark places. Finally, Matt shares his top tips on improving the way that you feel. This is an open, honest and really important conversation – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/61 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The Secret to Solving the Stress Cycle with Drs Emily and Amelia Nagoski #60

How do you experience stress? Women and men generally experience stress in very different ways and women are much more likely to feel overwhelmed and exhausted than men. But why is this? Guests on this week’s episode, Drs Emily and Amelia Nagoski believe that the reason lies in the fact that what’s expected of women and what it’s really like to be a woman in today’s world are two very different things—and women exhaust themselves trying to close the gap between them.  They explain the importance of separating the stress from the stressor. Stressors are the external forces that are giving you stress. Stress is an experience that happens in your body – it’s a physiological cycle that has a beginning, a middle and an end. And you can complete the stress response cycle even without fixing the problem and getting rid of the stressor. They explain the various ways in which we can do this – from laughing and crying to having a warm embrace with a loved one. We also discuss the importance of human touch and how imagination is a surprisingly powerful way of completing the stress response cycle.  Emily and Amelia share their own personal journeys and share some brilliant tips, that are simpler, easier and quicker than you may think. This is a really passionate and inspiring conversation – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/60 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Personalising Your Health with Alessandro Ferretti #59

We are all bombarded by stress throughout our daily lives and it comes in many different forms, but how do we actually know what impact that stress is having on our bodies? One of the key messages from today’s conversation is a reminder of how unique we all are. My guest on this week’s episode is nutritionist and researcher, Alessandro Ferretti, who has spent years researching the effects of various stressors on the body by meticulously monitoring the heart rate variability (HRV) and blood sugar levels of both his clients and himself. He shares the fascinating findings of his research and explains that what causes stress on our bodies can be different for different individuals - one man’s medicine really can be another man’s poison - and the way we perceive an event is key. We also discuss the effect of shift work on our bodies, how type 2 diabetes is not just a dietary problem, how the wrong timing of meals can act as a significant stressor on the body and the impact of caffeine and insufficient sleep. Finally, he gives some brilliant tips for optimising your health. This is a really informative conversation – I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/alessandro  Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

How to Open Your Mind and Change Your Life with Dr Tara Swart #58

Whether it's a dream job, a successful relationship, losing weight or running a marathon, you have the power to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Yet for most of us, life just passes us by. In this week’s episode, neuroscientist and executive coach, Dr Tara Swart, explains how we can all take back control of our lives by training our brains to create the life we want to live. She explains the science behind ‘the law of attraction’ and talks about how what we think and feel are so intimately connected with what goes on in our bodies. We discuss the power of journaling and how creating a vision board – a collage that represents everything you aspire to – can be a surprising way to focus your intentions and construct a life that’s true to your innermost wishes. Dr Swart also talks about the concept of value tagging – placing a new idea at the front of your mind by thinking about it often. Finally, she gives her top tips for getting the most out of life. This conversation could change your life for the better – I hope it does! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/58 Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Mental Fitness and Body Image with Natasha Devon MBE #57

We all know what to do to keep physically fit, but few of us think about what we need to do to keep our minds fit and healthy. Writer and mental-health and body image campaigner, Natasha Devon argues that just as there is mental illness, there is also mental fitness. She believes that mental illness is no different to physical illness – the mind and body do not exist in silos. She talks about her campaign to get parity of treatment for mental illness and require workplaces to have mental health first aiders – just as there are physical health first aiders. We talk about body image for both men and women and the role of social media. We also discuss why debating is excellent for building resilience in children. Finally, Natasha gives her top tips for maintaining mental fitness. This is a really informative and thought-provoking conversation – I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/natasha  Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.