Best Drs Ayesha Podcasts (2025)

1
A Science-Based Plan to Reduce Dementia Risk with Drs. Dean & Ayesha Sherzai 54:14

27d ago54:14

54:14

About Dean: Dr. Dean Sherzai is a behavioral neurologist and neuroscientist whose entire life has been dedicated to behavioral change models at the community and population level. Dean completed his medical and neurology residencies at Georgetown University, followed by a subsequent fellowship in neurodegenerative diseases at the National Institute…

1
Your Brain On... Diabetes 1:53:31

14d ago1:53:31

1:53:31

Behind the staggering statistics on global diabetes prevalence are millions of individuals with different stories, struggles, and solutions. In this episode, we explore how diabetes affects your brain, body, and cognition, and how it can be prevented, managed, and (in many cases) reversed. We share some powerful personal stories from the clinic, bu…

1
Your Brain On... Alzheimer’s (Mythbusting Special) 50:04

28d ago50:04

50:04

Alzheimer’s disease is constantly surrounded by myths and misinformation. Let’s set the record straight. In this episode, we bust through the most persistent Alzheimer’s myths, with facts based on decades of clinical experience and cutting-edge research. Myths include: • “Alzheimer’s is inevitable in old age” • “It’s all genetic, and there’s nothin…

1
Your Brain On... Purpose (Sherzai Family Special) 34:08

1M ago34:08

34:08

With big changes happening in the Sherzai family household, we sat down for a roundtable discussion about the concept that will shape what we’re all doing next: our purpose. In this ‘unplugged’ mid-season chat, we’re joined by our kids — Sophia and Alex! — for a wide-ranging conversation about our values and goals. How they form, how they falter, a…

1
Your Brain On... Creatine 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Creatine for Alzheimer’s — let’s separate the hype from the hope. A new study has caused a stir in June 2025, but lead researcher Matthew K. Taylor told us: “ I don’t think I can recommend it to a patient that this is going to ultimately have some sort of cognitive influence.” We speak to Dr. Taylor and Dr. Russell Swerdlow in this episode, discuss…

1
Your Brain On... Stress 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Stress isn’t just a threat to your brain. It’s also one of its best tools for growth. We often hear that stress is bad for your brain. And it can be. Chronic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable stress can damage cognition, harm memory, and accelerate aging. But we don’t talk enough about how the right kind of stress can actually improve brain functi…

1
Your Brain On... Stroke 1:05:27

2M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death in the world — but also one of the most preventable. Up to 80–90% of strokes could be avoided with more awareness, resources, and a firmer focus on prevention over intervention. In this episode, we’re joined by renowned stroke neurologist and public health pioneer Dr. Olajide Williams, MD, MS, whose ‘Hip…

1
Your Brain On... The Food Industry 27:44

3M ago27:44

27:44

How can we eat better when we’re constantly marketed to in a way that hijacks our attention and habits? To complement the incredible discussions we regularly have about brain-healthy nutrition, in this episode, we’ve having a very important conversation about how the food industry works against our best intentions, and how we can break through the …

1
Your Brain On... Lyme Disease 50:20

3M ago50:20

50:20

A tiny bite from a tiny tick can trigger a complex disease which speaks to some huge problems with our healthcare system. In this episode, we explain the biology, controversy, and cultural blind spots around Lyme disease, a condition that reflects much more than just a bacterial infection. It’s also a mirror for our most urgent public health issue…

1
Your Brain On... Brain-Computer Interfaces 51:37

3M ago51:37

51:37

Restoring a person’s ability to speak, enabling individuals with paralysis to regain movement, and detecting neurodegenerative diseases earlier than ever — these are just some of the breakthroughs brain-computer interfaces are making possible. In this episode, we explore the astonishing world of BCIs: technologies that are giving autonomy and indep…

1
Your Brain On... Gluten 1:00:43

3M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Gluten has become one of the most misunderstood aspects of modern nutrition. Let’s set the record straight. In this episode, we untangle the medical, neurological, and cultural narratives surrounding gluten, from celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity to real (and rare) cases of gluten-induced brain dysfunction. We discuss: • The differen…

1
Your Brain On... Menopause 1:01:07

3M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are women — but why? In this episode, we unpack the neurological, hormonal, and social drivers that uniquely affect women's brain health during the menopausal transition — from estrogen’s protective role in the brain to the misunderstood history of hormone replacement therapy. We discuss: • Why…

1
Your Brain On... Music 1:02:01

6M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Music is one of the most powerful forces of all time for human connection, cognitive stimulation, and therapeutic introspection. We’ve seen music help Alzheimer’s patients find their voice, children with speech disorders unlock new ways to communicate with rhythm and melody, and communities express their identity through song. In this episode, we d…

1
Your Brain On... Supplements 48:09

6M ago48:09

48:09

Supplements have become a hundred-billion dollar industry. But can they really boost your brain health in the ways they claim? They’re everywhere: shelves and shelves of pills and powders promising everything from improved immunity, boosted energy, and faster weight loss to better sleep, happier moods, and enhanced sexual wellness. Social media in…

1
Your Brain On... Traumatic Brain Injury 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

Traumatic Brain Injury is a major cause of death, disability, and cognitive decline. Thankfully, evolving research is helping us protect our heads and lessen the long-term impacts of TBIs. In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’ we discuss: • The effects and symptoms of TBI, from mild concussions to more severe head injuries • What actually happens t…

1
Your Brain On... Omega-3 59:03

7M ago59:03

59:03

Omega-3 supplements have become a multi-billion-dollar industry, promising to enhance your memory, boost your mood, and protect your brain. But where does the science end, and the marketing hype begin? Omega-3 fatty acids are a special category of ‘good fats’ that play vital roles in both brain and body health. Unlike some species, we can’t produce…

1
Your Brain On... Social Media 48:38

7M ago48:38

48:38

Two decades on from the start of the smartphone revolution, we have the first humans who, for as long as they’ve been alive, have had the entire internet just a few taps away. What has this done to our brains? It’s been an unprecedented period of rapid change, and, with the largest social networking sites using every neurological trick in the book …

1
Your Brain On... (Sherzai Family Holiday Special) 51:10

7M ago51:10

51:10

Our incredible kids Sophia and Alex Sherzai join us for a special end-of-year episode of the ‘Your Brain On...’ episode! As a family of neuroscientists — Sophia in biomedical engineering, Alex in artificial intelligence, Ayesha in vascular neurology, and Dean in behavioral neurology — we have fascinating discussions (and debates) about all aspects …

1
Your Brain On... Ketogenic Diets 49:57

8M ago49:57

49:57

High in fats and low in carbs, ketogenic diets were originally developed in the 1920s to treat children with epilepsy. Now, they’ve gained popularity for weight loss, and even improved cognitive function. But how much truth is there in the purported brain health benefits we see on social media? In this episode of ‘Your Brain On...’, we separate the…

1
Your Brain On... ALS 46:57

8M ago46:57

46:57

ALS, a nervous system disease, ruled the headlines in the summer of 2014 thanks to the viral Ice Bucket Challenge. How has our knowledge of the disorder evolved a decade later? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ‘Lou Gehrig's disease’ (named after the iconic baseball player), is a progressive neurological disorder which breaks down a pers…

1
Your Brain On... Ketamine 44:45

8M ago44:45

44:45

For decades, ketamine has mainly been used as an anaesthetic, but in more recent years, it’s gained popularity in mental health treatment. Conversations around the benefits and risks associated with its therapeutic usage ignited towards the end of 2023, when actor Matthew Perry, star of the sitcom ‘Friends’, died from the acute effects of the ketam…

1
Sustaining Healthy Behavior Change with Michelle Segar, PhD, MPH, MS 36:57

9M ago36:57

36:57

About Michelle: Michelle is an award-winning, NIH-funded researcher at the University of Michigan with thirty years studying how to help people change their healthy behavior in sustainable ways. Her work focuses on how to adopt physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors in ways that can be sustained within the unpredictability of the real worl…

1
Your Brain On... Sex 1:08:36

9M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

From the first spark of attraction, all the way to climax, sex sets off chemical fireworks in your brain. And yet, this beautiful, powerful act has become mired in shame and stigma. But through open conversation and deeper scientific understanding, we can cast off those shackles, and even embrace sex as a marker for cognitive and overall health. In…

1
The Past, Present, and Future of Brain-Gut Communication with Emeran Mayer, MD 35:43

9M ago35:43

35:43

Emeran A. Mayer is a Gastroenterologist, Neuroscientist and Distinguished Research Professor in the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the Executive Director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress & Resilience at UCLA and Founding Director of the Goodman Luskin Microbiome Center at UCLA. As one o…

1
Defining VO2 Max and Building Cardiorespiratory Fitness with Brady Holmer 43:30

10M ago43:30

43:30

About Brady: Brady Holmer is a researcher and science writer. He has a Master’s degree in Human Performance from the University of Florida. He frequently writes about exercise and nutrition in his popular newsletter, Physiologically Speaking, a publication dedicated to providing the latest science-based information on health and human performance. …

1
Your Brain On... Protein 56:49

10M ago56:49

56:49

Protein — how much do we need? What’s the healthiest way to consume it? Can we get enough from plant-based diets? Until recent decades, protein hasn’t been quite as prominent in public health discussions as sugar and fats. However, with longer lifespans emphasizing the importance of protein for long-term health, and growing confusion around the qua…

1
Tackling Pathogens By Building Your Immune Defenses with Robynne Chutkan 46:08

10M ago46:08

46:08

About Robynne: Dr. Robynne Chutkan is an integrative gastroenterologist and the author of four books, Gutbliss, The Microbiome Solution, The Bloat Cure and The Antiviral Gut. Educated at Yale and Columbia, she is a faculty member at Georgetown Hospital and the founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness in Washington, D.C. A former Governing Board…

1
Your Brain On... Misinformation 1:04:58

10M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

The digital age has made it easier than ever to access health information, but how can we know which sources to trust? Social media is saturated with misinformation. Some of it is inadvertent — many bold pseudoscientific claims seem very convincing, and anyone could be forgiven for sharing it with the best intentions. But, a more deliberate manipul…

1
Your Brain On: A Brain Health Revolution Summit Special 1:05:06

10M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

20 incredible conversations with leading scientists, in one hour. We’re excited to present this special installment of Your Brain On, featuring highlights from some of the speakers talking at our first ever Brain Health Revolution Summit. Our first summit, running September 30 through October 6 2024, features seven days of hour-long discussions wit…

1
Reframing Wellness Beyond the Scale with Sam Cutler 32:42

10M ago32:42

32:42

About Sam: Sam Cutler is a Harvard-trained nutrition health coach and the founder of MINDFULL, a wellness brand dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health through sustainable, evidence-based practices. With a deep understanding of the intricate connection between nutrition, mental well-being, and physical health, Sam advoca…

1
Your Brain On... Having A Pet 55:45

10M ago55:45

55:45

What are our animal companions thinking? And how does our friendship with them change their brains, and our brains? We all wish we could communicate with our pets. Though we may never share a language, modern neuroscience has enabled us to ethically understand the cognitive anatomy and emotional signals of other animals like never before. In this e…

1
Your Brain On... Coffee 41:34

11M ago41:34

41:34

What does the most-purchased beverage in the world — coffee — do to your brain? Five centuries after its discovery, coffee is deeply entrenched in our diets on a global scale. More than half the U.S. population drinks coffee daily. We wake up with coffee, and catch up with friends over coffee. Historically, coffee has been heralded as an inspiring …

1
Epigenetic Testing and Measuring Your Rate of Aging with Matt Dawson, MD 36:17

11M ago36:17

36:17

About Matt: Dr. Matthew Dawson attended medical school at The University of Kentucky before completing his residency in emergency medicine at The University of Utah, where he served as both chief resident and fellow. After practicing medicine and serving as an associate professor at the University of Kentucky for seven years, Dr. Dawson developed a…

1
Your Brain On... Grief 51:07

11M ago51:07

51:07

What grief does to our brains, and how we can grow from one of life’s most challenging experiences. The impact grief has on your mind can be so severe, some experts refer to it as an ‘emotional traumatic brain injury’. And, like many life-altering physical changes, the cognitive effects of grief aren’t so much something to ‘get over’ — rather, they…

1
Your Brain On... Caregiving 40:48

11M ago40:48

40:48

As populations have aged, our need for caregivers has risen fast. The stresses of caregiving present brain health concerns that we must address urgently. Caregivers are heroes. But they’re often so focused on looking after someone else, they neglect themselves. And self-care is so vital for caregivers, because the role is one of the most physically…

1
The Patient-Led Health Revolution with Susannah Fox 34:23

11M ago34:23

34:23

About Susannah: Susannah Fox is a health and technology strategist. Her book, Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care, was recently published by MIT Press. She is a former Chief Technology Officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she led an open data and innovation lab. She has served as …

1
Your Brain On... Meditation 59:43

11M ago59:43

59:43

Meditation: an ancient practice with brain health benefits proven by modern science. Whether you’re focusing on your breathing to quieten peripheral distractions or using mindfulness to rebalance your emotional reactivity to everyday stresses, practicing meditation can spark long-term neuroplastic changes that will help you feel more attentive and …

1
Your Brain On... Leg Strength 33:48

12M ago33:48

33:48

Leg strength isn’t just about physical health. There are enormous benefits for brain health, too. From the more obvious benefits for balance and mobility to the deeper neurochemical machinery that powers the production and transportation of brain-boosting proteins, leg strength has a far greater influence on brain health than we might expect. In th…

1
Increasing Your Whealthspan with Scott Fulton 34:55

12M ago34:55

34:55

About Scott: Scott Fulton is a unique leader in the aging space. He lectures on aging at two university campuses, is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, sits on the prestigious True Health Initiative Council, and is past president of the National Aging in Place Council. He is the author of Whealthspan, More Years, More Moments, …

1
Your Brain On... Marijuana 46:06

12M ago46:06

46:06

The neuroscience behind the benefits and risks of marijuana, explained. Splintered legislature, evolving taboos, and new forms of consumption have created a fragmented market for cannabis, and made it challenging for scientists to research its effects on our brains and bodies. In this episode, we unpack what we know about the cognitive impacts of m…

1
Your Brain On... Parkinson’s 1:13:05

12M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

From 18th century London to the promise of a global cure: the 200-year history of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disorder most commonly characterized by tremors and other motor symptoms, is so complex, many medical professionals are starting to classify it as a group of diseases, rather than a single disease. In this episode,…

1
A Cure for the Common Company with Richard Safeer, MD 30:45

1y ago30:45

30:45

About Richard: For the past 25 years, workplace health pioneer and thought leader Richard Safeer, M.D. has assessed cultures, trained leaders, and conducted and explored research on the intersection of individual and organizational behavior. Dr. Safeer currently serves as the Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-Being for Johns Hopkin…

1
Power Foods for Weight Loss with Neal Barnard, MD, FACC 34:00

1y ago34:00

34:00

About Neal: Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dr. Barnard has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, hormonal symptoms, and chronic…

1
Your Brain On... Ozempic 33:45

1y ago33:45

33:45

Ozempic. Developed as diabetes medication. Adopted as a weight loss drug. Eyed for its potential neuroprotective effects. Hollywood’s popularization of Ozempic as a way to lose weight has made it one of the most widely-discussed drugs of our time, and has put immense stress on supply chains, sometimes preventing its intended users — type-2 diabetic…

1
Facts vs. Myths About Medical Cannabis with Peter Grinspoon, MD 30:45

1y ago30:45

30:45

About Peter: Peter Grinspoon, M.D. is a primary care physician and a cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of the new book ‘Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Expert Untangles the Truth about Marijuana’. He is a TedX speaker, a certified physician life coach…

1
Your Brain On... Retirement 48:01

1y ago48:01

48:01

Retirement, often considered a period of late-life decline, can actually be a time of cognitive growth and prosperity. When we retire, all the neurologically stimulating aspects of our working life — the mental and physical challenges, socializing and strategizing with colleagues, etc. — can disappear overnight. An abrupt lifestyle change of this m…

1
Your Brain On... Introversion 36:03

1y ago36:03

36:03

Do introverts/extroverts have different brains? Are you born introverted? Is introversion neurologically harmful? The definition of introversion has been blurred in the social media age. We all know introverts are more likely to enjoy alone time, and may find social settings more challenging, but what’s less clear is: why? And is introversion the s…

1
PART II: How to Design a Strength Resistance Program for Endurance and Power with Peter Sprague, PT, DPT 35:30

1y ago35:30

35:30

About Peter: Dr. Sprague holds the positions of Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics in Emory University’s School of Medicine. His primary teaching appointment is within the Physical Therapy Division in the Emory School of Medicine where he is the co-course coordinator for the Musculoskeletal Rehabi…

1
Your Brain On... Sleep 50:06

1y ago50:06

50:06

We spend a third of our lives sleeping. The benefits for our brain are incredible. Restorative sleep is essential for good brain health. When you sleep, your brain washes away waste products from around your synapses, consolidates short-term memories into long-term knowledge, and processes thoughts and emotions. In this episode, we explain how, and…

1
Your Brain On... Virtual Reality 33:46

1y ago33:46

33:46

VR headsets allow us to step into vast virtual worlds. What does that mean for our brains? Virtual reality technology is the most advanced and affordable it’s ever been, and the tools to create immersive environments are just a few clicks away. Are we destined for a dystopian future, lost in computer-generated isolation? On the contrary, VR devices…

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