Real Health with Karl Henry

Episódios

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  Why 1200 calorie diets are setting you up to fail 23.07.2026 22min

  This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl answers your health questions in another Karl's Questions episode. Producer, JJ Clarke, joins Karl on this week’s episode. He explains why very low-calorie diets rarely work in the long term, how to exercise safely during hot weather, the simple health numbers everyone should be tracking, and the best way to reduce your caffeine intake without feeling miserable. From smarter weight loss to better sleep and building healthier habits, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start using today. https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What your liver wishes you knew about alcohol 16.07.2026 23min

  Many of us think liver disease only affects heavy drinkers, but the reality is far more complex. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Debbie Shawcross, Professor of Hepatology and Chronic Liver Failure at King's College London, explains how binge drinking, excess weight and everyday habits can silently damage the liver long before symptoms appear. She shares what counts as binge drinking, the difference between alcohol related and metabolic fatty liver disease, when to seek a liver check, and the simple changes that can help protect your liver for years to come. https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The surprising habit that brings more happiness than money 09.07.2026 20min

  We spend so much of life chasing happiness, but are we looking in the wrong places? On this week's episode of The Real Health podcast, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ian Robertsonexplains why money, status and success rarely bring lasting fulfilment, and why purpose, relationships and helping others are far more powerful. He also explores the impact of loneliness, social media and technology on our wellbeing, and shares practical ways to feel happier every day. As Professor Robertson says, "Unquenchable appetites make you unhappy." https://www.independent.ie/service/why-you-can-trust-the-irish-independent/a/98708550.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How to lose fat without calorie counting 02.07.2026 20min

  On this episode of Real Health, I am joined by producer JJ Clarke for a Karl’s Questions special, answering listener queries from social media. We discuss how weather and lack of sunlight may be affecting mood and motivation, the value of moving more rather than less with age, and simple ways to improve eating habits without calorie counting. We discuss why slowing down eating, using portion plates, and building strength training into weekly routines can improve long term health. The conversation also tackles cardio myths, core training misconceptions, and what really matters for fat loss and ageing well. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The secret to youthful skin and warning signs to look out for 25.06.2026 23min

  Healthy skin is about far more than appearance, but many people are still confused by skincare trends and conflicting advice. On this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast, consultant dermatologist Dr Rosemary Coleman explains why there is no such thing as a safe tan, the importance of applying enough sunblock, and the warning signs of skin cancer that should never be ignored. One point that stood out was her advice on sun protection. Dr Coleman says, “The quantity of the product is what matters.” She also shares why over washing can damage the skin and the simple checks everyone should do to spot suspicious changes early. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why your waistline tells a bigger story than your weight 18.06.2026 23min

  On this week's episode of Real Health, I am joined by registered dietitian and business owner Orla Walsh to discuss the factors that really influence long term health. ­ While much of the conversation around nutrition focuses on weight loss, Orla explains why metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and visceral fat deserve far more attention. We explore the impact of refined carbohydrates, fibre, cholesterol and blood pressure, and discuss why small daily habits around movement, sleep, strength training and nutrition can have a lasting effect on health as we age. Orla also shares practical advice for reducing health risks without relying on restrictive diets or quick fixes. ­ Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The muscle myth that could change your health 11.06.2026 23min

  On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Phil Jakeman, Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Limerick, to discuss why muscle is one of the most important tissues for lifelong health. While many of us associate muscle with strength or appearance, it also plays a crucial role in mobility, metabolic health and healthy ageing. Professor Jakeman explains why we begin to lose muscle from our thirties onwards, how this affects our health as we age, and the practical steps we can take through exercise and nutrition to stay stronger, healthier and more independent for longer. Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI use See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The hidden health impact of Irish drinking culture 04.06.2026 32min

  Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. The retired emergency medicine consultant explains how drinking culture has evolved from the nightclub scene of the nineties to today’s rise in cocaine and drug use. He discusses binge drinking, poor decision making, injuries, sleep disruption, mental health, and long-term disease risk. Dr Luke also reflects on his pioneering work in clubbing medicine and how festival health services in Ireland have dramatically improved over the years. Why you can trust the Irish Independent We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How to take control of your money and reduce stress 28.05.2026 28min

  On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Blueprint Financial Planning and founder of financialfitness.ie, to explore the link between money stress and overall wellbeing. As the cost of living continues to rise, financial pressure is affecting sleep, mental health and everyday decision making. John explains why financial health is a key pillar of overall wellbeing, the simple budgeting mistakes people make, and how better financial literacy can help people feel more confident, secure and in control of their future. ­ We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ Why you can trust the Irish Independent: learn about our editorial guidelines and AI useSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why calorie counting often fails and what works instead 21.05.2026 20min

  On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The convenience trap: how modern life is changing us 14.05.2026 26min

  On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Dale Whelehan, assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to explore our modern relationship with discipline, time and convenience. ­ Why you can Trust the Irish Independent: Learn about Editorial Guidelines and AI Use ­ We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code;  CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Beyond weight loss: a smarter approach to women’s health 07.05.2026 23min

  On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships.  ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  From teen training to takeaways: your top health questions answered 30.04.2026 24min

  Is protein powder safe for a 16-year-old starting the gym? On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by producer JJ Clarke to answer listener questions. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why gastric surgery is more successful than weight loss drugs 23.04.2026 23min

  On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, Karl Henry sits down with Dr John Loy, consultant bariatric surgeon, to explore the science behind weight gain. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Colour, frequency and shape: How your poo should look 16.04.2026 26min

  Consultant dietitian Sophie Medlin joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast to cut through the noise around gut health, social media and modern diets. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  It’s never too late: how Orla Drumgoole turned passion into a cookbook 09.04.2026 24min

  Chef Orla Drumgoole, author of Irish Mammy Cooks, joins Karl Henry on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Living by design instead of by default 02.04.2026 30min

  Caoimhe de Fréin, life design coach, joins Karl Henry on this week's episode of The Real Health podcast. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Spiders, snakes and flying: How phobias form and how to break them 26.03.2026 27min

  On this week’s episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Rebecca Quin to explore how phobias develop and why they persist. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mood, gut and brain function: Why fibre does far more than help you poo 19.03.2026 22min

  On this week’s episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by nutritionist and bestselling author Rhiannon Lambert to discuss her new book The Fibre Formula. ­ We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code;  CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Anxiety is rising, here is how to manage yours  12.03.2026 23min

  On this week’s episode of Real Health, Karl Henry is joined by Dr David Coleman, clinical psychologist, adjunct associate professor in the School of Psychology at UCD and author of the new book Fear Less. ­ We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code;  CODE HERE ­ Thank you for helping us shape the future of great content and partnerships. ­ We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.