Health Stuff

Epizode

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  "What a Pain in the Butt (Literally): Hemorrhoids " 22.07.2026 44min

  Hemorrhoids are incredibly common, but most people are too embarrassed to talk about them. Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down what hemorrhoids actually are, why they happen, how to prevent them, and when it’s time to see a doctor. They cover toilet habits, fiber, pregnancy, treatment options, and accidentally invent the phrase "hemorrhoid salad.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Your Abdominal Wall Has a Weak Spot: Hernias Explained 15.07.2026 38min

  Hernias are one of the most common reasons people need surgery, but there are plenty of misconceptions about what causes them and when they’re actually dangerous. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka explain why hernias happen, the different types to know about, the symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored, and when it’s safe to monitor one versus when it’s time to head to the emergency room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ticks: Nature’s Worst Freeloaders 08.07.2026 29min

  Lyme disease gets most of the attention, but it’s only one of several serious illnesses that ticks can spread. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka explain how tick-borne diseases are changing alongside our environment, why quick tick removal matters, and how to protect yourself during peak tick season. They also discuss alpha-gal syndrome, the challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease, and what to watch for after a tick bite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  HPV: Myths, Risks, and Prevention 01.07.2026 29min

  HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, yet many people know surprisingly little about it. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down how HPV spreads, why most sexually active adults will encounter it at some point, and the differences between low-risk and high-risk strains. They discuss the link between HPV and cervical, throat, and other cancers, the importance of screening and vaccination, and why reducing stigma around sexual health leads to better outcomes for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  White, Pink, Brown: The Science of Noise Colors 24.06.2026 32min

  White noise might be the most famous sleep sound, but it’s not the only one. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka explore the world of noise colors, including white, pink, brown, blue, and green noise. They break down how different sound frequencies affect the brain, what the research says about sleep, focus, ADHD, and tinnitus, and why some people find certain sounds calming while others can’t stand them. Plus, Priyanka shares the story of a rare ear condition that temporarily affected her hearing and changed the way she thinks about sound.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Understanding Herpes: Symptoms, Treatment, and Stigma 17.06.2026 31min

  Herpes is one of the most common viruses in the world, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down the differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2, how herpes spreads, why many people never know they have it, and what outbreaks actually look like. They explore treatment options, common myths about testing and transmission, and why honest conversations and reducing stigma are essential for protecting both individual and public health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Patient Advocacy and Reproductive Justice with Nikki Sapiro Vinkier 10.06.2026 48min

  Dr. Priyanka and Hari take a hard look at the state of American healthcare and what it means to advocate for yourself in a system that often feels impossible to navigate. Joined by OBGYN physician assistant and We Deserve More author Nikki Sapiro Vinkier, they discuss medical gaslighting, reproductive justice, trauma-informed care, and why patients deserve more than the bare minimum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Earwax, Hearing Loss, & Q-Tips 03.06.2026 36min

  Earwax might seem gross, but it’s actually one of your body’s built-in defense systems. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka dive into the sticky science of cerumen: why your ears make it, why Q-tips feel so good, and why doctors desperately want you to stop using them. From impacted wax and hearing loss to ear candling and the surprising genetics behind body odor, this episode explores the strange world living inside your ears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Common STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trich & At-Home Testing 27.05.2026 30min

  STIs are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. In this episode, Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, how they spread, why many people don’t have symptoms, and how at-home testing is changing sexual health. They also talk openly about stigma, partner communication, and why getting tested is a normal part of caring for yourself and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Music & Therapy with DJ Hesta Prynn 20.05.2026 57min

  Priyanka and Hari explore the healing power of music with DJ Hesta Prynn, a DJ and therapist blending neuroscience, psychology, and music. From earworms and breakup songs to rave culture, lullabies, and ketamine-assisted therapy, they unpack why certain songs hit so deeply, how music shapes emotion and memory, and whether the songs we obsess over might be telling us something about ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Better Sleep with Dr. Ashley Mason 13.05.2026 1h 13min

  Priyanka and Hari dive into the science of better sleep with expert Dr. Ashley Mason, unpacking what “healthy sleep” really means. From inconsistent schedules and late-night scrolling to alcohol, naps, and blue light, they explore what’s helping or hurting your rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Maternal Autonomy | Priyanka Becomes A Mother 06.05.2026 1h 3min

  Priyanka shares her personal journey becoming a mother, from joyful anticipation to a birth experience that unfolded in unexpected and intense ways. She and Hari explore childbirth in modern hospital systems, from induction methods and labor progression to how routine care can escalate into emergency intervention. They discuss postpartum hemorrhage, NICU admission, and the emotional impact of early parent-newborn separation. The also discuss rising C-section rates, racial disparities in maternal care, inconsistent hospital practices, and how financial and legal pressures shape decision-making.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Polio: Then, Now, and Why It Matters 29.04.2026 34min

  Priyanka and Hari break down the history of poliovirus, how it spreads, and what it actually does to the body, from mild illness to permanent paralysis. They explore how the iron lung, early outbreaks, and decades of medical innovation shaped our understanding of the disease, and how the development of the polio vaccine became one of the greatest public health achievements in history. They address common concerns, misinformation, and the real risks versus risks of vaccination.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Measles Is Back: What You Need to Know 22.04.2026 47min

  Measles was once declared eliminated in the U.S. So why is it back and spreading fast?Priyanka and Hari break down one of the most contagious viruses humans have ever faced, what actually happens in your body when you get infected, and why outbreaks are rising again today. They walk through the history of measles, how vaccines work, and the real risks versus the perceived ones. Along the way, they tackle common questions, misinformation, and the science behind the MMR vaccine so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Tiny Takeaways with Dr. Priyanka Wali 15.04.2026 23min

  On this mini episode, Dr. Priyanka Wali shares practical health tips to help you better understand your body and know when to seek care. She breaks down why unintentional weight loss can be a warning sign, what to know about blood sugar screening before pregnancy, how to monitor changing moles, why everyone should know their blood pressure, signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, how to tell food poisoning from a stomach virus, and the key safety rule for using a Neti pot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Blood Matters 08.04.2026 35min

  Priyanka and Hari explore the science of blood, blood transfusions, and why donated blood remains one of the most essential tools in modern medicine. They break down what blood actually does in the body, the different components of blood, and how blood types determine who can give and receive lifesaving transfusions. They also cover who can donate blood, the issue with blood shortages, and how blood donations save lives. Then they unpack the strange and surprisingly chaotic history of blood substitutes and the ongoing effort to create artificial blood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Matrescence & the Science of Parenthood 25.03.2026 54min

  Becoming a parent is a biological, psychological, and social transformation. Priyanka and Hari talk with science journalist Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, about the concept of matrescence and why the transition into motherhood can feel so destabilizing, emotional, and overwhelming, even for people who deeply want children. From dramatic hormonal shifts to structural changes in the brain, science shows that becoming a parent reshapes us in profound ways. The conversation also explores how modern society has made raising children more isolating than ever and what we can do to better support our communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Link Between Gum Disease & Heart Health 18.03.2026 38min

  Priyanka and Hari explore the surprising connection between oral health and heart health. They break down gum disease, how it develops, and why plaque buildup can trigger inflammation throughout the body. They also cover the basics of brushing, flossing, and dental care, along with why access to dentistry remains a major public health issue. Then they unpack the growing research linking gum disease to cardiovascular disease. From bacteria entering the bloodstream to chronic inflammation, your mouth may be telling you more about your health than you realize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Food Poisoning, Food Safety, & the Science of Handwashing 11.03.2026 41min

  Hari recounts a brutal bout of food poisoning that turned one questionable meal into days of misery. Priyanka breaks down what might have caused it, from common food-borne bacteria to the incubation periods that can turn dinner into disaster. Then they dive into the basics of food safety. How can you reduce your risk when eating out? What mistakes do people make when cooking at home? And why should you never wash raw chicken? They also explore one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing illness—handwashing—from modern infection control to the 19th-century doctor who first proved it could save lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Osteoporosis: Protecting Your Bones 04.03.2026 32min

  Why don’t we talk about our bones until something breaks? This week Priyanka and Hari take on osteoporosis, the silent disease that weakens bones long before you feel it. They break down how bones are built, why menopause accelerates bone loss, and what you can do now to protect your skeletal health. They also unpack why osteoporosis is often framed as a women’s issue, even though men are at risk and often overlooked. From hormones to screening gaps to simple prevention strategies, if you have bones, this conversation is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.