Health Discovered

In this special episode of WebMD Health Discovered podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our Top 5 episodes of 2025 -- and how these powerful conversations came to life. We reflect on the moments that shaped the stories you heard and the questions that guided them. You’ll hear clips from some of our most groundbreaking episodes, spanning stillbirth and maternal care, cancer screenings, anorexia and recovery, evolving parenting dynamics, and the emerging science of xenotransplantation. This year, we released 52 high-value episodes of the podcast, each inspired by your feedback and the real challenges people face while navigating health care. While the podcast has been recognized with top industry honors, these episodes earned their place in our Top 5 for one reason above all others: their impact on you.

Full episodes featured:
Stillbirth and Maternal Care Gaps: Risks, Support, and Advocacy
The Risks of Delaying Routine Cancer Screenings
Understanding Anorexia: Signs, Support, and the Role of Hope in Recovery
Redefining Parenting Dynamics: Moving From Resentment to Collaboration
Exploring Xenotransplantation with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Inside the Future of Organ Transplants

Credits

• Guests: Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG, OBGYN; Samantha Banerjee; Christopher Scuderi, DO; Kamryn Eddy, PhD; Lia Love Avellino, LCSW; Sanjay Gupta MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 1.5 million people in the United States are living with lupus, a chronic and often misunderstood autoimmune disease. What are the most common myths about lupus – and who does it really affect? We spoke with Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH, director of the Lupus Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, about early symptoms to watch for, potential environmental triggers, widespread misconceptions, and what patients can expect from their healthcare team when seeking diagnosis and care.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year – and the experience doesn’t end in the ER. Recovery is a long-term process. We spoke to Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, director of both the Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Health and the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Health, about the signs and symptoms to watch for, what healthy recovery can look like, how to support yourself or a loved one after a heart attack, and the key lifestyle changes that make a lasting difference.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Harmony R. Reynolds, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fraud targeting older adults is on the rise, with schemes designed to steal personal information, drain savings, or even jeopardize health through the sale of fake medical equipment. We spoke with Robert “Bob” Blancato, who serves as the National Coordinator of the bipartisan Elder Justice Coalition and is the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Program, about the biggest red flags – from fake Medicare calls to deceptive billing – and why trusting your instincts, speaking up if something feels off, and staying connected to your community are key to staying safe. 

Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.   

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Robert "Bob" Blancato
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 10% of U.S. children ages 5 to 15 experience migraine. For parents, figuring out what’s normal, what’s serious, and how to help can be overwhelming. We spoke with Sara Pavitt, MD, chief of the Headache Program at UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, to break it down. She explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of migraine in kids, when to call a doctor, and how to manage them day to day – from improving sleep and hydration to using supplements and cognitive behavioral therapy. Your child doesn’t have to suffer. Learn how to navigate migraine with confidence.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Sara Pavitt, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can raise important questions for those who are pregnant or planning to be. Is your pregnancy “high risk” because of IBD? Can you safely stay on your medication? We spoke with Uma Mahadevan, MD, director of the UCSF Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Center, about how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy with IBD. She explains why keeping your condition under control is the safest choice for your baby, which modern IBD medications are considered low-risk in pregnancy, and how a coordinated care team can make all the difference.

Additional resources: https://pianostudy.org/

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Uma Mahadevan, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. – and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you’ve had. In this episode, we speak with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults. Though its cause remains unclear, it can be effectively diagnosed, treated, and managed. But what exactly is fibromyalgia, and why is it sometimes dismissed as “made up”? We spoke with Kevin Hackshaw, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist, to discuss how fibromyalgia is diagnosed, common pain patterns, ongoing research, and practical strategies for living well with the condition. Learn why realistic management – like exercise and self-care – can make a difference and help prevent flare-ups.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Kevin Hackshaw, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can mean navigating a long and often complicated treatment journey, but finding the right care and support can make all the difference. What happens when your regimen stops working or new symptoms appear? We spoke with Christopher Sayed, MD, professor of dermatology at the UNC Department of Dermatology, to discuss when it’s time to talk to your doctor about escalating treatment, why switching therapies or care teams isn’t a setback, and how HS support groups can provide vital expertise and advocacy. We also hear from Katie, a patient advocate with Hope for HS, who shares her story of diagnosis, experiences with flare-ups and stigma, and how she ultimately found the right care.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guests: Christopher Sayed, MD; Katie
• Producer: Lauren Summers
• Editor: Jason Hammel
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think of AI, we don’t often connect it to the needs of older adults. But how can technology support age-friendly care in the digital age? We spoke with Kedar Mate, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Qualified Health AI, about how simple AI tools can empower older adults to take control of their health and wellness. From managing medications and detecting fall risks early to improving memory and mood, we explore how AI can enhance care and independence. Discover how the right tools, used the right way, can help us age safely, confidently, and in line with what matters most.
Check out The John A. Hartford Foundation at https://www.johnahartford.org/.

Credits

• Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
• Guest: Kedar Mate, MD
• Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
• Show Notes: Lauren Summers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.