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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to omega-3 expert Greg Peoples to unpack the science behind these essential fats and their impact on health and performance. They discuss the differences between DHA, EPA, and pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), the best dietary sources—including the surprising mention of tuna—and what an optimal Omega-3 Index looks like. Greg also explains whether we can reach ideal levels through diet alone, or if supplementation is necessary.

They dive into omega-3s for athletes, covering their role in endurance performance, recovery, and even potential protection against atrial fibrillation in older endurance athletes. Greg breaks down their effects on muscle soreness, strength, and neuroprotection in contact sports, as well as the emerging link between omega-3s and sleep quality. Finally, they tackle supplement quality—how to choose a trustworthy brand in the wake of past industry scandals. A must-listen for anyone looking to optimise their omega-3 intake!

Associate Professor Gregory Peoples is a distinguished cardiorespiratory physiologist with over two decades of experience in researching and communicating the physiological roles of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, in optimising heart, muscle, and brain performance and recovery.

Based at the University of Wollongong, A/Prof Peoples has contributed significantly to understanding how dietary long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially DHA, influence skeletal muscle physiology and function. He leads Ω3 Performance Physiology, a company dedicated to exploring the benefits of omega-3s in athletic performance and recovery.

Throughout his career, A/Prof Peoples has authored numerous high-impact papers on omega-3s, 

and his research has been instrumental in translating bench-top science into practical applications for both the general population and specialised groups, including elite athletes and military personnel. His work continues to influence dietary recommendations and therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing physiological function and overall health.

Greg: https://scholars.uow.edu.au/greg-peoples

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Paul Reynolds about the effects of vaping on health, particularly its impact on inflammation, cancer risk, and pregnancy outcomes. Dr Reynolds, whose background is in lung development and disease, has been investigating how e-cigarettes influence inflammatory pathways, glycation, and long-term health risks.

In this conversation, they discuss why breathing is more than just taking in oxygen and how air quality plays a critical role in overall health. Dr Reynolds explains glycation—how it damages the body—and how inflammation, often seen as a necessary defence mechanism, can sometimes do more harm than good.

Mikki and Dr Reynolds delve into the chemicals found in e-cigarettes, comparing their inflammatory effects to traditional cigarettes. They explore whether vaping genuinely helps smokers quit or if it fosters new dependencies, as well as the risks of secondhand exposure and how vaping should be approached from a public health perspective.

Dr Reynolds shares findings from his research on vaping during pregnancy, including its effects on foetal and placental weight, and the potential implications for conditions like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia. They also discuss how e-cigarette flavours—such as Red Hot and Green Apple—can influence cancer cell invasion and inflammation, raising questions about whether some flavouring compounds should be restricted.

With vaping still largely unregulated in many areas, Dr Reynolds offers insights into where research should focus next, what policymakers need to consider, and whether vaping should be treated with the same caution as smoking.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the science behind vaping and its potential long-term health consequences. Enjoy the conversation!

Dr Paul Reynolds is a professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, with a research focus on lung development, pulmonary disease, and the effects of environmental exposures such as tobacco and vaping aerosols on respiratory health. He holds a PhD in Developmental and Molecular Biology from the University of Cincinnati and has conducted extensive research on pulmonary injury, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways. His work examines how vaping impacts lung function, foetal development, and cancer progression, with recent studies exploring the role of e-cigarette flavours and nicotine in inflammation and disease risk. Dr Reynolds has received multiple awards for his research and teaching, including the Parker B. Francis Fellowship in Pulmonary Research, and is an active member of organisations such as the American Physiological Society and the American Thoracic Society.

Dr Paul https://cell.byu.edu/directory/paul-reynolds

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Kent Johns—former broadcaster turned health coach—about a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in today’s high-pressure world: burnout. Having worked extensively with executives and professionals, Kent has seen firsthand the common patterns that lead high-achievers to the brink of exhaustion.

In this conversation, Kent shares his insights into distinguishing between ‘good stress’—the kind that fuels performance—and ‘bad stress,’ which leads to breakdown. He explains how burnout isn’t just a mental issue but has profound physiological consequences, and how recognising the early warning signs can be key to prevention.

They discuss the role of lifestyle factors—like nutrition, sleep, and movement—in building resilience, and the specific interventions Kent finds most effective for those struggling to balance their health with demanding careers. He also explores the mindset traps that executives often fall into, such as the pressure to be ‘always on,’ and how he coaches clients to shift their perspective.

This is a thought-provoking and highly practical conversation for anyone looking to take charge of their health in a high-performance world. Enjoy!

Kent is a certified Health and Mental Wellbeing Coach and Nutritional Counsellor. He established Kent Johns Health to assist businesses to help their employees better look after themselves and thrive in life. He is an experienced public speaker and former award-winning sports broadcaster, and the host of “Take It From Us”, a radio programme and podcast that deals with mental wellbeing and addiction issues. He is also a regular health contributor on New Zealand’s largest radio station, Newstalk ZB, and is a proud ambassador for Men’s Health Week.

Kent lives with his partner Laura in Auckland, NZ, with their two young children. As well as a passion for sport, he plays tennis and walks to stay fit, loves to cook, and his local beach is his special place.

Kent https://kentjohnshealth.co.nz/about/

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr. Alex Bartle all about sleep. Dr. Bartle, a leading sleep specialist, shares insights into the key habits that make the biggest difference in sleep quality, the science behind sleep stages, and the common misconceptions that keep people from getting the rest they need. They also discuss the impact of modern lifestyles, caffeine, alcohol, and wearable sleep trackers, as well as strategies for managing shift work and jet lag. Plus, Dr. Bartle breaks down the connection between sleep, metabolic health, and mental well-being—and shares his own go-to tips for better sleep. Whether you're struggling with insomnia or just looking to optimise your rest, this episode is packed with practical advice. Enjoy!

Dr. Alex Bartle is a distinguished sleep specialist and the founder of the Sleep Well Clinic in New Zealand. He began his medical career as a General Practitioner in Christchurch in 1978. Driven by a passion for sleep medicine, Dr. Bartle earned a Master's degree in Sleep Medicine from Sydney University and established the Sleep Well Clinic in March 2000. Under his leadership, the clinic has expanded nationwide, offering comprehensive assessment and treatment services for various sleep disorders, including snoring, sleep apnoea, and insomnia. Dr. Bartle is a member of the Australasian Sleep Association and has been an invited speaker at international conferences, sharing his expertise on sleep health and its impact on overall well-being.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Bartle frequently shares his expertise through various media platforms. He has appeared on radio programmes such as "The Health Hub," discussing topics like improving sleep habits and addressing sleep disruptions during seasonal changes. 

Dr Alex Bartle Linked In https://nz.linkedin.com/in/dr-alex-bartle-10346925 

Sleep Well clinic https://www.cpap.co.nz/ 

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr. James Dorling, a researcher whose work challenges many of the traditional assumptions around energy expenditure, weight loss, and personalised nutrition.

Dr. Dorling’s research spans multiple large-scale studies, including the E-MECHANIC trial, which revealed that traditional metabolic equations often overestimate energy burn—particularly in certain populations. His work also highlights differences in how men and women, and people of different ethnicities, respond to exercise in terms of energy expenditure, raising important questions about the accuracy of fitness trackers and calorie calculations.

In this conversation, Mikki and James explore why some people seem to hit a weight-loss plateau despite regular exercise, how compensatory mechanisms might be working against fat loss goals, and what practical strategies can help break through these barriers. They also dive into findings from the CALERIE™ study, where unexpected predictors of weight loss—like sexual satisfaction—emerged, and discuss the potential for machine learning to improve personalised weight-loss strategies.

Beyond metabolism, they tackle the hype around DNA-based nutrition plans and the reality of individual variability in weight loss outcomes.

Dr. James Dorling is a lecturer in Human Nutrition at the University of Glasgow, with a research focus on the impact of nutrition and physical activity interventions on obesity, metabolic health, and aging biomarkers. His work explores appetite regulation, eating behaviours, and how these factors change in response to lifestyle interventions.

Dr. Dorling completed his undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath before earning his PhD from Loughborough University, where he investigated the effects of acute exercise and obesity-related genetic factors on appetite and appetite-related hormones. He then continued his research as a postdoctoral fellow at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, studying the influence of calorie restriction and exercise on weight regulation, aging, and metabolic adaptations.

Dr. Dorling's work has been featured in leading scientific publications and podcasts, where he discusses the intersection of metabolism, exercise, and behaviour change. His research challenges conventional wisdom around weight loss and aims to refine personalised strategies for improving health outcomes.

For more on his work, visit his profile at the University of Glasgow: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/medicine/staff/jamesdorling/ 

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