Can preparing the body before cancer treatment improve recovery, reduce complications, and even protect brain function?

In this episode, Sahir sits down with Dr. Christopher Gaffney, Senior Lecturer in Integrative Physiology at Lancaster University, to explore the growing science of prehabilitation. Prehabilitation uses exercise, nutrition, and psychological support to help cancer patients better tolerate surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

They discuss how a patient’s baseline fitness can influence treatment outcomes, why exercise is increasingly being viewed as medicine, the emerging evidence around “chemo brain,” and why healthcare may need to shift from reactive treatment to proactive preparation.

A fascinating conversation at the intersection of cancer research, physiology, and preventative medicine.

Topics Covered

•  What prehabilitation is and why it matters 
•  Exercise as medicine in cancer care 
•  How fitness affects surgery and chemotherapy outcomes 
•  The science behind chemo brain and fatigue 
•  Why medicine needs to think earlier, not later

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We explore the rapidly evolving intersection of human psychology and artificial intelligence with Dr. Eeshan Hasan,of the Ohio State University, specialising in computational models of decision-making.

We dive into how humans and AI can work together more effectively, from improving medical diagnoses using “wisdom of the crowd” techniques to tackling misinformation and distortions on social media. Dr. Hasan shares insights into how both human and machine intelligence represent information and what that means for the future of healthcare, and human-AI collaboration.

This conversation unpacks big questions: Can AI help us think better? Where do human biases still outperform algorithms? And how do we design systems that enhance, rather than distort, our decision-making?

If you're interested in the future of AI, psychology, and the way we navigate an increasingly digital world, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible deep dive.

Dr. Eeshan Hasan: https://eeshanhasan.com/

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The episode explores men's mental, sexual, and reproductive health, challenging stereotypes and examining how masculinity influences health behaviors and decisions. Guest Associate Professor Gareth Terry, shares insights from his research on mens identities and how they intersect with things like reproductive health, disabilities, and the social construction of masculinity. We discuss the nuances of the child-free movement, societal perceptions of masculinity, and innovative research ideas in disability and neurodivergence. With the help of questions from our followers, Gareth Terry explores societal pressures, gender dynamics, and future research directions, offering insights into social constructs and personal identities.

https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/expertise/profile.cfm?stref=775822

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Dr. Melanie Altemus of Massey University, New Zealand, explores the complex psychology behind volunteer tourism, including motivations, moral implications, and the impact of the 'white savior' complex. She shares insights from her research on how volunteerism can sometimes do more harm than good and discusses the importance of understanding the underlying psychological traits involved. Dr. Melanie Altemus shares her groundbreaking research on international volunteer tourism, exploring motivations, moral judgments, and community impacts in Fiji and beyond. Discover surprising findings about privilege, cultural exchange, and the true effects of volunteer work.

Dr. Altemus' Thesis:
https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/thesis/Stories_of_Saviourism_Examining_the_Moral_Negotiations_in_Volunteer_Tourism/30586076?file=61733902

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Jack El-Hai, acclaimed journalist and author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist and The Lobotomist, takes us inside Dr. Douglas Kelly's psychological examination of Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trials. From the lobotomy era to the chilling conclusions about "ordinary" evil, this conversation explores what psychiatry revealed about history's most notorious figures—and what it means for us today.

Key Topics Covered:

🧠 The Lobotomist: How a 1968 lobotomy case in Minnesota led Jack down a 20-year rabbit hole into the history of psychiatric surgery and Walter Freeman's controversial legacy.

⚖️ Douglas Kelly & The Nuremberg Trials The young US Army psychiatrist who had sole access to 22 Nazi defendants—including Hermann Göring—and what he discovered about their psychological profiles.

💡 The Disturbing Conclusions and warnings Kelly's finding that the Nazi leaders were psychologically "normal"—and why that revelation was far more terrifying than finding them insane.

🎬 From Book to Film The 12-year journey from The Nazi and the Psychiatrist to the 2025 film Nuremberg starring Rami Malek—and what changed in adaptation.

Check out Jack El-Hai's work: https://www.el-hai.com/

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Dr. John Kerr, Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago and Science Lead for the Public Health Communication Centre, discusses the psychological roots of belief and disbelief in scientific consensus. He shares his journey from neuroscience to science communication, exploring the complexities of conspiracy theories, misinformation, and the impact of AI on public perception. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological traits that influence belief systems and the need for intellectual humility in navigating these issues.

https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/publichealth/staff/john-kerr

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Dr. Feryl Badiani, Lecturer at Sophia College, Mumbai, India and Researcher at Masaryk University, Czechia delves into the complexities of Hinduism, exploring its resilience in the face of monotheistic religions, the cultural and linguistic diversity within Hindu practices, and the role of rituals in shaping identity. Feryl shares her journey into studying Hinduism, particularly in the Marathi and Gujrati communities in India. The discussion also touches on the impact of diaspora on religious practices, the intersection of gender and religion, and some of the misconceptions surrounding Hinduism.

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Dr. Adam Feltz of The University of Oklahoma discusses the complexities of ethical decision-making, particularly in relation to animal welfare. He shares his journey from philosophy to psychology, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in shaping moral judgments about animals. The discussion covers various factors influencing animal ethics, including cultural traditions, education, and policy implications. Dr. Feltz also explores the need for informed consumer choices and the potential of lab-grown meat and smaller farms as a solution to animal harm.

The Ethical interactions lab: https://ethicalinteraction.org/meet-the-lab

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This episode features two members of Women in Neuroscience UK, Ginevra Sperandio and Riya Verma, discussing their journeys into neuroscience, the importance of women's health research, and the mission of their organization. They explore the challenges faced by women in neuroscience, the need for better representation, and the significance of patient voices in research. The discussion also highlights innovative ideas for future research and how individuals can get involved with Women in Neuroscience UK.

Check WiNUK out here: https://www.womeninneuroscienceuk.org

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Dr. Zoe Swithenbank, a senior research associate at Lancaster University, delves into her work at the intersection of mental health, addiction, and public health. Zoe's research focuses on treatment pathways for individuals with alcohol use and mental health challenges. She highlights the structural barriers in accessing care and the need for long-term support in smoking cessation, which is often not included in core treatment services. Zoe advocates for a more integrated approach to addiction and mental health services, emphasizing the role of lived experience in shaping effective interventions. Her work also explores the social norms around smoking within recovery communities and the importance of empowering individuals to make choices that support their recovery journey.

00:00 Introducing Dr. Zoe Swithenbank
02:18 The Role of Smoking Cessation in Recovery
08:55 Barriers in Addiction and Mental Health Care
11:55 The Intersection of Mental Health and Addiction
25:19 Qualitative Research in Addiction Studies
33:57 Navigating Diverse Perspectives in Qualitative Research
37:00 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Human Experience
40:10 Understanding Service Provider Perspectives
42:52 Challenging Stigma in Addiction and Mental Health
49:40 Rethinking Smoking Cessation Outcomes
50:42 Long-Term Studies in Substance Use Treatment
54:30 Future Directions in Research and Service Delivery

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