Hungry all the time? Struggling with weight management? Wondering if those GLP-1 drugs everyone's talking about are right for you? Dr. Harriët Schellekens, senior lecturer in Anatomy and Neuroscience at UCC and leading expert on the hunger hormone ghrelin, joins us to unpack the complex biology of appetite, weight, and why willpower alone isn't the answer.

From gut hormones to microbiome signaling, Harriët explains how your body decides when you're hungry, why ultra-processed foods hijack your brain's reward system, and how your gut bacteria might actually be driving your food cravings. If you've ever felt like your biology is working against you, this episode will help you understand why - and what you can actually do about it.

Topics covered:

What GLP-1 drugs actually do - and who they're really for

The hunger hormone ghrelin and how it drives food intake

Why obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle problem

The pre-digestive vs. post-digestive mismatch in ultra-processed foods

How high-fat, high-sugar foods create a "false promise" in your gut

Sugar substitutes: the good, the bad, and the gut-friendly

How your gut microbiome influences weight gain and food preferences

Why crash diets backfire (and what to do instead)

The role of stress, cortisol, and emotional eating

Early-life food exposure and how it shapes lifelong eating habits

Probiotics, prebiotics, and targeting the microbiome for better appetite control

Practical tips for parents navigating kids' diets and food choices

The bottom line? Your food choices aren't just about willpower - they're about biology. Understanding how your gut, brain, and microbiome communicate can help you make better decisions, break unhealthy cycles, and stop fighting your own body. Don't eat less. Eat better.

Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/

Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z

#AppetiteScience #GutHealth #WeightManagement #GLP1 #Microbiome #Ghrelin #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #Obesity

Still thinking about a New Year's fitness resolution? Before you dive into the gym headfirst, listen to this. Dr. Ross Hamilton, sports physiologist, professional athlete, and performance coach, joins us to cut through the noise and give you real, practical advice on starting (and sticking to) an exercise routine - no matter your age or fitness level.

From understanding VO2 max to knowing when bodyweight exercises are enough, Ross breaks down the science of movement in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you're intimidated by the gym, confused about weight training, or just want to know if you really need that tub of whey protein, this episode has you covered.

Topics covered:

Why basic daily tasks (like climbing stairs) are your fitness baseline.

How to start exercising without injuring yourself or burning out.

The truth about weight training for women - and why you shouldn't be afraid.

Bodyweight vs. resistance training: what's right for you?

Finding exercise you actually enjoy (hint: it doesn't have to be the gym).

Protein, diet, and fueling your body for movement.

How long it really takes to see results - and what to expect Maintaining muscle and bone health as you age.

Why balance and strength training could add years to your life

The bottom line? You don't need to be an athlete to be healthy. You just need to start where you are, find what you love, and keep moving.

Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/

Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z

#FitnessForBeginners #ExerciseScience #HealthyAging #SportsPhysiology #StrengthTraining #SciencePodcast #NewYearsResolution

If you have been trying to make sense of what truly supports brain health, this episode is worth setting time aside. Barry Skillington is joined by Dr Kieran Rea, Atlantia’s Scientific Director, who brings years of experience across neuroscience, clinical trial design and the microbiota gut-brain field. Ciarán has led research teams in academia and industry, managed clinical trial portfolios in therapeutic areas such as neuroscience and immunology, and overseen translational work from early characterisation models through to human trials. Together, they unpack: ● Why so many people chase quick fixes, and why they rarely solve the root problem. ● How sleep, stress, exercise and routine drive mental clarity more than supplements ever can. ● What the gut–brain axis actually is, and how our microbiome signals to the brain through chemical pathways and the vagus nerve. ● Why digestion, meal timing, and even chewing influence nutrient absorption and energy. ● What really changes as the brain ages, and what we can do to keep it sharp throughout life. #StraightTalkingScience #BrainHealth #CognitiveFunction #GutBrainAxis #Microbiome #MentalWellbeing #HealthyAgeing #StressScience #SleepHealth #ExerciseScience #ClinicalResearch #AtlantiaClinicalTrials

Feeling overwhelmed by supplement trends? In this episode of Straight Talking Science, Barry Skillington from Atlantia Clinical Trials, sits down with nutritional expert Anneliese Dressel, founder and owner of The Health Hub store in Cork to separate fact from fiction in today’s booming supplement world. 

They discuss how our health priorities evolved after Covid, why mental wellbeing and sleep are now centre-stage, how social media trends and influencer advice shape supplement choices and how to adapt your supplements seasonally for energy, immunity, and balance - all backed by real-world science. 

👉 Topics covered: 

• How supplement use has changed since Covid 

• The rise of stress, sleep & energy support supplements 

• Seasonal health — immune support for winter and beyond 

• Women’s health: hormones, fertility & menopause 

• Gut health, probiotics & the microbiome 

• The link between nutrition, mood & overall wellbeing 

• Choosing safe, effective supplements for your needs 

• How to balance lifestyle, diet & supplementation 

Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/  

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/  

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/  

Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z  

 
#Supplements #HealthAndWellness #StraightTalkingScience #HealthyLiving #Wellbeing #HealthPodcast #WellnessPodcast #ExpertAdvice 

Are your hormones or gut making you feel “off”? In this eye-opening episode, Professor Siobhan O’Mahony joins us to break down the science of women’s health, stress, and the gut-brain connection - in plain language. Learn how your microbiome changes during perimenopause, what foods can help balance your hormones, and why anxiety, sleep, and mood are deeply connected to your gut. Whether you’re in your 30s or 50s, this chat will help you understand your body better and feel empowered to take charge of your health. 👉 Topics covered: The gut-brain axis and its link to women’s hormones, stress, and ageing Differences in microbiome between men and women Perimenopause and menopause explained from a biological and lifestyle lens Natural management: diet, fiber, exercise, and companionship Managing anxiety, sleep, and energy during perimenopause HRT myths and why personalized approaches are needed The role of partners and open conversation in women’s well-being A hopeful view of the future of women’s health research Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #WomensHealth #GutHealth #Menopause #SciencePodcast #Microbiome

Our guest in this episode is Prof. Timothy Dinan, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and a Principal Investigator in the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at University College Cork (UCC). Prof. Dinan has built a distinguished career in psychiatry and neuroscience, making major contributions to uncovering how gut microbiota influence mental health. 

In this episode, we explore the gut–brain connection and the impact of food & nutrition on mental health, showing how lifestyle choices shape both mental well-being and ageing. 

He explains why stress is a major risk factor for anxiety and depression, highlights the power of the Mediterranean diet, fermented foods and Fish (EPA & DHA), and cautions against excess red meat, alcohol and drug use. We discuss why vigorous, weight-bearing exercise is essential for muscle strength, longevity and mental well-being, why most nutrients should come from whole foods rather than supplements, and how a positive attitude can dramatically improve resilience and quality of life. 

Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ 

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ 

 
Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z 

#guthealth #stressandhealth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthandwellbeing #healthyeating #medicalresearch #foodforgut #straighttalkingscience #mediterraneandiet #gutbrainconnection #gutbrain 

Gut health is everywhere - but what’s real and what’s hype? 

In the first episode of Straight Talking Science, our host Barry Skillington along with Professor Paul Cotter – a leading microbiologist and expert in fermented foods, breaks down the science behind fermented foods, their growing role in mainstream health, and the future of food personalization. 

Whether you're a science enthusiast, a health-conscious eater, or just curious about why everyone’s talking about Kefir, Kimchi, and Kombucha - this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways. 

Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ 

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/