The Brain Health Mission Podcast

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, we are joined by Prof. Håkan Ashina, physician-scientist in neurology and professor at the University of Copenhagen, to explore Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He dives into what TBI is, what happens to the brain after a head injury, and how we can recognise it.

High blood pressure is often thought of primarily as a cardiovascular issue—but it is also a major risk factor for brain health. In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, Jana Midelfart-Hoff explores the connection between hypertension and brain health with Thomas Lüscher, President of the European Society of Cardiology and internationally recognised cardiovascular researcher.

What does your gut have to do with your brain? More than you might think.

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by Suzanne Dickson, a neuroendocrinologist whose research focuses on appetite regulation and the brain's control of food intake, and Hans Törnblom, a gastroenterologist and leading expert in disorders of the gut–brain interaction. Together, they explore the fascinating two-way relationship between the brain and the gut, and why looking after one means looking after the other.

Together, they discuss why we eat from an evolutionary perspective, how today's food environment has changed our relationship with food, and why ultra-processed foods are designed to keep us coming back for more. They unpack the role of sugar, fat and consumer behaviour, examine whether there really is a "best" diet for brain health, and explain why a healthy gut is about much more than digestion.

The conversation also explores what happens to our brains when we're hungry, what a healthy gut actually looks like, the importance of fibre and the gut microbiome, and the practical lifestyle choices that can support both gut and brain health throughout life.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the powerful brain–gut connection—and discover why a healthy gut may be one of the best investments you can make in your brain health.

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Max Hilz, an expert in autonomic nervous system disorders and autogenic training, to explore the impact of stress on brain health.

Learn more about the Brain Health Mission: Brain Health Mission - ean.org

The full list of references for the studies mentioned in this episode can be found here:

Brain health is rising on the European policy agenda—but what does that mean in practice?

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Fred Destrebecq from the European Brain Council about the growing importance of brain health policy in Europe. They reflect on key takeaways from Brain Awareness Week in Brussels, explore the scale and economic impact of neurological disorders, and assess current progress across the EU.

More about the European Brain Council here: https://www.braincouncil.eu/

More about Brain Health Day 2026 here: https://www.eanpages.org/2026/03/18/calls-for-coordinated-action-on-brain-health-in-european-parliament-today/

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff explores the fascinating and rapidly evolving field of neurotechnology. Joined by Virginia Mathieu, Director of Neurotechnology at the Centre for Future Generations, they unpack what neurotechnology is, how it is developing, and its potential to support brain health.

The conversation also dives into important questions around how to distinguish truly beneficial innovations from gimmicks, as well as key considerations such as data protection and the evolving European legislative landscape.

This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of brain health, technology, and policy—providing valuable insights into what the future of neurotechnology and how it can impact brain health.

If you would like to learn more about neurotechnology or the research of the Centre for Future Generations, visit: https://cfg.eu/

In this episode, host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Dr. Anna Jansen, child neurologist and President of the European Paediatric Neurological Society, to explore brain health from a fresh perspective: childhood and adolescence. They dive into how the brain develops in young people and the powerful role education plays in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

Together, they debunk common myths, share evidence-based insights, and discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy brains from an early age. From the classroom to everyday life, this conversation highlights the transformative potential of education in creating brighter, healthier futures.

Blending scientific expertise with practical takeaways, this episode is ideal for young listeners, parents, educators, and anyone curious about brain health in early developmental stages.

Learn more about the EPNS and their important work in advancing childhood neurology here: https://www.epns.info/

Learn more about the Brain Health Mission: https://www.ean.org/brain-health-mission

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Fiorillo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Naples and President of the European Psychiatric Association, to explore the neurobiological and clinical aspects of depression during the winter months—a phenomenon affecting millions of people worldwide.

Professor Fiorillo discusses the role of reduced daylight exposure, explains why certain individuals are more vulnerable to seasonal mood changes, and examines how environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors interact to increase risk.

This episode offers valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and the general public, providing a deeper understanding of winter-related depression along with practical, science-based strategies to help mitigate its impact.

Learn more about the Brain Health Mission: https://www.ean.org/brain-health-mission

In this episode, we sit down with neurologist, sleep expert, and best-selling author Dr. Inge Declercq to explore the essential role sleep plays in protecting and optimising brain health. Drawing on rigorous science and years of clinical experience, Dr. Declercq explains why sleep is a non-negotiable priority and challenges common misconceptions about what it really means to sleep "well” and sleep "enough".

She emphasises that sleep does not exist in isolation, but is closely connected to how we spend our days, from light exposure and movement to stress and screen use. This insightful conversation offers many pieces of practical advice and a full-picture perspective on sleep—and key tools for better brain health.

Learn more about the Brain Health Mission:

https://www.ean.org/brain-health-mission

If you’d like to learn more about the importance of sleep, you can explore Dr. Inge Declercq’s published books, available in Dutch and French, via the links below:

https://www.deboecksuperieur.com/numerique/9782807369818-quand-votre-cerveau-dit-pause

In this episode, we discuss how alcohol impacts brain and liver health, and explore strategies to reduce harm with Prof. Frank Murray from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and Catherine Paradis from WHO Europe.

Learn more about the Brain Health Mission: https://www.ean.org/brain-health-mission