Once regarded as a bad habit - coffee is now widely recognized as a healthy beverage. But what about coffee and gut health? In today's bite-sized episode we delve into:

✅ How coffee affects gut health
✅ The surprising benefits of coffee beyond the caffeine hit
✅ Who may need to limit or avoid coffee
✅ What are the healthy alternatives

So, whether you’re sipping your morning espresso or just curious about how coffee fits into a gut-healthy lifestyle, this episode is for you!

Try a free trial bag of my favorite coffee: Exhale Organic Coffee

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

Our food system is broken - but we can fix it. Today on the podcast, I’m honored to share a conversation with one of the world's most prominent environmentalists - George Monbiot.

George has a powerful understanding of our modern food system, and is a passionate advocate for radical change in how we produce and consume food, emphasizing the urgent need to protect our planet and create a sustainable future.

In this interview, we explore:

• The environmental impact of modern agriculture.
• Why our current food systems are failing both people and the planet.
• Practical solutions to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

If you’re curious about the deeper story behind the food on your plate and how you can make a difference, this episode is for you. 

I highly recommend George's book Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet. 

Connect with George Monbiot: on Instagram and Bluesky

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

In today’s Bite-Sized episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation with John Woods, founder of Linwoods Health Foods and sponsor of this podcast.

John exemplifies many of the attributes we recently explored with Dr. Gemma Newman, showing how resilience, healthy habits, and compassion can lead to profound positive change.  Today we cover:

✔️ John’s health transformation in his 40s after a serious heart scare.  
✔️ The diet and lifestyle changes that have kept him thriving into his 80s.  
✔️ His incredible experiences during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, including surviving an assault and choosing immediate forgiveness.  

This is an excerpt from a live interview that really took me by surprise. Enjoy!

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Gemma Newman for a special live recording to celebrate her bestselling book, “Get Well, Stay Well: The Six Healing Habits You Need to Know.”

Together, we explore her six essential health prescriptions and uncover how these simple, actionable habits can drive meaningful health transformations. This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice that I know you’ll find valuable.

Whether you’re just beginning your health journey or looking to take it to the next level, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Buy Get Well, Stay Well: The Six Healing Habits You Need to Know by Dr. Gemma Newman on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Connect with Dr. Gemma Newman on Instagram.

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

Today, I’m joined by my friend and colleague, Registered Dietitian Rosie Martin. Rosie is a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and a passionate advocate for harnessing the power of diet to improve health and well-being.

In this episode, we dive into a crucial question raised during a live Q&A:

• How does the food we eat impact our body’s inflammation levels?
• Why does inflammation matter for overall health?
• And what role do foods like red meat and junk food play in promoting or reducing inflammation?

This conversation is packed with practical insights to help you make healthier, more informed choices at the table.

Follow Registered Dietitian Rosie Martin on Instagram

Book a patient consultation with Rosie

Sign up for Rosie’s Flourishing Vegan Weight Loss Programme

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

Over the past decade, gut health has become a hot topic—and much of the credit goes to one man: Professor Tim Spector. From avoiding ultra-processed foods to aiming for 30 different plants per week, many of the concepts we now embrace stem from his work.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why every medical specialty is now exploring the gut microbiome.
• The fascinating origin of the "Eat 30 different plants a week" guideline.
• What Tim believes is the key reason vegans and vegetarians often experience better health outcomes than meat eaters.

Find Prof Tim Spector’s books on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Follow Prof Tim Spector on Instagram

Learn more about Zoe

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

Could a gut microbiome transplant put you on track for better health?  Faecal Microbial Transplantation, or FMT,  is a fascinating and rapidly evolving area of research. There are even private clinics offering it as a cure for various chronic health issues. How much of this is backed by research? 

Today, we cover everything you wanted to know about poop transplants - but were afraid to ask!

If you enjoyed this conversation then you’ll love The Exam Room Podcast from the Physicians Committee.

Follow Chuck Carroll on Instagram

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

Today, we’re spending time with two of the happiest, most inspiring people I’ve ever met—Stephen and David Flynn, better known as The Happy Pear.

With a global social media community of over 2 million followers, Stephen and David are not only champions of plant-based living but also ambassadors for positivity and connection.

Personally, I learned so much about health and happiness during this conversation. Let's go!

Follow Stephen and David Flynn—The Happy Pear—on Instagram and YouTube.

Buy “The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings from the First 20 Years” on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and at all good booksellers.

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Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter

Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

In this bite-sized episode, I’m thrilled to feature Dan Buettner, the visionary behind the discovery of the Blue Zones—five unique regions where people consistently enjoy longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Dan shares a surprising perspective: the people in Blue Zones aren’t actively trying to live a long life. Instead, their longevity is a natural byproduct of their lifestyle, community, and environment.

Dan’s engaging, down-to-earth approach makes these lessons easy to understand—and even easier to apply. This episode is just a taste of what’s to come, as Dan will join us for a full-length conversation in a few weeks.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fascinating glimpse into the world of the Blue Zones!

Find "The Bluezones Challenge" and Dan Buettner's other wonderful books on Amazon UK and Amazon US or wherever books are sold. 

Follow Dan Buettner on Instagram

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Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.

If you’re one of the millions struggling with gut health issues, you already know how deeply it can impact your quality of life. In this episode, we’re tackling the most pressing questions and concerns about gut health, including:

• The real impact of gut health problems on everyday life.
• How to have productive conversations with your doctor about gut symptoms.
• The science behind food sensitivities—what’s fact and what’s myth.
• Which gut health tests are worth your time and money—and which to skip.
• Practical tips and insights for improving gut health and overall well-being.

Tune in for this informative and empowering discussion and to learn what you really need to know about taking care of your gut.

If you enjoy this conversation then you’ll love The Exam Room Podcast from the Physicians Committee.

Follow Chuck Carroll on Instagram

Updates and tickets to live podcast recordings: Join the mailing list

Connect with Dr Alan Desmond Instagram Threads X/Twitter

Sponsored by Linwoods Healthfoods.
Shop their entire range at linwoodshealthfoods.com and use code DESMOND for a 15% saving and free delivery.