In this episode of Dr. Nichola’s Second Opinion, everyone's favourite scientist dives deep into one of the hottest topics in longevity science: gut health.

From understanding what your microbiome is to exploring its powerful influence on aging, inflammation, mental clarity, and even skin health, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical advice. 

Dr. Nichola answers listener questions on bloating, brain fog, mood swings, and probiotics, and shares her “Quick Fix” tips for nurturing a youthful gut.

Plus, we'll hear how many times a day Katie Price farts and what it actually means. 

Whether you're curious about fermented foods, wondering if gluten is your enemy, or looking for ways to reset your lifestyle for better health, this episode is your go-to guide. 

If you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in on our socials or email [email protected]

Producer: Mick Coyle

Sound Design: James Stodd

In Season One, Katherine Ryan’s age came in at 77 years – the oldest on the series. 

She’s bravely taken another test to find out what impact pregnancy had on her biological age and all will be revealed in this episode.  

Katherine lives with the auto-immune condition Lupus and is joined by Dr Chris Wincup, a consultant rheumatologist at King’s College hospital as well as resident scientist Dr Nichola Conlon. 

They talk about the impact pregnancy has on biological age, why women with Lupus used to be discouraged from becoming pregnant and why monitoring is important for some women.  Plus Chris gets excited about potential breakthrough in treatment that is currently being trialled.  

Senior Video Producer – Elena Cotton

Video Producer– David May

Social Media -  Demi Brockway

Artwork – Ben Watkins 

Video Editor - Mossie Cassidy

Head of Video – Edie Jefferys

Sound Designer – Michelle Homan

Executive Producer – Henrietta Harrison

Head of Production – Cat Moran

Chief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave 

In this eye-opening bonus episode Dr. Nichola explores the impact of drugs and alcohol on your body's age.

From the cellular stress caused by stimulants to the long-term effects of alcohol on our DNA, Dr. Nic breaks down the science behind how our party habits can fast-track our biological age. 

Help is at hand as she offers practical advice on how to support your body’s recovery—even if you’re starting late - and delivers her signature “Quick Fix” tips to help you age better, take control of your health, and get on top of your vices. 

Whether you're sober-curious or just wondering if your weekend wine habit is catching up with you, this episode is packed with insights, empathy, and science-backed strategies for living well at any age.

If you want to read more information about drugs and what they do to the body, you can Talk To Frank

If you want to explore ways out of drug and alcohol use there are some useful resources and organisations here

And if you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in on our socials or email [email protected]

Producer: Mick Coyle

Sound Design: James Stodd

With two young boys, who fight and bite, a dog and a busy career, Sara Pascoe says at the age of 44 she finally knows what stress feels like.     

She came to motherhood late and conceived via IVF.  She thinks talking openly about the process will remove any shame and tells Katherine, in detail, what happened to her and her body. They discuss how an ageist society even extends to the embryos Sara and her husband have on ice.   

She’s vegan, she exercises and she’s made a stand against cosmetic procedures.  She’s hoping her refusal to succumb to surgery and Botox will, in time, be rewarded with an OBE.  

Nichola applauds Sara for her plant-based diet, and they talk about how best to get protein in your diet when you don’t eat meat.  

Senior Video Producer – Elena Cotton

Video Producer– David May

Social Media -  Demi Brockway

Artwork – Ben Watkins 

Video Editor - Mossie Cassidy

Head of Video – Edie Jefferys

Sound Designer – Paul Kearney

Executive Producer – Henrietta Harrison

Head of Production – Cat Moran

Chief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave 

In this bonus episode, Dr. Nichola explores the science of skin aging—revealing how your skin’s condition reflects your internal health.

From sun damage and pollution to the myths around blue light, Dr. Nick breaks down the biggest culprits behind premature aging and shares her top three “Quick Fixes” to help you protect your skin at the cellular level.

She’s answering your questions on hot topics like SPF, retinol, hydration, and the power of nutrition in maintaining your glow.

 Whether you're battling fine lines or just curious about collagen, this episode is packed with practical advice and surprising truths about your skin’s role in overall wellness.

If you notice changes to your skin make sure you speak to a medical professional or your GP to get things check out and receive advice that’s right for you.

And if you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in on our socials or email [email protected]

Producer: Mick Coyle

Sound Design: James Stodd

Natalie Cassidy joined the cast of EastEnders when she was still in primary school, at the age of 10, so she would be forgiven for feeling like she’s in her mid 50s when she is only 42.  

Natalie could easily be crowned ‘most down-to-earth person in showbiz’, showing up to the recording fully kitted out in M&S and discussing how much she loves WhatsApping her own loyal listeners about their dirty underwear.  

So will being the most normal celebrity in Britain mean that Natalie has swerved premature biological aging? She discusses her work and lifestyle with Katherine, including the time she broke a bone with the sheer force of her acting skills, why she’s been too busy to tie the knot, her love of cooking (and the accompanying cookbooks), and the pleasure of growing her own food.  

Natalie’s book Happy Days is available with all reputable retailers, and she will be doing a one-off live episode of her podcast Life With Nat at the Clapham Grand on the 7th of December 2025.  

Senior Video Producer – Elena Cotton

Video Producer– David May

Social Media -  Demi Brockway

Artwork – Ben Watkins 

Video Editor - Mossie Cassidy

Head of Video – Edie Jefferys

Sound Designer – Phil Atkins

Executive Producer – Henrietta Harrison

Producer - Elly Lazarides

Head of Production – Cat Moran

Chief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave

As the seasons shift and the nights grow longer, Dr. Nichola Conlon dives into the science of how winter affects our bodies and minds.  

From changes in mood and sleep to skin health and ageing, this episode explores the science behind seasonal shifts and offers practical advice to help you stay well through the colder months. 

And we’ll hear how something as simple as watching a sunset can help us make sure our body clocks are working in top condition. 

Also this week, Dr Nic answers more of your questions and we’ll wrap up some take-home ideas with the weekly “Quick Fix”. 

Send in your questions on email or voice note to [email protected], or drop us a DM on the socials

If you are noticing mood changes, or impacts on your health as the seasons change, do make an appointment with your GP and get some medical advice that’s right for you. 

Producer: Mick Coyle 

Sound Design: James Stodd 

Katherine Ryan is 77 but will her partner Bobby Kootstra fare better in the biological age test? 

This episode is a window into the Ryan/Kootstra marriage - they talk about anything and everything - from his upbringing, to his red meat diet to why he doesn’t believe in the moon-landing.  Plus they have a heated debate on what’s best to feed their children.  

Bobby lost his Dad when he was 10 and Katherine’s worried he’s suppressing this childhood trauma which may reflect in his biological age.  They also discuss the pressure of raising young kids and how he’s planning to cope when they have four.  

Bobby’s background is in professional sports and he still trains hard. Dr Nichola Conlon stresses the importance of recovery time and takes a deeper look at his diet and drinking habits.  

Bobby and Katherine recorded this before the arrival of their new little girl. 

 Senior Video Producer – Elena Cotton

Video Producer– David May

Social Media -  Demi Brockway

Artwork – Ben Watkins 

Video Editor - Mossie Cassidy

Head of Video – Edie Jefferys

Sound Designer - Stewart Grieve

Executive Producer – Henrietta Harrison

Head of Production – Cat Moran

Chief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave

In this episode of Dr. Nicola’s Second Opinion, Dr. Nicola reveals if beauty sleep is just a myth, or is there real science behind waking up looking biologically younger? 

Dr. Nichola dives deep into the structured stages of sleep, from light sleep to deep sleep and RE—revealing how each phase plays a critical role in cellular repair, emotional balance, and even reversing signs of aging.  

She'll answer listener questions about hormonal shifts, stress-induced wake-ups, and erratic sleep patterns, all backed by compelling research and practical advice. 

Expect science you can understand, stories you’ll relate to, and quick fixes you can actually try.  

Send in your questions for Dr Nichola using our social media channels or email [email protected]

Producer - Mick Coyle.

Sound Designer - James Stodd.

If you're struggling with sleep, and you can't get on top of your sleep patterns, it is something you can discuss with your GP or a medical professional

Jameela Jamil is in the last year of her thirties but she can’t wait to get older. She prefers how she looks now, loves wrinkles and is looking forward to the invisibility that comes to women as they mature.  

The Good Place actress recently returned to the UK from the US because she missed British culture and feels actresses aren’t allowed to age in the States

She’s looking forward to being 85 and with former relatives getting to their 100th birthday – she may well get there. 

Jameela is well known for saying what she thinks and she’s hoping that inability to hold back might be what keeps her young. Is venting your anger positive? What will the test say?  

Dr Nichola applauds Jameela for not drinking and smoking and actually agrees that holding onto resentment and not expressing how you feel can cause stress, inflammation and a higher biological age.  

If you want to hear more of Jameela you can find her on the podcast Wrong turns

Senior Video Producer – Elena Cotton

Video Producer– David May

Social Media -  Demi Brockway

Artwork – Ben Watkins 

Video Editor - Mossie Cassidy

Head of Video – Edie Jefferys

Sound Designer - Courtney Margerison

Executive Producer – Henrietta Harrison

Head of Production – Cat Moran

Chief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave