Y Health

This PSA episode of the Y Health Podcast focuses on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of turning awareness into action. Dr. Cougar Hall shares five key reminders about breast cancer: the importance of early detection, recommended screenings, understanding personal risk factors, recognizing changes in your body, and supporting the family members and loved ones affected by a diagnosis. Through practical guidance and a personal reflection, this episode highlights how proactive screening, conversations with healthcare providers, and compassion for others can make a meaningful difference. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, go beyond wearing pink and take action for your health and the people you love.

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

June is Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Brain Awareness Month. In this PSA episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. From exercise and nutrition to sleep, lifelong learning, and social connection, learn simple habits that can help protect your brain while fostering greater understanding and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

This episode of the Y Health Podcast is a special Mental Health Awareness Month PSA from host Cougar Hall focused on the importance of slowing down, practicing mindfulness, and strengthening social connection. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Sam Harris, James Baraz, and David Brooks, Dr. Hall discusses how mental health is an essential part of overall well-being and why normalizing conversations around stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles matters. Through reflections on mindfulness, letting go of judgment, and building meaningful relationships, this episode offers practical and thoughtful invitations for improving mental and emotional health in everyday life. 

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

In this Classroom Edition of the Y Health Podcast, Cougar Hall explores the powerful role stress plays in our physical and mental health, drawing from Chapter 2 of his Mind-Body Health course at Brigham Young University. As Part 2 of this series, this episode builds on foundational concepts to take a deeper look at how we experience and manage stress in everyday life.

This episode breaks down three essential truths about stress: how our perception shapes the stress response, why simplifying our lives and adjusting our attitudes can reduce unnecessary strain, and how moderate, short-term stress is not only normal—but necessary for growth. Cougar challenges the common belief that a stress-free life is the goal, offering a more balanced and empowering perspective.

Listeners are also introduced to key insights from leading experts, including the concept of the “biology of courage,” the importance of connection through “caring-created resilience,” and the idea that we can trust ourselves—with help from others and from faith—to face life’s challenges.

The episode wraps with practical, real-life strategies to better manage daily stress, from setting priorities and arriving early to creating supportive environments and building strong relationships.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking to better understand how stress works, this second installment offers actionable tools and a fresh mindset to help you navigate life with greater confidence and resilience.

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

What does it truly mean to be a leader—and how can centering our lives on Christ transform the way we lead, serve, and connect with others? In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall sits down with Dr. Anthony Bates from BYU’s Sorenson Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership to explore the powerful principles behind the Christ-Centered Leader Model.

Dr. Bates shares his personal journey, insights on balancing love, accountability, and agency, and real-life examples of how leadership applies not only in the workplace, but in families, communities, and everyday decisions. This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership and discover how small, intentional choices can create lasting impact.

Key takeaways include:

•  How moral and ethical leadership begins with personal values and relationships 
•  Why balancing love, accountability, and agency is essential in leadership 
•  Practical ways to apply Christ-centered leadership in parenting, work, and service 
•  The power of staying centered on Christ when facing life’s tensions and decisions

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

In this Classroom Edition of the Y Health Podcast, host Cougar Hall introduces listeners to one of Brigham Young University’s most impactful courses: Mind-Body Health (HLTH 383). As Part 1 of this series, Cougar draws from over 15 years of teaching the class to share the foundational principles of psychoneuroimmunology—the science of how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence physical health and immune function.

This episode offers a meaningful glimpse into the course’s core topics, including stress, personality, resilience, sleep, relationships, and the powerful roles of humor, altruism, and mindfulness in overall well-being. Cougar also reflects on the lasting influence of his former professor and explains how he came to carry on the course’s legacy.

At the heart of the episode is a powerful concept known as the “Law of Present Moment Living”—a framework that challenges the common habit of postponing happiness until life feels perfect. Instead, listeners are invited to embrace both the good and the difficult aspects of life simultaneously, cultivating gratitude, awareness, and emotional balance in the present.

Whether you're a student, a health professional, or simply someone seeking greater peace and perspective, this first installment provides practical insights and timeless wisdom to help you live more fully—right here, right now.

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

In this episode of Y Health, host Dr. Cougar Hall sits down with renowned BYU exercise science professor and elite distance runner Dr. Ian Hunter to explore the lifelong impact of movement, motivation, and meaningful connection through running.

From his unexpected journey from middle-distance track athlete to world-ranked marathoner, Dr. Hunter shares how a single 15-mile run changed the trajectory of his life. Together, they break down practical, science-backed strategies for runners at every level—from beginners just getting started to experienced athletes aiming to improve performance.

But this conversation goes far beyond mileage and pace. Dr. Hunter offers powerful insights into injury prevention, strength training, and finding the right running shoes, while also highlighting the deeper benefits of physical activity—improved mental health, lasting social connections, and even spiritual clarity.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or simply searching for a sustainable way to stay active, this episode will inspire you to find your “why” and discover the kind of movement that enriches your body, mind, and spirit.

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—a time to focus on prevention, early detection, and real conversations about a disease that affects far too many lives. In this episode, we take a closer look at colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.

While rates have declined among older adults thanks to improved screening and treatment, cases are rising in younger populations—making awareness more important than ever. We break down what CRC is, why it’s increasing in adults under 50, and the lifestyle factors that play a major role in prevention, including physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol use.

You’ll also learn how screening can detect and prevent cancer before it starts, what to expect from the process, and why guidelines now recommend beginning screening at age 45. Many colorectal cancers are preventable, and early action can save lives.

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

 In this episode of Y Health, Dave Waddell shares how experiential learning, faculty connection, and mentorship in higher education are transforming the student experience at BYU and beyond. We explore why the second year of college is statistically the most likely time students drop out—and what universities can do to better support at-risk college students during that critical period. 

Dave discusses BYU’s Second Year Success Program, a research-informed student success initiative that helps students clarify their course of study, build confidence, and develop a clear vision for their future. Through peer mentor guides, meaningful faculty relationships, and intentional outreach, the program is already showing promising results in GPA improvement, reduced course withdrawals, and increased student belonging. 

We also dive into new student orientation, loneliness in college, and why faculty connection—championed in recent university leadership initiatives—may be one of the most powerful college retention strategies available. Drawing on John Dewey’s theory of experiential education, Dave explains why students don’t just learn from experience—they learn through directed reflection. From study abroad programs to mentored research and significant learning experiences, reflection turns good experiences into transformational growth. 

If you care about student engagement strategies, mentorship, experiential learning, or helping college students feel seen, supported, and spiritually grounded, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring takeaways for educators, administrators, parents, and students alike. 

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

In this classroom edition of the Y Health Podcast, Josh West explores the powerful concept of social capital and its impact on health and community well-being. Drawing on ideas popularized by Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone, this episode explains how relationships, trust, and community engagement influence mental, social, and physical health outcomes. Listeners will learn the difference between bonding social capital—the close connections that help us get through life’s challenges—and bridging social capital, which connects us with diverse groups and opens new opportunities.

Through real-world examples and practical insights, this episode highlights how community involvement, civic engagement, and meaningful social connections can reduce stress, strengthen trust, and ultimately improve public health.

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Averee Bates, Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Madison McArthur, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale