In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, we welcome Dr. Evan Thacker, BYU epidemiologist and dedicated mentor, to discuss brain health, metabolism, and the power of student-driven research.

Dr. Thacker shares his journey from neuroscience at BYU to graduate training at Harvard and the University of Washington, and how mentorship shaped his path. Now, with nine publications in 2025, he’s helping students take real research projects—from initial question to national presentation at the American Public Health Association and even peer-reviewed publication.

We explore student-led studies on PCOS and mental health, rural versus urban differences in cognitive decline using data from the REGARDS study, and research on leptin and how metabolic health influences brain aging. A key theme emerges: heart health, metabolic health, and brain health are deeply connected.

Dr. Thacker leaves listeners with two simple challenges:

1. Improve one daily health behavior—sleep, nutrition, or movement.
2. Stay curious. Write down your questions and pursue answers.

It’s an inspiring conversation about scholarship, mentorship, and how small actions—both in research and in health—can have lasting impact.

Articles Mentioned:

Knowledge about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), body image and depression by PCOS status among a sample of US females by Mireya Long, Ruth Larson, Lexi Maycock, Emma Huefner Wood, and Gray Stratford 

Rural Versus Urban Residence in Adulthood and Incident Cognitive Impairment by Matthew Harris, Erica Bennion, and Kristine Magnusson

Leptin, adiponectin, body mass index, and incident cognitive impairment by Reena Karki, Rachel Gabor, Cyrille Kouambo Beckodro, Quinn Preece, Sam Prince, and McKay Smith

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

In this special Black History Month PSA edition of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall reflects on the purpose and importance of Black History Month through a public health lens. He explores why this observance exists, tracing its origins from Negro History Week in 1926 to its expansion into a month-long recognition of the achievements, resilience, and enduring contributions of Black Americans. 

Dr. Hall highlights the often-overlooked legacy of Dr. William Hinton — a pioneering physician, researcher, and educator whose groundbreaking work in diagnostic medicine advanced public health despite the racial barriers he faced. Through Hinton’s story, listeners are invited to consider how historical omissions shape our understanding of science, medicine, and progress. 

The episode also examines how education, travel, and cross-cultural experiences broaden perspective and deepen empathy. Drawing on reflections from Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ transformative experiences abroad, Dr. Hall discusses how exposure to diverse communities can challenge assumptions, reshape worldviews, and foster meaningful growth. 

This thoughtful episode encourages listeners to expand their understanding of history, engage in critical thinking, and recommit to lifelong learning in pursuit of truth, empathy, and shared humanity. 

Be sure to follow the Y Health Podcast so you never miss an episode. 

Resources from this episode:

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates 

The Autobiography of Malcom X As Told to Alex Haley by Malcolm X 

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

 Join host Dr. Cougar Hall as he sits down with Alan Pruhs, Executive Director of the Association for Utah Community Health, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about what it really means to make healthcare accessible for all. 

From the rural clinics of Bicknell to the streets of Salt Lake City, Alan shares inspiring stories from Utah’s community and migrant health centers—where compassion, cultural humility, and collaboration drive the mission. 

Hear how Utah’s “community health” model tackles social determinants of health, why affordable care matters to everyone (insured or not), and how we can take the politics out of health to focus on people. 

This episode is a reminder that health is not a privilege—it’s a shared responsibility. 

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

 In this inspiring episode of Y Health, host Dr. Cougar Hall sits down with Ayugi Ntambwe-Kalala — public health professional, educator, and mother of three — to discuss her remarkable journey from a small fishing town in Kenya to her current role as Student Experience Coordinator in BYU’s Department of Public Health. 

Ayugi shares how her boldness and vision helped her build a global career spanning 31 countries, launch a menstrual health company in Kenya, and now mentor students as they turn classroom learning into meaningful public health careers. 

The conversation takes an especially heartfelt turn as Ayugi and Dr. Hall explore what it means to raise strong, compassionate sons and daughters in today’s world — and how society can better support both boys and girls to flourish together. 

Full of humor, honesty, and hope, this episode reminds us that strength and kindness can coexist, and that helping others grow often begins with the courage to “just go for it.” 

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

 As part of BYU’s Homecoming Week, we’re spotlighting alum Christine Frandsen—a journalist turned public health professional—who shares how media literacy can help us recognize bias and misinformation in health news. From understanding journalism structures to questioning social media sources, Christine and Dr. Cougar Hall explore what it really means to “know your sources” in today’s world of public health communication. 

Keywords: BYU alum, journalism, media literacy, public health misinformation, media bias, social media and mental health, critical thinking, credible sources. 

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

Professor Cougar Hall sits down with Greg Hooke, a senior in Public Health and member of the College of Life Sciences Student Belonging Council, to explore what “belonging” really means at BYU—and how simple acts of connection can change campus culture. Greg shares how a Johns Hopkins internship studying bias in long-COVID care opened his eyes to everyday experiences of being unseen, and how that sparked student-led efforts at BYU: first-gen mentoring lunches, a Women in Life Sciences dinner, and hands-on service with Help Me Grow Utah and United Way. He and Dr. Hall unpack the tension between competition and collaboration in tough gateway classes, swap practical ways introverts and extroverts alike can make friends, and celebrate a college-wide bump in belonging (now ~86%). Greg also opens up about recovering from a traumatic brain injury, the faith that grounded him, and his goal to become a neurologist who blends clinical care with public-health principles of inclusion. If you’re new to campus—or helping those who are—this episode is equal parts playbook and pep talk. 

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

What can public health learn from the Freedom Riders? In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Cougar Hall is joined by Georgia Calhoun, Trudy Munford, and Dr. Anthony Bates to discuss the intersection of faith, forgiveness, and social justice. From the burning buses of 1961 to the heritage festivals of today, this episode shows how communities endure trauma, create spaces for healing, and build legacies of peace. 

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

In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall welcomes back one of BYU Public Health’s most dynamic voices, Dr. Lori Spruance, to share insights from her recent Fulbright Fellowship in Australia, her groundbreaking work on nutrition policy, and her run for public office. 

Dr. Spruance dives into what it was like living in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, complete with kangaroos on campus, sunburns from extreme UV levels, and a front-row seat to the unique cultural and geographic landscape of the country. Beyond the adventure, she breaks down her Fulbright research on dietary greenhouse gas emissions, explaining how our food choices—especially meat consumption—impact the environment, and how Australia compares to the U.S. in terms of school nutrition policy. 

The conversation shifts to the U.S., where Dr. Spruance shares updates on her latest research: 

• A study examining carbon footprints in children’s diets and how healthier meals can be more sustainable.
• A groundbreaking look at Pacific Islander families' perceptions of school meals, revealing key insights for improving participation and cultural sensitivity.
• An evaluation of Utah’s alternative breakfast models, shedding light on how policy changes play out on the ground.

She and Dr. Hall also discuss the importance of federally funded school meal programs, how school nutrition affects academic success, and why careful messaging matters—especially for children who rely on school meals daily.

In the final segment, Dr. Spruance reflects on her experience running as an independent candidate for the Utah State Senate, sharing candid thoughts on navigating politics while staying true to BYU’s politically neutral standards. She offers encouragement to anyone interested in public service and public health policy, emphasizing that change starts with showing up.

From advice for parents and students to small steps you can take to make your diet more climate-friendly, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and powerful research—all grounded in Dr. Spruance’s deep commitment to public health, equity, and community engagement.

Tune in for an inspiring episode that blends global perspective, local policy, and personal action.
 

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

 In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, Dr. Cougar Hall announces two exciting new formats being added to the show: 

1. Y Health Classroom Edition – Faculty members will highlight key concepts from their courses at BYU, providing educational content that is both informative and accessible to a broad audience.
2. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) – Short, timely episodes meant to benefit listeners, sometimes shared by Dr. Hall and other times by invited guests.

To introduce the new PSA format, Dr. Hall offers the podcast’s first PSA, reflecting on the unique integration of faith and education at BYU. As a faculty member, he discusses the privilege of opening each class with prayer and weaving in gospel truths—especially the teachings of Jesus Christ—when they align with course topics. In cases where professional material may not align with church teachings, Dr. Hall presents the content professionally, then reaffirms his personal testimony of gospel truths.
 
With General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approaching (held each April and October), Dr. Hall invites listeners—just as he does his students—to participate as much as possible and to reflect on how conference messages relate to public health themes studied in class. A strong connection is drawn between gospel teachings and public health principles.

The episode includes the parable of the river, a well-known story in public health illustrating the value of prevention. In the story, two people tirelessly rescue drowning children from a river until one decides to run upstream to find out why the children are falling in. This metaphor highlights how public health focuses on addressing root causes and preventing harm, while healthcare focuses on treatment and healing.

Dr. Hall draws a parallel between this idea and the role of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He prevents, repairs, and transforms. His gospel not only protects us from harm and saves us when we’re in trouble—it also changes us for the better.
 
The episode concludes with gratitude to listeners and encouragement to join in the transformative experience of General Conference. The team looks forward to continuing engaging interviews and adding new, educational content through the Classroom Edition and PSA formats.

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

In this episode of the Y Health Podcast, host Dr. Cougar Hall interviews Rachel Higginson, the Director of Sports Nutrition for BYU Athletics, about the evolving role of nutrition in athletic performance and everyday health. Rachel shares her journey from clinical dietetics to sports nutrition, highlighting the growth of the nutrition program at BYU, particularly after joining the Big 12. 

Key topics discussed include: 

• Intuitive Eating: Learning to listen to the body's natural hunger and fullness cues.
• Balancing Nutrition for Athletes: The importance of carbohydrates for pre-workout energy and protein for post-workout recovery.
• Hydration and Performance: How sweat testing informs customized hydration plans for athletes.
• Nutrition Myths and Social Media Influence: Addressing misinformation and the dangers of extreme dietary rules.
• The Mental and Emotional Side of Eating: How food choices, body image, and societal pressures impact overall well-being.
• Practical Tips for Parents: How to handle picky eaters and create a positive food environment for children.

Rachel also discusses her upcoming book, "Pizza Boy", which explores picky eating in a fun and relatable way. The conversation wraps up with an insightful discussion on body image, self-worth, and the spiritual connection between body and soul, encouraging a balanced and compassionate approach to health.
 

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