This Week in Podcasts - Repairing Hair Loss, Sky Diving, Sound of Space, and More
Your Weekly Podcast Dose
Welcome to the 2nd edition of Dr. Pawd’s newsletter where we deliver you your weekly dose of latest and greatest podcast episodes from Dr. Pawd’s favorite selections. This week we have some great episodes in different categories. For convenience we are providing a Table of Contents so that you can directly jump to your favorite genres and read about episodes in that category. Clicking on the links in the ToC will take you to the online version of the newsletter. If you are reading it in email, you would have to scroll down.
Table of Contents
In the category of health related podcasts we have two great episodes this week.
The Huberman Lab Podcast
The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair
Get ready for a hair-raising episode of The Huberman Lab Podcast, where Dr. Andrew Huberman dives into the science of healthy hair, hair loss, and how to regrow hair! In this information-packed episode, you'll learn about the cellular biology and stem cells of hair, the factors that determine hair growth, and how to slow, halt, or reverse hair loss.
Discover the fascinating world of hair growth, with head hair growing continuously for four to eight years, while eyebrows have a much shorter growth period. Dr. Huberman debunks common myths about balding and hair replacement, such as the misconception that you inherit your balding pattern from your mother's father.
By the age of 50, approximately 50% of all men and women experience significant hair loss, which leads to efforts to halt or reverse it. This episode discusses the biological mechanisms behind hair growth and loss, the role of hormones such as estrogen, thyroid hormone, and insulin-like growth factor, as well as the presence of melanin-producing cells that determine hair color.
Explore various treatment options for hair loss, such as minoxidil, dutasteride, ketoconazole, microneedling, and the thyroid estrogen IGF-1 pathway. Dr. Huberman discusses the effectiveness of combination treatments and the importance of considering both mechanical and chemical approaches to stimulate hair growth and inhibit inhibitors of hair growth.
Learn about the essential components of hair, from sebum's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to the arrector pili muscle's role in trapping air between hairs to keep our bodies warm. Understand the three phases of hair growth and how hormones play a crucial role in these phases. Dive into the world of treatments like Minoxidil, PRP injections, microneedling, and Botox to combat hair loss.
Discover the power of caffeine, growth hormone, sermorelin, and maintaining insulin sensitivity for hair growth. Find out about the importance of iron, the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and various treatments like Saw Palmetto, Ketoconazole, Biotin, and Finasteride for hair loss treatment. Learn about the potential side effects of these treatments and the importance of patience and understanding when using them.
Packed with insights, tips, and facts, this episode of The Huberman Lab Podcast is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in the science of hair, hair growth, and hair loss treatments. Don't miss this episode!
The Drive
Training Principles for Longevity
This week Peter Attia had Dr. Andy Galpin as his guest on the podcast for the 2nd time. They had a detailed conversation discussing everything related to strength, power, muscle and longevity. Packed with fascinating insights and expert advice, this episode is perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Key points covered in this episode:
1. Muscle structure, function, and fiber types: Learn about muscle cells, type 1 (slow twitch) and type 2 (fast twitch) muscle fibers, and their impact on athletic performance.
2. Trainability of muscle fiber distribution: Discover how training can influence muscle fiber distribution and the implications for effective training programs.
3. Hypertrophy, muscle growth, and strength: Delve into the science behind muscle hypertrophy and the relationship between muscle size and strength.
4. Powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting: Uncover secrets for effective strength, power, and technique training, as well as the importance of balancing these components for optimal performance.
5. Power development exercises and complex training: Explore the benefits of post-activation potentiation (PAP) and complex training for various athletes.
6. Strength training and specificity: Understand the significance of specificity in training, technique, and approaching strength sports for beginners.
7. Heart rate recovery and the 70-20-10 model: Learn about the importance of heart rate recovery as a fitness metric and the 70-20-10 model for balancing training, recovery, and overall health.
8. Allostatic load and neurological components: Appreciate the role of stress management and the neurological aspects of powerlifting, weightlifting, and speed training for better movement mechanics.
9. Training for longevity and centenarian decathlon: Discover the components needed for a well-rounded training routine aimed at maintaining physical health and functionality throughout life.
10. Torn Achilles tendon and tissue tolerance: Understand the importance of tissue tolerance and warming up exercises to reduce the risk of injuries, especially in middle-aged athletes.
In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into muscle physiology, optimizing training for strength, power, and technique, and the pursuit of maintaining a high level of fitness into old age. Don't miss out on these incredible lessons that could transform your understanding of training principles for longevity!
Tune in now to The Drive with Peter Attia, MD, and elevate your training game with expert advice from Dr. Andy Galpin on achieving optimal fitness, health, and longevity.
In the science genre we have one episode from StarTalk.
StarTalk - The sound of space With Neil deGrasse Tyson & Kimberley Arcand
In this week's cosmic queries edition of StarTalk, join Neil deGrasse Tyson and visualization scientist Kimberley Arcand as they dive into the fascinating world of NASA's sonification project - an extraordinary initiative that brings astronomical data to life through sound!
Discover how this project, initially intended for 3D printing, has evolved into an immersive auditory experience that makes iconic and important datasets more accessible for the blind or low-vision community. Learn about the intricate process of sonification, where mathematical mapping of data pixels is transformed into a symphony of synthetic or instrumental sounds.
You'll be captivated by the unique interplay of soft piano, plucky violin, and glockenspiel representing different energies of light in the Chandra Deep Field sonification, and explore the acoustic maps of the Milky Way, M87 galaxy, and more!
The episode also touches on the future of space exploration, the potential sensory systems of extraterrestrial beings, and the development of cutting-edge telescopes. You won't want to miss the stimulating discussion on how our limited human senses can be expanded through science and technology!
So, tune in to StarTalk and let the extraordinary sounds of the universe captivate your senses! 🎧🌠🎇
In educational podcasts, we recommend three episodes from the ever popular Stuff You Should Know, each unique and fun in their own way.
Stuff You Should Know
Playing Cards? You Got That Right
Get ready to be dealt into the fascinating world of playing cards with Josh and Chuck on this episode of Stuff You Should Know! They dive into the rich history of playing cards, revealing surprising facts and stories along the way.
From the mysterious "Leaf Game" of the Tang Dynasty to the emergence of playing cards in 13th century China, the journey of playing cards is full of twists and turns. Did you know that European cards actually originated in the Mamluk Empire in Egypt? And who would've thought that early decks didn't even have a queen card?
The hosts explore the evolution of card suits, from Spanish and Italian Latin decks to German and French playing cards. You'll discover how historical figures like Charlemagne and Julius Caesar inspired the kings, queens, and jacks we know today. And you'll never look at the King of Hearts the same way again once you learn about the "Suicide King."
This episode is packed with even more intriguing tidbits, like the story of how the Ace card went from being the lowest to the highest card in the deck, the British tax on playing cards, and the origin of the Joker card. Plus, learn about innovations like squeezer cards and how Las Vegas casinos prevent cheating with frequent deck switches.
Finally, ponder the possible connections between card suits, numbers, and the calendar – just one of the many fascinating ways playing cards have captured our imagination for centuries.
Don't miss this exciting episode full of card-related trivia that will make you the hit of your next game night! 🃏🔮🃏
Selects: Some Nutso Fan Theories
This episode takes you for a wild ride into the world of bizarre fan theories! These theories range from mind-bending alternate universes to connections between your favorite TV shows that you never knew existed. And the best part? Some of these theories might actually have some truth to them!
Ever wondered if Zack Morris from "Saved by the Bell" is actually living in a fantasy world to escape his life as a loser in Indiana? Or if the blue meth in "Breaking Bad" caused the zombie apocalypse in "The Walking Dead"? This episode has you covered with these fascinating fan theories and many more!
But wait, there's more! Discover how over 400 TV shows might actually exist within the mind of Tommy Westfall, a character from "St. Elsewhere," creating an intricate web of interconnected universes. And what do "The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones" have in common? They might just be living in the same post-apocalyptic world!
So join the hosts as they explore the mind-boggling world of fan theories, uncovering the connections, clues, and sometimes absurd ideas that tie your favorite TV shows together in ways you never imagined. Trust us, after listening to this episode, you'll never look at your favorite shows the same way again! 🤯
How Skydiving Works
Josh and Chuck dive into the exhilarating world of skydiving in this episode!
Discover how skydiving has evolved from its beginnings in 1783 France to becoming a popular thrill sport in the 70s and 80s, all while gaining remarkable safety improvements. Learn about the pioneers responsible for refining parachute design, such as Charles Broderick and Domina Jalbert. Military interventions also played a significant role in advancing parachuting technology, making the sport what it is today.
Find out how tandem jumping revolutionized the skydiving experience, allowing even inexperienced daredevils to take the plunge. Explore the different altitudes, speeds, and techniques experienced during a jump, with terminal velocity reaching around 120 miles per hour! Skilled skydivers can manipulate their body to change speed and direction, creating mind-blowing aerial acrobatics.
Josh and Chuck recount their indoor skydiving experience and dive into the various training options and licenses available for those considering skydiving as a hobby. They also discuss various skydiving activities, such as formation flying, free flying, sky surfing, and tracking.
But wait, there's more! Learn about the current speed record, cupping technique, and the thrilling world of canopy flying. They even touch on the serenity of hot air balloon skydiving and the awe-inspiring feat of space diving, like Felix Baumgartner's jaw-dropping jump from 127,000 feet.
Get the lowdown on modern parachutes, backup safety features like reserve parachutes, and the essential skydiving gear – from altimeters to goggles..
Don't miss this thrilling episode that will have you on the edge of your seat! 🛩️
News From Dr. Pawd
Finally some news from Dr. Pawd. We have added one new podcast to our list - Found my Fitness - it is a pretty popular podcast in the health and science genre run by Dr. Rhonda Patrick which covers various topics related to health, longevity, supplementation and fitness. If you are interested in specific podcasts let us know in comments or replies.