REM Reward
by REM Reward
Our podcasts provide greater insight into the life-changing benefits of sleep psychology. The host, Ryan Shintani, chats with guest speakers ranging from psychologists to sleep professionals. Some notable guests include Sports Sleep Coach Nick Littlehales, Specialist Sleep Physician Dr. David Cunnington, and Associate Professor Dr. George Dragoi from the Yale School of Medicine. If you want to learn more about how sleep can help you improve academically, socially, mentally, and physically, these podcasts are for you! For more tips, check out our website at remreward.org.
Episodes
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Mindfulness, Meditation & Better Sleep – EP 33 w/ Tania Palacios
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Tania Palacios, an Integrative Mental Health Counselor, Yoga Therapist, Life MAP Coach, Army Veteran, and founder of TLP Wellness. Tania specializes in helping individuals improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being through a holistic approach that...
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Rest, Mindfulness & Student Wellness – EP 32 w/ Dr. Sudha Wadhwani
Today on REM Reward, Ryan is joined by Dr. Sudha Wadhwani, a student wellness and mental health advocate who has helped bring creative approaches to rest and mindfulness onto college campuses. Through initiatives like Sereni-tea events and the introduction of nap pods in university libraries, Dr....
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Caffeine, Screens & Teen Sleep: What’s Really Keeping Teens Awake – EP 31 w/ Dr. Christina Calamaro
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Christina Calamaro, a leading researcher in adolescent sleep and health at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. Dr. Calamaro’s work focuses on how behaviors like caffeine consumption and technology use impact sleep patterns, learning, and...
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Sleep, Food & Energy: Building Habits That Actually Last – EP 30 w/ Angela Goldman
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Angela Goldman, a board-certified health and wellness coach and founder of NRG Health and Wellness. Angela specializes in helping people improve their energy, sleep, and overall well-being through sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. The...
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The Power of Light: Circadian Rhythms, Sleep Inertia & Better Mornings – EP 29 w/ Dr. Helen Burgess
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Helen Burgess, a leading circadian rhythm scientist at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory. Dr. Burgess studies how the body’s internal clock responds to light, behavior, and daily routines, and how...
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Circadian Rhythms Explained: Why Timing Matters for Health – EP 28 w/ Dr. Erik Herzog
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Erik Herzog, a leading circadian biologist at Washington University in St. Louis. The conversation explores how the brain keeps time, what circadian rhythms actually are, and why daily timing matters for sleep, learning, and health. Dr. Herzog explains why...
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The Mysteries of Sleep & Dreaming – EP 27 w/ Dr. Wanda Willard
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Wanda Willard, Professor of Psychology at Monroe Community College, to explore the science and mystery of sleep and dreaming. Drawing from her years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Willard explains what happens during the stages of sleep, how…
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Inside ‘Where Children Sleep’: Childhood, Culture & Inequality – EP 26 w/ James Molliso
In this episode, Ryan speaks with James Mollison, whose acclaimed project Where Children Sleep explores childhood through the lens of the bedroom, and what it reveals about culture, inequality and identity. We discuss what inspired him to start this work, how children’s sleep-environments vary...
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Gentle Sleep, Better Nights – EP 25 w/ Professor Sarah Blunden
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Professor Sarah Blunden, a world-renowned pediatric sleep researcher from CQUniversity Australia and Monash University. Sarah has spent decades studying how children and adolescents sleep, why their rest is so often disrupted, and what parents and communities can...
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Do We All Need 8 Hours? Cross-Cultural Sleep Norms – EP 24 w/ Benjamin Y. Cheung
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Benjamin Y. Cheung, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. While Benjamin’s research spans cultural psychology, identity, and how social environments shape human behavior, today’s conversation focuses on his study...
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Why Sleep Restores Mental Health: Insights from a Sleep Coach – EP 23 w/ Jeanine Klotzkin
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Jeanine Klotzkin, LPC, LCAT, a therapist and sleep coach who has helped countless clients break free from years of emotional and sleep struggles. Together, they discuss why sleep is one of the most overlooked keys to emotional resilience, how anxiety, depression,...
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Understanding Kids' Sleep Science: Fun, Facts & Bedtime Tips – EP 22 w/ Wendy Bjazevich
In this episode of REM Reward, Ryan dives into the mysteries of slumber with Wendy Bjazevich. They explore what sparked her passion for explaining sleep to kids, how she artfully balanced real science with fun storytelling, and the four stages of sleep broken down in terms that kids – and parents…
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Designing for Restful Sleep: Optimizing Your Bedroom Environment - EP 21 w/ Sarah Elizabeth Design
In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan sits down with Sarah Elizabeth: a high-end interior design firm located in Montclair NJ, creating effortless elegance one home at a time with 16 years in the industry. They explore how intentional bedroom design can dramatically improve sleep…
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Collaboration Post: Neurodiversity & Sleep Health - EP 20 w/ Ashley Ring (NJAAP + Prevent Suicide NJ)
In this special episode, Ryan talks with Ashley Ring, Youth Consultant at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) and Prevent Suicide New Jersey. As a psychology student and mental health advocate, Ashley brings expertise in youth suicide prevention and neurodivergent...
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Sleep Optimization for Athletes and Students: Science-Backed Strategies - EP 19 w/ Dr. Meeta Singh
In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Meeta Singh, a renowned sleep psychiatrist and performance specialist. With dual expertise in medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Singh has worked with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and Olympic teams, as well as top business executives, to optimize their sleep…
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Sleep Whispers: Unlocking the Secrets of ASMR – EP 18 w/ Dr. Craig Harris Richard
In this episode, host Ryan Shintani sits down with Dr. Craig Harris Richard, a University Professor specializing in physiology with a research focus on ASMR. They talk about Dr. Richard’s journey in creating the Sleep Whispers podcast, which aims to help listeners relax and fall asleep with...
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Shaping Sleep: The AASM’s Legacy, Research, and Advocacy – EP 17 w/ Dr. Anita Shelgikar & Melissa Clark
In Episode 17, Ryan is joined by Dr. Anita Shelgikar and Melissa Clark to explore the history, research, and advocacy efforts of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and how the organization continues to shape the field of sleep medicine today. Dr. Shelgikar, Immediate Past President of...
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Food, Genes, and the Rhythm of Sleep: Unlocking the Secrets of Health - EP 16 w/ Dr. Erica Jansen
In Episode 16, Ryan is joined by Dr. Erica Jansen from the University of Michigan, an expert in nutritional epidemiology and sleep science. Together, they delve into the fascinating connections between sleep, diet, and health. Dr. Jansen shares her groundbreaking research on how sleep patterns...
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Sleep, Health, and Public Policy - EP 15 w/ Dr. Jennifer L. Martin
In this episode, Ryan Shintani is joined by Dr. Jennifer L. Martin to explore the powerful role sleep plays in public health and individual well-being. They discuss the impact of sleep on chronic diseases, the effectiveness of CBT-I, and the public policy issues shaping sleep health, such as…
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Unlocking Rest: Insights on Sleep and Wellness - EP 14 w/ Lauren Ziegler
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Lauren Ziegler, a certified sleep coach and yoga therapist with over 12 years of experience in the field. Lauren shares her personal journey from facing sleep challenges to becoming a guiding light for those struggling with insomnia. We delve into common...
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From Insomnia to Inspiration: Behind the Stories of Sleep With Me - EP 13 w/ Drew Ackerman
In this episode, host Ryan Shintani sits down with Drew Ackerman, the creator of the popular Sleep With Me podcast, to discuss how his personal struggles with insomnia inspired him to develop unique bedtime stories that help listeners drift off to sleep. They explore Drew's creative process, the...
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The Sleep-Deprived Teen: A Deep Dive - EP 12 w/ Lisa L. Lewis
In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani sits down with Lisa L. Lewis, a renowned journalist and author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen. They dive into the science behind adolescent sleep, exploring why teens need more sleep and how sleep deprivation impacts their health, academic...
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Balancing Academics, Athletics, and Sleep - EP 11 w/ Dominic De Almeida
In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani talks with Dominic de Almeida, a graduate student and soccer player at California Baptist University. They dive into the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and sleep, exploring how proper rest is essential for peak performance on...
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Synergy of Sleep and Nutrition - EP 10 w/ Stacey Antine
In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani talks with Stacey Antine, a renowned nutritionist and the founder of HealthBarn USA. They discuss the crucial connection between nutrition and sleep, exploring how diet impacts sleep quality and overall health. Stacey shares practical tips...
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School Start Times and Student Health - EP 9 w/ Phyllis Payne at School Start Later
In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan Shintani sits down with Phyllis from Start School Later (SSL) to discuss the Let's Sleep! initiative and the movement to push for later school start times. They explore SSL's origins, current collaborations with school districts, and the nationwide...
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Mastering Memory Through Sleep - EP 8 w/ Dr. George Dragoi
In this episode, Ryan and Dr. George Dragoi discuss the relationship between sleep and memory. Dr. Dragoi, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Yale University, shares insights from his research on how sleep optimizes memory consolidation through various brain mechanisms. They...
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The Impact of Sleep on Student Success - EP 7 w/ Dr. Paul Semendinger
In this episode of the REM Reward podcast, Ryan chats with Dr. Sem about the crucial role of sleep for school children. They explore how sleep patterns have evolved with technology, the effects of sleep on students' daily lives, and practical steps schools and parents can take to improve sleep...
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Changing Your Perspective on Sleep - EP 6 w/ Dr. Bronwyn Milkins
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Bronwyn Milkins about her innovative research into attention bias modification and its applications in treating insomnia and anxiety. They delve into how this technique can be particularly beneficial for young people and discuss strategies that parents and...
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Navigating Narcolepsy in Everyday Life for Better Living - EP 5 w/ Cara Weaver
In this episode, Ryan talks with Cara Weaver, a marketing and communications specialist at Wake Up Narcolepsy. Cara was diagnosed with Narcolepsy Type 2 in 2018 when she was a junior in high school. Ryan and Cara talk about navigating narcolepsy's impact on everyday life. Explore the challenges...
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The Connection Between Sleep, Mental Health, and Psychology - EP4 w/Dr. Jessica Hamilton
In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Jessica Hamilton, an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University. Dr. Hamilton works as a clinical psychologist and has studied the development of depression during adolescence. Her research focuses on finding risk factors for the onset and worsening of…
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Sleep Problems in Adolescents - EP3 w/Dr. David Cunnington
In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. David Cunnington, a specialist sleep physician of over two decades. Along with being a sleep physician, Dr. Cunnington is a sleep advocate and frequently appears in print, radio, TV and online media as an expert commentator on sleep, and is a regular national...
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How to Enhance Athletic Performance with Sleep - EP2 w/Nick Littlehales
In this episode, Ryan talks with Nick Littlehales, a leading figure in the world of sports sleep optimization. Nick has over 20 years of experience working with top athletes and teams to help them achieve peak performance through sleep. Nick's innovative techniques have revolutionized the way we...
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The Relationship between Sleep, Learning & Memory - EP1 w/Dr. Eitan Schechtman
In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Eitan Schechtman, an assistant professor in neurobiology and behavior at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Schechman’s deep expertise in sleep, memory, and cognitive neuroscience shines as he shares invaluable insights. They explore topics such as how...
About this show
Our podcasts provide greater insight into the life-changing benefits of sleep psychology. The host, Ryan Shintani, chats with guest speakers ranging from psychologists to sleep professionals. Some notable guests include Sports Sleep Coach Nick Littlehales, Specialist Sleep Physician Dr. David Cunnington, and Associate Professor Dr. George Dragoi from the Yale School of Medicine. If you want to learn more about how sleep can help you improve academically, socially, mentally, and physically, these podcasts are for you! For more tips, check out our website at remreward.org.
Hosted by
REM Reward