PODCAST · health
What's That Rash?
by ABC Australia
Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.
Episodes
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Should you exercise on an empty stomach?
You might've heard you'll burn more fat if you exercise in the morning before, or in lieu of breakfast. There is some research to back that claim up, but the science on fasted exercise isn’t clear cut. Norman and Tegan work through the evidence on exercising on an empty stomach, and what you can…
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Does hypnotherapy work?
Sit back and relax. Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting on a calm beach. Now, do you feel more open to suggestion? Hypnotherapy has been around for centuries, and you might've heard about it being used for everything from PTSD to addiction and even IBS. Norman and Tegan guide us through the...
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NMN, NAD+ and other acronyms of anti-aging
As we age, levels of a vital molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) decline. Could reversing this be the key to eternal youth? There’s huge interest in NAD-boosting supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). But is there good evidence that they can help us live longer,...
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How bad is shift work for your health?
Shift workers make a lot of sacrifices to keep the world running. What are they sacrificing in terms of their own health? There are harms associated with working at all hours against your body clock. Norman and Tegan work through what those are, and what you can do to protect against them....
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Eat the rainbow: what can food colour tell us?
When you're done with your weekly grocery shop, how colourful is your trolley? We know eating lots of fruits and vegetables is good for you, but colour could matter. Norman and Tegan discuss what gives fruit and veggies their hue and whether it's important when it comes to healthy eating....
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Mouthwash: good or bad for you?
How much time does your oral hygiene routine take? You brush, floss, interdent, maybe even use a tongue scraper. Is using a mouthwash going to give you any additional benefit? Or could you be doing some harm? Norman and Tegan answer questions about the effectiveness of mouthwash, what it does to...
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Why wear a continuous glucose monitor?
Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have transformed how people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. But in wellness circles, more and more people without diabetes are being encouraged to try these devices. Norman and Tegan get to the bottom of what these devices can actually tell you, and…
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Are rest days from exercise necessary?
Not many people would argue that rest isn’t important, but how would you define a rest day? For an elite athlete a rest day could be going for a long walk. For your average person it could mean sitting on the couch. Norman and Tegan ask – why is rest important, and do you need it to make progress...
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What has your nose got to do with sleep?
Have you ever spritzed your pillow with lavender and wondered, is this actually doing anything? There are some surprising ways that smells can affect sleep, and it might have something to do with how our brains work. Norman and Tegan discuss how smells, good and bad, could affect your nightly...
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Why do we cry?
Do you feel better after a good cry, or do you feel worse than ever? There can be a lot to cry about, good or bad: a break-up, a milestone, a tragedy, a sappy movie. Norman and Tegan discuss why we evolved to cry, and the purpose it serves as we get older. References: The Riddle of Human…
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What is ultra-processed food?
You might be hearing a lot about ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, and how we should all be avoiding them. But you might be struggling with figuring out what exactly IS an ultra-processed food. Sweetened drinks, sure. What about bread? Yoghurt? Norman and Tegan unpack why it isn’t a simple…
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Body hair removal: healthy or not?
The modification and removal of body hair has been going on for centuries, but our reasons for it have evolved. Some believe it’s more hygienic to remove, others argue it’s against our nature to be so hairless. Norman and Tegan trim the evidence on body hair: leg, armpit, pubic and even inside…
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Ashwagandha: what's the evidence?
Ashwagandha supplements are rising in popularity, but the herb has been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic medicine. The supposed benefits are broad – from stress to sleep, athletic performance and boosting testosterone. Norman and Tegan explore where the evidence stands, and uncertainties...
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How does chronic stress affect the body?
When you're going through a stressful time it can have knock-on effects on your routine. Sleep, diet, exercise routines can be thrown out of whack. And when that stress goes for weeks or months, it can have a serious impact. Norman and Tegan unpack the various forms of chronic stress, like…
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Why do some people get motion sickness?
Sea sickness, car sickness, space sickness – when it comes down to it, it’s all the same. But not everybody suffers the same. Some people are even lucky enough to grow out of motion sickness. Norman and Tegan talk about what’s going on when the world goes topsy-turvy, and what you can do about…
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How to drive down your cancer risk
Lately there have been lots of scary headlines about cancer rates rising in younger adults. What can you do to drive down your cancer risk? Norman and Tegan offer some practical tips, and discuss what's in your control versus what isn't. References: Overview of cancer in Australia, 2025 -...
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Should you be taking calcium supplements?
Our calcium needs can increase as we age, especially for women going through menopause. Most Australians aren’t getting enough calcium from their diet, so are supplements a good option? Norman and Tegan discuss the conflicting evidence on calcium – in particular, could it be good for your bones,...
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Can tapping calm your nervous system?
There's a scene in the Devil Wears Prada 2 where a character is so stressed she starts "tapping" to calm herself down. What is this self-soothing technique, and should you try it out? Norman and Tegan talk through what Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping is and whether there's any evidence…
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Is farting a sign your gut microbiome is happy?
Everyone wants a healthy gut, and your microbiome plays a big role in keeping you well. So how do you know your microbiome is in top shape? Are there stinky signs that things are going right, or wrong? Norman and Tegan breeze through the research in this live recording at the World Science…
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Still coughing — are you still infectious?
Cold season is upon us, so it’s no wonder you’re side-eyeing that person coughing on the bus. But does a cough mean someone is still infectious? How do you know you’re in the clear to go back to work? Norman and Tegan talk through the science, and also how attitudes have changed since the…
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Can your joints predict the weather?
Have you heard the phrases, "aches and pain, coming rains" or about "ill health due to evil winds"? Many people believe they can feel a change in weather coming on because pain flares in their joints. Norman and Tegan unpack what could be going on, and whether it's backed by scientific evidence....
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Should you get a full-body MRI?
It’s good to be on top of your health – but how far would you go to ensure you’re staying healthy? Ads have popped up for full-body MRIs, promising to catch things from cancer to aneurysms. Norman and Tegan scan through the potential benefits and risks of looking inside seemingly healthy bodies....
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Deep dive on progressive exercise
You might've heard the qualifier that exercise is good for you – but you need to be progressing that exercise over time. Running further, lifting heavier, exercising for longer. How important is it to up the stakes? Norman and Tegan flex their muscles on progressive training and its benefits....
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Hantavirus: what we know about the cruise ship outbreak
A cruise ship at the centre of a virus outbreak — sound familiar? Passengers and crew are beginning to disembark the MV Hondius after several cases of hantavirus sent them into quarantine. The virus is usually caught through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Transmission...
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Why is yawning contagious?
It’s easy to catch a yawn – you might even yawn while you’re reading this. It’s not just humans that yawn, but all kinds of verterbrates, even fish! But contagious yawning is rarer. Norman and Tegan unpack why we yawn in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane. References:...
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Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless?
You might know them as "vestigial" organs, but we no longer overlook organs that aren’t vital for life. While they can be removed, your tonsils, appendix and gallbladder play important roles in the body. Norman and Tegan define what "vestigial" actually means, and how our bodies adapt to losing…
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Should you be eating more fruit?
Not a fruit lover, but eat plenty of veggies? Ever wondered if skipping that banana might actually matter? We all know a mix of fruit and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life. Norman and Tegan dig into whether eating little or no fruit could actually be bad for you. References: What exactly…
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Red and other light therapy — can it work?
If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been advertised light therapy face masks. These high-tech hockey masks promise to plump up or heal your skin through light – often red, but sometimes yellow, green, blue or even purple. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's...
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Why are some people right (or left) handed?
What determines whether you’re right or left handed? Is there really such a thing as being ambidextrous? It’s a surprisingly complicated story, and culture comes into play – some people are forced to go against their dominant hand. Norman and Tegan parse through the history of handedness in this...
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Headaches: causes, cures and exercise?!
Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others. Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine? Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help... References: The...
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Is a vibration plate worth the cost?
We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise. So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform? Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against...
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Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine?
Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care. Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses. Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might...
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Could headphones be damaging our ears?
Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too! But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound? Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you…
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Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer?
Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds. But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer. Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories…
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Can peptides keep you young and buff?
Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing. That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan. Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so...
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Can flossing benefit more than your teeth?
Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites? Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain. Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it…
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Doing nothing: the benefits of boredom
With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing? It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity. Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be…
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Should we all be taking fish oil?
How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna? Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration. Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of...
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Should you wait to swim after eating?
It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it. But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch? Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you…
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Is retirement bad for you?
Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains. After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing. Norman and Tegan unpack the...
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Diet vs exercise: which is more important?
A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy. Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined? Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one…
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Why you don't need to avoid seed oils
It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and...
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Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant?
We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those...
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Why do some people pee more often?
Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just...
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Sunscreen spectacular: UV protection, SPF drama, endocrine disruptors
There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients. While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays. Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about…
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Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym?
Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners. It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits. Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building...
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Why do we dream?
Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated. There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down. Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time...
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What's the best time of day to exercise?
When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one? You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm. Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts...
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Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle?
Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus...
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Anything wrong with falling asleep in front of the TV?
You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep. What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off? Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What's That Rash? have?
What's That Rash? currently has 695 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What's That Rash? about?
Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.
How often does What's That Rash? release new episodes?
What's That Rash? releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 695 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to What's That Rash??
You can listen to What's That Rash? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What's That Rash??
What's That Rash? is created and hosted by ABC Australia.
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