Health Stuff

Priyanka and Hari dive into the science of better sleep with expert Dr. Ashley Mason, unpacking what “healthy sleep” really means. From inconsistent schedules and late-night scrolling to alcohol, naps, and blue light, they explore what’s helping or hurting your rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka shares her personal journey becoming a mother, from joyful anticipation to a birth experience that unfolded in unexpected and intense ways. She and Hari explore childbirth in modern hospital systems, from induction methods and labor progression to how routine care can escalate into emergency intervention. They discuss postpartum hemorrhage, NICU admission, and the emotional impact of early parent-newborn separation. The also discuss rising C-section rates, racial disparities in maternal care, inconsistent hospital practices, and how financial and legal pressures shape decision-making.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari break down the history of poliovirus, how it spreads, and what it actually does to the body, from mild illness to permanent paralysis. They explore how the iron lung, early outbreaks, and decades of medical innovation shaped our understanding of the disease, and how the development of the polio vaccine became one of the greatest public health achievements in history. They address common concerns, misinformation, and the real risks versus risks of vaccination.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Measles was once declared eliminated in the U.S. So why is it back and spreading fast?Priyanka and Hari break down one of the most contagious viruses humans have ever faced, what actually happens in your body when you get infected, and why outbreaks are rising again today. They walk through the history of measles, how vaccines work, and the real risks versus the perceived ones. Along the way, they tackle common questions, misinformation, and the science behind the MMR vaccine so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this mini episode, Dr. Priyanka Wali shares practical health tips to help you better understand your body and know when to seek care. She breaks down why unintentional weight loss can be a warning sign, what to know about blood sugar screening before pregnancy, how to monitor changing moles, why everyone should know their blood pressure, signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, how to tell food poisoning from a stomach virus, and the key safety rule for using a Neti pot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari explore the science of blood, blood transfusions, and why donated blood remains one of the most essential tools in modern medicine. They break down what blood actually does in the body, the different components of blood, and how blood types determine who can give and receive lifesaving transfusions. They also cover who can donate blood, the issue with blood shortages, and how blood donations save lives. Then they unpack the strange and surprisingly chaotic history of blood substitutes and the ongoing effort to create artificial blood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becoming a parent is a biological, psychological, and social transformation. Priyanka and Hari talk with science journalist Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, about the concept of matrescence and why the transition into motherhood can feel so destabilizing, emotional, and overwhelming, even for people who deeply want children. From dramatic hormonal shifts to structural changes in the brain, science shows that becoming a parent reshapes us in profound ways. The conversation also explores how modern society has made raising children more isolating than ever and what we can do to better support our communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari explore the surprising connection between oral health and heart health. They break down gum disease, how it develops, and why plaque buildup can trigger inflammation throughout the body. They also cover the basics of brushing, flossing, and dental care, along with why access to dentistry remains a major public health issue. Then they unpack the growing research linking gum disease to cardiovascular disease. From bacteria entering the bloodstream to chronic inflammation, your mouth may be telling you more about your health than you realize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari recounts a brutal bout of food poisoning that turned one questionable meal into days of misery. Priyanka breaks down what might have caused it, from common food-borne bacteria to the incubation periods that can turn dinner into disaster. Then they dive into the basics of food safety. How can you reduce your risk when eating out? What mistakes do people make when cooking at home? And why should you never wash raw chicken? They also explore one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing illness—handwashing—from modern infection control to the 19th-century doctor who first proved it could save lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why don’t we talk about our bones until something breaks? This week Priyanka and Hari take on osteoporosis, the silent disease that weakens bones long before you feel it. They break down how bones are built, why menopause accelerates bone loss, and what you can do now to protect your skeletal health. They also unpack why osteoporosis is often framed as a women’s issue, even though men are at risk and often overlooked. From hormones to screening gaps to simple prevention strategies, if you have bones, this conversation is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is being alone a punishment or a gift? Priyanka and Hari discuss the difference between loneliness and solitude with psychologist and researcher Dr. Robert Coplan, author of The Joy of Solitude. They explore why time alone can feel terrifying or deeply nourishing, how social media has changed our ability to truly be alone, and why solitude is essential for creativity, emotional regulation, and mental health. From “a-loneliness” to flow states to the Surgeon General’s warning about chronic loneliness, this thoughtful conversation explains why alone time is a vital human need in an overconnected world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our series on hair, we turn to women’s experiences and explore how hair shapes identity, femininity, power, and perception. Priyanka and Hari unpack how hormones, stress, nutrition, and aging affect women’s hair, and what it means when thinning begins, even subtly. They also dig into the biology of hair, the history of grooming norms, the role of race and beauty standards, and the medical options available for women experiencing hair loss. Because whether you choose to shave, straighten, laser, supplement, treat, or shave it all off, it is your body and your choice to make.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does losing your hair feel so personal? Priyanka and Hari dig into male pattern baldness, unpacking why hair is so tied to identity, confidence, and aging. They break down common myths, explore treatment options and their risks, and ask a bigger question about how society shapes the way we see ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari dive into the surprisingly complicated world of drinking water, from tap water safety and filters to spring water, mineral water, and electrolytes. They unpack how water access and quality affect health, why some bottled waters are worth it and others are pure marketing, and what you should really be drinking day to day. Then Hari shares his pickleball injury story, and they discuss what draws people to the growing sport and what people can do to help prevent injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is ayahuasca and what happens after the ceremony ends? Priyanka and Hari sit down with physician and plant-medicine guide Dr. Joe Tafur to explore the realities behind one of the world’s most talked-about sacred medicines. From first-time fears and safety concerns to spiritual healing, trauma, and integration, they unpack what ayahuasca is, who it may or may not be for, and why it is not a magic cure. Along the way, they reflect on anxiety, and self-love. This episode offers a grounded look at psychedelics, mental health, and the long, imperfect work of healing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does laughter feel so good, and why do we need it so much? Priyanka and Hari explore laughter as medicine, social glue, and survival instinct. From the science of Duchenne laughter to the strange magic of laughing in groups, they unpack how laughter can heal even when it is forced, awkward, or imperfect. They also share personal experiences with art therapy and discuss how creativity can help process pain, restore agency, and calm the nervous system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Priyanka talk with double board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility expert Dr. Lucky Sekhon, author of The Lucky Egg. Together, they break down the biggest fertility myths and explain what is actually happening inside our bodies, from why orgasm has nothing to do with conception to what IVF really does. They also explore how much men contribute to infertility and the ethics of embryo testing, genetic screening, and so-called “designer babies.” It is a crash course in fertility every adult should hear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we drink, even when it harms us? Priyanka and Hari explore our complicated relationship with alcohol, from first drinks to long term habits. Colorectal surgeon and author Dr. Charles Knowles joins them to discuss the research behind his book, Why We Drink Too Much. They examine how alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward system, why some people are more vulnerable to dependency, and the long overlooked risks of moderate drinking. The conversation spans dating culture, marketing myths, and mental health. Dr. Knowles also shares his own journey to sobriety and evidence based approaches to changing drinking behavior, including self compassion, community, and education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this mini episode, Dr. Priyanka Wali does a rapid fire health check to close out the year. She breaks down common symptoms and answers the questions we all worry about. Is it a cold or the flu? What to do when you suspect you have a UTI. What blood in your stool can mean. Why fatigue and anemia often get mixed up. And what to know about headaches, foot fungus, chest pain, dizziness, and blood pressure. This is your practical, no panic guide to the health stuff you want clarity on going into the new year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Priyanka are joined by Science Stuff host Jorge Cham to talk about advances in robotic-assisted surgery, including how robots are already helping surgeons operate with greater precision and what the future of automated surgery could look like. They also explore how artificial limbs are becoming more responsive and humanlike as AI systems learn to better interpret signals from the body. Finally, they dig into the downsides of these technologies, from growing data and energy demands to ethical questions about where AI belongs in medicine and who might be left out as it advances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari are joined by Dr. Neil Vora, a global health expert who has spent his career fighting infectious diseases around the world. They talk about why human health is inseparable from the health of the environment and nature, what horror movies and TV shows get right about outbreaks, how misinformation and disinformation spread just as fast as viruses, and why we need more imperfect activists. It is a hopeful, clear-eyed conversation about showing up even when we do not have all the answers, staying curious instead of fearful, and remembering that protecting each other and the planet are deeply human acts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Priyanka unpack why some medications may increase your risk of falling, what a new LSD study reveals about anxiety treatment, and the the pros and cons of curling up in bed with your pets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could sunlight be the key to better sleep? Hari and Priyanka talk with science journalist Lynne Peeples about circadian rhythms, light exposure, and simple ways to work with you body's natural clock. As Lynne puts it: "Be clockwise."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari chat with Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr. Kaveh Hoda about liver health, why fiber matters, and what it means to practice trauma-informed care. They also share tricks for a smoother poop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Priyanka explore a breakthrough in Type 1 Diabetes treatment, spill the tea on the Ozempic cash scandal, and gush over the King of Fruits, the mango!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priyanka and Hari share their jet lag survivor tips before welcoming Dr. Uché Blackstock, founder of Advancing Health Equity and author of the memoir Legacy. She opens up about her experiences as a Black physician, how racism shapes healthcare and what keeps her hopeful in the fight for real change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari and Priyanka talk about the false sense of intimacy created by ChatGPT and other AI models. Plus, they shine a light on late-night phone use and how to protect yourself when artificial light keeps calling your name.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Stuff show is here! Meet Health Stuff hosts Comedian Hari Kondabolu and Dr. Priyanka Wali as they discuss the challenges navigating our healthcare system and how optimizing our health may not be the actual road to health and wellness. They are here to help you navigate this complex world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Health Stuff, hosts Dr. Priyanka Wali and comedian Hari Kondabolu tackle all the health questions that keep you up at night with hilarity and humanity. Together they demystify the flashy trends, and keep you informed on the latest research. You can rely on Health Stuff to bring you real, uninhibited, and thoughtful health talk of the highest caliber, and a healthy dose of humor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.