1/18/2026

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E07 - Getting Ahead on Brain Health

With Special Guests: Dr. Behnam Sabayan and Patty Takawira

It's not uncommon that our functioning brains get taken for granted, right up until the point that things go awry. But the truth is there's a spectrum to brain health and there are actually things we can do to help keep our brains healthy throughout our lives - beyond wearing a bike helmet (though that's important, too!).

Brain health is an ever-changing science, and up until the last decade, we didn't really have much of an understanding around preventive care. But that's changing quickly! To get us up to speed on things, we'll be joined by Preventive Neurologist Dr. Behnam Sabayan (MD, PhD) and Patty Takawira (MPH) from the Minnesota Department of Health. We'll go over the warning signs, preventative strategies, current understandings and the best ways to get the jump on keeping our brains healthy.

Early detection is key, and it's never too late to help your own cause. But it all comes down to awareness and knowledge, so come get wise with us!

Brain Health Awareness Day is January 22nd!

Find out more here!

Got healthcare questions or ideas for future shows?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

12/21/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E06 - From Low-T to ED, We’re Talking Men’s Sexual Health

With Special Guest: Dr. Travis Pagliara

Some of the most common health concerns for men are also the hardest to talk about. Erectile dysfunction, testosterone changes, and urinary leakage can quietly affect confidence, relationships, and quality of life--yet many people assume they're just part of aging or something to ignore. Truth is, these are medical issues, and understanding them can make a significant difference. Today, we're discussing it openly on the latest episode of the podcast.

If you’ve been quietly wondering, “Is this just part of getting older?”—you’re not alone. Men’s sexual and urinary health issues are common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. On Episode 6 of our show, Dr. Hilden sits down with urologist Dr. Travis Pagliara for a candid, stigma-free conversation about men's sexual and urinary health. We'll cover what is normal, what's not, how common these issues are, how common they are, who they affect, and the wide range of treatment options available. Plus, when is the right time to talk to a doctor, and why early conversations matter.

This is no doubt a sensitive subject for some, but an amazing thing about our show is that you can get wise with us, without making anyone else the wiser. We've got a great expert guest today, so we hope you'll join us!

Got healthcare questions or ideas for future shows?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

12/07/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E05 - Antibiotics - When They're Strong vs. When They're Wrong

With Special Guest: Dr. Caitlin Eccles-Radtke

Antibiotics have been around for almost a century, in that time they've been responsible for saving countless lives - in both humans and in livestock. But these meds have gone from medical marvels to "use with caution" in recent times. But what's driving this change? When are antibiotics actually called for and when are they ineffective? And what's the latest on these antibiotic resistant superbugs?

Antibiotics have stirred up some big conversations recently, and on Episode 5 of our show, we'll be joined by infectious disease expert Dr. Caitlin Eccles-Radtke to explore the myths, mishaps, and mind-blowing discoveries shaping antibiotic use today. Wanna know why your doctor side-eyes unnecessary Z-packs? This episode breaks it all down. Join us!

Got healthcare questions or ideas for future shows?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

11/23/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E04 - Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow! All About Hair Loss.

With Special Guest: Dr. Audrey Jacobsen

Everyone loses a few hairs every day (about 50-100 on average). But ever wonder why some people lose some or even all of their hair entirely? Or why things like stress or Chemotherapy can have have an effect on our manes? Hair loss is something that will make you gray at an early age - if you're lucky! But the who, when and why is something that almost always leaves us with more questions than answers.

It turns out, hair loss falls under the field of dermatology, so thankfully on episode 4 of our show, we'll be joined by the Chair of Dermatology at Hennepin Healthcare, Dr. Audrey Jacobsen (MD, MPH), to help us get to the root of the matter (apologies - hair puns are low-hangin fruit...). We'll go over why hair loss can happen, who's most at risk, and best yet, what can be done to treat or even prevent it. This is an obvious stressor for a lot of people, so thankfully we've got an expert to walk us through it, and hopefully keep the grays at bay. Join us!

Got healthcare questions or ideas for future shows?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

11/09/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E03 - Addiction Recovery in Real Time - LIVE!

With Special Guests: Dr. Lauren Graber and Dr. Charlie Reznikoff

Addiction can come in a lot of different forms, and although the opioid epidemic has been at the fore of the conversation, we often forget that cigarettes and alcohol continue to claim the most lives. Truth is, 1 in 3 Americans is affected in one way or another by someone with a substance use disorder, which is to say that it's not just a problem for the individual with the condition. But how does one get addicted in the first place? Who's most at risk? And what can be done to help them?

Addiction is not about willpower or a moral shortcoming, it's actually a complex medical condition that can affect the brain and body, and on the next episode of our show, we'll be joined by addiction medicine specialists Dr. Lauren Graber and Dr. Charlie Reznikoff to help us detangle the matter. Join us for an insightful conversation (in front of a live studio audience!) with two experts who have helped countless people find help and hope in recovery.

Got healthcare questions or ideas for future shows?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

10/26/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E02 - Gut Check: Colon Cancer 101

With Special Guest: Dr. Jake Matlock, MD

Colon cancer isn't exactly dinner-table conversation, but maybe it should be. Behind the awkward jokes and uncomfortable colonoscopy prep lies one of the most preventable forms of cancer out there. But how does colon cancer develop? Who's most at risk? And can screening and early detection really save your behind?

On Episode 2 of our show, Dr. Hilden sits down with gastroenterologist, Dr. Jake Matlock to go through everything from prevention to treatment. We'll cover the basics of the condition, weigh the merits of available screening options and discuss the best practices for staying healthy. When it comes to colon health, a little knowledge (and a little humor) goes a long way. We hope you'll join us.

Got healthcare questions or ideas for future shows?
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

10/12/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S05_E01 - Food, Feelings, and Freedom from Eating Disorders

With Special Guest: Dr. Melissa Eisenmenger, PhD, LP

Binge eating disorder, Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa - there’s a chance you’ve heard of these, but do you really know what they are?

Eating disorders are complex and affect both our physical and mental health, and unfortunately, the number of reported cases has doubled since the year 2000(!!). Obviously, food is an essential part of our lives and something many of us find great joy in, but for others, the relationship is much more complicated, oftentimes leading to dangerous outcomes. But who gets eating disorders? How and when do they develop? And what can be done to identify, diagnose, and get help to those who need it?

Social media, diet advertisements, and diet culture are big contributors, but they’re not the only culprits. On Episode 1 of Season 5, we’ll sit down with Dr. Melissa Eisenmenger (PhD, LP), a psychologist at Hennepin Healthcare who’s helped countless people who suffer from eating disorders. We’ll have an open and honest conversation around the causes, diagnoses, and treatments of these all too common conditions, as well as discuss ways you can support anyone you know who might be affected by them. We hope you’ll join us.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website is an excellent source of information and resources for anyone seeking help.

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.

09/14/25

The Healthy Matters Podcast

S04_E24 - From Womb to World: An OB-GYN's Insights for New Moms

With Special Guest: Dr. Samantha Pace, MD

Becoming a new mom is one of life’s biggest transitions—it’s exhilarating, exhausting, and everything in between. And, although there's no shortage of advice out there when it comes to being a mother, there are invariably a lot of questions that new moms face.

From the physical effects of childbirth to the breastfeeding vs bottle debate, sleep schedules, mental well-being, and all of that baby gear, you'd certainly be excused if you were feeling a little overwhelmed. Thankfully, on Episode 24 of our show, we'll sit down with OB-GYN and women's health specialist Dr. Samantha Pace to talk about all of the realities of early motherhood - both the joys and the challenges. She's just the expert to help us cut through the noise, calm the chaos, and maybe remind us that we really are doing better than we think. Join us!

We're open to your comments or ideas for future shows!
Email - healthymatters@hcmed.org
Call - 612-873-TALK (8255)

Get a preview of upcoming shows on social media and find out more about our show at www.healthymatters.org.