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The Matt Walker Podcast

The Matt Walker Podcast

By: Dr. Matt Walker
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The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public.

© 2026 The Matt Walker Podcast
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Beekeepers Garden - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker
    Jun 29 2026

    Matt invites you to embark upon a gentle journey to a peaceful, restful sleep. After settling in and breathing deeply, you will find yourself on a winding lane. Matt guides you past a mossy stone wall into Eleanor's garden, a quiet sanctuary where the busy world fades away and the only pace is the soft rhythm of wings and petals.


    Wander the paths lined with blooming lavender and settle onto a rustic wooden bench beneath an old apple tree. Watch the honeybees move with quiet purpose. As dusk turns to a golden, amber glow, listen to the soothing, purring hum of the hives. With no rush or urgency, allow this quiet garden to ease away your remaining stress as you drift into a deep, restorative sleep.


    Hydrate scientifically with LMNT, a sugar-free electrolyte mix backed by physiology and biochemistry. Try the permanent Lemonade Salt flavor for a balanced, clean boost without the sugar crash. Use Matt’s link to get a free 8-count sample pack with any purchase: drinklmnt.com/mattwalker.

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out:

    Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

    YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat



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    25 mins
  • #141 - The Daylight Mistake
    Jun 22 2026

    Matt illuminates sunlight’s biological impact beyond Vitamin D as he reveals that our eyes contain a hidden daylight circuit wired directly to the brain. These "sky detectors" use bright outdoor light to instantly boost alertness, sharpen attention, and trigger a morning cortisol surge. Lacking this intense daylight indoors leaves us sluggish and out of sync.


    He also breaks down the lifelong benefits of light exposure, from treating depression to preventing childhood myopia, and shares a zero-cost toolkit to optimize daily light intake. By stepping outside upon waking, moving desks to windows, or using a 10,000-lux light box in winter, anyone can use natural light to steady their mind and health.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.


    In a supplement industry where trust is critical, Matt uses podcast supporter Puori. Their protein powders are free from hormones, GMOs, and pesticides, with every single batch third-party tested for over 200 contaminants. For protein you can trust, save 20% at puori.com/mattwalker.


    Upgrade your oral care with Redmond Life. This fluoride-free, mineral-based toothpaste uses micro-hydroxyapatite to support enamel and bentonite clay for polishing. No harsh chemicals or artificial dyes - just fresh flavors. Use code WALKER for 15% off your first order at redmond.life/walker.

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

    Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat



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    26 mins
  • #140 - Tired but Wired
    Jun 15 2026

    Exploring the "tired but wired" state where exhaustion meets an overactive alerting system, Matt explains that insomnia is often a disorder of hyperarousal rather than a lack of sleep drive. Using metabolic data and brain activity, he shows how an internal "accelerator" remains pressed despite an empty fuel tank, causing the body and brain to stay alert when they should be resting.

    Matt shares evidence-based CBT-I tools to break this cycle, including the "cognitive shuffle" and specific imagery to quiet racing thoughts. He also covers muscle relaxation and rhythmic breathing to trigger a physiological stand-down. By practicing stimulus control - leaving bed when awake - listeners can stop associating the bedroom with wakefulness and finally lower their internal alerting systems.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    MUD\WTR is the ultimate coffee alternative that delivers a natural morning pick-me-up without caffeine jitters. Their unique blend of cacao and mushrooms offers a delightful and gentle lift to kickstart your day, as Matt can attest! Plus, now when you head over to mudwtr.com/MattWalker, as a podcast listener, you'll receive a free frother and coconut creamer samples!


    Hydrate scientifically with LMNT, a sugar-free electrolyte mix backed by physiology and biochemistry. Try the permanent Lemonade Salt flavor for a balanced, clean boost without the sugar crash. Use Matt’s link to get a free 8-count sample pack with any purchase: drinklmnt.com/mattwalker.

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

    Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat



    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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I look forward to every episode, and love receiving the notification to say there’s a new one. I spend the day waiting to get to bed early so I can listen to it before a good sleep! Awesome work Matt!

Excellent!

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exgellent advice to improve sleep. it follows the contents of his book "why we sleep?"

excellent podcast

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