GLP-1 receptor agonists have become some of the most talked-about medications in recent years. You may have heard names such as liraglutide, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). These treatments have attracted attention because they can significantly reduce appetite and support weight loss while also helping to manage blood glucose levels.

The breakthrough came when researchers developed long-acting versions of hormones naturally released by the body after eating, including GLP-1 and, in some cases, GIP. These hormones help regulate hunger and promote feelings of fullness. While the body's natural response lasts only a short time, modern medications extend these effects for up to a week with a single injection.

Since results from major clinical trials emerged in the early 2020s, GLP-1 therapies have transformed obesity treatment, delivering weight-loss outcomes that surpass those achieved by previous medications and offering new hope for people struggling with weight management.

- Laureate Professor Clare Collins, internationally distinguished leader in nutrition and dietetics, University of Newcastle

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In this episode, we sit down with Professor Jay Horvat from the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) to discuss why lung health is fundamental to overall wellbeing and how emerging research is uncovering surprising new influences on respiratory disease.

Professor Horvat explains the challenges faced by Australians living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and particularly those managing both conditions at the same time.

We explore groundbreaking research investigating how the body's metabolism - including factors such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol and excess abdominal fat - may contribute to lung inflammation and breathing difficulties. Professor Horvat discusses how a better understanding of these connections could lead to new treatments, lifestyle interventions and improved outcomes for people with chronic respiratory disease.

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In this episode, we speak with Oliver Christen, author of As She Chose: A Conscious End to a Life Well Lived. Oliver shares the deeply personal story behind his book, which chronicles his mother's decision to approach the end of her life with dignity, intention, and presence. Drawing on his experiences as a son, traveller, entrepreneur, and student of meditation, Oliver explores themes of choice, mortality, spirituality, family, and what it truly means to live—and die—well. This thoughtful conversation offers insight, compassion, and a fresh perspective on one of life's most profound journeys.

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This week on Wellbeing, we welcome Renée McDonald, counsellor, psychotherapist, coach and spiritual mentor. With more than 20 years’ experience helping people navigate life’s challenges, Renée shares her insights on spirituality, personal growth, resilience and finding meaning in a busy world. We explore the connection between emotional wellbeing and spiritual wellbeing, how to reconnect with your authentic self, and practical ways to cultivate balance, purpose and inner peace. Whether you're seeking greater clarity, healing or direction in life, this thoughtful conversation offers inspiration, wisdom and tools to support your wellbeing journey.

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On this edition, Guy Murphy speaks with University of Newcastle alumni and medical director of Sleep Medicine, Dr Antonio Ambrogetti, about factors influencing sleep quality, hygiene, and disorders.

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Professor Andrew Bailey emphasises that leisure is not simply time off or entertainment, it is an important contributor to mental, emotional and social health.

In this edition we'll hear that:

• Meaningful leisure activities help people recover from stress and improve overall wellbeing
• Leisure is most beneficial when it involves connection, purpose, creativity, physical activity, or time in nature
• Modern life often treats leisure as unproductive, but healthy recreation is essential for resilience and quality of life
• Outdoor experiences and shared activities can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and strengthen community connection

Professor Bailey is from the Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

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On this edition of Wellbeing, Guy Murphy chats with Brisbane radiographer Callum Howes about radiography - the job, radiation exposure, and more.

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Professor Kelvin Kong advocates strongly for improving the health, hearing, education and life opportunities of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially through early detection and treatment of ear disease.

As an Indigenous surgeon and a proud Worimi man, he has focused much of his work on chronic ear infections (otitis media or "glue ear"), which affect Indigenous children at some of the highest rates in the world. He argues that untreated hearing loss can seriously affect speech, language development, school participation and future employment opportunities.

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