In this episode of Wellbeing, we explore the importance of lung health, and what happens when conditions such as cystic fibrosis and asthma affect our breathing. Dr Geshani Jayasuriya joins us to discuss these conditions and the latest approaches to managing respiratory health.

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Dr Trent Watson is a dietitian, nutrition researcher and CEO of Ethos Health in Newcastle. With a PhD in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Newcastle, he has worked with professional sporting organisations, workplaces and the Biggest Loser program. He is passionate about cutting through nutrition confusion and providing practical, evidence-based information to improve health and wellbeing.

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Dr Heather Murray is working to develop more personalised treatments for acute myeloid leukaemia, a serious blood cancer. Her research aims to understand why some treatments work for some patients but not others, and find better ways to match each patient with the treatment most likely to help.

For Dr Murray's current HMRI work in precision cancer treatment she received a 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovator Fellowship.

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What happens when our body clock falls out of sync with the demands of modern life? In this episode, Matthew Flinders Professor Sean Cain discusses the science of sleep and circadian rhythms, exploring how light, daily routines and our internal biological clock influence when we sleep, how alert we feel and our overall wellbeing. The conversation also examines the effects of disrupted sleep patterns and what research can tell us about creating healthier rhythms for work, rest and everyday life.

Cain is a Matthew Flinders Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health and a member of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute. His research includes circadian biology, light exposure and sleep-wake timing.

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Healthy relationships don't just happen—they're built through understanding, communication and intentional effort.

In this episode, we speak with relationship educator Robyn Donnelly, founder of Building Stronger Relationships. With almost 30 years experience helping couples and individuals, Robyn shares practical, evidence-based strategies for creating stronger emotional connections, communicating more effectively and navigating conflict in healthy ways. Her work draws on relationship research, including the Gottman Method, to provide skills that can strengthen relationships at every stage of life.

Whether you're starting a new relationship, preparing for marriage, raising a family, rediscovering your connection as empty nesters, or simply wanting to improve the relationships in your life, this conversation offers practical insights you can begin using straight away. Robyn explains why healthy relationships are one of the foundations of overall wellbeing and how small, intentional changes can make a lasting difference.

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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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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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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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