Dokkcast

About Dokkcast

The Dokkcast is an evidence-led health podcast hosted by Dr Nara Daubeney. Open, accessible conversations with eminent doctors, clinicians, researchers and healthcare specialists, who translate complex medical subjects into information you can understand and use. The internet isn't short on wellness advice. It's short on trust. Social platforms reward reach, not rigour, and separating credible guidance from confident misinformation is harder than ever. The Dokkcast exists to help. No hype, no fads, no misinformation: just qualified professionals given the time and space to explain their work properly, say why it matters and consider where their field may be heading next. YOUR HOST Dr Nara Daubeney is a consultant ENT surgeon and entrepreneur based in London. She has a PhD in immunology from Imperial College, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Honorary Secretary of ENTUK and Clinical Lead for Innovation at the Royal Society of Medicine. She brings clinical experience, curiosity and a talent for asking the questions listeners want answered. WHO YOU'LL HEAR FROM Our guests are chosen for their professional experience, specialist knowledge and their ability to explain their work clearly. Recent conversations include: - Professor John Deanfield CBE, Professor of Cardiology at University College London, on the rise of obesity in the UK and why it is a medical issue, not a question of willpower. - Dr Alexander Lyon, consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for the cardio-oncology service at Royal Brompton Hospital, on how cancer treatment can affect the heart and what patients need to know. WHAT WE COVER - Women's health and hormonal change - Metabolic health and obesity - Heart health and prevention - Cancer care and survivorship - Musculoskeletal health - Voice and vocal health - Paediatric and specialist medicine - Mental wellbeing - Exercise, movement and recovery - Healthier ageing - Medical research and new treatments WHO IT'S FOR Anyone who wants reliable, understandable health information: patients and their families, people looking after their own health, carers, and professionals who want to hear what is happening in other specialties. WATCH AND READ Every episode is available as audio and on video. Find episode pages, show notes, key points and chapters on our blog at thedokkcast.com, along with more about Dr Nara Daubeney and our guests. NEW EPISODES, FOLLOW AND REVIEW Follow The Dokkcast so you never miss a conversation. If you enjoy the show, a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps new listeners find us, and we'd be very grateful. GUESTS, SPONSORS AND PARTNERS We welcome enquiries from experts who would like to be considered as guests, and from organisations whose work fits our audience and protects the programme's credibility. We record in our studio on Great Portland Street, London, remotely, or at your location. Find out more at thedokkcast.com (thedokkcast.com). Press and partnership enquiries: damien.bidmead@udokk.com IMPORTANT The Dokkcast provides general information and education only. It does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your own health. The Dokkcast is brought to you by Udokk, a platform built around credibility, not virality. Find out more at udokk.com (udokk.com). © Udokk Ltd. Company number 16772147. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Udokk

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 May 2026

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   How Did We Get Here? The Rise of Obesity in the UK

   Show notes In 1950, fewer than 1% of the UK population were obese. Today it’s more than 30%. So what changed? In this episode we’re joined by Professor John Deanfield CBE, Professor of Cardiology at University College London. He is one of the world’s leading cardiometabolic specialists, a steering committee member for the landmark SELECT trial, the UK government’s first champion for personalised prevention, and a trustee of Our Future Health. This is the first in a series of conversations. Here we look at how obesity became the biggest driver of ill health in the population, and why it’s a medical issue, not a cosmetic one or a failure of willpower. In this episode: What BMI measures, and where “overweight” ends and “obese” begins Why the UK and US have done worse than countries like France and Japan How changes in food, work, cities and lifestyle have driven a population-wide shift The health cost: diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer and dementia, and how obesity lowers the chance of reaching 70 Childhood obesity, “the elephant in the room”, and the WHO prediction that half of children born today will be overweight or obese adults Why Jamie Oliver’s school meals campaign showed there’s no single fix “Investing in your arteries”: why prevention works like saving for retirement Our Future Health, the UK’s largest health research programme, and how it builds on UK Biobank The future of the NHS, social care and living longer in good health Key takeaway: Managing your weight is about more than how you look. It shapes how well you live and how long you live. It’s an investment in your long-term health. Find out more: ourfuturehealth.org.uk 0:00 Introduction 2:20 Welcome, and Professor Deanfield's work 4:57 How did we get here? 5:47 How big is the problem? 6:38 What is obesity? 7:55 What has changed since 1950 9:47 Why some countries have done better 12:53 Why it matters for our health 16:31 Childhood obesity 18:56 Protecting the next generation 20:26 Raising awareness 21:33 Investing in our arteries 25:38 Our Future Health 29:15 The role of the NHS 32:35 Longevity: living well, not just longer 36:21 Take-home message The internet isn’t short on wellness advice – it’s short on trust. Social platforms reward reach, not rigour. Anyone can claim expertise, and separating credible guidance from confident misinformation is harder than ever. Udokk exists to fix that. A platform built around credibility, not virality. Find out more about Udokk and The Dokkcast at udokk.com (https://udokk.com/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Cancer Treatment and Heart Health: What Patients Need to Know

   Dr Alexander Lyon is a consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for the cardio-oncology service, based at Royal Brompton Hospital. https://www.rbht.nhs.uk/specialists/dr-alexander-lyon Some cancer treatments can affect the heart during treatment or even years later. In this episode of The Dokkcast, Dr Nara Daubeney speaks with Dr Alexander Lyon, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital, about the rapidly developing field of cardio-oncology. They explore how chemotherapy, targeted therapies, hormone treatments, radiotherapy and immunotherapy can affect cardiovascular health, and how personalised risk assessments are helping patients receive effective cancer treatment more safely. Dr Lyon also explains the warning signs, the value of monitoring and why exercise, diet and other healthy choices can make a meaningful difference. This episode offers practical guidance for anyone undergoing cancer treatment, cancer survivors and those supporting a loved one through treatment. 00:00 - Introducing Dr Alexander Lyon and cardio-oncology 04:18 - Protecting the heart during cancer treatment 08:49 - What is heart failure? 12:30 - Balancing cancer treatment with cardiac risk 15:31 - Why cancer drugs can affect the heart 18:29 - The growing cardiovascular impact of cancer medicines 21:14 - Chemotherapy and long-term heart damage 25:06 - Targeted therapies, blood pressure and heart health 31:15 - Hormone therapies for breast and prostate cancer 35:29 - Radiotherapy and its long-term effects on the heart 39:58 - Assessing personal cardiovascular risk 41:46 - Exercise, diet and healthier cancer outcomes 45:02 - Making specialist cardio-oncology care widely available 49:58 - Guidelines, technology and the Onco Card 53:49 - The future of cancer immunotherapy 58:08 - Reverse cardio-oncology: can heart disease drive cancer? 01:01:38 - Practical advice for patients and cancer survivors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Demystifying POTS: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Hope for Teenagers with Prof. Piers Daubeney

   In this episode of the Dokkcast, host Nara sits down with Professor Piers Daubeney, a world-renowned Consultant Paediatric and Fetal Cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital and Imperial College London. Together, they untangle the complexities of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)—a frequently misunderstood condition that primarily affects teenagers and young adults. Prof. Daubeney breaks down the underlying physiology of POTS, explaining why the heart races when standing and how gravity affects circulation. He highlights the crucial differences between pediatric and adult POTS, details the standard diagnostic toolkit (including ECGs, Holter monitors, and tilt table tests), and outlines a structured ladder of treatment. From simple lifestyle shifts like increased salt intake and targeted hydration to advanced pharmaceutical interventions like Midodrine and Ivabradine, this episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for patients, parents, and healthcare providers. Prof. Daubeney also shares a powerful message of hope, reassuring families that the long-term prognosis for pediatric patients is exceptionally bright. 00:00 – Introduction to Prof. Piers Daubeney 01:03 – What is POTS? Defining the Syndrome 01:52 – Pediatric vs. Adult POTS: Key Differences 02:50 – The Physiology of a Faint: How Gravity and Circulation Interact 05:07 – The Diagnostic Journey: Ruling Out Arrhythmias and Iron Deficiency 06:21 – Understanding the Tilt Table and Active Stand Tests 07:54 – Lifestyle First Aid: The Critical Role of Salt, Fluids, and Compression 09:45 – Exercise and Physical Conditioning for POTS 10:43 – Distinguishing POTS from Anxiety 11:27 – The Treatment Ladder: Midodrine, Fludrocortisone, and Ivabradine 13:21 – Navigating the Referral Pathway and Raising Awareness 15:02 – Adult POTS and Autonomic Dysregulation Explained 16:32 – The Post-COVID Uptick and Viral Triggers 17:40 – Debunking Myths: Hypermobility and Co-morbidities 18:32 – POTS in the Media: Can POTS Cause Rigid Muscle Reactions? 19:43 – A Message of Hope: Prognosis and Long-Term Recovery

4. 

   4 Aug 2026

   The Science of Song & Speech: Unlocking Vocal Health with Leading Laryngologist Declan Costello

   What actually happens when we speak, sing, or lose our voice entirely? In this episode of the Dokkcast, host Nara is joined by Mr. Declan Costello—one of the UK’s leading ENT surgeons, laryngologists, and a classical singer himself. Declan demystifies the complex anatomy of the vocal folds, explaining how a simple "buzzing" sound is modulated into the rich timbres of speech and song. Drawing from his unique dual background as a Cambridge choral scholar and a specialist surgeon, he shares vital insights into vocal pathology, the profound impact of emotion on speech, and why the aging voice is a "use it or lose it" muscle. Whether you are a professional performer or someone who simply relies on your voice for everyday communication, this episode is an essential masterclass in vocal care, debunking common myths (like gargling salt water) and highlighting when a hoarse voice is actually a sign to see a specialist. Chapters 00:00 Intro — meet Declan Costello, ENT voice surgeon 00:43 What is the voice and how is it produced? 02:04 Vocal folds vs "vocal cords" — the real anatomy 03:42 Harmonics, overtones and vocal timbre explained 07:23 Vibrato — what it is and how singers control it 08:44 Singing in different languages 10:23 Declan's path from music at Cambridge to ENT surgery 13:38 What shows up on a singer's vocal cords 15:34 Stroboscopy — seeing the vocal cords in slow motion 16:16 Voice frequency and how voice is assessed (GRBAS scale) 18:18 Singers vs non-singers — why pathology differs 19:53 Vocal cord polyps — the Harry Kane example 21:31 Laryngeal papillomatosis — vocal cord warts 23:04 Hoarseness — when it could be something serious 24:21 Key takeaway: persistent hoarseness needs checking out 25:09 Emotional trauma and voice loss (aphonia) 27:17 Why getting checked early matters 28:24 Speech and language therapy — "physiotherapy for the voice" 29:34 Chronic throat clearing and the persistent cough cycle 30:50 Reflux, PPIs and throat symptoms 32:26 Hydration and vocal health 33:34 Steam inhalation for voice care 34:10 The "singer's formant" explained 35:58 Tonsillectomy considerations for singers 38:01 Globus pharyngeus — that "lump in the throat" feeling 39:54 How the voice changes with age 41:38 Retirement, muscle tone and "use it or lose it" 43:41 When should you actually see someone? 45:18 Common voice myths — gargling, aspirin, voice rest 46:13 Closing thoughts and wrap-up

5. 

   15 Jul 2026

   Beyond the Latch: The Truth About Breastfeeding, Tongue-Ties, and Mouth-Breathing Myths with Stacey Zimmels

   In this episode of The Dokkcast, host Nara is joined by Stacey Zimmels, a highly specialized pediatric speech and language therapist and lactation consultant. Together, they dive deep into the often confusing, advice-heavy world of infant feeding. From untangling the coordination of "suck, swallow, breathe" to busting the biggest myths around breastfeeding pain, tongue-ties, and baby-led weaning, this conversation provides a grounded, evidence-based roadmap for parents. They also tackle recent social media trends around mouth breathing, explaining the real science behind nasal breathing, large adenoids, and pediatric sleep. Whether you are navigating the early days of nursing, preparing to introduce solids, or wondering if your child's tongue-tie actually needs dividing, this episode offers compassionate, expert guidance without the guilt. 00:00 | Meet Stacey Zimmels – Introduction to Stacey's unique dual background as a pediatric speech therapist and lactation consultant. 01:05 | The Role of a Pediatric SLT – Why speech and language therapy is actually heavily focused on pediatric swallowing and dysphagia. 03:15 | The Path to Lactation Medicine – Stacey's journey from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to becoming a lactation consultant. 04:35 | The "Suck, Swallow, Breathe" Dance – How infants coordinate breathing and swallowing, and what happens when that flow is disrupted. 06:55 | The Magic of Breast Milk – Demystifying colostrum, antibodies, and the foremilk vs. hindmilk debate. 09:10 | Busting Breastfeeding Myths – Why pain is not normal, the myth of the natural and easy latch, and rejecting maternal guilt. 11:15 | What is a Tongue-Tie, Really? – Understanding the lingual frenulum and why diagnosis should always be based on function, not just appearance. 13:50 | Treating Tongue-Ties: Scissors vs. Laser – The reality of tongue-tie division, why cool lasers aren't always better, and deciding between quick clinic snips vs. general anesthesia for older babies. 17:05 | Weaning Wisely & Developmental Readiness – The truth about starting solids, key developmental signs to look for, and busting the food for sleep myth. 19:25 | Spoon Feeding vs. Baby-Led Weaning – Pros, cons, and how to safely navigate choking anxieties. 21:35 | Navigating Picky Eaters & Neophobia – Why toddlers become afraid of new foods and how social eating can help. 23:25 | The Mouth-Breathing Trend & "Mouth Taping" – The physiology of the nasal cycle, the dangers of mouth taping children, and when to see an ENT. 26:40 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Kids – How airway blockages mimic ADHD symptoms and when to seek medical support.

6. 

   7 Jul 2026

   From Boardroom to Chelsea Gold: Jenny Halpern-Prince on Lady Garden & Gynae Cancer Awareness

   Jenny Halpern-Prince built a PR agency from her kitchen table into a WPP-backed business — then co-founded Lady Garden, the charity breaking the silence around gynaecological cancers. In episode 9 of Dokkcast, Jenny joins us to talk about her career, her own health journey, and why 60 women being diagnosed and 21 dying every day in the UK from gynaecological cancers isn't talked about nearly enough. 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E) Introduction 00:00:51 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=51s) Early career: choosing Joseph over university 00:02:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=144s) Lessons from a tough fashion retail culture 00:02:50 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=170s) Setting up her own PR & comms agency at 23 00:06:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=419s) Selling the business and growing with WPP 00:08:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=536s) The charitable thread: Women's Aid, Great Ormond Street 00:10:12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=612s) Founding Access Aspiration (2012) 00:12:26 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=746s) Lady Garden: the name and the mission 00:15:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=907s) The origin story: Tamara Beckwith's mother 00:15:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=955s) The numbers: 60 diagnosed, 21 deaths a day 00:17:36 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1056s) Chelsea Flower Show: the gold-winning "Silent No More" garden 00:21:20 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1280s) Male allyship and designer Darren Hawkes 00:23:27 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1407s) Jenny's own health journey 00:25:46 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1546s) The fertility journey begins 00:27:03 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1623s) Twelve IVF rounds and twin daughters via surrogacy 00:27:35 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1655s) A second surrogacy journey: son Marcus 00:28:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1682s) Breaking the silence on pregnancy loss 00:30:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1813s) The ambassador programme and the HPV vaccine gap 00:32:23 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=1943s) Celebrating ambassadors at the House of Commons 00:33:42 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2022s) Access Aspiration's networking impact 00:37:41 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2261s) How organisations can get involved 00:38:32 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2312s) Emily Blaine's story and the Chelsea garden's inspiration 00:39:15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2355s) Gynae cancer symptoms to watch for 00:40:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2456s) Lady Garden's NHS-backed chatbot 00:42:06 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2526s) Launching the Lady Garden Tea Party 00:42:30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2550s) The T-shirt: names for the vulva, and losing the fear factor 00:43:41 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O05-EHwI1_E&t=2621s) Closing thoughts and what's next with Udokk Jenny Halpern-Prince is the co-founder of Lady Garden, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of gynaecological cancers, and founder of Access Aspiration, an education charity supporting social mobility through work placements. 🎧 Subscribe to Dokkcast for more conversations on health, wellbeing, and the people driving change.

7. 

   30 Jun 2026

   The Truth About GLP-1 Weight Loss: Nutrition, Muscle Loss & Ozempic with Dietitian Marcela Fiuza

   Losing weight can be tricky. We explore the risk of significant muscle loss during dieting and regaining fat, potentially leading to sarcopenic obesity (a condition characterized by the concurrent presence of excess body fat (obesity) and a low mass, quality, and function of skeletal muscle (sarcopenia). It creates a vicious cycle: muscle loss reduces mobility and energy expenditure, which promotes further fat gain.) Learn the hidden dangers and what to watch out for. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to GLP-1 and Women's Health 12:15 Nutritional Impacts of GLP-1 22:51 Protein Needs and Muscle Preservation 34:11 Long-term Considerations and Self-Image

8. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Marcela Fiuza: Perimenopause Nutrition. Why Weight Changes in Your 40s

   Perimenopause Nutrition: Why Weight Changes in Your 40s (Protein, Fiber, and Metabolism) 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:25 Marcella’s Career Journey 02:30 Focus on Women in Their 40s 03:33 Menopause and Perimenopause Explained 05:54 Hormone Fluctuations and Symptoms 08:38 Weight Gain Complaints and Causes 10:56 Aging vs Menopause Metabolism 12:56 Visceral Fat and Heart Risk 16:22 Diet Patterns Protein and Fiber 19:57 Food Diaries and Evening Pitfalls 21:35 Balance Meals Early 22:01 Realistic Planning Tips 22:21 Protein Basics Explained 23:54 Plant vs Animal Protein 26:17 Vegetarian Protein Combos 27:25 Protein Needs in Menopause 28:33 Fiber 101 and Sources 30:33 Why Fiber Matters 32:09 Build Better Plates Fast 34:09 Sleep Stress and HRT 36:40 DIY Food Diary Method 38:49 Myth Bust Eat Less Move More 42:38 Reset Expectations and Wrap

9. 

   28 May 2026

   Dr Laura Wood - The Menopause Conversation Your Doctor Should Be Having With You

   Most women expect menopause to mean hot flushes and the end of their periods. The reality is far more complex — and far more consequential — than that. In this episode, Professor Nara Daubeney is joined by Dr Laura Wood, specialist GP at Muse Medical and menopause expert, for a comprehensive and myth-busting conversation about what menopause actually is, what it does to your body, and what you can do about it. They cover the difference between perimenopause and menopause, why symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep and weight gain are often missed or misattributed, why blood tests alone aren't reliable for diagnosis, and what a proper holistic workup actually looks like. Dr Laura also explains the real risks and benefits of HRT — including why a 25-year-old study still shapes how millions of women think about it today, the truth about breast cancer risk in context, and why women are 30 times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than breast cancer. Plus: vaginal estrogen, testosterone, bone health, cardiovascular risk, and why there are no prizes for suffering in silence.

10. 

    23 May 2026

    NHS vs Private Health Screening | Dr Sophie Ladbrooke on What's Free, What's Worth It & What Could Save Your Life

    Dr Sophie Ladbrooke joins Dokkcast to break down everything you need to know about health screening — from the free tests you might be skipping to the private add-ons that can genuinely change outcomes. Bowel cancer. Breast density. Prostate MRI. Ovarian cancer. The future of blood-based cancer detection. It's all here. Find more verified health voices at udokk.com or on the Udokk app — Apple App Store and Google Play.

11. 

    21 May 2026

    From Injury to Holistic Health Leadership with Brad Clifford

    Brad went from nearly dying of sepsis as a collegiate football player to building one of the most comprehensive preventative health companies around. In this episode of the Dokk Cast, Nara sits down with Brad to trace his remarkable journey — from athlete to med-tech leader to founder of Elevation Health — and unpack his bold vision for what healthcare should have been doing for the last 30 years. They dive deep into epigenetics, whole genome sequencing, mitochondrial health, pharmacogenomics, and why a single yearly blood test gives you almost none of the picture you actually need. Brad also shares his unfiltered take on how the US insurance system is failing patients, why strength training is non-negotiable (especially for women), and what the UK gets right about movement that America has completely forgotten. Whether you're curious about longevity, frustrated with conventional medicine, or just want to understand your own biology better — this conversation is packed with insight. 🔗 Learn more about Elevation Health: https://www.elevetion.com/ (https://www.elevetion.com/) Timecodes: 00:00 – Introduction & Brad's background 01:00 – From athlete to injury: a near-sepsis experience at college 03:00 – Emergency surgery & a nine-month recovery 05:30 – Discovering the med-tech world through orthopedic surgery 07:30 – Seven and a half years at Stryker in sports medicine 10:00 – Moving into interventional radiology at Merit Medical 13:00 – Brad's personal health crisis: panic attacks & metabolic decline 14:30 – Working in genomic-based breast cancer diagnostics 16:30 – Why the US insurance system is failing patients 18:00 – Using pharmacogenomics to resolve his own anxiety 21:00 – Building the Elevation Health model from scratch 26:00 – Why quarterly biomarker snapshots beat the annual physical 27:00 – Epigenetics explained: day trading vs. futures on your health 33:00 – The five pillars of health span: social connection, sleep, nutrition, movement & CNS 36:00 – Whole genome sequencing & building your personal "health moat" 38:00 – Mitochondrial health and its links to cancer, Alzheimer's & autism 39:30 – The expert team behind Elevation: PhDs, dieticians & clinical leads 41:00 – Using data to drive real daily habit change 42:00 – Strength training for longevity — especially for women 47:00 – Walking culture: UK vs. US and what it means for lifespan 51:00 – Finding the cardio sweet spot without overdoing it 52:30 – Wearables, HRV, and what we actually know about heart rate variability 55:00 – Sleep quality vs. quantity — and why Brad changed his mind 57:30 – Melatonin mega-dosing as a brain reset (and the caveats) 01:00:30 – Psychedelics, trauma healing & emerging brain health research 01:03:00 – Building a personalised nutrition pantry through genomics 01:08:30 – Elevation's global vision and new partnerships (Ezra, full-body MRI) 01:10:30 – Leadership through curiosity: staying adaptive in a fast-moving field 01:12:00 – Closing thoughts

12. 

    20 May 2026

    Can You Be a Surgeon and Have a Family? Orthopaedic Surgeon Cat Malik Explains

    Cat Malik is a post-CCT trauma and orthopaedics fellow specialising in foot, ankle, and lower limb surgery. In this episode of Dokkcast, host Professor Nara Daubeney speaks with her about what it genuinely takes to build a surgical career — and how to sustain one alongside family life. Cat traces her journey from medical school through surgical training, sharing candid insights into orthopaedic culture, the stereotypes that still surround the specialty, and the very real challenges women continue to face in surgery. A particularly compelling thread is her experience raising three children while progressing through a demanding training pathway, with practical advice for doctors navigating the same tension between career and family. The conversation also looks outward at broader shifts in healthcare — the role of social media in spreading both useful information and misinformation, how doctors engage with these platforms professionally, and what AI means for the future of medical knowledge and patient trust. A frank and wide-ranging episode for anyone considering a surgical career, or interested in the evolving culture of medicine.

13. 

    19 May 2026

    Innovations in Endoscopic Surgery with Professor Hesham Saleh

    Professor Hesham Saleh is a leading London-based consultant rhinologist and facial plastic surgeon, practising at Charing Cross Hospital and the Harley ENT Practice. He specialises in rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, rhinology, skull-base surgery, and orbital/lacrimal surgery. He holds FRCS (ENT) and FRCS (ORL-HNS) qualifications, has been named in The Times' top 140 doctors and top 50 surgeons lists, and serves as Professor of Practice in Rhinology at Imperial College. He is past president of the Laryngology and Rhinology section of the Royal Society of Medicine. His research focuses on rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, skull-base pathology, and nasal deformities, including leading multicentre trials on olfactory damage and antibiotic-resistant sinus bacteria. The podcast episode covers his career journey, the evolution of ENT training, the complexity of sinus and endoscopic surgery, and — as its central theme — the influence of social media on cosmetic surgery, particularly how platforms like Instagram and TikTok spread unrealistic beauty standards and misinformation among young patients, and the need for better medical education to counter this.

14. 

    19 May 2026

    Professor Mike Rigby: A Lifetime Advancing Paediatric Cardiology

    Professor Mike Rigby is one of the most influential figures in paediatric cardiology, with a career spanning over four decades. In this conversation with Nara, he reflects on the sweeping transformation of children's heart care — from an era of limited diagnostics and high-risk surgery to today's advanced imaging, interventional techniques, and dramatically improved survival rates. Drawing on his experience at the Royal Brompton Hospital, he discusses pioneering procedures, the rise of echocardiography, and the ongoing debate between intervention and surgery in congenital heart disease. He also speaks to the deeply human side of medicine: communicating with anxious families, the passion behind teaching, and the privilege of mentoring cardiologists from around the world. The episode closes with reflections on legacy, the role of genetics in the field's future, and what a life in medicine ultimately means. Aimed at clinicians, trainees, and students, it serves as both a history of paediatric cardiology and a guide to its future.

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