Pod·ology

About Pod·ology

Pod·ology: The podcast where science collides with culture, without the complicated jargon. With an expert in the field, we bridge the gap between rigorous evidence and the conversations happening at your dinner table, turning complex data into the stories that define our lives. If you want to be more informed and a better conversationalist at your next gathering, join Daniel, Carolyn, and Jeff as they unpack the topics that actually matter—answering the questions you’ve always wondered about, but didn't know who to ask. Daniel Bernal is an industrial engineer dedicated to helping companies integrate renewable energy into their business models. Born to Mexican parents, Daniel grew up in Northern Mexico while attending school across the border in El Paso—a binational upbringing that gives him a unique perspective and the ability to see two sides of an issue. As our resident Gen Zer, he keeps the show grounded in the future while providing a fresh reality check for our listeners who are also trying to navigate a changing world. Carolyn Huffman has spent more than 30 years in healthcare, as a nurse and nurse practitioner. She later earned her PhD to better understand how science brings clarity to complex care. Now a researcher and professor, she brings a lifelong passion for translating evidence into practice, ensuring the science we discuss is both proven and practical. Jeff Deaton is a physician with over 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine, a seasoned voice who reminds us that medicine existed long before Google. A published author and historian at heart, Jeff is as likely to be found hunting for a rare first edition book as he is analyzing the data for an upcoming Pod-ology episode. He brings wisdom and context to remind us that while technology evolves, the human element remains at the heart of science. Learn more at https://www.JeffDeatonMD.com (https://jeffdeatonmd.com) We welcome your feedback! Email the show at: hellopodology@gmail.com (mailto:hellopodology@gmail.com)

Publisher

Daniel Bernal, Carolyn Huffman, Jeff Deaton

Category

health & fitness · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jun 2026

Latest episode

10 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Nov 2026

   Wellbeing: From Thriving to Burnout Amy Wallis

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/podology/voicemail) Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology! We hear a lot about wellbeing at work. Employers want us to find purpose, practice self-care, and build resilience—all while somehow answering that email that came in at 9:47 at night. But somewhere between thriving and surviving is a word that has become almost impossible to avoid: burnout. In this episode of Pod-ology, Daniel, Carolyn, and Jeff sit down with organizational development expert Amy Wallis, PhD, to talk about what burnout really is, how it differs from everyday stress, and why the solution may require more than teaching employees to be resilient. Amy helps us unpack the complicated relationship between the individual and the workplace—from workload, autonomy, leadership, and organizational culture to technology, generational differences, friendships at work, and our increasingly “always-on” lives. Episode Highlights Burnout vs. stress: What actually qualifies as burnout, and how is it different from simply having a stressful week—or from depression? Recognizing the warning signs: Exhaustion, cynicism, disengagement, calling out more often, and perhaps most telling—losing interest in the parts of your job you once enjoyed. Is resilience enough? Why yoga, wellness apps, and self-care initiatives can't compensate for chronic problems with workload, staffing, autonomy, priorities, or leadership. The always-on workplace: How email, smartphones, automation, and AI may make us more efficient while also changing the cognitive demands of our jobs and blurring the boundary between work and home. Is Gen Z really more burned out? We separate generational stereotypes from age, career stage, economic pressures, autonomy, and the realities of today's workplace. What leaders can actually do: Amy challenges organizations to look beyond employee wellness programs and examine the systems that shape how people work. What's on your plate? If something new gets added to an employee's workload, maybe the first question should be: What are we taking off? Dr. Amy Wallis is an experienced organizational development executive with extensive background in both business and academic worlds. Her consultancy focuses on organizations on a significant growth trajectory with a focus on effective change, world class leadership, and investment in human assets. Having served as a former Chief Human Resource Officer and professor of Organizational Behavior and Ethics at Wake Forest University, Amy will help us breakdown the boardroom, water cooler, and research chatter surrounding this topic and what we and our employers can do to make Work not a four letter word. Pod-ology Disclaimer Pod-ology is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their employers or, affiliated organizations

2. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Addiction and Prison Reform: Special Guest Dr. Tejado Hanchell

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/podology/voicemail) What happens when we treat addiction as a crime instead of a health condition? In this episode of Pod-ology, the hosts explore the complex intersection of addiction, incarceration, and prison reform with Dr. Tejado Hanchell. They discuss how substance use disorders contribute to criminal justice involvement, whether prisons are equipped to address addiction, and what happens when individuals return to their communities after incarceration. This episode challenges listeners to think differently about addiction and incarceration—and the role of community. Episode Highlights: Addiction is often at the center of criminal justice involvement, yet treatment opportunities remain inconsistent. The hosts explore whether incarceration helps or hinders recovery. Evidence suggests rehabilitation-focused approaches can improve long-term outcomes. Mental health, trauma, and substance use frequently overlap and complicate recovery. Reentry after prison presents major challenges, including housing, employment, and access to healthcare. Prison reform conversations increasingly emphasize treatment, recovery, and reducing recidivism rather than punishment alone. The episode asks a fundamental question: What approach best serves both individuals struggling with addiction and the communities in which they live? National Confidential Helpline for individuals and families facing substance use disorders: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (tel:1-800-662-4357) Forsyth County Prison Ministry: https://forsythjpm.org (https://forsythjpm.org) For more information on the Rat Park Study: https://www.brucekalexander.com/articles-speeches/rat-park/148-addiction-the-%20view-from-rat-park (https://www.brucekalexander.com/articles-speeches/rat-park/148-addiction-the-%20view-from-rat-park) https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addiction (https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addiction)

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Is There a Secret Sauce to Aging Well?

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/podology/voicemail) Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology! What if aging isn’t a slow decline—but an outcome we can influence? In this episode, we explore the science of “Super Agers”—people in their 80s and 90s with the cognitive function of someone decades younger. With geriatrician Dr. Holly Jean Coward, Jeff, Daniel, and Carolyn unpack what really drives healthy aging—from social connection, a good night’s sleep, to movement, genetics, and the role of belonging. Episode Highlights: What is a SuperAger? Social Connection and Healthy Aging Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease Lifestyle Changes that Can Make a Difference What are the Blue Zones? Dr. Holly Jean Coward graduated from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. After a residency in internal medicine she completed a 2-year fellowship in geriatrics. She has spent her career practicing and teaching geriatrics in academic medical centers and is currently Associate Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org (https://www.alz.org) National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health (https://www.nia.nih.gov/health) Informed by experts and science, this site provides information for patients, families, and caregivers on a variety of subjects.

4. 

   11 Aug 2026

   “When Waiting Becomes Life” - Dr. Jeff Deaton The Emotional Side of Infertility

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/podology/voicemail) Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology! What happens when life doesn’t follow the timeline you planned? In this episode, Daniel and Carolyn sit down with reproductive endocrinologist and author-- our own Jeff Deaton, to explore the emotional and physical challenges of infertility. Drawing from decades of clinical experience—and his book When Waiting Becomes Life—Jeff walks us through the complexity of infertility. Whether you’re in the midst of infertility treatment, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand, this episode invites you to rethink what it means to live fully even during uncertainty. Episode Highlights: Impact of fertility on relationships and identity Alternative paths to parenthood How friends and family can support loved ones in the journey Dr. Jeff Deaton is a well known fertility expert who currently directs the Wake Forest University Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery in Winston Salem, NC. A respected voice in the field of infertility, he has published multiple scientific papers and helped countless women and couples achieve their goal of having a family. Visit Resolve: The National Infertility and Family Building Association (https://resolve.org/) (https://resolve.org/ (https://resolve.org/)) for helpful resources on how to navigate the infertility journey or find a support group in your area. To find a clinic near you got to Society for Assisted Reproduction (https://www.sart.org/): https://www.sart.org/ (https://www.sart.org/) For information on a variety of topics including infertility, unexplained infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and male infertility visit: ReproductiveFacts.org (http://ReproductiveFacts.org) Dr. Jeff Deaton’s website: jeffdeatonmd.com (http://jeffdeatonmd.com) When Waiting Becomes Life is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Bookshop.org (http://Bookshop.org), Powell’s Books and Walmart. For direct links to your favorite book retailer see below. Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonAmazon (https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonAmazon) Barnes & Noble: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBandN (https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBandN) Books-A-Million: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBAM (https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBAM) Bookshop.org (http://Bookshop.org): https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBookshop (https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonBookshop) Powell's Books: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonPowellsBooks (https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonPowellsBooks) Walmart: https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonWalmart (https://tinyurl.com/JDeatonWalmart)

5. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Is AI My New Best Friend?: Artificial Intelligence and Relationships

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/podology/voicemail) What happens when AI starts to feel like a companion? In this episode, we explore AI friendships, loneliness, emotional attachment, and the line between a helpful tool and a harmful replacement. Hosts, Daniel Bernal, Carolyn Huffman, and Jeff Deaton are joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kelly Wiley, LMFT, for a thoughtful and sometimes humorous conversation about AI companions, emotional attachment, and mental health. Together, they explore where AI can be useful—and where it could potentially erode the human relationships we need most. Highlights: Why AI relationships feel so real? When therapists get concerned Red Flags to watch out for Impact on adolescents

6. 

   9 Jun 2026

   Fertility Preservation: Should I freeze my eggs?

   Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/podology/voicemail) Welcome to another episode of Pod-ology. What if biology had a “pause” button? In this episode, we explore the science—and cultural implications—of egg freezing. From career planning to cancer treatment, fertility preservation is reshaping how and when people think about family-building. With our own reproductive endocrinologist Jeff Deaton taking the lead, we unpack what egg freezing actually involves, who it’s for, and the emotional and ethical questions that come with putting reproduction “on ice.” Episode Highlights: Egg freezing isn’t a guarantee—it’s a strategic option. Success depends heavily on age and egg quality, not just the number frozen. Timing matters more than most people think. Early-to-mid 30s is often the optimal window, while outcomes decline significantly after 40. The process is intensive but short-term. About two weeks of hormone injections, monitoring, and a brief outpatient retrieval procedure. Fertility preservation reflects modern life choices. From cancer patients to career-focused individuals, egg freezing is reshaping how people plan families. Dr. Jeff Deaton is a well known fertility expert who currently directs the Wake Forest University Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery in Winston Salem, NC. A respected voice in the field of infertility, he has published multiple scientific papers and helped countless women and couples achieve their goal of having a family. To find a clinic near you go to Society for Assisted Reproduction (https://www.sart.org/): https://www.sart.org/ (https://www.sart.org/)

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.