Welcome to The Brain Health Mission Podcast, your go-to source for insights into how the latest science, public health policies, and practical lifestyle choices impact brain health. Hosted by neurologists and brain experts, the podcast aims to empower you with knowledge and tools to protect and support your most vital organ—your brain.
A Guided Tour of the Brain—How It Works and How to Keep It Healthy
In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by Dr Kaja Nordengen, neurologist, researcher and author of Your Superstar Brain, to explore the fascinating world of the human brain.
23 Sept 2026
Do not knock yourself out! Brain injury and brain health
In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, we are joined by Prof. Håkan Ashina, physician-scientist in neurology and professor at the University of Copenhagen, to explore Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
17 Aug 2026
Take the Pressure Down—Why Hypertension Can Be Bad for Your Brain Health
High blood pressure is often thought of primarily as a cardiovascular issue—but it is also a major risk factor for brain health.
29 Jun 2026
Healthy Brain – Healthy Gut
What does your gut have to do with your brain? More than you might think.
In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by Suzanne Dickson, a neuroendocrinologist whose research focuses on appetite regulation and the brain's control of food intake, and Hans Törnblom, a gastroenterologist and leading expert in disorders of the gut–brain interaction. Together, they explore the fascinating two-way relationship between the brain and the gut, and why looking after one means looking after the other.
Together, they discuss why we eat from an evolutionary perspective, how today's food environment has changed our relationship with food, and why ultra-processed foods are designed to keep us coming back for more. They unpack the role of sugar, fat and consumer behaviour, examine whether there really is a "best" diet for brain health, and explain why a healthy gut is about much more than digestion.
The conversation also explores what happens to our brains when we're hungry, what a healthy gut actually looks like, the importance of fibre and the gut microbiome, and the practical lifestyle choices that can support both gut and brain health throughout life.
Join us for an insightful discussion on the powerful brain–gut connection—and discover why a healthy gut may be one of the best investments you can make in your brain health.
29 May 2026
Autogenic Training—a tool to combat stress and improve brain health
In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Max Hilz, an expert in autonomic nervous system disorders and autogenic training, to explore the impact of stress on brain health.
21 Apr 2026
Brain Health Policy in Europe
Brain health is rising on the European policy agenda—but what does that mean in practice?
In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Fred Destrebecq from the European Brain Council about the growing importance of brain health policy in Europe. They reflect on key takeaways from Brain Awareness Week in Brussels, explore the scale and economic impact of neurological disorders, and assess current progress across the EU.
31 Mar 2026
Neurotechnology – What is it and what’s in it for our brain health?
In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff explores the fascinating and rapidly evolving field of neurotechnology. Joined by Virginia Mathieu, Director of Neurotechnology at the Centre for Future Generations, they unpack what neurotechnology is, how it is developing, and its potential to support brain health.
The conversation also dives into important questions around how to distinguish truly beneficial innovations from gimmicks, as well as key considerations such as data protection and the evolving European legislative landscape.
This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of brain health, technology, and policy—providing valuable insights into what the future of neurotechnology and how it can impact brain health.
12 Feb 2026
Teaching the Brain: The Impact of Education on Brain Health
In this episode, host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Dr. Anna Jansen, child neurologist and President of the European Paediatric Neurological Society, to explore brain health from a fresh perspective: childhood and adolescence. They dive into how the brain develops in young people and the powerful role education plays in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Together, they debunk common myths, share evidence-based insights, and discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy brains from an early age. From the classroom to everyday life, this conversation highlights the transformative potential of education in creating brighter, healthier futures.
Blending scientific expertise with practical takeaways, this episode is ideal for young listeners, parents, educators, and anyone curious about brain health in early developmental stages.
22 Jan 2026
The Sad Brain and Winter Blues: How to Cope with Depression and the Seasonal Low
In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Fiorillo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Naples and President of the European Psychiatric Association, to explore the neurobiological and clinical aspects of depression during the winter months—a phenomenon affecting millions of people worldwide.
Professor Fiorillo discusses the role of reduced daylight exposure, explains why certain individuals are more vulnerable to seasonal mood changes, and examines how environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors interact to increase risk.
This episode offers valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and the general public, providing a deeper understanding of winter-related depression along with practical, science-based strategies to help mitigate its impact.
21 Dec 2025
The Impact of Sleep on Brain Health
In this episode, we sit down with neurologist, sleep expert, and best-selling author Dr. Inge Declerq to explore the essential role sleep plays in protecting and optimising brain health. Drawing on rigorous science and years of clinical experience, Dr. Declerq explains why sleep is a non-negotiable priority and challenges common misconceptions about what it really means to sleep "well” and sleep "enough".
She emphasises that sleep does not exist in isolation, but is closely connected to how we spend our days, from light exposure and movement to stress and screen use. This insightful conversation offers many pieces of practical advice and a full-picture perspective on sleep—and key tools for better brain health.
27 Oct 2025
A Glass Too Much for the Brain
In this episode, we discuss how alcohol impacts brain and liver health, and explore strategies to reduce harm with Prof. Frank Murray from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and Catherine Paradis from WHO Europe.
24 Sept 2025
Brain Health on the Move
In this episode, Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Ole Petter Hjelle, renowned physician and associate professor in Medicine, former marathon champion, and “The Sporting Physician,” about the powerful connection between physical activity and brain health. Ole Petter shares his journey from elite athlete to neuroscientist, insights from his clinical work, and practical tips for integrating movement into daily life to support a healthy brain.
6 Aug 2025
Brain Health and Multiple Sclerosis
This episode explores brain health in the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a lifelong neurological disease affecting millions worldwide. Host Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by two MS experts—Natalia Szejko and Sanja Gluscevic to discuss what brain health means for people with MS, how to measure and improve it, and why this matters not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
22 Jun 2025
What is Brain Health and Why It Matters
Jana Midelfart-Hoff interviews Professors Paul Boon and Barbara Casolla, who define brain health and explore its significance for overall well-being in this informative episode.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
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Quality
26
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
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