Nina’s Notes Podcast

What if healthcare could predict your future instead of just treating your present?In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Geer, co-founder of Humanity, to explore how AI is transforming healthcare from reactive treatment to predictive prevention.Michael and I discuss how large biological models, similar to large language models like ChatGPT, are making it possible to predict future health outcomes with unprecedented accuracy. We explore biological age versus chronological age, why personalized health recommendations will replace one-size-fits-all advice, and how AI literally saved Michael from permanent nerve damage.This conversation gets into the weeds of transformers, attention mechanisms, and the future of medicine, but don’t worry, we keep it accessible and practical.Key topics: biological age, large biological models, AI in healthcare, predictive medicine, personalized health, digital twins, preventive care, longevity scienceAbout the guest: Michael Geer is co-founder of Humanity, a company building tools to measure and reverse biological aging. Before Humanity, he helped grow Badoo to over 300 million users. Connect with Michael at mg@humanity.email or learn more at humanity.healthTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Predictive Healthcare02:28 The Motivation Behind Humanity05:39 The Shift from Reactive to Predictive Healthcare08:05 Understanding Biological Data and Predictions12:00 The Importance of Context in Health Predictions16:35 The Role of Doctors in a Predictive Framework21:42 Open Source Biological Models and Their Impact24:25 Digital Twins and Future of Treatment Predictions26:16 The Impact of Health Data on Treatment Predictions27:58 Exploring Longevity and Biological Age Predictions31:06 Modeling Interventions and Supplements for Health35:07 The Role of AI in Personalized Medicine39:06 The Future of Healthcare with Predictive ModelsLinks#80: 🎙️ INTERVIEW | Your Rate of Aging with Michael Geer, Co-Founder of HumanityCONNECT WITH MENewsletter: https://www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyzYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ninas-Notes Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

In this conversation, Dr. Nina Patrick interviews Dr. Sioned Fôn Jones, founder of BoobyBiome, to discuss the breast milk microbiome: what we know, what we don’t, and how understanding it can improve infant health, enhance breast milk storage, and lead to healthier formulas.Dr. Sioned Fôn Jones is an award-winning scientist with a Master of Science in Chemistry and a PhD in Biophysics. She was listed in the 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 list, and was a recipient of the 2023 Potts Medal for her outstanding contribution to science. She has co-founded BoobyBiome which is a biotech start-up based at the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health leveraging extensive knowledge of the breast milk microbiome to create solutions that will revolutionise infant health.In the conversation, Sioned shares her scientific background, the importance of breast milk for infant health, and the challenges faced in women’s health research. Our discussion covers the diversity of the breast milk microbiome, the impact of maternal factors, and the innovative solutions being developed to enhance infant nutrition.BoobyBiome is developing innovations in the preservation of breast milk components, as well as the future potential of probiotics in infant health. The conversation concludes with insights on fundraising challenges and her vision for the future of women’s and infant health.Listen to the episode on 🔴YouTube, 🟢 Spotify, 🟣 Apple Podcasts, 🟠 Substack Podcasts.Key Takeaways:* Breast milk is not just food; it’s a dynamic substance.* The breast milk microbiome plays a crucial role in infant health.* Diversity in the breast milk microbiome varies significantly among mothers.* Super donors have a high abundance of beneficial probiotic species.* BoobyBiome has developed innovative storage solutions to preserve breast milk’s benefits.* Formula milk lacks microbiome components found in breast milk.Recommended Timestamps* 00:00 Introduction to Booby Biome* 00:23 The Science Behind Breast Milk Microbiome* 03:00 Diversity of the Breast Milk Microbiome* 06:01 Breast Milk Donation and Sampling* 08:42 Impact of Maternal Factors on Microbiome* 11:27 Feedback Loop Between Baby and Breast Milk* 14:47 Oxygen and Its Effects on Breast Milk Microbiome* 17:53 Innovations in Breast Milk Storage* 19:23 Comparing Breast Milk and Formula* 22:02 Future of Probiotics in Infant Health* 25:13 Challenges in Women’s Health and Fundraising* 30:17 Long-term Goals for Booby Biome* 36:13 Advice for Aspiring Scientists* 41:20 Collaborations and Future DirectionsWhere to find Dr. Sioned Fôn Jones:* LinkedIn* BoobyBiome WebsiteWhere to find Nina Patrick, PhD:* Newsletter* LinkedIn* WebsiteThanks for listening to Nina’s Notes #155. If you like this newsletter & podcast, click the share button and send it to a friend.Edited by Wright Time Publishing Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

In this episode, Dr. Nina Patrick breaks down the science of “cheap” vs “expensive” dopamine, and why the way you start your morning literally rewires your brain.If you wake up scrolling, snoozing, or stressing, you’re training your brain to crave instant rewards all day.But if you start your morning with sunlight, movement, and stillness, you’re building resilience, focus, and long-term motivation.Learn how to: ✨ Stop flooding your brain with cheap dopamine 🌞 Build a morning routine that boosts your natural motivation 💪 Rewire your brain for focus and fulfillmentIt’s not magic. It’s neuroscience.Recommended Timestamps:* 00:00 Introduction to Dopamine Budgeting* 02:06 Morning Routines and Dopamine* 05:48 Identifying Cheap Dopamine Sources* 07:52 Breaking Bad Morning Habits* 11:45 Rebalancing with Expensive Dopamine* 13:46 Book of the Week* 14:55 Check This OutLinks:Subscribe for more insights on neuroscience, brain health, and longevity: www.ninasnotes.xyzClick here to work with me as a mentor to build resilient minds: https://bit.ly/4nZEGZSNina’s Notes #122: Brain Hacks for Habit Change: https://www.ninasnotes.xyz/p/122-brain-hacks-for-habit-changeNina’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/ Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

In this episode of Nina’s Notes, Nina Patrick explores the fascinating connection between music, heart rate, and human emotions.She discusses how music at 75 BPM aligns with our resting heart rate, enhancing feelings of connection and emotional response.Nina also shares insights on creating personalized playlists based on heart rate and in the Check This Out section introduces an innovative drink designed to reduce blood alcohol levels quickly.Recommended Timestamps:00:00 The Science of Music and Human Connection03:58 Make a Heartrate Playlist04:39 Book of the Week10:24 Check This OutCONNECT WITH MENewsletter: https://www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website:https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

Hey friends,I’m giving a talk tonight at a beach party 🎉This isn’t just a party, it’s an invitation to reconnect with your happiest self through music, movement, and a touch of science. 🌈✨My talk unpacks “The Pursuit of Happiness” through the lens of biochemistry and neuroscience, revealing how dance floors, gatherings, connection, and friendships drive our brain’s joy systems. 🧠Set by the beach, kissed by sunlight, and carried into starlight, this edition of Shugi Nights is all about ALEGRIA - happiness.Details:🗓 Wednesday 30 April | 🕔 17h–02h📍 AURA — Estr. da Praia do Infante, Costa da Caparica🎶 LINEUP | IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE | 17h-02h* ⁠UDI FAGUNDES – Live on the beach under the sun 🌅* ⁠⁠DR. NINA PATRICK – Talks about “The Pursuit of Happiness” 🧠* ⁠MIGUEL DOMINGOS – Bringing fire to the floor 🔥* ⁠WAMANZI – DJ set to awaken your soul 🌊* ⁠SHUGI – Closing with a hybrid live/DJ set 💫Grab your ticket here.INTERVIEW | Understanding Addiction with Dr. Carl Erik Fisher, Author of The Urge: Our History of AddictionIn this week’s episode of the Nina’s Notes Podcast, I host a remarkable guest whose work explores the complex terrain of addiction, mental health, and human behavior.Dr. Carl Erik Fisher is an addiction physician, bioethicist, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University. His unique perspective combines rigorous medical training with personal lived experience, deep philosophical inquiry, and a profound compassion for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.Dr. Fisher is the author of the acclaimed book The Urge: Our History of Addiction, which examines addiction through historical, cultural, and scientific lenses. In addition to the deep historical research in the book, Dr. Fisher openly shares his own journey with addiction, bringing an invaluable layer of authenticity and insight to his work. The Urge was named one of the best books of the year by both The New Yorker and The Boston Globe.His writing has appeared in prestigious publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Slate and Scientific American MIND, where he brings complex medical and ethical concepts to broader public understanding. He also writes the Rat Park with Carl Erik Fisher Substack.As the host of the podcast "Flourishing After Addiction," he explores addiction and recovery from science to spirituality, from philosophy to politics, and everything in between. He interviews leading experts in areas such as psychology, neurobiology, history, sociology, and more--as well as policy makers, advocates, and people with lived experience.In our conversation, we discuss the history of addiction and explore how the traditional view of addiction as simply either choice or compulsion fails to capture its true complexity.We discuss addiction beyond substances to include behavioral addiction and address the stigma that surrounds these conditions, and Dr. Fisher offers insights that combine scientific evidence with compassionate approaches to healing.Listen to the episode on 🟢 Spotify, 🟣 Apple Podcasts, 🟠 Substack Podcasts.Key Takeaways:* Addiction treatment is often not well covered in medical training.* The dichotomy of choice and compulsion in addiction is oversimplified.* Addiction should be viewed as a process of diminished control.* Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping addiction perceptions.* The environment significantly impacts addiction recovery.* The traditional definition of addiction needs to evolve to include behavioral aspects.* Genetics play a role in addiction but are not the sole factor.* Stigma around addiction affects treatment access and perceptions.* Different individuals require different pathways to recovery.Recommended Timestamps:* 00:00 Introduction to Addiction and Personal Journey* 03:04 The Evolution of Addiction Treatment* 05:58 Historical Perspectives on Addiction* 09:00 The Dichotomy of Choice and Compulsion* 12:14 Cultural Influences on Addiction* 15:02 The Role of Environment in Addiction Recovery* 18:01 Personal Experiences with Addiction* 21:05 Understanding Behavioral Addictions* 23:55 The Future of Addiction Treatment* 26:09 Understanding Gambling Disorder and Addiction* 29:40 Redefining Addiction: A Broader Perspective* 30:34 The Psychedelic Renaissance in Addiction Treatment* 34:11 Exploring Future Technologies in Addiction Treatment* 39:51 Addressing Stigma and Access to Treatment* 44:32 Pathways to Recovery: Resources and StrategiesWhere to find Dr. Carl Erik Fisher:* LinkedIn* Flourishing After Addiction Podcast* Website* Rat Park SubstackWhere to find Nina Patrick, PhD:* Newsletter* LinkedIn* WebsiteThanks for listening to Nina’s Notes #130. If you like this newsletter & podcast, click the share button and send it to a friend.Edited by Wright Time Publishing Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

Hey Friends,Two weekends ago I made a decision that felt both radical and oddly frightening.I put my phone in a drawer and committed to leaving it there for 48 hours.No checking notifications, no scrolling through social media, no quick Google searches.Just me, reconnecting with the world without my phone.Here’s how it went.💬 In this note:* 📵 48 Hours Unplugged* 📚 The Winemaker’s Wife* ⚡️ Mushroom LanguageThanks for listening to Nina’s Notes #128! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe