
Dr Andy Hogan on How the Immune System Shapes Your Health
From The Laura Dowling Experience by Laura Dowling
April 2, 2026 · 1h 27m · Episode 163
About this episode
Dr. Andy Hogan discusses how the immune system influences health and its connections to various conditions.
🎧 Episode Description This episode traces Dr Andy Hogan’s path into immunology, from a childhood curiosity to a career exploring how the immune system shapes our health. Growing up in a challenging environment, the Access Programme gave him a route into higher education - highlighting the impact of support and opportunity. Alongside his story, Andy explains the immune system not just as a defence against illness, but as something deeply involved in everyday health. He explores how obesity, ageing, and chronic inflammation affect immune function, and how these links connect to conditions like diabetes, cancer, and infection. There’s also reflection on COVID-19, vaccines, and the future of medicine - from why pandemics were expected to how immunity develops over time. It’s a conversation that blends scientific insight with real-world impact. 🔑 Key Points A single opportunity can reshape a future The Access Programme gave Andy a pathway into higher education. A childhood moment led to a scientific career Early curiosity about genetics sparked a lifelong interest in biology. The immune system shapes everyday health It regulates metabolism, tissue health, and overall balance - not…
People in this episode
Host: Laura Dowling
Guest: Dr Andy Hogan
Topics covered
- immunology
- health
- obesity
- chronic inflammation
- COVID-19
- medical research
Keywords
- immune system
- health
- obesity
- chronic inflammation
- COVID-19
- diabetes
- cancer
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Access Programme
Products: vaccines
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