Healthy Habits Happy Homes

Guelph Family Health Study

Healthy Habits, Happy Homes is a podcast brought to you by the Guelph Family Health Study, sharing evidence-based advice, practical tips, and expert insights on a wide range of health topics for you and your family. Alongside hosts Heemani and Manahil, graduate students at the University of Guelph, each episode features interviews with experts across a range of interdisciplinary health topics. Together, they break down research, explore real-world applications, and answer your burning health questions - making the science behind healthy habits accessible and actionable.

  1. Student Spotlight Episode: All Things Fibre

    May 11

    Student Spotlight Episode: All Things Fibre

    We are excited to present a special episode as the final episode of our season! This episode was created by fourth-year nutrition students at the University of Guelph as part of their Nutrition Communication course and was selected as the top podcast episode. Tune in to hear this fantastic episode from students Dawn and Daniel as they dive into all things fibre!

    17 min
  2. Being Safe Outdoors: Tips When it Comes to Ticks

    Apr 21

    Being Safe Outdoors: Tips When it Comes to Ticks

    As warmer weather approaches, so does tick season. In this episode, we are joined by researcher Justin Wood. Justin works at the University of Guelph’s Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Laboratory and is the founder of Geneticks, where he focuses on developing diagnostics for tick-borne diseases and advancing pathogen research. In this episode, we take a deep dive into ticks, Lyme disease, and practical ways to protect ourselves and our families while continuing to enjoy time outdoors this summer.

    39 min

  3. Mar 24

    Don’t Judge a Snack by its Cover... or Should You?

    You may have noticed new labels popping up on some of your favourite snacks but what are they, what do they actually mean, and how can they help you make more informed choices? In this episode of Healthy Habits, Happy Homes, we break down everything you need to know about front-of-package labelling in Canada. Joined by PhD candidate, Emily Ziraldo, from the University of Toronto, we explore what these labels are designed to do, how to interpret them, and what they mean for your everyday food decisions. Whether you’re grocery shopping for your family or just curious about the changes on store shelves, this episode will help you feel more confident navigating nutrition labels.

    24 min
  4. Is Social Media Affecting Our Brains?

    Mar 10

    Is Social Media Affecting Our Brains?

    Join us for this episode as we explore the timely and widely discussed topic of social media and its effects on the brain. With platforms becoming an ever-present part of young people’s daily lives, many are asking: Why are these platforms so addictive, and how are they influencing brain development? From the pull of endless scrolling to the phenomenon of “doomscrolling,” we unpack what is really happening behind the screen. To help us navigate these important questions, we are joined by Dr. Emma Duerden, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience & Learning Disorders, and leader of the Developing Brain Lab at Western University. Her research examines how social media and screen time shape brain development, mental health, and learning outcomes in children and adolescents. Together, we discuss what the science says about social media use, how it may be impacting youth, and what parents, educators, and young people themselves should know.

    27 min
  5. Understanding Vaping in Teens

    Feb 9

    Understanding Vaping in Teens

    Vaping. Smoking. Nicotine. What’s actually going on with teens today? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Nicholas Chadi MD, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine expert, for a thoughtful and evidence-based conversation about vaping and teens. While this topic can feel complicated, it’s an important conversation to hear. We explore how vaping differs from smoking, why many teens are vaping, and what harmful effects we are starting to see. Dr. Chadi also shares how parents can start open, supportive conversations with their teens and highlights other nicotine products we should be aware of. Dr. Chadi also hosts his own podcast, Healthy Teens, where he explores key issues affecting youth health and well-being.

    31 min
  6. The Facts of Fibre

    Jan 20

    The Facts of Fibre

    Join us for this awesome episode all about fibre with none other than the Queen of Fibre herself, Mairlyn Smith. Mairlyn is a professional home economist and food writer, and a familiar face on Cityline and Breakfast Television. With a background in acting, she brings humour and warmth to everything she does including this episode. We dive into what fibre is, why it matters, and share practical, everyday tips for getting more fibre into your diet for you and your family. And of course, we couldn’t miss talking about her world-famous fart walk!

    32 min
  7. Food Systems: Why Should We Care?

    12/02/2025

    Food Systems: Why Should We Care?

    In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute and global leader in understanding agri-food tech, climate change, and the future of food. Join us for an engaging and eye-opening conversation about where our food really comes from and where it's headed. We chat about what a 'food system' actually means from farm to fork, and why families play such an important role in building healthier, more sustainable futures. We also discuss the rise of the agri-food field and what young people should know about the future of food. Oh and we talk about peanut butter cups.

    34 min
  8. ChatGPT & Kids: Impacts on Learning and Development

    11/18/2025

    ChatGPT & Kids: Impacts on Learning and Development

    In this episode, we are exploring one of the most talked-about concepts today: AI. More specifically, we are diving into how tools like ChatGPT are impacting kids’ learning and development. We’re joined by Dr. Tiffany Munzer, MD, a developmental–behavioral pediatrician and digital media researcher at the University of Michigan. Together, we break down AI integration in daily life and what this means for children’s learning and emotional development . We also look ahead at the future of AI in the classroom and the rise of AI “companions” as social supports. Join us for an exciting and eye-opening conversation about this rapidly evolving tool, including and how we can help our kids use it wisely.

    29 min
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About

Healthy Habits, Happy Homes is a podcast brought to you by the Guelph Family Health Study, sharing evidence-based advice, practical tips, and expert insights on a wide range of health topics for you and your family. Alongside hosts Heemani and Manahil, graduate students at the University of Guelph, each episode features interviews with experts across a range of interdisciplinary health topics. Together, they break down research, explore real-world applications, and answer your burning health questions - making the science behind healthy habits accessible and actionable.

Information

  • Creator
    Guelph Family Health Study
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Healthy Habits Happy Homes