Mikkipedia

Mikki Williden
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Mikkipedia is an exploration in all things health, well being, fitness, food and nutrition. I sit down with scientists, doctors, professors, practitioners and people who have a wealth of experience and have a conversation that takes a deep dive into their area of expertise. I love translating science into a language that people understand, so while some of the conversations will be pretty in-depth, you will come away with some practical tips that can be instigated into your everyday life. I hope you enjoy the show!

  1. 1d ago

    Mini Mikkipedia - GLP-1s and the ADHD Brain

    In this Mini-Mikkipedia episode, Mikki explores the emerging intersection between GLP-1 medications and ADHD, particularly around appetite, impulsivity, reward-seeking behaviour, and food noise. While there is currently no direct evidence that GLP-1s improve attention or focus, there is growing interest in how these medications act on brain reward circuits involved in compulsive eating, cue reactivity, alcohol intake, and other hedonic behaviours. Mikki breaks down why ADHD is more than an attention issue, explaining its links with dopamine regulation, obesity risk, binge eating, and emotional eating patterns. She also discusses why GLP-1s may be helpful for some adults with ADHD, while potentially creating issues such as low mood, flatness, reduced motivation, or under-fuelling in others. A nuanced one — less “magic bullet,” more “know the machinery.”  Highlights / Topics Covered:  Why ADHD is closely tied to dopamine, reward-seeking, impulsivity, and eating behaviour  The relationship between ADHD, obesity, binge eating, and “food addiction” patterns  How GLP-1 medications may influence reward circuits, food noise, cue reactivity, and compulsive eating  Why GLP-1s could be helpful for some people with ADHD but may worsen flatness, motivation, or mood in others  Practical considerations around nutrition, protein intake, stimulant medications, appetite suppression, and monitoring Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

    25 min

  2. 6d ago

    Metabolic Psychiatry: Rethinking Mental Health - Dr Matt Bernstein

    Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Matt Bernstein, a physician working in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, which explores the connection between brain health, metabolism, and mental illness. In this episode, the conversation centres on how metabolic dysfunction may play a far greater role in mental health than traditionally recognised. Matt explains what metabolic psychiatry actually is, how it differs from conventional psychiatric approaches, and why factors like insulin resistance, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are now being considered key drivers in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and more severe psychiatric disorders. They explore the growing interest in nutritional and metabolic interventions, including dietary strategies like carbohydrate restriction, and how these may influence brain energy, neurotransmitter function, and symptom outcomes. The discussion also touches on where the evidence currently sits, what clinicians should be cautious about, and how to think about integrating these approaches alongside standard care. It’s a thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional models of mental health, while offering a more biologically grounded way of understanding and supporting the brain. Dr. Matt Bernstein is a highly respected clinical psychiatrist and a leading voice in metabolic psychiatry, with 25 years of experience helping individuals achieve full mental health and functional recovery. He graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University in English literature and earned his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Trained at MGH/McLean, he served as chief resident and later held leadership roles including psychiatrist-in-charge and assistant medical director of the schizophrenia and bipolar inpatient program. He also serves as chief medical officer at Ellenhorn, developing community-based strategies to optimize mental health. For the past five years, Dr. Bernstein has focused on metabolic psychiatry, first in his private practice, and then at Ellenhorn. More recently, he created Accord’s comprehensive program and is sharing his expertise through podcasts, national conferences, and briefings for members of Congress. He co-organized the first public conference on metabolic psychiatry, and co-leads a privately funded study evaluating outcomes of Accord’s pioneering interventions. He serves on advisory and non-profit boards, including Metabolic Mind, Meru Health, The Metabolic Revolution, and the Coalition for Metabolic Health, helping advance the field both clinically and publicly. https://accordmh.com/our-team/matt-bernstein/ Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

    1h 3m

  3. Jun 7

    Mini Mikkipedia - What Really Supports Immunity in Winter

    In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki explores whether fruit and vegetables really “boost” immunity in the way we often hear during winter. While produce absolutely supports health, the clinical evidence suggests its immune benefits are more specific than the marketing implies, especially for those starting from a low intake. Mikki unpacks research on fruit and vegetable intake, vaccine response, vitamin C loss in stored produce, and why frozen vegetables deserve more respect. She then broadens the conversation into what actually moves the needle for immune resilience: adequate energy intake, sufficient protein, correcting true vitamin D and zinc deficiencies, and supporting gut health through fermented foods and dietary variety. The takeaway? Your immune system does not need hype; it needs enough fuel, enough protein, and the right nutrients. Tiny old-school truth bomb, really.  Highlights / Topics Covered:  Why “boosting immunity” is an oversimplified claim  What human trials show about fruit, vegetables, and immune function  How storage affects vitamin C in fresh produce  Why frozen vegetables can be a smart nutritional choice  The hierarchy of immune support: food, protein, vitamin D, zinc, and gut health Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

    18 min

  4. Jun 2

    Brad Currier discusses Urolithin A and Resistance Training Guidelines

    Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Brad Currier, Science Lead at Timeline Nutrition and lead author of the recent American College of Sports Medicine position stand on resistance training. In this episode, the conversation begins with Urolithin A and Mitopure, exploring what it is, what it does in the body, and why it has become an area of interest for mitochondrial health and muscle function. Brad explains the proposed mechanisms, the current human evidence, and what outcomes have actually been shown to improve, from cellular-level changes through to potential real-world benefits. Mikki and Brad also discuss who may be the best fit for a supplement like this, including older adults, athletes, and those already doing the fundamentals well, while also addressing the limitations of the current research and how to think about bias when science and industry intersect. The conversation then shifts to resistance training, where Brad shares key takeaways from the ACSM position stand he led, including what matters most for strength, hypertrophy, and health, and what people can probably stop overthinking. It’s a balanced, evidence-informed conversation about mitochondrial health, supplementation, strength training, and the practical foundations that still matter most. Brad Currier is the Science Lead at Timeline Nutrition, where his work focuses on translating emerging research on mitochondrial health into practical, evidence-based applications. In particular, he has been closely involved in the science and communication around Urolithin A, the active ingredient in Mitopure, and its potential role in supporting muscle function, cellular energy, and healthy ageing. With a background in exercise science and resistance training research, Brad brings a dual lens to his work—combining performance-focused insights with a broader interest in longevity and metabolic health. He has contributed to large-scale evidence syntheses in resistance training, helping clarify what actually matters for strength, hypertrophy, and overall health, and where the field may have overcomplicated things. At Timeline, his role sits at the intersection of research, education, and application, helping bridge the gap between mechanistic science, clinical relevance, and real-world use—particularly as interest grows in interventions that support muscle and mitochondrial function across the lifespan. Brad Currier https://www.instagram.com/bradcurrier.phd/ • ACSM Position Stand on Resistance Training (2026) - https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2026/04000/american_college_of_sports_medicine_position.21.aspx• Timeline Nutrition - https://www.timeline.com• Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

    1h 14m

  5. May 31

    Mini Mikkipedia - Omega-3 Benefits Beyond Heart and Brain

    In this Mini Mikkiepdia episode, Mikki takes a fresh look at omega-3 fatty acids beyond the usual “good for your heart and brain” message. She explores emerging and lesser-known research on omega-3s and their potential role in protecting muscle during immobilisation, supporting fertility and oocyte quality, reducing period pain, improving submaximal exercise efficiency, and possibly influencing dementia and colorectal polyp risk. Mikki also discusses the difference between marine omega-3s like EPA and DHA, and plant-based ALA, including surprising findings in motor neurone disease research. With practical dosing context, cautions around study limitations, and a reminder to consider omega-3 index testing, this episode is a useful listen for active people, women in perimenopause, athletes, and anyone interested in targeted supplementation.  Highlights / Topics Covered:  How omega-3s may reduce muscle loss during injury, surgery, or immobilisation  The role of EPA and DHA in fertility, period pain, and inflammatory pathways  Emerging research on omega-3s, APOE4, dementia risk, and brain structure  Why athletes may benefit from improved submaximal heart rate and perceived effort  Practical dosing considerations and why the omega-3 index matters Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

    21 min

  6. May 26

    Understanding Hypermobility and EDS with Dr. Melissa Koehl

    Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Melissa Koehl, a physical therapist and movement specialist living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation. In this episode, Melissa breaks down what EDS actually is in practical terms, how it shows up day-to-day, and why so many people go years without a diagnosis. The discussion explores the difference between being naturally flexible and having true hypermobility, along with the often-overlooked symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and proprioceptive challenges. Melissa explains what’s happening beneath the surface with joint stability and connective tissue, and why traditional approaches to exercise can sometimes do more harm than good. The conversation then shifts into what actually works. From strength training and motor control to pacing, recovery, and rebuilding trust in the body, Melissa shares a clear framework for managing hypermobility safely and effectively. They also touch on the role of muscle mass, nutrition, and daily habits in supporting long-term function. It’s a grounded and reassuring conversation for anyone navigating a body that feels unpredictable, offering both clarity and practical direction. Melissa is a physical therapist with over two decades of experience, specialising in hypermobility, joint pain, and movement rehabilitation. She lives with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) herself, giving her a unique perspective on both the clinical and lived realities of the condition. Originally a nationally competitive level 10 gymnast, Melissa’s flexibility was once a strength but ultimately contributed to a series of injuries, including a career-ending stress fracture in her lower back. Ongoing pain led her to explore different movement modalities, including Pilates, yoga, and strength and conditioning. While each offered benefits, it was the integration of these approaches that proved most effective. Melissa went on to develop the ChimeraFit method, a system that combines elements of Pilates, yoga, strength, and balance training to support people with hypermobility, arthritis, and chronic joint pain. She has been teaching this approach for over 20 years, helping individuals build strength, stability, and confidence in their bodies through safe and effective movement. https://www.instagram.com/dr.melissakoehl.pt/ https://www.chimera-health.com/ground-control-september-2026-waitlist https://www.chimera-health.com/  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

    1h 11m

  7. May 24

    Mini Mikkipedia - Can Multivitamins Slow Brain Ageing?

    This week’s Mini Mikkipedia takes a closer look at multivitamins, nutrient status, and whether a daily broad-spectrum supplement may support cognitive ageing. Mikki discusses the COSMOS trial, a large randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that examined multivitamin use in older adults, with a particular focus on the cognitive findings from its ancillary studies. While the parent trial did not show significant benefits for cancer or cardiovascular disease, the cognitive studies found consistent benefits for episodic memory, with effects estimated to be equivalent to slowing cognitive ageing by around two to three years. Mikki also unpacks the limitations, including modest effect sizes, population generalisability, supplement formulation, and why supplements should support, not replace, the fundamentals of nutrition, exercise and sleep.  Highlights:  Why calorie deficits can increase the risk of micronutrient insufficiency  What the COSMOS trial tells us about multivitamins and brain ageing  The difference between observational research and randomised controlled trials  Why episodic memory may be particularly responsive to nutrient status  Why supplement quality, nutrient forms, and baseline deficiency risk matter  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

    29 min

  8. May 19

    Rethinking Protein and Plant-Based Health with Dr Matt Nagra

    Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Matt Nagra, a naturopathic doctor and researcher known for his evidence-based perspective on nutrition, with a particular focus on plant-based diets and chronic disease. In this episode, the conversation tackles one of the most debated topics in nutrition right now: protein. Matt helps unpack why protein has become such a focal point, how to interpret the current evidence, and what outcomes actually matter when we’re talking about intake and health. They explore the long-standing protein RDA and what it was designed to represent. The discussion then moves into protein quality, addressing common claims around plant versus animal protein, and why mechanistic research doesn’t always align with long-term health outcomes. Matt also provides important context around dietary patterns and chronic disease risk, helping to separate the role of protein itself from the broader way people eat. They finish with a dive into choline, covering its role in the body, how it interacts with other nutrients like folate and betaine, and what this means for people following predominantly plant-based diets. It’s a thoughtful, nuanced conversation that cuts through the noise and brings clarity to some of the biggest questions in modern nutrition. Dr Matt Nagra is a naturopathic doctor who graduated from the Boucher Institute after completing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Victoria. He holds additional board certifications in prescriptive authority, immunisations, advanced injection therapies, intravenous therapies, and acupuncture. Using an evidence-based approach, he creates individualised treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s health goals and lifestyle. He has a particular passion for plant-based and vegan nutrition, physical medicine, and chronic disease treatment. With additional training in nutrition, he holds a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell University and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, where he has also authored multiple articles. His work aims to support individuals in thriving on plant-based diets, while bridging the gap between lifestyle-based interventions and medical care. Choline paper: https://www.academia.edu/3067-1345/2/4/10.20935/AcadNutr8085 Instagram: @dr.matthewnagra Dr. Nagra’s website Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

    47 min
See All (476)

Trailer

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Mikkipedia is an exploration in all things health, well being, fitness, food and nutrition. I sit down with scientists, doctors, professors, practitioners and people who have a wealth of experience and have a conversation that takes a deep dive into their area of expertise. I love translating science into a language that people understand, so while some of the conversations will be pretty in-depth, you will come away with some practical tips that can be instigated into your everyday life. I hope you enjoy the show!

Information

  • Creator
    Mikki Williden
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    476
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mikki Williden
  • Show Website
    Mikkipedia

You Might Also Like