Mikkipedia

Mikki Williden

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. 5h ago

    Metabolism, Menopause and Midlife Body Composition with Hannah Cabre, PhD

    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 In this episode, Mikki speaks with Hannah Cabre from Pennington Biomedical Research Center about energy expenditure, body composition, ageing, and what really happens to metabolism through midlife and beyond with a focus on sex differences.  Hannah’s work uses doubly labelled water data, considered the gold standard for measuring total daily energy expenditure in real-world conditions. This allows researchers to understand what people actually burn across the day, beyond estimates from fitness trackers, calorie equations, or short-term lab measures. Mikki and Hannah discuss the idea that metabolism is “stable” from 20 to 60, whether menopause uniquely affects energy expenditure, why body fat can increase even when scale weight stays the same, and why preserving fat-free mass becomes increasingly important with age. This is a nuanced, evidence-based conversation for anyone interested in metabolism, midlife body composition changes, and what ageing really means for energy needs. https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty/cabre-hannah.aspx Hannah E. Cabré, PhD, RD, is an Assistant Professor at Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Director of the Aging, Gynecology, and Endocrinology Laboratory. Her research focuses on how female sex hormones influence nutrition, health, performance, and body composition across the lifespan, with a particular interest in sex differences during ageing. Hannah’s work explores the importance of skeletal muscle maintenance for long-term health, especially during the menopause transition, and how lifestyle interventions may help mitigate age-related changes in body composition and healthspan.  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

    50 min
  2. 2d ago

    Mini Mikkipeida - Tracking Food Without Losing Your Mind

    In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki unpacks the real-world pros, cons and practicalities of food tracking. While macro counting is often sold as the “gold standard,” Mikki explains why tracking is less about complexity and more about the time, accuracy and skill required to do it well. She covers why beginners often underestimate the learning curve, how app databases can mislead, and why weighing food, logging extras and understanding raw versus cooked weights matter. The episode also explores the evidence around self-monitoring, adherence drop-off, photo-based tracking, and why consistency often matters more than perfection. Ultimately, tracking is framed as a tool, not a life sentence: useful for building food awareness, but not the only path to fat loss or maintenance.  Highlights  Why food tracking is “arduous,” not complicated  The common mistakes that make macro tracking inaccurate  What the research says about consistency, adherence and weight loss  Photo-based tracking: great for patterns, poor for precision  How tracking can build lasting food knowledge beyond the app 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

    22 min
  3. Jun 16

    Michelle Matangi - Why Fat Loss Is More Than Food

    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 returning guest Michelle Matangi about mindset around food, weight loss, weight loss maintenance and more. This is a special episode, and was originally part of the Mondays Matter curriculum, a Zoom call held with members earlier this year. As part of that, Michelle shares her own updated journey with her health and wellbeing, something she is very transparent about, of which is so helpful for anyone listening. Michelle is a health and life coach in Taranaki who has helped hundreds of people redefine their relationship with food and themselves using strategies that she has perfected over two decades of understanding this for herself. Part of this is not always having the answers or implementing best laid plans, but having grace and acceptance when that isn’t possible.  https://www.michellematangi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/michellematangi/ https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/74  https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/172 https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/320  Mastering maintenance webinar https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mastering-maintenance-webinar 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 22m
  4. Jun 14

    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
  5. Jun 9

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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!

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