What The Hellth

Brian Bost & Nessa Meshkaty
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS

Hosted by Dr. Brian Bost & Dr. Nessa Meshkaty Welcome to What the Hellth? — where two physicians pull back the curtain on modern medicine, one real conversation at a time. Dr. Brian Bost (Internal Medicine & Pediatrics) and Dr. Nessa Meshkaty (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics & Infectious Disease) explore the strange, inspiring, and often maddening world of healthcare — from embracing health and wellness, to bureaucracy, and bad headlines. Each episode features two sides of medicine: • In Living Health — real-world science, wellness, and advice that actually makes sense. • In Living Hell(th) — the moments that make us all ask, “What the hellth is happening?” With warmth, wit, and decades of frontline experience, Brian and Nessa bring clarity and humanity to a system that often forgets both. Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or just someone trying to stay sane and healthy, this podcast reminds us: there’s still hope (and humor) in healthcare. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions or positions of any past, current, or future employers, affiliated institutions, or organizations. This content is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical care. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making changes to your health regimen. Listening to this podcast or interacting with its content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Episodes

  1. S1E6 When We Don’t Pause, Things Get Through: Viruses, Vaccines, and the Cost of Constant Motion

    12/23/2025

    S1E6 When We Don’t Pause, Things Get Through: Viruses, Vaccines, and the Cost of Constant Motion

    Episode Summary In this episode of What The Hellth, Brian and Nessa reconnect after a period of relentless schedules to explore what happens—both biologically and socially—when we stop pausing long enough to listen. The conversation begins with the power of silence and intentional retreat, from multi-day silent experiences to smaller, daily practices that reduce cognitive overload and reset the nervous system. They discuss how constant digital and sensory stimulation prevents the body and brain from ever fully returning to baseline, contributing to burnout, poor decision-making, and disconnection from our own internal signals. From there, the episode shifts into the public-health consequences of moving too fast and listening too little. Brian and Nessa unpack the recent removal of the universal newborn hepatitis B vaccine recommendation, grounding the discussion in decades of global data, real-world clinical experience, and the long arc of prevention. They explore how weakened public-health infrastructure and misinformation can quietly undo progress—often with consequences that won’t be fully visible for years. The episode closes with a grounded discussion of norovirus—an often underestimated but highly disruptive illness—highlighting how easily it spreads, why hand sanitizer isn’t enough, and why recovery requires more patience than we tend to allow ourselves. Interwoven throughout is a recurring theme: when we don’t create space to slow down, reflect, and restore, vulnerabilities—whether viral, systemic, or emotional—find their way in. Key Takeaways Silence is not absence—it’s a biological reset.Reducing digital and sensory input allows the brain to stop narrating, judging, and reacting, making space for observation and regulation. Retreat doesn’t have to mean escape.Even short, device-free periods—hours or a single day—can have measurable benefits when practiced intentionally and consistently. Our bodies run on a “stimulus battery.”Sleep, sensory input, social interaction, and stress all draw from the same reserve; awareness of this helps guide healthier daily choices. Phantom urgency is real.Constant alerts and notifications keep the nervous system activated long after the stimulus is gone—similar to the “phantom pager” phenomenon many clinicians recognize. Public-health progress is fragile.The removal of universal newborn hepatitis B vaccination risks reversing decades of global success in preventing liver disease and cancer. Hepatitis B prevention works—exceptionally well.Universal newborn vaccination has reduced perinatal transmission from tens of thousands of cases to single-digit numbers in many settings. Norovirus deserves respect.It spreads easily, survives on surfaces for days, resists alcohol-based sanitizers, and requires rigorous handwashing and environmental cleaning. Recovery takes longer than symptoms.Just because vomiting and diarrhea stop doesn’t mean the body—or the gut-brain axis—has fully recovered. Burnout isn’t just personal—it’s systemic.When healthcare, public policy, and daily life prioritize speed over reflection, the costs show up in illness, inequity, and preventable harm. Pausing is protective.At every level—individual, clinical, and societal—intentional slowing down creates resilience.

    27 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    S1E5 Lost in Translation: How Medicine Talks Past Patients

    Summary In this episode, Brian and Nessa discuss various aspects of healthcare, including the importance of taking time off, the role of AI in medicine, and the challenges of communication in patient care. They delve into the concept of asymptomatic bacteria and how it can lead to misdiagnosis, as well as the need for better patient-doctor collaboration. The conversation also touches on the significance of being human at the bedside and the importance of safety in nature during outdoor activities.

    25 min

  3. 11/03/2025

    S1E4 Unconventional Prescriptions for Wellness

    In this episode, Brian and Nessa explore the concept of feel-good medicine, discussing various unconventional prescriptions such as gardening, bird watching, and the practice of forest bathing. They delve into the importance of nature in promoting mental health and well-being, highlighting the Swedish model of prescribed nature and the shift towards social prescribing in healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance, moderation, and community engagement in health practices, advocating for a more holistic approach to wellness.

    23 min

  4. 10/18/2025

    S1E3 Antibiotic Stewards, Nature's GLP-1, And Play for Cognitive Strength

    In this episode, Dr Brian Bost and Dr. Nessa Meshkaty discuss the critical topics of antimicrobial stewardship, the gut microbiome, nutrition, and the importance of creativity for brain health. They explore the complexities of antibiotic use in hospitals, the significance of maintaining a healthy gut, the impact of nutrition on health, especially in schools, and how creative activities can enhance cognitive function. The conversation highlights the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health, one that integrates medical knowledge with practical lifestyle choices.

    23 min

  5. 10/12/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus: Viewer Question on Controversies

    Our first viewer question about why we are not using our platform to address controversial topics, especially in pediatrics.

    1 min

  6. 10/09/2025

    Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria, Probiotics, and Artistic Escapes

    In this podcast episode, Dr. Brian Bost and Dr. Nessa Meshkaty discuss critical health topics, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically the NDM-CRE strain, and the implications for healthcare. They delve into the debate surrounding probiotics, examining the scientific evidence versus marketing claims. The conversation highlights the importance of informed decision-making in health and wellness, as well as practical lifestyle tips for maintaining gut health. The episode concludes with personal reflections on social connections and the joy of cooking.

    20 min

  7. 10/04/2025

    Saturday Launch and PSA Rant

    Summary In this inaugural episode of 'What the Health', hosts Brian Bost and Dr. Nessa Meshkadi discuss various health topics, including men's health concerns, the importance of gut health and nutrition, and the benefits of walking and fresh air. They emphasize the need for critical evaluation of health information and share personal anecdotes related to health and wellness. Takeaways Brian Bost and Dr. Nessa Meshkadi introduce their podcast 'What the Health'.The conversation covers a range of health topics, including men's health and gut health.Understanding the validity of health information is crucial for everyone.Men's health concerns are often overlooked in healthcare discussions.PSA testing has specific guidelines based on age and potential benefits.Gut health can be improved through a diet rich in fresh greens and proper nutrition.Walking can significantly reduce anxiety levels and improve mental health.The act of seeding pomegranates can be meditative and a rewarding experience.Fresh air and nature have numerous health benefits.The hosts express excitement for future episodes and discussions.

    8 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Hosted by Dr. Brian Bost & Dr. Nessa Meshkaty Welcome to What the Hellth? — where two physicians pull back the curtain on modern medicine, one real conversation at a time. Dr. Brian Bost (Internal Medicine & Pediatrics) and Dr. Nessa Meshkaty (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics & Infectious Disease) explore the strange, inspiring, and often maddening world of healthcare — from embracing health and wellness, to bureaucracy, and bad headlines. Each episode features two sides of medicine: • In Living Health — real-world science, wellness, and advice that actually makes sense. • In Living Hell(th) — the moments that make us all ask, “What the hellth is happening?” With warmth, wit, and decades of frontline experience, Brian and Nessa bring clarity and humanity to a system that often forgets both. Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or just someone trying to stay sane and healthy, this podcast reminds us: there’s still hope (and humor) in healthcare. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions or positions of any past, current, or future employers, affiliated institutions, or organizations. This content is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical care. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making changes to your health regimen. Listening to this podcast or interacting with its content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Bost & Nessa Meshkaty
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Brian Bost & Nessa Meshkaty