The Matt Walker Podcast

Dr. Matt Walker
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  • EVERY TWO WEEKS
The Matt Walker Podcast

The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public. 

  1. Beneath a Highland Moon - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    5 DAYS AGO

    Beneath a Highland Moon - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    Embark on a calming journey to the Scottish Highlands in tonight's sleep story. Join Matt as he guides you through a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, sparkling lochs, and fragrant valleys. Let the soothing sounds of nature and the peaceful imagery lull you into a deep, restful sleep. This immersive experience is designed to ease your mind and help you unwind after a long day.Tonight's story offers a sanctuary from the whirlwind of everyday life, allowing you to release your worries and em...

    23 min
  2. #87 - Sleep, Trauma Memories, AI & Memory Hacks, with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    9 DEC

    #87 - Sleep, Trauma Memories, AI & Memory Hacks, with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    Dr. Charan Ranganath returns to explore the complexities of human memory with Matt here today. Together, they delve into memory's architecture, examining how sleep, trauma, and AI impact its function. The discussion covers episodic and semantic memory, emphasizing the role of sleep in memory consolidation and challenging the traditional "archive" model with Dr. Ranganath proposing a dynamic web of interconnected associations instead. The conversation then shifts to trauma's effects, focu...

    50 min
  3. Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets

    2 DEC

    Ask Me Anything Part 13: Circadian Rhythms, Biphasic Sleep, Gut Health, and Animal Sleep Secrets

    Matt and Eti’s latest AMA episode begins with an exploration of the fascinating relationship between circadian rhythms and medication effectiveness. Discover how this internal 24-hour clock influences drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, impacting treatment outcomes. The episode then delves into chronotherapy, revealing how timing can optimize medication efficacy and minimize side effects for conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Together, our hos...

    56 min
  4. #86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss

    25 NOV

    #86 - Sleeping Pills & Weight Loss

    Join Matt today as he explores the fascinating intersection of sleep, metabolism, and weight management, delving into the science of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). This episode dissects a groundbreaking study on suvorexant (Belsomra), an FDA-approved insomnia medication, and its potential to enhance fat burning during sleep. Matt unpacks the role of orexin, a neuropeptide crucial for wakefulness, and explains how DORAs work by targeting orexin receptors to promote natural sleep.&nb...

    25 min
  5. Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    18 NOV

    Starlight Stroll - A Sleep Story Read by Matt Walker

    Escape the everyday and drift off to dreamland with Matt’s guided sleep story. Together, we'll journey through tranquil landscapes, from moonlit valleys to sun-dappled forests, letting the soothing sounds and imagery lull you into a peaceful slumber. This is a sleep story designed to ease your mind and gently guide you into a deep, restful sleep. If you find yourself struggling to unwind after a long day, allow this narrative to transport you to a place of tranquility and calm. Release your w...

    24 min
  6. #85 - The Power and Limits of Memory with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    11 NOV

    #85 - The Power and Limits of Memory with Dr. Charan Ranganath

    Matt dives deep into the science of memory with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Charan Ranganath, author of Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold On to What Matters in today’s episode. Together, they explore the complex relationship between memory and the brain, touching on the roles of emotional significance, context, and even neuromodulators like dopamine in helping our brains decide which memories to retain and which to discard. Dr. Ranganath shares his unique journey into mem...

    52 min
  7. Ask Me Anything Part 12 - Meds, Pets, Sleeping Naked, and So Much More with Dr. Eti Ben Simon

    4 NOV

    Ask Me Anything Part 12 - Meds, Pets, Sleeping Naked, and So Much More with Dr. Eti Ben Simon

    In Matt’s latest installment of his "Ask Me Anything" series, he once again joins forces with Dr. Eti Ben Simon to address a wide spectrum of listener questions. Beginning with a dive into the fascinating connections between sleep and medication effects, they unpack the ways various medications can impact sleep quality and patterns, from increasing alertness to potentially triggering vivid dreams or insomnia. Eti also brings a unique perspective on how different medications influence REM slee...

    1h 4m
  8. #84 - Sleep & Narcolepsy

    28 OCT

    #84 - Sleep & Narcolepsy

    Matt returns this week to unpack the complexities of narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. He starts by defining narcolepsy, explaining its profound impact on brain and body functioning and its chronic nature, which often diminishes patients' quality of life. Narcolepsy affects about 1 in every 2,000 people, yet most go undiagnosed due to limited awareness and medical training on sleep disorders. With a closer look at the causes, Matt explores how the...

    44 min
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Trailer

Hosts & Guests

About

The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public. 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Matt Walker
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Matt Walker Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Matt Walker Podcast

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