Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Why do we grab our phones the moment we feel bored, lonely or overwhelmed, even when we know it’s unlikely to help? Returning guest, Nir Eyal, breaks down the psychology behind distraction and reveals a surprisingly simple truth: the pull isn't coming from your phone. It's coming from inside you. Nir is a behavioural design expert who writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and human potential. He’s a former Stanford lecturer and is the author of the international bestsellers Hooked and Indistractable, alongside his latest book, Beyond Belief. This is his third appearance on Feel Better, Live More. In this conversation, Nir explains the remarkable truth that only around 10 per cent of phone checks are triggered by an external notification. The other 90 per cent come from within, from stress, fatigue or discomfort we're trying to escape. We discuss why treating technology as inherently addictive lets us off the hook, and what to do instead: his easy, repeatable…

When we think of sunlight, vitamin D is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is, the full spectrum of light that we get exposed to when we spend time outside plays a vital role in how we sleep, how we feel and even how our cells create energy. Today’s Bitesize is from episode 586 of the podcast with quadruple board-certified physician, Dr Roger Seheult. Most of us know that getting outside is good for us, but we may not realise just how powerful sunlight can be for our health. Roger shares why spending 20 minutes a day outside - even on a cloudy day - could make a real difference to your mood, your energy and your sleep. This Bitesize is a powerful reminder that sometimes the simplest habits, like stepping outside, can have the biggest impact on how we feel. Sunlight isn’t just something that makes us feel good – it’s a fundamental part of how our bodies stay healthy. And the best part? It’s free and available to us all. I hope you enjoy listening. Thanks to our sponsor…

If you can’t shake the idea that happiness lies just around the corner, that you’ll ‘be happy when…’ you achieve X, Y or Z, then this conversation will bring you into the present. Because as my guest reveals, the secret to happiness isn't your future success, money or health, but something far simpler (which you can change today). It’s feeling loved. That's the conclusion happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky has arrived at after 36 years studying what makes us content, and it's the focus of this week's episode. Sonja is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and the author of several bestselling books on happiness. Her latest, written with relationship scientist Harry Reis, is called How to Feel Loved. It makes the case that being loved is not the same as feeling loved – and the latter is key to individual happiness and societal wellbeing. During this warm and inspiring conversation, Sonja sets out her five mindsets – including Radical Curiosity, Sharing, and the…

What has the biggest impact on your health and happiness today? Perhaps you’re thinking it’s work, money, what you eat, how you sleep… Maybe it’s your friends and family and how you interact with them… These are all valid answers. But let me put it to you that I think there’s one factor that is linked to, but overrides, all of these things: stress. Today’s Bitesize is from episode 607 of the podcast which was a solo episode I recorded all about stress. While some stress is just part of life, if it starts to accumulate it can have negative consequences for our health and happiness. I explain what stress is, how “micro stress doses” can build up and impact on our lives, and I share some simple strategies that can help you de-stress and re-set your day. I genuinely hope this episode helps you see stress differently and reminds you that small, consistent changes can have a profound impact. A little stress is part of life – but chronic stress doesn’t have to be. In my free guide, Break Free From Stress, I share…

Why would you want to live longer, if not to spend more time with the people you love? That question sits at the heart of this conversation with brain health expert Dr Tommy Wood. And today, we tackle the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to protecting their brain and longevity. Tommy is Assistant Professor of Paediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, where his research spans brain development, cognitive decline and dementia prevention. He’s also worked with elite athletes and Formula One drivers as a performance coach. And in his must-read book The Stimulated Mind, he combines that breadth and specialism to make understanding brain health easier – and more fun – than you might think. We start with mindset, and the surprising research findings that how you feel about ageing can shape how you go on to age. As someone in his 40s, I was delighted to hear Tommy cite a paper called Humans Peak in Midlife, showing that increasing wisdom, emotional intelligence and moral reasoning could…

“When you invest in your health and mobility every single day, you are going to age in a different way!” Dr Vonda Wright. Bone health is something most of us don’t think about until much later in life, but the reality is that the foundation for strong, healthy bones is built much, much earlier - and the sooner you start to build this foundation the better. Today's Bitesize is from episode 588 of the podcast with orthopaedic surgeon and internationally recognised authority on active ageing and mobility, Dr Vonda Wright. Vonda explains why we have more control over our bone health than we might realise, why our mid-30s to mid-40s are such a pivotal window for investing in our future health, and she shares some simple, practical strategies that could help protect our bones and keep us strong. Vonda shares her vision of ageing with strength, independence, and vitality - and why she believes we can all take proactive steps to remain unbreakable. By taking simple, consistent steps today, we could build the…

If there were a health marker guaranteed to shape your happiness, your health and your children’s wellbeing, wouldn’t you want to optimise it? According to today’s guest there is: your relationships. And in this episode, the world-renowned couples’ therapist Terry Real reveals the one skill he believes matters more than any other for lasting love – while showing you exactly how to use it. Nicknamed ‘the turnaround guy’, Terry has spent decades helping couples who’ve tried it all find their way back to connection. His latest bestseller Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship, features a foreword from one-such happy customer, Bruce Springsteen. Terry’s unconventional yet hugely successful approach, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), has trained thousands of therapists worldwide. He believes a good therapist should take sides, and that lasting change often means helping someone come down from grandiosity, not just raising them up from shame. This is one of those conversations that blends…

What if the most courageous, compassionate thing you could do in life, was to learn how to be with yourself? It’s a powerful, perhaps surprising idea put forward by today’s guest. Today’s Bitesize is from episode 387 of the podcast with Gelong Thubten - Buddhist monk, meditation teacher and author of the fantastic book 'A Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk’s Guide to Fearless Living’. Thubten became a monk back in 1993 after suffering from severe physical and mental burnout whilst following his dream of becoming an actor in New York City. We begin by talking about distraction and addiction, two states that are very closely linked. He explains that when we distract ourselves by scrolling, overeating, or drinking for example, we’re pushing away emotional pain or discomfort - even if we may not realise it. But the discomfort is really in the pushing. If we can learn instead to sit with what’s making us uncomfortable, those emotions start to transform. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Show…

Could the food you ate yesterday already be reshaping your gut, your immune system and your risk of chronic disease? This week’s guest says yes, and he’s spent his career demonstrating why that matters so much. Dr Will Bulsiewicz is an award-winning gastroenterologist and the author of the new book, Plant Powered Plus. And few people can explain the science of gut health as clearly, or as compassionately, as Will does in this conversation. If you think you already know everything there is to know about digestion, fibre and plant foods, this episode will change your mind – and deliver a great deal more. Will has identified four nutrition ‘workhorses’ that feed and protect our guts and, unsurprisingly, fibre is one of them. We get into the specifics of how the fibre we eat turns into short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which Will describes as the most anti-inflammatory substance he has ever come across. He makes the case for fibre as the true longevity nutrient. We talk about resistant starch, found in…

When we think about improving our health, we often think about changing our diet, increasing how much we move, improving the quality of our sleep and lowering stress, but how many of us think about ‘working’ on our vision? Every day, many of us experience symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, headaches or poor concentration – and never realise that our eyes might be playing a central role. In today’s Bitesize, pioneering neuro-optometrist Dr Bryce Appelbaum explains why our visual system is about far more than simply how well we can see. Many of us don’t realise just how much our vision influences how we think, feel and perform. We explore the surprising connection between vision and stress, and Bryce shares some simple, practical exercises we can all use today to better support our visual system and our wider health. Show notes and the full podcast are available at ⁠https://drchatterjee.com/576⁠ Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore⁠ Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for…

Why does struggling for something make it more satisfying? And why can getting what you want leave you feeling flat? In this episode, I sit down with Arthur Brooks, one of the world's leading voices on the science of happiness, for a conversation that might change how you feel about your life. Arthur is a professor at Vanderbilt University, senior fellow of Harvard Business School and bestselling author of multiple books, including new title, The Meaning Of Your Life. He walked away from a successful career when he realised that despite a happy marriage, strong faith and good income, he struggled to feel happy. That personal reckoning led him to years of research into what really makes people thrive – and in this conversation, he shares the framework he developed to explain it. Using an analogy from nutrition science, Arthur describes happiness as requiring three macronutrients: enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning. We talk about why so many high achievers get the first one wrong. Suffering and struggle, he…

Most of us assume that memory loss and cognitive decline are just part of getting older. In this episode, a world-leading neurologist says that’s simply not true. That, far from being inevitable, Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases result from decades of metabolic damage – which we have the power to prevent and even reverse. I’m speaking with Dr David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist, six-time New York Times bestselling author, and one of the world's leading experts on brain health. And in this fascinating conversation, we discuss the single biological mechanism that sits at the heart of virtually every neurodegenerative condition, from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to long Covid and depression, and why understanding it changes everything about how you approach your lifestyle. David’s key insight is that our brain's own immune cells, called microglial cells, have the power to make or break our future brain health. Keep them in their protective state through diet, exercise, and metabolic…

As we get older, have you ever wondered why the exercise advice we’ve been given doesn’t seem to work as well as it once did? As we move into our 40s and beyond, our physiology changes in ways that can often feel confusing and frustrating. But what if we could harness those changes to feel stronger, healthier and more resilient than ever before? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 578 of the podcast with exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist, Dr Stacy Sims. Stacy is dedicated to helping active women – and the people who support them – take back control of their bodies, health and lives through science-based knowledge and practical tools. In this clip, Stacy shares why conventional fitness advice often fails women in midlife, and what many of us may be missing when it comes to improving our health, vitality and resilience as…

“Sleep is a lot like love: the less you look for it, the more it shows up.” So says my guest on this episode, one of the world's leading sleep doctors, who’s here to reveal the five common traps that are stopping us getting the rest we need. Dr Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist based in California. He’s the author of several books, including the brilliantly helpful, Sleep, Drink, Breathe. Over the course of his 25-year career, he’s helped thousands of people transform their health by changing the way they sleep. You’ll love his bold, no-nonsense manner and warm, practical advice. In this conversation, we unpack the sleep myths that are keeping us stuck. We talk about why chasing eight hours could be working against you, why sleeping in at the weekend may be doing more harm than good, and why freaking out about your sleep is making it worse. We also explore what is really happening in your body to cause that 3am wake-up, and the practical techniques that can help you get back to…

Today’s guest belongs to the 35th generation of Shaolin Masters and began practising Kung Fu at the age of four. In the 38 years since, he’s acquired a wealth of knowledge in Chinese martial arts and Zen Buddhism. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 426 of the podcast with Master Shi Heng Yi. In this clip, he shares a beautiful concept - and caution - that our thoughts may shape our destiny, and explains why cultivating greater awareness of our inner world could transform the way we experience our lives. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/426 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The…

We’re living in a world that has become extraordinarily skilled at measuring success. But most of us never stop to question which standards really matter to us. Are you chasing success by someone else's definition, without even knowing it? This episode will help you figure that out. My guest is C Thi Nguyen, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah and the author of The Score: How to Stop Playing Someone Else's Game, one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read. This conversation explores where our values really come from, what games and hobbies can teach us about living with freedom, and why so much of what matters most in life resists being measured at all. Thi has developed a fascinating framework for understanding one of the defining problems of modern life: what he calls ‘value capture’. It’s the process by which our own rich, personal values are replaced by simplified external metrics (think followers and likes, salaries, exam grades – even health metrics like your weight or…

Today’s guest believes brain decline is not inevitable, we all have agency in how we age, and the secret lies in our food. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 330 of the podcast with science journalist and New York Times bestselling author, Max Lugavere. Max is passionate about helping people improve their brain health, their longevity and how they feel by optimising their diet. In this clip, he shares three food types that he believes are worth reducing or removing from our diets, and explains why doing so could have many benefits for our health. Max’s message is one of balance and realism. We can all make choices every single day that set us on the path to better health, even if we’re only taking baby steps. Making small changes could have a meaningful impact on our health. Thanks to our sponsor https://heights.com/livemore Show…

Could the stress you barely notice be more harmful than you think? Most of us know chronic stress is bad for us, but few of us realise how deep that damage can go – or how much power we have to reverse it. In this enlightening episode, I speak with one of the world's leading stress researchers Dr Elissa Epel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, to explore the latest science of stress, ageing – and why deep rest may be the remedy we’re overlooking. Elissa's research as a health psychologist reveals that chronic stress can age our immune systems by as much as 10 years. But with the right habits we can activate the repair mechanisms that slow and even reverse that process. We talk about her framework of four mind states – red, yellow, green and blue – outlined in her book, The Seven-Day Stress Prescription. I find it one of the most useful tools for understanding our place on the stress spectrum at any given moment. We explore why so many of us have lost the ability to relax, the…

A lot of people are struggling with anxiety at the moment, especially in a world that often feels out of control. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 370 of the podcast with physician and neuroscientist, Dr Russell Kennedy, who previously suffered with crippling anxiety for over 30 years. Russell insists anxiety isn’t a disorder of the mind. Our worries are merely a symptom - and one that keeps us in our heads and away from the real problem. His core message is that it’s often more effective to use the body to calm the mind, than the mind to calm the body. In this clip, he explains why anxiety may have less to do with our thoughts than we realise, and shares practical strategies that could help us begin breaking the anxiety cycle. For Thrive Tour tickets and info visit: https://drchatterjee.com/live/ Join my 21-day energy reset:…

You might assume that how you’ll age is down to your genes. That your disease risk is out of your hands, sealed by midlife, and something to manage rather than change. But Dr Florence Comite has spent 30 years proving that assumption wrong. And for this conversation, she’s brought the evidence. Florence is a clinician-scientist, Yale and National Institutes of Health-trained endocrinologist, and some might call her a disruptor. Her life’s work has been built on the radical idea that decline is not inevitable, it is detectable. And because it’s detectable, it’s reversible. Her new book, Invincible: Defy Your Genetic Destiny to Live Better Longer, has the core message that our health trajectory is far from fixed. By tuning into our body’s signals, and understanding our physiology, we can make targeted changes to improve how we feel, function and age. In this episode, Florence and I explore why the Western medical model – built around treating disease not creating health – leaves people in the dark when it…

Many of us spend time agonising over decisions, regretting past choices or wondering what might have happened if we'd chosen differently. But today’s guest believes this way of thinking is based on a fundamental misconception. Today’s clip is from episode 537 of the podcast with Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, Dr Ellen Langer. Ellen has spent over 50 years conducting ground-breaking research into the power of the mind and how our thoughts can shape every aspect of our lives. In this clip, she shares a refreshing approach to decision making that could help us stop overthinking, let go of regret and feel more confident in the choices we make. Ellen is a wonderful human, full of knowledge, expertise and passion. She is the recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards and the author of twelve books, including The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Join my 21-day energy reset: https://drchatterjee.com/reset Show notes and…

Why do we sometimes react in ways we don’t mean to? Why does criticism land so heavily when others can brush it off? And why, even when life looks good from the outside, do we feel stuck on the inside? This week’s guest offers a new perspective on all this – and an optimistic way forward. With nearly 10 million followers on Instagram as The Holistic Psychologist, Dr Nicole LePera has helped countless people see their lifelong patterns through a helpful new lens. She joins me to discuss her fantastic book, Reparenting the Inner Child: The New Science of Our Oldest Wounds and How to Heal Them. At the heart of our conversation is an important idea: we don’t see the world as it is, we see it through the state of our nervous system. Nicole highlights the signs that yours may be calling the shots, such as restlessness, numbness, disproportionate reactions and the constant need to be busy. And she explains how those patterns trace back to a part of us shaped long before we had the language for it: our inner child.…

Many of us assume low energy is simply a consequence of being busy or not getting enough sleep. But there can be other factors contributing to how we feel that often go unnoticed. I’ve decided to try something a little bit different as a Bitesize episode this week. I wanted to record a solo episode about the topic of energy because one of the most common things I hear from patients is that they feel exhausted or overwhelmed even when they seem to be getting enough sleep. So, in this episode, I share a few often overlooked reasons that can leave us feeling low in energy, along with some simple strategies that could quickly begin to help. Please note: these symptoms can also occur in a range of conditions, including depression, sleep apnoea, thyroid disorders and anaemia. If your symptoms persist, or if you have any concerns, it’s important to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For Thrive Tour tickets and info visit: https://drchatterjee.com/live/ Join my 21-day energy reset:…

Imagine being told for 25 years that your pain is incurable – then making a full recovery within six weeks. That’s exactly what happened to one of the case studies in this episode and his story is far from exceptional. Could it be that much of the chronic pain we accept in life isn’t evidence our body is broken, but a sign our brain is trying to protect us? My guest this week is Dr Howard Schubiner, one of the world’s leading experts in chronic pain and the mind-body interaction. He’s spent more than 20 years working wonders with people who’d been told their pain was untreatable. He’s published over 100 scientific papers, runs one of the most respected programmes of its kind in the US, and his new book, Unlearn Your Pain, is set to transform how we think about suffering. To kick off this game-changing conversation, Howard debunks some common beliefs around pain, including the assumption that an MRI scan will accurately diagnose back issues. We talk about why bulging discs, degeneration and other…

Why is it that so many of us find it hard to stick to a new diet or lifestyle plan? We all start off well enough – full of energy and optimism but then the novelty soon wears off and life gets in the way. After some time, we are right back where we first started. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 92 of the podcast when my good friend, Dr Ayan Panja, put me in the hot seat. In this clip, we explore why lasting change doesn’t often come from huge life overhauls or extreme routines, but from small actions repeated consistently over time. We discuss why so many health plans fail, how 5 minute habits can create a powerful ripple effect throughout our lives, and why sustainable lifestyle change may be much simpler than we think. For Thrive Tour tickets and info visit: https://drchatterjee.com/live/ Show notes and the full podcast are…

Most of us walk every day without really thinking about it – but this episode is guaranteed to change that. Because this simple, free, radical act is one of the most powerful things you can do for your body, your brain and your longevity. In this episode I’m joined by Dr Courtney Conley, for a conversation that will transform how you feel about your feet and how you use them. Courtney is a movement specialist who’s passionate about helping people move through life with strength, ease and confidence. She's co-author of the must-read new book, Walk: Your Life Depends On It, and this is her second appearance on the show, following one of our most listened-to episodes of the year. We begin by unpacking the 10,000 steps a day target – where it came from and what the research shows we really need (clue: it’s less than you think… but it matters way more than you think). We talk through the wealth of benefits walking brings, with Courtney explaining that wherever you are on the scale, adding just a thousand steps a…

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of material success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and believing that more money means more happiness. But what if there’s more to wealth than just money? Today’s clip is from episode 471 of the podcast with best-selling author and one of the top leadership and personal mastery experts in the world, Robin Sharma. In this clip, Robin shares his perspective on why so many people may be chasing the wrong version of success, and what it truly means to live a rich life. We also discuss why traditional self-help approaches often fall short, particularly in the realm of personal growth and happiness, and how society’s obsession with hustle culture and toxic positivity has exacerbated the problem of burnout and dissatisfaction.His approach offers a much-needed alternative to the endless pursuit of material success, showing us how to create a life that’s ‘wealthy’ in all the ways that matter most. Thanks to our sponsor…

The chances are, you’re one of the 96 percent who aren’t getting enough fibre. And I’m not talking a little bit off the mark. For most of us, our intake is seriously lacking. Why does that matter? Because given everything we now know about what fibre does for our gut, our brain, our metabolism, our mood, our weight and our long-term disease risk, it’s an easy fix that we’re missing. Joining me on the podcast is Dr Emily Leeming, a dietitian and researcher at King's College London, who’s spent years studying the relationship between what we eat and the health of our gut microbiome. Her new book, Fibre Power, makes the case – compellingly and practically – that fibre may be the most underrated nutrient in our diets. As a scientist, a clinician who works directly with patients, and a former chef, her advice is evidence-based yet grounded in what works in a real kitchen, for real people. In this episode we explore what fibre is, where it’s found, and why it’s so much more than a digestive aid. Emily explains how…

A topic that I’m truly passionate about is the introduction of social media and smartphones into all aspects of our lives - changing the way we think, feel and connect with one another. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 381 of the podcast with psychiatrist, globally renowned speaker, and best-selling author Dr Anders Hansen. In this clip, he explains how our attention has become one of the most valuable commodities in today’s world, why our devices are designed to keep us hooked, and he shares some simple ways we can begin to take back control and reconnect with what really matters. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/381 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For…

What if burnout isn't a sign that something is broken in you, but a sign that something needs to change? That's the question at the heart of this conversation – and it’ll shift the way you think about your energy, your career, and how you’re spending your one life. My guest is Pippa Grange, the renowned psychologist, performance coach, and author of Life Reclaimed. Pippa spent 25 years working with the highest performers in the world of business and sport (including her famous stint with the England football team). But her wisdom today is for all of us – particularly anyone who feels like they’re running on empty, or that the way they’re living isn’t working for them anymore. We begin by talking about why overperformance is so prevalent these days, and why it’s not a personal failing but a cultural shift. Pippa describes burnout as something that happens when life’s pace and pressure outweighs our ability to cope. We overperform at work, at home, even socially – and we’ve forgotten what balance looks like.…

In our hyper-connected modern world, where we have access to artificial light and food around the clock, we’ve drifted far from our body’s natural rhythms. But what if reconnecting with these internal clocks could be the key to unlocking better health, and more energy? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 479 of the podcast with Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist at WHOOP, Dr Kristen Holmes. In this clip, we discuss practical strategies for harmonising our circadian rhythms in the context of modern life. Kristen explains how factors like late meals and irregular routines can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms, and shares some simple changes that can make a real difference. This episode is packed with actionable insights, and I hope it leaves you feeling empowered to take control of your daily rhythms and…

Most of us know that nutrition, movement and sleep are key pillars of health. But what if I told you that creativity belongs in the same conversation – and the science to prove it has been mounting up for decades? Professor Daisy Fancourt, one of the world’s leading health researchers, has uncovered a wealth of evidence linking engagement with the arts to improved mental and physical health. It’s all collected in her wonderful book, Art Cure, and I only wish it had existed as required reading when I was a medical student. Daisy agrees it’s been a ‘bizarrely well-kept secret’. We think of creative pursuits – music, theatre, dancing, arts and crafts – as ‘nice to haves’ but not necessary parts of life. But she believes a public awareness shift is on the horizon. Just as we’ve come to understand that exercise is an essential component of health, so too will we realise that ‘art as medicine’ is a scientific fact – one to be prescribed not ignored. It’s quite the promise – and a really exciting one to consider.…

Many of us are living with chronically dysregulated nervous systems, yet we mistake this reactive state for normal. Research suggests that our nervous system acts as a lens through which we experience reality. But when that lens is out of balance, we start to see threats where none exist, and respond in an exaggerated way to everyday situations. Today’s clip is from episode 569 of the podcast with Jonny Miller - founder of Nervous System Mastery, a 5-week bootcamp where he has taught over a thousand students how to cultivate calm, rewire reactivity and restore aliveness. In this clip he shares why learning to work with your body can change how you respond to stress, reduce reactivity, and help you move from overwhelm to calm. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/569 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms…

Ever wondered why you can’t stop at just one biscuit? Or why your efforts to eat better go so well for a few days, but you’re soon back where you started – frustrated, ashamed and wondering what’s wrong with you? This episode has the answers you need, along with a roadmap for regaining control. I’m speaking with Dr Jen Unwin, a clinical psychologist who has struggled with and overcome food addiction. And if you’re thinking ‘I didn’t think that was a thing’ then stay tuned for the facts that will convince you otherwise. Over decades trying to understand her own relationship with food, Jen discovered that for a significant number of people, a compulsive habit around sugar and ultra-processed foods is real and damaging. In this enlightening conversation, she explains how sugar lights up the same reward centres in the brain as nicotine and alcohol. And how our hunter-gatherer ancestors may not have needed an ‘off switch’ for eating, but our modern food industry makes it almost impossible for vulnerable people to…

Today’s guest, like myself, is passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health by simplifying the wealth of information that exists and giving people practical, realistic recommendations. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 404 of the podcast with Dr Tommy Wood. Tommy is Assistant Professor of Paediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Washington, US. In this clip, we aim to cut through some of the confusion about caffeine, including how it may affect your energy, focus, sleep, stress levels and even performance in ways you may not expect. We discuss why caffeine isn’t simply ‘good’ or ‘bad’, why timing and dose matter, and how finding what works for you may be the most important thing of all. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at…

This podcast could change the way you think about every goal you’ve set, every relationship you’re struggling with – and every story you tell yourself about what you’re capable of. It all comes down to something most of us have never thought to question: our beliefs. And what you’ll hear in this conversation might be the most practical, liberating idea you come across all year. I’m speaking with Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, whose powerful new book Beyond Belief draws on years of research into the psychology of why we limit ourselves – and how to stop. Nir opens the conversation with a striking claim: human beings never perceive reality as it truly is. Our brains filter everything through our existing beliefs and expectations, and most of the time, we have no idea it’s happening. The good news? Once you understand this, you can start choosing beliefs that actually work for you. In this conversation, we explore why persistence – not talent or intelligence – is the number one…

Today’s guest believes that even when things don’t go our way, there’s always an opportunity for growth and unexpected joy. Feel Better, Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today's clip is from episode 476 of the podcast with Buddhist monk and author Haemin Sunim. Haemin is a Zen Buddhist teacher and the author of two Sunday Times bestselling books, including his very latest, the beautiful: ‘When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times.’ In this clip, we discuss the crucially important notion that we always have a choice in how we interpret and respond to life’s challenges even when things don’t go our way. Thanks to our sponsor https://heights.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/476 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For…

Most of us only think about our immune system when we're ill. But what if it's actually the single most important system shaping your health and longevity? In this episode, Dr Jenna Macciochi makes a powerful case for rethinking immunity. It’s not just a defence mechanism you call on to fight a cold. It’s your body's wellness system, quietly influencing everything from your mood and metabolism to your risk of heart disease, dementia and cancer. Jenna is one of the UK's leading immunologists and a bestselling author. Her latest book, Immune to Age: The Game-Changing Science of Lifetime Health, explores the deep connection between our immune system, how we live, and how well we age. Jenna combines robust science and personal honesty in everything she does and this, her second conversation for the podcast, is no exception. Jenna explains what the immune system actually is, what it does, and why ‘boosting’ it isn’t something you want to do on a regular basis. We explore the link between chronic stress and…

Today’s guest passionately believes that the decisions we make every day about what we eat have a huge influence on our overall health. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 450 of the podcast with internationally renowned physician, and bestselling author, Dr William Li. In this clip, he explains how the foods we eat could either support or weaken our body’s natural defence systems, and shares some simple, practical ways to make better choices every day. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/450 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is…

What if the secret to great health, more energy and feeling happier isn’t a diet, a fitness routine or a supplement – but the quality of your relationships? This conversation, with neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, will challenge your preconceptions about how you relate to others and, more importantly, empower you to change that. Dr Levine is Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and bestselling author of Attached a landmark title about attachment theory in adults. But it’s his new book Secure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure Life, that we’re diving into today. In it, he makes the case that all of us, no matter what our attachment style, can learn to build relationships that help us thrive – in all areas of our life. Not familiar with the four attachment styles? Dr Levine explains all and tells us how they might show up in everyday life. They aren’t disorders that need to be fixed, but natural variations in how we understand and interact with others. And getting to know…

When was the last time you did something just for joy? “Research shows that a lack of pleasure is central to poor mental health.” – Dr. Camilla Nord Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 543 of the podcast with award-winning neuroscientist and author of The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health, Dr Camilla Nord. In this clip, she shares why pleasure is so fundamental to mental wellbeing and how small actions can help us reconnect with it. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://drinkag1.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/543 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended…

Listening to this conversation could help you sleep better, quit snoring, and wake refreshed. You’ll learn a simple trick to stop anxiety in its tracks, and find out how to keep asthma and high blood pressure in check. And the secret to all these health gains? It really is a breath of fresh air… I’m talking to James Nestor, a science journalist and the author of international bestseller Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. James spent a decade investigating why so many of us breathe badly and what happens when we get it right. And he’s here today to pass on some ancient wisdom, through the lens of modern science. We all know the feeling of shallow, rapid breathing that sets in when you’re anxious or stressed. And you don’t have to be a breathwork guru to recognise the power of a slow inhalation and exhalation to make you feel… ahh… grounded and calm. James’s message is that better breathing really is that simple. It’s about tuning in to how well you’re using your lungs, your diaphragm – and your nose. In…

As you may know, all throughout March, I have been releasing short 10-minute meditations from Henry Shukman every single Sunday to inspire you to join our 30-day meditation challenge with The Way. In this final bonus meditation from Henry, he takes us back to the original purpose of meditation – to rest the nervous system and to show us we’re not just the self but part of a larger consciousness. Thank you to all of you who have taken part. I hope it has shown you how just a few minutes of practice each day can have a transformative impact on the way you experience life, and I really hope that some of you will continue with the practice beyond March. If you didn’t manage to join us but are still keen to give it a go, please don’t worry, it’s never too late to start you can sign up now and you’ll still receive your 30 FREE guided meditations to begin at a time that’s right for you. In fact, anyone who visits: thewayapp.com/livemore into April and beyond can access this special offer. So if you’ve already taken…

Many of us feel under constant pressure to optimise every moment, to become more efficient, more productive and somehow more worthy. But what if embracing our limits could be the key to living a calmer, more meaningful life? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 580 of the podcast with journalist and author, the brilliant Oliver Burkeman. In this clip, Oliver shares why the belief that life will finally feel easier once we clear our to-do list is such a persistent illusion, and why we don’t need to wait for life to feel calm or under control before we start living with more intention. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/580 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts…

Do you believe there’s something inside you that knows who you really are? It knows what kind of life you're meant to live, the type of work that lights you up, and what your soul is asking of you? In this episode, you'll learn how to start listening to it. Dr James Hollis, an 85-year-old Jungian analyst and author of 22 books, has spent more than four decades helping people uncover what's really driving their search for something more. What he has to say is profound, practical – and potentially life-changing. I begin by asking a deceptively simple question: what is a life of meaning? James explains that it’s not something you go out and find. Rather, it arises when you start living in alignment with your soul’s agenda. He shares his own powerful story of achieving everything he thought he wanted by 35, only to be hit by a depression that forced him to look inward for the first time. That crisis became a turning point and informed the wisdom he shares so generously today. We discuss why so many people who’ve…

Throughout March, our community has been building a simple, daily meditation habit. And if you haven’t started yet, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of time to join us. How about trying a super-simple, easy-to-follow meditation right now? Zen Master Henry Shukman, founder of The Way app, has recorded a special 10-minute session for you to do today, all about finding your heart centre. I’ve released it as a bonus podcast episode, so you can access it anytime, wherever you usually get Feel Better, Live More. Meditation has so many benefits for our physical health and mental wellbeing, try today’s episode and see how you feel afterwards. I partnered with Henry to bring you a 30-day challenge called Meditation March and inspire you to build a simple, sustainable daily habit. Using The Way app clears any confusion and makes it easy to establish a meditation practice that sticks. It puts you on a clear, science-backed path, removing choice and giving you one 10-minute guided meditation to listen to each day.…

Are you trying to create better habits and quit those that don’t serve you? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 145 of the podcast with entrepreneur and author of the best-selling book Atomic Habits, James Clear. In this clip, James explains why small daily habits can have such a powerful impact on our lives, why focusing on systems rather than outcomes can lead to lasting change, and he shares four simple principles to help make habits stick. We also discuss how true behaviour change is really identity change. Every action you take towards your goal is a vote for the person you wish to become. You’re no longer that someone who tries to go for a run three times a week, you’re a runner. James says we can all begin by asking ourselves ‘Who do I want to become?’ then looking at what habits we might need to build that identity. Thanks to…

This podcast contains some of the simplest, most effective advice on brain health you will ever hear. It explains why the cognitive decline we expect with age isn’t inevitable at all. And why up to 70 percent of cases of dementia are, in fact, preventable. I’m speaking with neuroscientist Dr Tommy Wood, one of the most respected voices on brain health today. He works with Formula One drivers and elite athletes to deliver peak cognitive and physical performance. He’s a researcher whose work spans brain development, traumatic brain injury and dementia – all of which is compellingly distilled into his new book, The Stimulated Mind. Tommy is a plain speaker and motivating communicator and in this episode he explains why it’s the way you use your brain that matters more than almost anything else you can do for your long-term health. He outlines his 3S framework, Stimulate, Supply and Support, which makes brain health feel like something we can all influence – no expensive supplements or specialist training…

All through March, our community has been building a simple daily meditation habit — and if you haven’t started yet, there’s still plenty of time to join us. Here’s a beautiful meditation from Henry, just for the Feel Better, Live More community. It’s amazing how taking a few moments of stillness, where we put down the to-do list and just drop into being, can really shift how we feel. Meditation is an incredibly powerful tool for transforming our lives. But like any positive habit, it can be a hard thing to start and maintain. That’s why I love challenges — short, intensive commitments that help us to really kickstart a new habit or reinforce one we love. Throughout March, here at Feel Better, Live More, I’ve teamed up with Zen master Henry Shukman and his meditation app The Way, to bring you our first-ever Meditation Challenge, to help turbocharge your meditation practice. After meeting Henry last year, I've become a huge fan of his meditation app, The Way. I use it myself most days and really believe in…

Many of the habits and reactions that shape our adult lives began as clever coping strategies in childhood. While they once helped us survive difficult situations, they can later limit our relationships and happiness. By becoming aware of these patterns, we can start to change them. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 495 of the podcast with author, internationally renowned philosopher, and founder of The School of Life, the wonderful Alain de Botton. Alain is known for his unique ability to apply philosophical concepts to everyday life. In this clip, he explains how our childhood can impact our adult relationships and behaviours and he shares some practical tools that can help us better understand ourselves and each other. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://thewayapp.com/livemore Show notes and the full podcast are available at…