All episodes

The Sad Brain and Winter Blues: How to Cope with Depression and the Seasonal Low

The Sad Brain and Winter Blues: How to Cope with Depression and the Seasonal Low

44m 31s

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Fiorillo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Naples and President of the European Psychiatric Association, to explore the neurobiological and clinical aspects of depression during the winter months—a phenomenon affecting millions of people worldwide.

Professor Fiorillo discusses the role of reduced daylight exposure, explains why certain individuals are more vulnerable to seasonal mood changes, and examines how environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors interact to increase risk.

This episode offers valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and the general public, providing a deeper understanding of winter-related depression along with practical, science-based strategies...

The Impact of Sleep on Brain Health

The Impact of Sleep on Brain Health

46m 53s

In this episode, we sit down with neurologist, sleep expert, and best-selling author Dr. Inge Declercq to explore the essential role sleep plays in protecting and optimising brain health. Drawing on rigorous science and years of clinical experience, Dr. Declercq explains why sleep is a non-negotiable priority and challenges common misconceptions about what it really means to sleep "well” and sleep "enough".
She emphasises that sleep does not exist in isolation, but is closely connected to how we spend our days, from light exposure and movement to stress and screen use. This insightful conversation offers many pieces of practical advice...

A Glass Too Much for the Brain

A Glass Too Much for the Brain

50m 20s

In this episode, we discuss how alcohol impacts brain and liver health, and explore strategies to reduce harm with Prof. Frank Murray from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and Catherine Paradis from WHO Europe.

Brain Health on the Move

Brain Health on the Move

39m 20s

In this episode, Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Ole Petter Hjelle, renowned physician and associate professor in Medicine, former marathon champion, and “The Sporting Physician,” about the powerful connection between physical activity and brain health. Ole Petter shares his journey from elite athlete to neuroscientist, insights from his clinical work, and practical tips for integrating movement into daily life to support a healthy brain.

Brain Health and Multiple Sclerosis

Brain Health and Multiple Sclerosis

32m 57s

This episode explores brain health in the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a lifelong neurological disease affecting millions worldwide. Host Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by two MS experts—Natalia Szejko and Sanja Gluscevic to discuss what brain health means for people with MS, how to measure and improve it, and why this matters not only for individuals but for society as a whole.

What is Brain Health and Why It Matters

What is Brain Health and Why It Matters

38m 47s

In this debut episode, Jana Midelfart-Hoff welcomes Professors Paul Boon and Barbara Casolla to unpack the concept of brain health.

Welcome to the first episode of The Brain Health Mission Podcast with host Jana Midelfart-Hoff, consultant and professor in neurology from Bergen, Norway. In this episode, Jana is joined by two of Europe’s leading neurologists and brain scientists, Professor Paul Boon and Professor Barbara Casolla. Together, they explore what brain health really means, why it matters not only for individuals but also for society, and how you can protect and improve it.

We discuss:
• The definition of brain health...