All episodes

Brain health is rising on the European policy agenda—but what does that mean in practice?

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Fred Destrebecq from the European Brain Council about the growing importance of brain health policy in Europe. They reflect on key takeaways from Brain Awareness Week in Brussels, explore the scale and economic impact of neurological disorders, and assess current progress across the EU.

In this episode of the Brain Health Mission Podcast, our host Jana Midelfart-Hoff explores the fascinating and rapidly evolving field of neurotechnology. Joined by Virginia Mathieu, Director of Neurotechnology at the Centre for Future Generations, they unpack what neurotechnology is, how it is developing, and its potential to support brain health.

The conversation also dives into important questions around how to distinguish truly beneficial innovations from gimmicks, as well as key considerations such as data protection and the evolving European legislative landscape.

This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of brain health, technology, and policy—providing valuable insights into...

In this episode, host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Dr. Anna Jansen, child neurologist and President of the European Paediatric Neurological Society, to explore brain health from a fresh perspective: childhood and adolescence. They dive into how the brain develops in young people and the powerful role education plays in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

Together, they debunk common myths, share evidence-based insights, and discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy brains from an early age. From the classroom to everyday life, this conversation highlights the transformative potential of education in creating brighter, healthier futures.

Blending scientific expertise with practical...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...