While the gut microbiome often steals the spotlight, the microorganisms residing in our respiratory tract play a vital role in our health and immunity. In this episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser sits down with microbial ecologist Dr. Michael Cox to explore the fascinating, complex, and relatively uncharted territory of the lung microbiome.

They discuss how the lung microbiome fundamentally differs from the gut, the daily flux of bacteria entering and leaving our airways, and the profound impacts of environmental factors like air pollution, smoking, vaping, and household cleaning products. Plus, Dr. Cox shares the massive challenges scientists face when studying these deep-tissue microbes and what the future of respiratory medicine might look like.

What We Cover:

• From Seawater to Sputum: Using marine ecology techniques to decode human respiratory biology.
• Exploring the lungs' dynamic balance of microaspiration and mucociliary clearance.
• Meet the core lung bacteria (Streptococcus, Prevotella, Veillonella) and the puzzle of anaerobes in an oxygen-rich space.
• Environmental Disruptors: How pollution, smoking, and vaping inflame and alter the lung microbiome.
• Hidden Dangers of VOCs: The silent impact of everyday cleaning sprays and aerosols on respiratory health.
• Diet, Exercise, & Epigenetics: The systemic benefits of a high-fiber diet and fitness for chronic lung conditions like COPD and asthma.

About

Dr. Michael Cox is a microbial ecologist and the PGR Lead for the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on the bacteria that reside in the respiratory tract in the context of respiratory diseases (such as COPD and Cystic Fibrosis). His lab works to understand the function of the respiratory microbiome, translate these findings for clinical benefit, and expand our understanding of the respiratory ecosystem beyond just bacteria.

Connect with Dr Michael Cox:

• University of Birmingham

Scientific References & Further Reading:

• Cumming, K. J. (2018). "Long term effects of cleaning on the lungs." American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 197(9):1099-1101.
• Hussain, S., et al. (2024). "Unlocking the secrets: VOCs and their devastating effects on lung cancer." Pathology - Research and Practice, 255:155157.
• Welsh, H. A., et al. (2026). "The effect of vaping on the human lung microbiota." Inhalation Toxicology, Vol 38, Iss 1.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack as she welcomes one of the top early-life microbiome scientists in the field, Professor Chris Stewart. Discover the origins of your gut microbiome, the biological superpowers of breast milk, and how lab-grown "organoids" are uncovering surprising ways to protect preterm babies.

What We Cover:

• The Genesis of You: How birth mode and early feeding shape our microbial foundations.
• Inside the Stewart Lab: Using lab-grown human "organoids" to study host-microbe interactions in real-time.
• The Magic of HMOs: Why mothers produce complex sugars (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) that feed gut microbes instead of the baby.
• The "Good" Clostridium: Groundbreaking research on a specific Clostridium perfringens strain that thrives on HMOs to protect preterm infants from gut diseases.
• Probiotics & Preemies: Navigating FDA regulations and the future of personalized medicine in neonatal care.

About

Professor Stewart leads human microbiome research at Newcastle University. His lab combines computational biology with innovative wet-lab human organoid models to study global health issues, focusing primarily on the early-life gut microbiome and protecting vulnerable infants.

Connect with the Stewart Lab:

• Newcastle University Profile
• Google Scholar
• Twitter
• Newcastle Neonatal Nutrition and NEC Research (N4)

Scientific References & Further Reading:

• Stewart CJ, et al. (2018). Temporal development of the gut microbiome in early childhood from the TEDDY study. Nature, 562(7728):583–8.
• Chapman JA, et al. (2026). Clostridia from preterm infants metabolize human milk oligosaccharides to suppress pathobionts and modulate intestinal function in organoids. Nat Microbiol, 1–20.
• Masi AC, et al. (2021). Human milk oligosaccharide DSLNT and gut microbiome in preterm infants predicts necrotising enterocolitis. Gut, 70(12):2273–82.
• Beck LC, et al. (2022). Strain-specific impacts of probiotics are a significant driver of gut microbiome development in very preterm infants. Nat Microbiol, 7(10):1525–35.
• UNICEF UK: Breastfeeding in the UK

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack and the "fibre-fabulous" Dr. Emily Leeming, a former superyacht chef turned King's College London microbiome scientist and registered dietitian. Discover why fibre is the overlooked "Cinderella nutrient," how it fuels your gut microbiome, and practical, delicious ways to hit your 30-gram daily target without the bloat.

What We Cover:

1. The Chef-to-Scientist Pipeline: Dr. Leeming's journey from the high seas to gut health research.
2. The "Blue Poo" Study: What transit time actually is and what it reveals about your digestion.
3. Disease Prevention: How feeding your gut microbiome protects against colorectal cancer and heart disease.
4. Simple Food Combos: Chef-approved tips to easily sneak more whole grains, nuts, and beans into your busy day.

About

Dr. Leeming is a scientist at King's College London, a dietitian, and part of the Harvard-led PROSPECT team investigating early colorectal cancer. She is the bestselling author and writes the popular Second Brain newsletter for over 30,000 subscribers.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain by Dr. Emily Leeming
2. Fiber Power by Dr. Emily Leeming (Releasing May 21st)
3. Gut by Giulia Enders
4. The Psychobiotic Revolution by Scott C. Anderson, John F. Cryan, and Ted Dinan

Scientific References Discussed:

1. O’Keefe SJD, et al. (2015). Fat, fibre and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans. Nature Communications.
2. Asnicar F, Leeming ER, et al. (2021). "Blue Poo: Impact of Gut Transit Time on the Gut Microbiome Using a Novel Marker." Gut.
3. Burkitt D, Trowell H. (1975). Refined Carbohydrate Foods and Disease.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser welcomes back Dr. Anastasia Theodosiou and introduces Baroness Natalie Bennett to discuss the Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill. They unpack the hidden dangers of unregulated antimicrobial chemicals found in everyday items, from toothpaste to treated textiles, and the urgent need to protect our microbiomes from this "chemical cocktail". The trio discusses the critical distinction between medical antibiotics and consumer biocides, advocating for a shift from a "war on microbes" to a system that prioritizes planetary and human health.

Key Topics:

1. Defining biocides and distinguishing them from regulated medical antibiotics
2. The concept of "microbiotoxicity" and the impact of disinfectants on oral and gut health
3. The environmental consequences of biocide runoff and the rise of antimicrobial resistance
4. Why we need systemic regulation rather than relying solely on individual consumer choices

You can find out more about the Women's Environmental Network at https://www.wen.org.uk/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser speaks with her lifelong friend, Katherine Saville, about her transformative journey through breast cancer recurrence and holistic healing. From high-stress corporate life to finding stillness, Katherine shares how she used lifestyle medicine, specifically diet, exercise, and microbiome health, to support her treatment and recovery.

Key Topics:

1. Navigating the isolation and fear of a cancer diagnosis.
2. The hidden dangers of chronic stress and "soldiering on."
3. Practical tips for gut-friendly nutrition during chemotherapy.
4. Finding new purpose and building community after illness.

You can find out more about Cancer Support Netherlands at https://cancersupportnetherlands.nl/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

From the viral moment on The Traitors to the biology of the "silent but deadly," this episode is an unashamed deep dive into flatulence. Drs Siobhan and Sheena are joined by Julie Thompson, Lead Dietitian at Guts UK Charity, to break the stigma around passing wind. We discuss what normal gas looks like, why fiber makes us farty (and why that's a good thing!), and the truth about the Low FODMAP diet for IBS sufferers. Plus, we answer the important questions: Do spiders fart? And do charcoal underpants actually work?

Featured Guest:

Julie Thompson is a Gastroenterology Specialist Dietitian with over 16 years of experience supporting people with digestive diseases. She has a particular interest in disorders of gut-brain interaction, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

A leading voice in her field, Julie contributed to the British Dietetic Association’s (BDA) dietary guidelines for IBS and has delivered the BDA’s Low FODMAP diet training to dietitians across the UK. She currently serves as the Information Manager at the charity Guts UK and sits on the BSG Gut Microbiota for Health Expert Panel.

References and resources:

• Guts UK Charity: https://gutscharity.org.uk/
• Book: Fartology by Stefan Gates
• Book: Does It Fart? by Nick Caruso & Dani Rabaiotti
• The Physics of Farts: Ancalle, D., et al. (2021). "Physics of flatulence." The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
• What is a "Normal" Amount of Gas? Modesto, A., et al. (2021). "Meta-Analysis of the Composition of Human Intestinal Gases." Digestive Diseases and Sciences.
• Microbes & Metabolism: Rowland, I., et al. (2018). "Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components." European Journal of Nutrition. (See the excellent section on intestinal gas & microbes!)
• Carb Intolerance: Fernández-Bañares, F. (2022). "Carbohydrate Maldigestion and Intolerance." Nutrients.
• The "Bean Study": Winham, D., & Hutchins, A. (2011). "Perceptions of flatulence from bean consumption among adults in 3 feeding studies." Nutrition Journal. (Evidence that the gas often goes away after a few weeks!)
• Symptoms in the UK: Thomson, C., Garcia, A., & Edwards, C. (2021). "Digestive symptoms, diet and demographics in UK adults." Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.
• Global Gas Survey: Palsson, O.S., et al. (2025). "Gas-Related Symptoms in the General Population: Prevalence, Impact and Associated Factors." Neurogastroenterology & Motility.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the intricate relationship between herbalism and gut health with returning expert herbalist Mo Wilde. Discover how the gut microbiome influences the effectiveness of herbal treatments and the holistic approach to healing. Dive into the historical context of herbal medicine and its integration with modern practices, offering a fresh perspective on personalized health care.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser is joined by Monica 'Mo' Wilde, an expert forager, research herbalist, and award-winning author of The Wilderness Cure. Mo discusses her remarkable year-long experiment, detailed in her 'Wildbiome Project', where she lived exclusively on wild, foraged foods to explore its effects on her gut microbiome.

The conversation covers the rules of her challenge, the incredible biodiversity of her diet, which included over 300 plant species, and the significant health changes she experienced, such as effortless weight loss and shifts in key gut bacteria. Analyzing her microbiome results throughout the seasons, they explore the profound impact of a biodiverse, ancestral diet on gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being, highlighting a stark contrast to modern eating habits and underscoring the benefits of reconnecting with nature's pantry.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.