What's That Rash?

A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy. 
Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined?
Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas. 
References:
The history of nutritional sciences 
Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin' 
How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey 
Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of Work
Long-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis 
Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review 
Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial 
Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks 
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It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to).
But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you.
Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up.
References:
Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality
Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study
Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases
Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat
If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics

We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best.
You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients.
Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks.
This episode first aired on March 19, 2025. 
References:
The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary context
Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health
Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute
Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation
How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour?
There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. 
But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. 
This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. 
References:
Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problems
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of life
Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder
Prosta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients

There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients.
While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays.
Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns.
References:
How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council 
Sunscreen: a brief walk through history
We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICE
TGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings 
Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025 
Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trial
Mineral vs chemical sunscreens 
Can your sunscreen expire? 
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