The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

• 10 - Breaking down health taboos: Dr Karan Rajan on hormones, myths and patient power

  'Haemorrhoids is one of those embarrassing problems that a lot of people suffer from. There's a lot of taboos surrounding it, because people don't want to own up that they've got haemorrhoids. A lot of people listening or watching this probably have haemorrhoids, they're probably sitting on them right now. That video is not a sexy topic, but it got over 2 million views... that is a huge amount of people that I could see across 100 clinics, and still not get to that number.'    In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Dr Karan Rajan, a doctor, health educator, and host of the Dr Karan Explores podcast. With millions of followers across his social media platforms, Dr Karan showcases the power of social media to ‘de-taboo the taboo’, tackling topics including menopause, women’s health, and bowel issues. He stresses the harm caused by shame and silence, reminding us that ‘taboo should not be associated with any disease or condition’.  A passionate advocate for accessible, jargon-free medical education, Dr Karan believes that everyone deserves to feel confident in understanding and managing their own health. Together, he and Dr Louise challenge persistent myths, like the notion that testosterone is a male-only hormone – exploring how such misconceptions reinforce outdated ideas that negatively impact patient care.   They also address how misinformation, stigma and a one size fits approach to medicine creates barriers to care, particularly in women’s health such as menopause and endometriosis. This episode explores the evolving role of medical educators, and is a call for more open, informed conversations – because great medicine should never settle for ‘good enough’.  Watch on YouTube  We hope you love the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.  Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!    Disclaimer  The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.        LET'S CONNECT   Website: Dr Louise Newson  Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos  LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube   CONNECT WITH DR KARAN  Website: Dr Karan Rajan  Instagram: Dr Karan Rajan (MRCS MBBS BSc) (@drkaranrajan) • Instagram photos and videos  LinkedIn: Dr Karan Rajan | LinkedIn  Spotify: Dr Karan Explores | Podcast on Spotify  YouTube: Dr Karan - YouTube

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• 09 - Ferne McCann talks motherhood, breathwork and perimenopause

  In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by Ferne McCann, TV personality, reality star, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the wellness app Shoorah. Ferne first rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex and has since appeared on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice.  Ferne talks candidly about the hormonal changes she experienced during and after pregnancy, and how breathwork learned through hypnobirthing helped her stay calm and manage stress during childbirth. She also opens up about how pushing herself beyond her comfort zone - whether learning to skate for Dancing on Ice or taking part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, has strengthened her resilience and confidence. She reflects on the value of embracing challenges and aims to inspire curiosity and courage in her daughters while continuing to embrace these qualities herself.  Their conversation then turns to perimenopause, with Louise explaining how fluctuating hormones after pregnancy can affect mood and wellbeing. The episode closes with Ferne sharing her three take-home tips, plans for an exciting new podcast, Every Cloud, and other upcoming projects.  We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.  This episode is also available to watch on YouTube here Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!  Disclaimer     The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.     LET'S CONNECT   Website: Dr Louise Newson Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube CONNECT WITH FERNE MCCANN  TikTok: Ferne McCann Instagram: Ferne McCann LinkedIn: Ferne McCann  

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• 08 - Main Character Energy: How Fats Timbo transformed adversity into a self-worth manifesto

  Award-winning content creator, comedian, and author Fats Timbo joins Dr Louise Newson for a powerful conversation on self-worth, confidence, and hormones.  Fats, who has achondroplasia, shares how she turned adversity into empowerment—from childhood challenges and societal bias to becoming a viral creator and published author of Main Character Energy.  In this warm, funny, and honest discussion, Fats opens up about:  Growing up with limited representation  Navigating bullying, ignorance, and social media  Building confidence and self-love on her own terms  The episode also delves into hormonal health, as Fats describes how PMS (premenstrual syndrome) affects her mood, confidence, and relationships. Dr Louise Newson explains the science behind PMS and PMDD, highlighting how hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can impact our mental wellbeing.  Together, they call for greater understanding and compassion, from affirmations and goal setting, to simply allowing yourself small acts of kindness. Fats’ infectious positivity is a powerful reminder that confidence and mental wellbeing are not only essential but possible for everyone at every stage of life.  This episode is also available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/l_j9nTHEUro   Follow Fats, on TikTok & Instagram  Order Main Character Energy  here    We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.  Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!    Disclaimer    The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.        LET'S CONNECT     Website: Dr Louise Newson  Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos  LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube     

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• 07 - It’s Probably Nothing: unpacking the pitfalls of women’s healthcare with Naga Munchetty

  In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by broadcaster and journalist Naga Munchetty, known for her role on BBC Breakfast. Naga discusses her new book, It’s Probably Nothing, where she explores how women’s health concerns are often dismissed, left undiagnosed, or told their pain was normal’. Drawing on her own personal experiences, she examines the harmful impact of medical misogyny and stresses the urgent need for change in how women’s health issues are treated.  Naga reflects on the pressure she felt in sharing her personal experiences publicly, balancing her role as a journalist with the vulnerability of becoming the story. Yet by speaking out, she realised how many others had experienced similar struggles. Her diagnosis of adenomyosis took over three decades, a delay that mirrors the experiences of many women conditioned to minimise their symptoms.  The conversation highlights the emotional toll of being dismissed in the healthcare system and the barriers that prevent women from advocating for themselves. Both Naga and Louise emphasise the importance of genuine listening and collaboration in medical care, calling for greater support systems, second opinions, and the vital role of self-advocacy. They also highlight the need for better care for marginalised communities, particularly in regions where the word “menopause” doesn’t even exist and women struggle to receive the support they need. This episode is a powerful call for more compassionate, inclusive, and informed healthcare for women everywhere.  This episode serves as a powerful call for better treatment, increased awareness, and stronger support systems for women in healthcare.    Available to watch on YouTube  To find out more about Naga, follow her on X here & Instagram here.   Check out Naga's book, It's Probably Nothing: Critical Conversations on the Women's Health Crisis (and How to Thrive Despite it) here  We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.  Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!  Disclaimer   The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr Louise Newson or the Newson Health Group.      LET'S CONNECT   Website: Dr Louise Newson  Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos  LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube     

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• 06 - Is food the best medicine? Dr Rupy breaks down the science of protein, fibre and more

  In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her good friend Dr Rupy Aujla, a medical doctor, nutritionist, and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen for a deep dive into his new book, Healthy High Protein.   Together, they explore how our relationship with food evolves over time, and why protein and fibre play a far more essential role in our health than many of us realise. Dr Rupy shares how inflammation acts like your body’s ‘internal campfire’, providing warmth and protection when in balance, but becoming harmful if it burns too intensely.  Whilst working as a newly qualified junior doctor, Dr Rupy faced a life-changing health scare when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that prompted him to reassess his lifestyle and approach to nutrition.   Although diet is not a standalone treatment, the conversation between the experts emphasises the meaningful role diet can play in supporting overall health and restoring balance. Additionally, Dr Rupy shares practical tips on becoming a “good guesstimator” of your protein needs at each meal, along with three simple questions to ask yourself daily to support overall wellbeing.  Available to watch on YouTube   To learn more about Dr Rupy, visit his Instagram: here and check out The Doctor’s Kitchen Podcast, here and to listen to his previous conversation with Dr Louise in 2022, click here.   His Doctor’s Kitchen app has lots of science backed recipes, all designed with the latest research in nutrition, and you can even choose specific health goals to focus on, such as to supporting gut health, brain health and lower inflammation. Dr Rupy has kindly offered all of my listeners £5 off if you follow this link: https://tdk.link/louise*  We hope you're loving the new series! Share your thoughts with us on the feedback form here and if you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to leave a 5-star rating on your podcast platform.  Email [email protected] with suggestions for new guests!    LET'S CONNECT   Website: Dr Louise Newson  Instagram: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast (@drlouisenewsonpodcast) • Instagram photos and videos  LinkedIn: Louise Newson | LinkedIn  Spotify: The Dr Louise Newson Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  YouTube: Dr Louise Newson - YouTube    CONNECT WITH DR RUPY  Website: The Doctor’s Kitchen  Instagram: Dr Rupy Aujla (@doctors_kitchen) • Instagram photos and videos  LinkedIn: Dr Rupy Aujla | LinkedIn  Spotify: The Doctor’s Kitchen Podcast | Podcast on Spotify  YouTube: The Doctor’s Kitchen - Youtube  *This is an affiliate link, which means I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you. This is an app I genuinely love and use!   

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