Health Stuff
On Health Stuff, hosts Dr. Priyanka Wali and comedian Hari Kondabolu tackle all the health questions that keep you up at night with hilarity and humanity. Together they demystify the flashy trends, and keep you informed on the latest research. You can rely on Health Stuff to bring you real, uninhibited, and thoughtful health talk of the highest caliber, and a healthy dose of humor.
Episodes
The Tiny Rocks Living in Your Throat: Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones are small, common, and easy to mistake for something more serious. Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down how these little balls of trapped debris form in the tonsils, why they can cause bad breath and throat irritation, and what makes some people more prone to them. They also cover how to prevent them, what you can safely do at home, and why you should resist the urge to go digging around
Acid Reflux: A Real Gut Punch
Why does acid reflux happen, and when is it more than just heartburn? Dr. Priyanka and Hari break down acid reflux and GERD, from the surprising symptoms you might not recognize as reflux to the lifestyle changes and treatments that can actually help. Plus, they tackle common myths and explain when heartburn could be a sign of something more serious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat
Tiny Takeaways with Dr. Priyanka Wali
On this mini episode, Dr. Priyanka Wali shares practical health advice about the everyday symptoms and screenings people often overlook. She explains when eye floaters can signal something serious, why routine eye and hearing exams matter more than most people realize, what your gums and teeth can reveal about your overall health, and why pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter. She also b
Ketamine: From Horse Tranquilizer to Mental Health Breakthrough
Ketamine has a complicated reputation. It’s been a horse tranquilizer, a party drug, linked to celebrity headlines, and is now being explored as a breakthrough treatment for depression, PTSD, and trauma. So what is it really?Dr. Priyanka and Hari trace ketamine’s history from operating rooms to mental health clinics, explain how it works differently from traditional antidepressants, an
"What a Pain in the Butt (Literally): Hemorrhoids "
Hemorrhoids are incredibly common, but most people are too embarrassed to talk about them. Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down what hemorrhoids actually are, why they happen, how to prevent them, and when it’s time to see a doctor. They cover toilet habits, fiber, pregnancy, treatment options, and accidentally invent the phrase "hemorrhoid salad.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Your Abdominal Wall Has a Weak Spot: Hernias Explained
Hernias are one of the most common reasons people need surgery, but there are plenty of misconceptions about what causes them and when they’re actually dangerous. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka explain why hernias happen, the different types to know about, the symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored, and when it’s safe to monitor one versus when it’s time to head to the emerge
Ticks: Nature’s Worst Freeloaders
Lyme disease gets most of the attention, but it’s only one of several serious illnesses that ticks can spread. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka explain how tick-borne diseases are changing alongside our environment, why quick tick removal matters, and how to protect yourself during peak tick season. They also discuss alpha-gal syndrome, the challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease, and what to
HPV: Myths, Risks, and Prevention
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, yet many people know surprisingly little about it. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down how HPV spreads, why most sexually active adults will encounter it at some point, and the differences between low-risk and high-risk strains. They discuss the link between HPV and cervical, throat, and other cancers, the importan
White, Pink, Brown: The Science of Noise Colors
White noise might be the most famous sleep sound, but it’s not the only one. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka explore the world of noise colors, including white, pink, brown, blue, and green noise. They break down how different sound frequencies affect the brain, what the research says about sleep, focus, ADHD, and tinnitus, and why some people find certain sounds calming while others can&rs
Understanding Herpes: Symptoms, Treatment, and Stigma
Herpes is one of the most common viruses in the world, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down the differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2, how herpes spreads, why many people never know they have it, and what outbreaks actually look like. They explore treatment options, common myths about testing and transmission, and why honest conversations and
Patient Advocacy and Reproductive Justice with Nikki Sapiro Vinkier
Dr. Priyanka and Hari take a hard look at the state of American healthcare and what it means to advocate for yourself in a system that often feels impossible to navigate. Joined by OBGYN physician assistant and We Deserve More author Nikki Sapiro Vinkier, they discuss medical gaslighting, reproductive justice, trauma-informed care, and why patients deserve more than the bare minimum.See omnystudio
Earwax, Hearing Loss, & Q-Tips
Earwax might seem gross, but it’s actually one of your body’s built-in defense systems. This week, Hari and Dr. Priyanka dive into the sticky science of cerumen: why your ears make it, why Q-tips feel so good, and why doctors desperately want you to stop using them. From impacted wax and hearing loss to ear candling and the surprising genetics behind body odor, this episode explores th
Common STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trich & At-Home Testing
STIs are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. In this episode, Hari and Dr. Priyanka break down chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, how they spread, why many people don’t have symptoms, and how at-home testing is changing sexual health. They also talk openly about stigma, partner communication, and why getting tested is a normal part of caring for yourself and others.See om
Music & Therapy with DJ Hesta Prynn
Priyanka and Hari explore the healing power of music with DJ Hesta Prynn, a DJ and therapist blending neuroscience, psychology, and music. From earworms and breakup songs to rave culture, lullabies, and ketamine-assisted therapy, they unpack why certain songs hit so deeply, how music shapes emotion and memory, and whether the songs we obsess over might be telling us something about ourselves.See o
Better Sleep with Dr. Ashley Mason
Priyanka and Hari dive into the science of better sleep with expert Dr. Ashley Mason, unpacking what “healthy sleep” really means. From inconsistent schedules and late-night scrolling to alcohol, naps, and blue light, they explore what’s helping or hurting your rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maternal Autonomy | Priyanka Becomes A Mother
Priyanka shares her personal journey becoming a mother, from joyful anticipation to a birth experience that unfolded in unexpected and intense ways. She and Hari explore childbirth in modern hospital systems, from induction methods and labor progression to how routine care can escalate into emergency intervention. They discuss postpartum hemorrhage, NICU admission, and the emotional impact of earl
Polio: Then, Now, and Why It Matters
Priyanka and Hari break down the history of poliovirus, how it spreads, and what it actually does to the body, from mild illness to permanent paralysis. They explore how the iron lung, early outbreaks, and decades of medical innovation shaped our understanding of the disease, and how the development of the polio vaccine became one of the greatest public health achievements in history. They address
Measles Is Back: What You Need to Know
Measles was once declared eliminated in the U.S. So why is it back and spreading fast?Priyanka and Hari break down one of the most contagious viruses humans have ever faced, what actually happens in your body when you get infected, and why outbreaks are rising again today. They walk through the history of measles, how vaccines work, and the real risks versus the perceived ones. Along the way, they
Tiny Takeaways with Dr. Priyanka Wali
On this mini episode, Dr. Priyanka Wali shares practical health tips to help you better understand your body and know when to seek care. She breaks down why unintentional weight loss can be a warning sign, what to know about blood sugar screening before pregnancy, how to monitor changing moles, why everyone should know their blood pressure, signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, how to tell food poisoni
Blood Matters
Priyanka and Hari explore the science of blood, blood transfusions, and why donated blood remains one of the most essential tools in modern medicine. They break down what blood actually does in the body, the different components of blood, and how blood types determine who can give and receive lifesaving transfusions. They also cover who can donate blood, the issue with blood shortages, and how blo
Matrescence & the Science of Parenthood
Becoming a parent is a biological, psychological, and social transformation. Priyanka and Hari talk with science journalist Lucy Jones, author of Matrescence: On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood, about the concept of matrescence and why the transition into motherhood can feel so destabilizing, emotional, and overwhelming, even for people who deeply want children. From dra
The Link Between Gum Disease & Heart Health
Priyanka and Hari explore the surprising connection between oral health and heart health. They break down gum disease, how it develops, and why plaque buildup can trigger inflammation throughout the body. They also cover the basics of brushing, flossing, and dental care, along with why access to dentistry remains a major public health issue. Then they unpack the growing research linking gum diseas
Food Poisoning, Food Safety, & the Science of Handwashing
Hari recounts a brutal bout of food poisoning that turned one questionable meal into days of misery. Priyanka breaks down what might have caused it, from common food-borne bacteria to the incubation periods that can turn dinner into disaster. Then they dive into the basics of food safety. How can you reduce your risk when eating out? What mistakes do people make when cooking at home? And why shoul
Osteoporosis: Protecting Your Bones
Why don’t we talk about our bones until something breaks? This week Priyanka and Hari take on osteoporosis, the silent disease that weakens bones long before you feel it. They break down how bones are built, why menopause accelerates bone loss, and what you can do now to protect your skeletal health. They also unpack why osteoporosis is often framed as a women’s issue, even though men
Embracing Solitude with Dr. Robert Coplan
Is being alone a punishment or a gift? Priyanka and Hari discuss the difference between loneliness and solitude with psychologist and researcher Dr. Robert Coplan, author of The Joy of Solitude. They explore why time alone can feel terrifying or deeply nourishing, how social media has changed our ability to truly be alone, and why solitude is essential for creativity, emotional regulation, and men
All About Hair Part 2: Women's Hair
In part two of our series on hair, we turn to women’s experiences and explore how hair shapes identity, femininity, power, and perception. Priyanka and Hari unpack how hormones, stress, nutrition, and aging affect women’s hair, and what it means when thinning begins, even subtly. They also dig into the biology of hair, the history of grooming norms, the role of race and beauty standard
All About Hair Part 1: Male Pattern Baldness
Why does losing your hair feel so personal? Priyanka and Hari dig into male pattern baldness, unpacking why hair is so tied to identity, confidence, and aging. They break down common myths, explore treatment options and their risks, and ask a bigger question about how society shapes the way we see ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Water Wisdom & Pickleball Lessons
Priyanka and Hari dive into the surprisingly complicated world of drinking water, from tap water safety and filters to spring water, mineral water, and electrolytes. They unpack how water access and quality affect health, why some bottled waters are worth it and others are pure marketing, and what you should really be drinking day to day. Then Hari shares his pickleball injury story, and they disc
Spiritual Healing & Ayahuasca with Dr. Joe Tafur
What is ayahuasca and what happens after the ceremony ends? Priyanka and Hari sit down with physician and plant-medicine guide Dr. Joe Tafur to explore the realities behind one of the world’s most talked-about sacred medicines. From first-time fears and safety concerns to spiritual healing, trauma, and integration, they unpack what ayahuasca is, who it may or may not be for, and why it is no
Healing with Laughter & Art
Why does laughter feel so good, and why do we need it so much? Priyanka and Hari explore laughter as medicine, social glue, and survival instinct. From the science of Duchenne laughter to the strange magic of laughing in groups, they unpack how laughter can heal even when it is forced, awkward, or imperfect. They also share personal experiences with art therapy and discuss how creativity can help
Understanding Infertility with Dr. Lucky Sekhon
Hari and Priyanka talk with double board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility expert Dr. Lucky Sekhon, author of The Lucky Egg. Together, they break down the biggest fertility myths and explain what is actually happening inside our bodies, from why orgasm has nothing to do with conception to what IVF really does. They also explore how much men contribute to infertility and the et
Our Relationship with Alcohol with Dr. Charles Knowles
Why do we drink, even when it harms us? Priyanka and Hari explore our complicated relationship with alcohol, from first drinks to long term habits. Colorectal surgeon and author Dr. Charles Knowles joins them to discuss the research behind his book, Why We Drink Too Much. They examine how alcohol hijacks the brain’s reward system, why some people are more vulnerable to dependency, and the lo
Tiny Takeaways with Dr. Priyanka Wali
On this mini episode, Dr. Priyanka Wali does a rapid fire health check to close out the year. She breaks down common symptoms and answers the questions we all worry about. Is it a cold or the flu? What to do when you suspect you have a UTI. What blood in your stool can mean. Why fatigue and anemia often get mixed up. And what to know about headaches, foot fungus, chest pain, dizziness, and blood p
Robotic Surgery, Artificial Limbs, & AI with Science Stuff Host Jorge Cham
Hari and Priyanka are joined by Science Stuff host Jorge Cham to talk about advances in robotic-assisted surgery, including how robots are already helping surgeons operate with greater precision and what the future of automated surgery could look like. They also explore how artificial limbs are becoming more responsive and humanlike as AI systems learn to better interpret signals from the body. Fi
How the Environment Impacts our Health with Dr. Neil Vora
Priyanka and Hari are joined by Dr. Neil Vora, a global health expert who has spent his career fighting infectious diseases around the world. They talk about why human health is inseparable from the health of the environment and nature, what horror movies and TV shows get right about outbreaks, how misinformation and disinformation spread just as fast as viruses, and why we need more imperfect act
Meds and Falls, LSD for Anxiety, Pets in Your Bed
Hari and Priyanka unpack why some medications may increase your risk of falling, what a new LSD study reveals about anxiety treatment, and the the pros and cons of curling up in bed with your pets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your Body Clock and Better Sleep with Lynne Peeples
Could sunlight be the key to better sleep? Hari and Priyanka talk with science journalist Lynne Peeples about circadian rhythms, light exposure, and simple ways to work with you body's natural clock. As Lynne puts it: "Be clockwise."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fiber, Liver Health, Trauma Awareness and Better Poops with Dr. Kaveh Hoda
Priyanka and Hari chat with Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr. Kaveh Hoda about liver health, why fiber matters, and what it means to practice trauma-informed care. They also share tricks for a smoother poop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Breakthrough Treatment for Diabetes, the King of Fruits and Cash Deals for Ozempic
Hari and Priyanka explore a breakthrough in Type 1 Diabetes treatment, spill the tea on the Ozempic cash scandal, and gush over the King of Fruits, the mango!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Health Equity, Life as an ER Doctor and Staying Hopeful with Dr. Uché Blackstock
Priyanka and Hari share their jet lag survivor tips before welcoming Dr. Uché Blackstock, founder of Advancing Health Equity and author of the memoir Legacy. She opens up about her experiences as a Black physician, how racism shapes healthcare and what keeps her hopeful in the fight for real change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ChatGPT Psychosis and the Influence of Artificial Light
Hari and Priyanka talk about the false sense of intimacy created by ChatGPT and other AI models. Plus, they shine a light on late-night phone use and how to protect yourself when artificial light keeps calling your name.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meet Your Health Stuff Hosts
A new Stuff show is here! Meet Health Stuff hosts Comedian Hari Kondabolu and Dr. Priyanka Wali as they discuss the challenges navigating our healthcare system and how optimizing our health may not be the actual road to health and wellness. They are here to help you navigate this complex world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Health Stuff
On Health Stuff, hosts Dr. Priyanka Wali and comedian Hari Kondabolu tackle all the health questions that keep you up at night with hilarity and humanity. Together they demystify the flashy trends, and keep you informed on the latest research. You can rely on Health Stuff to bring you real, uninhibited, and thoughtful health talk of the highest caliber, and a healthy
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