Your Inner Alchemist: Discover the Magic of Everyday Science

In this episode of Science Genies, we dive into the real source of your energy: mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses inside your cells. Host Alicia Joan breaks down how they work, what happens when they don’t, and how to support them through food, movement, sleep, and stress management.

🎧 What you’ll learn:

How mitochondria generate energy (and what drains it)

• The connection between mitochondria and chronic conditions like fatigue, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s

• Why polyphenol-rich foods like berries and olive oil are your mitochondria’s best friends

• How stress actually damages your cellular energy system—and what to do about it

Easy, science-backed habits to support your mood, energy, and long-term health

✨ Whether you’re a science lover, a wellness nerd, or just want to feel better—this episode will teach you how to fuel your body from the inside out.

What do olive oil, Chick-fil-A, and resistant starch have in common? They all show up in this deep dive into gut and metabolic health with Dr. Mindy Patterson. In Part 2 of our conversation, Dr. Mindy breaks down how fiber—especially resistant starch—affects satiety, blood sugar, and even belly fat. We explore how modern diets are working against our microbiomes, and how small, practical choices can support your long-term health goals. 🎙️ What you’ll learn: - How resistant starch helps with weight regulation and insulin - Easy swaps for a fiber-rich, microbiome-friendly diet -Tips for navigating fast food while protecting your gut

Learn more about Dr. Mindy:

https://renutrin.co LinkedIn: Dr.MindyPatterson

YouTube: ⁠ @drmindypatterson ⁠

Did you know that the type of fiber you eat can make or break your gut health especially if you have IBS? In this episode of Science Genies, Dr. Chris dives into the impact of fiber on digestion, inflammation, and overall well-being. We’ll explore which fibers support a healthy microbiome, how they influence IBS symptoms, and simple food swaps to keep your gut happy. Dr. Chris is also developing an exciting food app to help people make better microbiome-friendly food choices!

Learn more at ⁠https://gutbites.org/.⁠

✅ How does fiber interact with your gut microbes?

✅ Common fiber myths & mistakes.

✅ IBS-friendly food choices for better digestion.

In this episode of Science Genies, I sit down with Dr. Chris Damman, a university gastroenterologist and microbiome expert, to break down how the foods we eat and the microbes inside us are shaping our well-being.

In This Episode, We Explore:

✅ The connection between gut health, immunity, and metabolism

✅ How prebiotics, probiotics, and functional foods impact your microbiome

✅ The role of gut bacteria in cravings and mood regulation

✅ Simple diet changes to support a healthier gut

Dr. Chris is also developing an exciting food app to help people make better microbiome-friendly food choices! Learn more at https://gutbites.org/.

Have you ever noticed that certain foods can change your mood or energy levels? What if I told you the answer is living inside you?

I’m thrilled to launch Science Genies, a podcast that makes science fun, relatable, and easy to understand! My second episode explains the microbiome—the tiny organisms inside us that play a massive role in our health, from digestion to immunity to mental well-being.

Listen now to learn:

• What the microbiome is & why it matters

• How microbes influence your cravings, mood, and immune system

• The surprising link between gut health and overall wellness

In this first episode of Science Genies, we dive into the idea that science isn’t just for experts—it’s for everyone. Join me as I explore how science can bring people together in a world that often feels divided. From everyday experiences like food, yoga, and art to groundbreaking research, we’ll discover how science unites us all. Get ready for a journey that simplifies complex ideas and shows that no matter our differences, science proves we're more alike than we think.