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A Harvard professor explains why Mediterranean lifestyle principles—nutrition, sleep, and culture—may be our most powerful tools for preventing chronic disease, especially in high-stress professions.

Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they speak with Dr. Stefanos N. Kales, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Professor and Director of the Occupational Medicine Residency at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Kales is also Chief of Occupational Medicine and Medical Director for Employee Health at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard-affiliated hospital system.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Kales explores how Mediterranean lifestyle principles—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and social connection—can be powerful tools for disease prevention, particularly in high-stress and safety-sensitive professions. Drawing on decades of research and real-world intervention work, he explains why lifestyle medicine is not abstract theory, but a practical, scalable solution for improving health outcomes in workplaces, hospitals, and communities.

Dr. Kales shares insights from his leadership of landmark Mediterranean diet conferences, as well as his ongoing “Survival Mediterranean Style” initiative, which brings evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies to firefighters, first responders, and other high-risk occupational groups. He also reflects on how cultural traditions, family food practices, and lived experience shape long-term health more powerfully than short-term interventions.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Mediterranean living can move beyond the kitchen—into schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems—as a sustainable model for chronic disease prevention and healthier lives.

Find more of Dr. Kales here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanos-kales-500739a0/

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they speak with Dr. Sharon J. Parish, a nationally recognized leader in women’s sexual health, menopause care, and the integration of emotional and physical well-being. Dr. Parish is a Professor of Clinical Medicine and Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and has played a key role in shaping clinical practice guidelines and expanding awareness around women’s sexual health across the lifespan.

An internal medicine physician by training, she is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and a North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP). Her internal medicine practice focuses on sexual medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, where she integrates mind–body approaches to care. Dr. Parish has designed numerous educational programs on female sexual health and communication skills for medical learners at every level, authored key publications on sexual dysfunction and menopause management, and held multiple leadership positions within ISSWSH and the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM).

In this episode, Dr. Parish discusses:

• How hormonal and emotional shifts in midlife influence sexual function and desire
• Why sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being—not a luxury
• The importance of communication and relational context in shaping intimacy
• How clinicians and partners can better support women through transitional stages
• Practical approaches to fostering connection, meaning, and fulfillment in midlife

See more of Dr. Parish here: https://weillcornell.org/sjparish

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siciliansecretdiet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they interview Dr. William Li, a pioneering physician-scientist, bestselling author, and global leader in the “food as medicine” movement. Dr. Li is the President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, where his groundbreaking work has redefined how we understand food’s impact on health, disease prevention, and longevity.

Trained in internal medicine, Dr. Li has dedicated his career to exploring how everyday foods can activate the body’s natural health defense systems—including angiogenesis, regeneration, the microbiome, DNA protection, and immunity. His bestselling books Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet have inspired millions to see nutrition not just as fuel, but as a powerful form of medicine.

In this episode, Dr. Li shares insights from his extensive research on how food contributes to both physical and mental health, emphasizing the joy and connection that come from eating well. He discusses how the science of eating for health can enhance vitality, protect the brain, and improve well-being at every stage of life.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to “love your food to love your health,” as Dr. Li blends cutting-edge research with practical wisdom on using food to live well—deliciously.

(Website: drwilliamli.com)

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they interview Dr. Mark Mattson, one of the world’s leading neuroscientists and a pioneer in the study of aging, brain health, and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Mattson is Chief of the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging and Professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. With over 340 research articles and decades of groundbreaking work, he is widely recognized for his contributions to understanding neuronal plasticity, Alzheimer’s disease, and the powerful role of lifestyle in brain health.

In this episode, Dr. Mattson shares insights from his pioneering research on intermittent fasting and its neuroprotective effects, explaining how metabolic switching influences brain function, resilience, and longevity. He also discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity and aging, highlighting how dietary and lifestyle interventions can prevent or delay neurodegenerative disorders.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how fasting, exercise, and stress adaptation shape brain health across the lifespan. Dr. Mattson’s expertise bridges cutting-edge science with practical strategies, offering a hopeful vision for preventing cognitive decline and supporting healthy aging.

Dr. Mark Mattson isn't on social media but encourages reaching out for any questions directly to his email which is:

mmattso2@jhmi.edu

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siciliansecretdiet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they interview Dr. Yanina Pepino, a renowned professor of Ingestive Behavior at the University of Illinois. With a background in medicine and a research trajectory that spans Washington University’s Center for Human Nutrition to her current work in sensory biology, Dr. Pepino brings a unique perspective to the science of taste, nutrition, and metabolism.

In this conversation, Dr. Pepino explores how genetics, health status, and cultural influences shape the way we perceive taste and make food choices. She discusses her research into how conditions like obesity and diabetes alter sensory responses and brain reward mechanisms related to sweet taste and artificial sweeteners.

Through her groundbreaking work, Dr. Pepino sheds light on the complexities of eating behavior and the potential for personalized nutrition strategies. Her research offers valuable insights into how our senses and metabolic health are intimately connected—and how understanding those links could help us design better dietary interventions for chronic disease prevention.

Find more of Dr. Pepino here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanina-pepino-88a4351a3/

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siciliansecretdiet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they speak with Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Associate Professor at the University of South Florida and research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). Renowned for his work on metabolic therapies, Dr. D’Agostino has led pioneering research into how nutritional ketosis, fasting, and oxygen physiology can enhance human resilience—particularly in extreme environments like deep-sea diving and spaceflight.

With a unique focus on translational research, Dr. D’Agostino has studied the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets and exogenous ketones in treating neurological diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. His work spans the lab to the real world, including collaborations with NASA, the Department of Defense, and elite military groups. This episode explores the science behind metabolic flexibility, resilience under stress, and how a shift in cellular fuel can unlock profound therapeutic benefits.

Find more of Dr. D'Agostino here:

https://drdominicdagostino.com/profile/

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siciliansecretdiet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they speak with Dr. Jens Juul Holst, the renowned Danish physiologist and co-discoverer of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), one of the most significant hormones in metabolic disease research. A professor of medical physiology at the University of Copenhagen and former scientific director at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Dr. Holst has spent decades unraveling the gut’s intricate role in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation.

In this interview, Dr. Holst reflects on his journey from surgical training to groundbreaking endocrinology, detailing how GLP-1 emerged as a therapeutic cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. He explores its far-reaching effects—ranging from cardiovascular and neuroprotective benefits to appetite and weight regulation—and shares insight into the future of metabolic therapies, including combination treatments and oral delivery strategies.

With honors including the Banting Medal, the Canada Gairdner Award, and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, Dr. Holst’s work has helped transform the landscape of modern medicine. This episode offers a compelling look at the science behind GLP-1 and the global impact of one of the most important endocrine discoveries of our time.

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siciliansecretdiet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032

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Join Dr. Sandra Cammarata and Dr. Giovanni Campanile as they interview Brady Holmer, an exercise physiologist, researcher, and science communicator whose work bridges the gap between exercise science and public health. With a background in integrative physiology and cardiovascular research, Brady brings a rigorous yet accessible perspective to how physical activity shapes human health and longevity.

Brady completed his graduate work at the University of Florida, where he studied the effects of exercise on cardiovascular function and heart rate variability. His research has focused on VO₂ max, endurance physiology, and how training adaptations influence markers of healthspan and disease risk. He has also contributed to the translation of complex scientific findings into meaningful strategies for improving performance and long-term well-being.

Beyond the lab, Brady is a well-known writer and podcaster, hosting the Science & Chill podcast and contributing to platforms like Examine.com. Through his clear and evidence-based communication, Brady empowers both lay audiences and professionals to better understand the profound impact of movement and exercise on health throughout the lifespan.

Find more of Bradly Holmer here:

https://linktr.ee/bradyholmer?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaesx2qvu1SI1aRmIv2AgB5l2r7L8b6MtOfQVUSv1u9sNBYGBuMLc7LpGiAzbw_aem_uuWfdr-vie_EigU-qPBTHQ

Find more of us here:

Websites:
https://siciliansecret.com/
coraeon.com
functionalheart.com
Our Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-4-color-trade/dp/189969496X/
Our Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWZLCM6H
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siciliansecretdiet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sicilian-Secret-Diet-106204798725447
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@siciliansecretdiet
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sicilian-secret-diet/id1566575032