The Brain Health Mission Podcast

In this episode, host Jana Midelfart-Hoff sits down with Dr. Anna Jansen, child neurologist and President of the European Paediatric Neurological Society, to explore brain health from a fresh perspective: childhood and adolescence. They dive into how the brain develops in young people and the powerful role education plays in shaping cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Together, they debunk common myths, share evidence-based insights, and discuss practical strategies for fostering healthy brains from an early age. From the classroom to everyday life, this conversation highlights the transformative potential of education in creating brighter, healthier futures. Blending scientific expertise with practical takeaways, this episode is ideal for young listeners, parents, educators, and anyone curious about brain health in early developmental stages.

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Fiorillo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Naples and President of the European Psychiatric Association, to explore the neurobiological and clinical aspects of depression during the winter months—a phenomenon affecting millions of people worldwide. Professor Fiorillo discusses the role of reduced daylight exposure, explains why certain individuals are more vulnerable to seasonal mood changes, and examines how environmental, biological, and psychosocial factors interact to increase risk. This episode offers valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and the general public, providing a deeper understanding of winter-related depression along with practical, science-based strategies to help mitigate its impact.

In this episode, we sit down with neurologist, sleep expert, and best-selling author Dr. Inge Declercq to explore the essential role sleep plays in protecting and optimising brain health. Drawing on rigorous science and years of clinical experience, Dr. Declercq explains why sleep is a non-negotiable priority and challenges common misconceptions about what it really means to sleep "well” and sleep "enough". She emphasises that sleep does not exist in isolation, but is closely connected to how we spend our days, from light exposure and movement to stress and screen use. This insightful conversation offers many pieces of practical advice and a full-picture perspective on sleep—and key tools for better brain health.

In this episode, we discuss how alcohol impacts brain and liver health, and explore strategies to reduce harm with Prof. Frank Murray from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and Catherine Paradis from WHO Europe.

In this episode, Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff speaks with Ole Petter Hjelle, renowned physician and associate professor in Medicine, former marathon champion, and “The Sporting Physician,” about the powerful connection between physical activity and brain health. Ole Petter shares his journey from elite athlete to neuroscientist, insights from his clinical work, and practical tips for integrating movement into daily life to support a healthy brain.

This episode explores brain health in the context of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a lifelong neurological disease affecting millions worldwide. Host Prof. Jana Midelfart-Hoff is joined by two MS experts—Natalia Szejko and Sanja Gluscevic to discuss what brain health means for people with MS, how to measure and improve it, and why this matters not only for individuals but for society as a whole.

In this debut episode, Jana Midelfart-Hoff welcomes Professors Paul Boon and Barbara Casolla to unpack the concept of brain health. Welcome to the first episode of The Brain Health Mission Podcast with host Jana Midelfart-Hoff, consultant and professor in neurology from Bergen, Norway. In this episode, Jana is joined by two of Europe’s leading neurologists and brain scientists, Professor Paul Boon and Professor Barbara Casolla. Together, they explore what brain health really means, why it matters not only for individuals but also for society, and how you can protect and improve it. We discuss: • The definition of brain health beyond mental health • The importance of the brain and how it influences our daily lives • Common threats to brain health such as stress, sleep deprivation, and diet • How brain health changes with age and what you can do to maintain it • Fun facts about the brain that might surprise you • Practical, science-backed habits to boost your brain health, including sleep, nutrition, mental activity, exercise, and social connections Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and engaging conversation about your most vital organ. In this debut episode, Jana Midelfart-Hoff welcomes Professors Paul Boon and Barbara Casolla to unpack the concept of brain health. They clarify the difference between brain and mental health, identify key risks to brain function, and highlight how brain health affects our quality of life and society at large. The episode also shares surprising brain facts and offers accessible tips listeners can use to support their brain health every day. It closes with a reminder that brain health is a public health priority and an invitation to subscribe and stay tuned for more.