Student Sparks
Student Sparks
A Naturopath and a Neuroscientist
Welcome to the Student Sparks Podcast with your hosts Parker Milev, physiology student and future naturopathic doctor, and Emma Johnson, neuroscience student and future animal behavioral ecologist. Learn alongside us as we grow in our professions and take a deeper look into today’s health trends with the goal of bridging the gaps between holistic health and scientific research.
Ep. 10 - Husband vs Boyfriend, Who Knows their Partner Better?
Join us today as we ask our men questions to test their knowledge of what were studying (plus a little extra). This one gets a little chaotic at times so...enjoy!
May 6, 2024
58 min
Ep. 9 - Foraging, Homesteading, and Herbal Remedies
Let's talk about foraging today!!! We both love the concept of foraging so much and it translates directly into our dreams to have a self-sufficient homestead lifestyle in the future. We also talk a little about how to prepare herbal remedies and tinctures :) Hope you enjoy! Resources Foraging 101 - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foraging-101-what-to-eat-and-avoid Foraging rules, ethics, and safety - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/wnrmag/2021/Spring/Forage Born to eat wild - https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/9/10/1299 A diet with wild plants - 56cf069608ae85c823439a63.pdf (researchgate.net)
Apr 22, 2024
40 min
Ep. 8 - Evolution and Natural Medicine (Allergies, Nutrition, Toxins, Cancer, and More)
Whether you believe in evolution or not, it is undeniable that human physiology is governed by feedback loops and made to adapt. Today we go into some basics of how evolution is linked to medicine, nutrition, allergies, toxins, cancer, which includes a few little tangents along the way. Research Articles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5279977/#:~:text=Food%20allergy%20reactions%20are%20regulated,in%20the%20formation%20of%20allergies https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00239-019-09895-3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9460423/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3660034/#:~:text=Species%20evolve%20by%20mutation%20and,from%20tumor%20genesis%20to%20metastasis https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-217-44228 ​​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7546135/ DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and are in no way claiming to heal or treat any medical condition. We are not a source for the treatment of medical conditions, only an outlet for research and learning. ADDITIONALLY, our podcast is discussion-based and many opinions and examples shared are not premeditated (although we try our best to have good references) and require listeners to look into the information shared for themselves. Links to referenced research can be found below and on our instagram.
Apr 8, 2024
1 hr 5 min
Ep 7: Catching Up/Spring Break Update
We've been busy! Parker has gotten her phlebotomy license and Emma has been in Puerto Rico on spring break. It's been wild. Today we just chatted about classes, hobbies, and our career paths. Not a lot of research went into this episode because it was just chatting, but for those interested in bees like Parker mentioned or wild flowers and clover lawns like Emma mentioned (and is working on implementing at her school), check the links below. https://www.xerces.org/blog/want-to-save-bees-focus-on-habitat-not-honey-bees https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-to-grow-a-better-lawn-for-wildlife.html
Mar 25, 2024
36 min
Ep. 6 - Interviewing Dr. Labonte, MD: Science, Business, and Life Advice
Ever wondered what it's like to be a doctor? And a CEO? And a mother of 4? Well Dr. LaBonte has done it all. As the founder and CEO of Inspire Family medicine, she works to create a friendly and welcoming environment for her patients by working with them one-on-one, giving them her time and attention, and making sure that her office is a safe space for people of all walks of life. If you're interested in going to medical school, or any sort of STEM field, make sure to tune in to hear what it's truly like to make science an opening community.
Mar 11, 2024
30 min
Ep. 5: Weeds Aren't Bad, Just Misunderstood... (The Benefits of Dandelion)
Can you become a weed-eater (not THAT kind of weed) and become healthier? MAYBE!! Today's episode is an overview of the basic information available on the health benefits of consuming dandelions. DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and are in no way claiming to heal or treat any medical condition. We are not a source for the treatment of medical conditions, only an outlet for research and learning. ADDITIONALLY, our podcast is discussion-based and many opinions and examples shared are not premeditated (although we try our best to have good references) and require listeners to look into the information shared for themselves. Links to referenced research can be found below and on our Instagram. REFERENCES: Nutrition Review's Article on Dandelion Research -  Diverse biological activities of dandelion | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic (oup.com) Chicoric Acid - Chicoric acid | C22H18O12 | CID 5281764 - PubChem (nih.gov) Caffeic Acid - Caffeic Acid | C9H8O4 | CID 689043 - PubChem (nih.gov) Dandelions and Bile Production - The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review - ScienceDirect Dandelion Drug Information (Mt. Siani) - Dandelion Information | Mount Sinai - New York Dandelion Drug Information (drugs.com) - Dandelion Uses, Side Effects & Warnings (drugs.com) Frontier Co-Op - Amazon.com : Frontier Co-op Cut & Sifted Dandelion Root 1lb : Dandelion Root Herbal Supplements : Grocery & Gourmet Food
Feb 26, 2024
27 min
Ep. 4 - Alternative Medicine: Is It Valid?
Hey guys...I am absolutely in favor of Alternative medicine (and it is my preferred method of practice) but forming a proper argument as to why it is important is essential to making sure it continues to build validity within the scientific community. That's why today's episode is important. I'll be going into the most common reasons why people say they like and don't like alt med and determining whether those arguments are valid or not! Hope you enjoy! DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and are in no way claiming to heal or treat any medical condition. We are not a source for the treatment of medical conditions, only an outlet for research and learning. ADDITIONALLY, our podcast is discussion-based and many opinions and examples shared are not premeditated (although we try our best to have good references) and require listeners to look into the information shared for themselves. Links to referenced research can be found below and on our Instagram. Episode References: Hawthorn and Blood Pressure - The effect of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) on blood pressure: A systematic review - ScienceDirect MD Definition of Medicine - https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complementary-alternative-medicine/about/pac-20393581#:~:text=Complementary%20and%20alternative%20medicine%20 AANMC's info on Naturopathic Doctors - What is Naturopathic Medicine? Learn more Now with AANMC Drug Recalls - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drug-recalls-are-common-202303292907#:~:text=It%20might%20make%20you%20wonder,better%20regulation%20of%20the%20industry
Feb 12, 2024
48 min
Ep. 3: Getting Into Undergraduate Research
Interested in undergraduate research? Learn about what it's like to be in on campus and off campus labs and hear 5 tips on how to apply on this episode! Our podcast is discussion-based and many opinions and examples shared are not premeditated (although we try our best to have good references) and require listeners to look into the information shared for themselves. Links to referenced research can be found below and on our instagram. Benefits of undergraduate research: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.1140384 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739295/ https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1261757 https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp
Jan 29, 2024
24 min
Ep. 2: 5 Do's and Don'ts of New Years Resolutions
Today we dive into a some of the ways to create better resolutions this January! Some you may have heard, some you may have not. Lets try to build some new perspectives on health that are based on us as individuals...without selling a meal plan or product. DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and are in no way claiming to heal or treat any medical condition. We are not a source for the treatment of medical conditions, only an outlet for research and learning. ADDITIONALLY, our podcast is discussion-based and many opinions and examples shared are not premeditated (although we try our best to have good references) and require listeners to look into the information shared for themselves. Links to referenced research can be found below and on our instagram. Episode Links: Gradual Vs Abrupt: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M14-2805?articleid=2501853 Small Changes, Big Impact: https://www.mdpi.com/2254-9625/11/1/19 https://go-gale-com.silk.library.umass.edu/ps/i.do?p=GRNR&u=mlin_w_umassamh&id=GALE%7CA755697211&v=2.1&it=r&sid=ebsco&aty=ip Macronutrient Balance: https://www.bjd-abcd.com/index.php/bjd/article/view/537/781 Link between cortisol and serotonin uptake: https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/CABN.1.1.96 Commentary on serotonin uptake and cortisol: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cortisol-receptors#:~:text=My%20own%20small%20contribution%20to,%2C%20anxiety%2C%20and%20violence27. Cortisol-awakening Response: https://sci-hub.live/https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0740 Women's Exercise Levels: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/393937 Benefits of various exercise methods: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9877502/ https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/150931 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/155982761036877 Mobility: ​​https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40520-019-01155-0​​https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/fulltext/2018/12000/starting_at_the_ground_up__range_of_motion.9.aspx Running/Cardio: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033062017300488 Olive Oil: https://academic.oup.com/ajh/article/25/12/1299/231681 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9003415/
Jan 15, 2024
1 hr 4 min
Ep. 1: Chat with the Students
DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and are in no way claiming to heal or treat any medical condition. We are not a source for the treatment of medical conditions, only an outlet for research and learning. ADDITIONALLY, our podcast is discussion-based and many opinions and examples shared are not premeditated (although we try our best to have good references) and require listeners to look into the information shared for themselves. Links to referenced research can be found below and on our instagram. Research links from today's episode: Depression and Diet (SMILEs): https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y Professor Felice Jacka, PhD:https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/researcher-stories/professor-felice-jacka#:~:text=Professor%20Jacka%20is%20Director%20of,at%20the%20School%20of%20Medicine. The Genius Life Podcast interview with Felice Jacka, PhD: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MB0hTX1paX4MMbbMA7PB8?si=AY2HF8y2TMaNLt3O1iz3eQ  Roman Birth Control Herb (Silphium): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silphium
Jan 1, 2024
51 min