The Method - Health in the Real World
The Method - Health in the Real World

The Method - Health in the Real World

Thriva

Overview
Episodes

Details

There’s no shortage of health advice out there, but how much of it actually works? Cold plunges, glucose monitors, protein timing, strength training, avoiding microplastics… How do we figure out what’s worth our time? Now there’s a method. The Method – Health in the Real World unpacks the science and real-world application behind modern-day health. We speak with leading voices to help you make sense of your health, and we find out how we can live better now, and for longer. Each episode, long-time friends Greg Potter and Charlie Edmondson will interview leading experts to put key health topics under the microscope, and unpack health questions through three lenses: - The science: What the experts, data, and scientific research say. - The practice: How to turn theory into habit and sustainable behaviour change. - The experience: How the practice lives up to expectation in real life. In an often chaotic world, we want to keep an eye on the long game: maximising your healthspan, not just your lifespan. Whether it’s eating better, moving with intention, or getting quality sleep… We help you build good, evidence-based habits that stick. Let’s find out what works for you. The Method gives you the tools to chart your own path towards health confidence. Expect deep dives into the science of health. We’ll cover topics like: supplements, brain health, personalised nutrition, biomarker tracking, zone 2 training, stress management, but also explore psychological wellness, the power of social connection, and good emotional resilience. Whether you’re new to proactive health, or already experienced and looking for nuanced conversations and fresh insights, The Method will empower you to push what really matters when it comes to your health. About your hosts: Dr Greg Potter is a health consultant with a PhD in sleep, nutrition, and metabolic health, and a master’s in exercise physiology. A real chameleon in the health world, he works across product development, coaching, scientific advisory, and science communication. He also loves meeting people, exploring new places, and spending an unreasonable amount of money on specialty coffee. On this show, Greg is here to cut through the noise of the wellness world and help listeners focus on what truly moves the needle for long-term health. Charlie Edmondson is a proudly Northern outdoors lover, with a growing passion for what it means to live well. She spent years firing her health questions at Greg over voice notes; a habit she now conveniently brings to the show. A real sports addict, Charlie has tried everything from swimming, to hockey, and cycling, to endurance racing representing Team GB in triathlon and duathlon across the globe. She is also a dog mum and doesn’t say no to the occasional Guinness. She brings her warmth to the Method to champion the voice of the everyday listener, who might not be an expert in health, but is brimming with questions. About Thriva The Method is brought to you by Thriva, a proactive health platform built for the modern age. The promise of longevity often comes with years spent in poor health. We want to bridge the gap between lifespan – how long we're living – and healthspan – how well we're living. We combine powerful at-home blood testing with wearable insights and expert guidance. So you can know exactly what’s going on inside your body - and what to do about it - before issues arise. With this podcast, we hope to bring listeners confidence in everyday health decisions. To learn more about Thriva’s values and services, visit https://thriva.co/.

Recent Episodes

Ep. 9 - Training and the menstrual cycle: the science of resistance training for women, with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple
MAY 4, 2026
Ep. 9 - Training and the menstrual cycle: the science of resistance training for women, with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple
In the gym, there’s often a pattern: women on the cardio machines, men in the weights section. It's a divide that says a lot about how we think women should train, but how much of that is science, and how much is just habit?This week, Greg and Charlie sit down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a researcher specialising in female physiology and strength training,to answer the question: should women train like men? Lauren is also the co-owner of the MASS Research Review, which helps bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical fitness strategies for coaches and trainers.As always, we’ll start with the science, unpacking the key biological differences between the sexes and what they actually mean for how women should train, their risk of injury, and their relationship with exercise across different life stages. From hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle to the effects of menopause symptoms, we explore how the body changes and what that means for getting the most out of your training. From there, we move into the practice, where Lauren, Charlie, and Greg discuss tangible ways to improve our training routines. They discuss:How socialisation shapes women's access to sport from an early age (19:08)Why resistance training is conducive to healthy aging (26:23)  What should we consider before pursuing Hormone Replacement Therapy? (31:52)Lauren walks us through what physical training can look like across different life stages, including how contraception and menopause factor into the picture. Finally, in the experience section, we turn to your questions. How to get back into training post-partum? Can pilates and stretching help relieve period cramps? Are there exercises we should be prioritising to better manage our cycles? Tune in to find out. While we’re here, just a note on language: throughout this episode, we use the term "women" for accessibility, but this episode makes an important distinction between gender and biological sex.To explore further:Lauren Colenso-Semple - WebsiteLauren Colenso-Semple - InstagramGreg Potter - WebsiteGreg Potter - InstagramThriva - WebsiteIf you’d like to send us your health questions for future episodes, you can email us a voice note, or simply write in with your question at [email protected] Thriva:Thriva is a proactive health platform built for the modern age. The promise of longevity often comes with years spent in poor health. We want to bridge the gap between lifespan – how long we're living – and healthspan – how well we're living. We combine powerful at-home blood testing with wearable insights and expert guidance. So you can know exactly what’s going on inside your body - and what to do about it - before issues arise. With this podcast, we hope to bring listeners confidence in everyday health decisions. To learn more about Thriva’s values and services, visit https://thriva.co/. 
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53 MIN
Ep. 8 - Q&A: fat loss, cholesterol, caffeine, and beating jet lag, with Greg and Charlie
APR 21, 2026
Ep. 8 - Q&A: fat loss, cholesterol, caffeine, and beating jet lag, with Greg and Charlie
Have you ever written to us and been waiting expectantly for your question to make the cut? Well, it's time we finally answered you. This week, Greg and Charlie are back behind the mic for something a little different; a special Q&A episode. Over the course of 8 episodes, we've gathered a number of fascinating listener questions that don't always fit neatly into the subjects we cover. So today, we give four questions the spotlight they deserve, drawing on Greg's depth of knowledge and experience in the world of science.We cover three big themes: nutrition, caffeine, and sleep. From the basics of fat loss to the science of jet lag, Greg – or Dr. P, as we like to call him – breaks down the science, while Charlie brings the questions you actually want answered, including:Low fat or low carb: which is best for weight loss? (3:53)Can you lower cholesterol through diet alone, without taking statins? (13:26)How does caffeine work, and does it affect everyone's sleep in the same way? (19:07)What's the best way to prepare for and recover from jet lag? (And is May a good time to see the cherry blossoms in Japan?) (33:32)Whether you're fine-tuning your diet, navigating your relationship with coffee, or counting down to a long-haul flight, there's something in this episode for you. And if you stick around, you might just hear from our producer Lise, who may or may not be drinking an alarming amount of French press coffee every morning.We hope you enjoy this alternative format; and let this be your reminder to send in your questions to [email protected]. Greg's brain is officially on tap.Links:Susanna Holt’s Satiety IndexTimeshifter AppGreg Potter - WebsiteGreg Potter - InstagramThriva - WebsiteAbout Thriva:Thriva is a proactive health platform built for the modern age. The promise of longevity often comes with years spent in poor health. We want to bridge the gap between lifespan – how long we're living – and healthspan – how well we're living. We combine powerful at-home blood testing with wearable insights and expert guidance. So you can know exactly what’s going on inside your body - and what to do about it - before issues arise. With this podcast, we hope to bring listeners confidence in everyday health decisions. To learn more about Thriva’s values and services, visit https://thriva.co/. 
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43 MIN
Ep. 7 - Should we all be eating differently? Personalised nutrition beyond the hype, with Dr. Lucia Aronica
APR 6, 2026
Ep. 7 - Should we all be eating differently? Personalised nutrition beyond the hype, with Dr. Lucia Aronica
We all know that eating well matters; but what does that actually mean for you, specifically? Low-fat, low-carb, mediterranean, keto, intermittent fasting… What if the reason no single diet works for everyone is because no single diet should?In this episode, Greg and Charlie sit down with Dr. Lucia Aronica, an epigenetics and nutrigenomics scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, who has contributed to the DIETFITS study, one of the best-known trials in the field of personalised nutrition. Lucia will break down what factors shape personalisation, and what the research really shows. We discuss the findings of the DIETFITS study, explain how individual responses vary, and break down what variables really matter for a healthy diet. We then zoom out to ask the bigger question: is there actually compelling evidence that a personalised nutrition plan beats a well-designed, healthy, generic one?From there, we move into our practice segment, where Lucia shares what this all means day-to-day. We cover:The healthy eating principles that apply to all of us, whatever our goals (21:41)Why testing insulin is crucial (25:06)Why pleasure is the key to adopt long-lasting healthy eating habits (29:21)Finally, in the experience section, we pick up on your questions. From the future of DNA-based nutrition to the truth about keto and your microbiome, meal timing, insulin spikes, and whether that daily tablespoon of olive oil is as good as people say, Lucia gives her take on some of the most common (and most debated) questions in nutrition today.Personalised nutrition is a genuinely exciting scientific territory, but at times, it can be overhyped. This episode helps you figure out what the evidence actually supports, and what practical steps you can take right now. To explore further:Lucia Aronica - WebsiteLucia Aronica - Stanford ProfileLucia’s Clinical Epinutrition CourseThe Standford DIETFITS StudyGreg Potter - WebsiteGreg Potter - InstagramThriva - WebsiteIf you’d like to send us your health questions for future episodes, you can email us a voice note, or simply write in with your question at [email protected] Thriva:Thriva is a proactive health platform built for the modern age. The promise of longevity often comes with years spent in poor health. We want to bridge the gap between lifespan – how long we're living – and healthspan – how well we're living. We combine powerful at-home blood testing with wearable insights and expert guidance. So you can know exactly what’s going on inside your body - and what to do about it - before issues arise. With this podcast, we hope to bring listeners confidence in everyday health decisions. To learn more about Thriva’s values and services, visit https://thriva.co/. 
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50 MIN
Ep. 6 - Stress is inevitable: what you can do about it, with David Spiegel
MAR 23, 2026
Ep. 6 - Stress is inevitable: what you can do about it, with David Spiegel
We all know what stress is like. The adrenaline on a deadline. Sweaty palms, a racing heart, or a tingling in your fingertips. Sometimes it also feels like a hovering feeling that keeps you stuck at your desk, unable to focus.So where does stress come from, why does it feel like this, and most importantly, how can we learn to handle it?In this episode, Greg and Charlie sit down with Professor David Spiegel, psychiatrist at Stanford University and a leading expert on the connection between mind and body, to unpack the science of stress and explore what we can do to manage without medication.We start by breaking down what stress actually is. David explains the biology behind the “fight or flight” response, how stress can snowball, and why our bodies react to psychological pressures as if they were physical threats. We also explain what hypnosis actually is: a state of focused attention that can help us regulate our response to stress.From there, we move into our practice segment and David shares simple techniques listeners can try straight away:Self-hypnosis tools you can use at home (19:22)Breathing exercises like cyclic sighing (22:34)How to set up your environment to enhance relaxation (26:40) Finally, in the experience section, we hear from listeners navigating stress in their own lives. From questions about supplements and sleep to managing stress in neurodivergence, or getting better at recognising the signs, David offers his guidance on how to take the next step.While stress is a deeply human thing, we don’t have to suffer from it! With the right tools, we can learn to work with our bodies rather than against them and build resilience to life’s challenges. Listen to this episode to find out how. To explore further:Reveri AppDavid Spiegel - ResearchGreg Potter - WebsiteGreg Potter - InstagramThriva - WebsiteIf you’d like to send us your health questions for future episodes, you can email us a voice note, or simply write in with your question at [email protected] Thriva:Thriva is a proactive health platform built for the modern age. The promise of longevity often comes with years spent in poor health. We want to bridge the gap between lifespan – how long we're living – and healthspan – how well we're living. We combine powerful at-home blood testing with wearable insights and expert guidance. So you can know exactly what’s going on inside your body - and what to do about it - before issues arise. With this podcast, we hope to bring listeners confidence in everyday health decisions. To learn more about Thriva’s values and services, visit https://thriva.co/. 
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43 MIN
Ep. 5 - What does normal look like for your body? Health tracking explained, with Vishal Shah
MAR 9, 2026
Ep. 5 - What does normal look like for your body? Health tracking explained, with Vishal Shah
So you want to adopt a proactive approach to health; but do you know what you’re starting from? How do you know what’s normal for you, and what’s worth keeping an eye on over time? For many of us, that first step – baselining our health – can feel confusing, or even intimidating.In this episode, Greg and Charlie speak to Dr Vishal Shah, Thriva’s Chief Medical Officer, to discuss why establishing a baseline is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health and show you how to actually do it.In the science section, Vishal explains why health isn’t just the absence of disease but the result of many interconnected systems working together in the body. We draw connections between physical, mental, and environmental factors, and consider how small changes can lead to wide-ranging benefits.In the practice section, Greg, Charlie, and Vish discuss how a few well-chosen measures can already paint a useful picture of your health. In a quick-fire round, we explore:Why a blood test is an accessible way to check key areas like heart health (ApoB) and hormone levels (26:23)What grip strength can show you about long-term vitality (33:16)How testing your hearing can protect your cognitive health (36:02)Alongside more advanced options, we cover where you can access these tests for free or at low cost and how often it makes sense to track.Finally, we hear from listeners who are already taking steps to track and understand their health. We explore how to find the right balance between proactive tracking and information overload and what alternatives exist for those who find certain metrics stressful, like weighing themselves. Vishal also responds to questions about heart health and nutrition, helping listeners interpret their data and decide the next step in their health journey.In this episode, we see that small changes can have wide-ranging effects. When it comes to improving healthspan, the first step isn’t doing everything; it’s knowing where you stand.Resources we mentioned:Cognitive health: Food for the Brain Cognitive TestMental well-being: Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale TestSleep: SATED Sleep QuestionnaireBlood pressure monitors: OmronTo explore further:Vishal Shah - LinkedInGreg Potter - WebsiteGreg Potter - InstagramThriva - WebsiteIf you’d like to send us your health questions for future episodes, you can email us a voice note, or simply write in with your question at [email protected] Thriva:Thriva is a proactive health platform built for the modern age. The promise of longevity often comes with years spent in poor health. We want to bridge the gap between lifespan – how long we're living – and healthspan – how well we're living. We combine powerful at-home blood testing with wearable insights and expert guidance. So you can know exactly what’s going on inside your body - and what to do about it - before issues arise. With this podcast, we hope to bring listeners confidence in everyday health decisions. To learn more about Thriva’s values and services, visit https://thriva.co/. 
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53 MIN