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While sanitation in the home might be something many of us take for granted, in this episode we dive deeper into how they work - the specifics of decentralized water systems, how they work, their benefits and their disadvantages. Host Sarah Stancombe is joined by expert Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel to discuss his journey toward waste management.

Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel obtained chemical engineering degrees both at Bachelor and Masters levels, with a specialization in wastewater treatment. He went on to pursue his professional career with a PhD on biomass gasification in 2011 and a post-doctorate, in the same domain, for two more years, in French research institutes. During this period, he acquired an expertise in thermochemical processes and biofuels. In 2014, he joined the WASH R&D Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to supervise master research projects funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Water Research Commission. Currently, his focus is: leading research related to decentralized sanitation treatment systems, supporting and advising sanitation practitioners and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In this episode, Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel explains the differences between centralized and decentralized water systems, what kinds of regions use each one, and what it takes to maintain them. There can be disadvantages with decentralized systems, such as poor management, which can lead to harming the environment.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel explore innovations in the field. Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel suggests setting up a grey water system in the home to make the most of water usage, and reduce costs.

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Financial well-being is a cornerstone of overall health and happiness, yet it’s often misunderstood or neglected in pursuit of materialism. This week on Doing Well: The Wellbeing Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant interviews financial wellness expert Joyce Marter, LCPC on what healthy financial behavior looks like. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist and entrepreneur, Joyce Marter, LCPC’s current mission as a speaker, corporate trainer, coach, and consultant, is to inspire others to improve their mental and financial health, work-life balance, and relationships, using proven strategies and innovative tools from psychology. The author behind best-selling book The Financial Mindset Fix, Joyce Marter, LCPC also writes for various media outlets by the likes of MoneyGeek, Psychology Today, and The Huffington Post. In this episode, Joyce Marter, LCPC sheds light on the emotions behind financial decision-making, as well as how financial stress can affect an individual’s mental and physical health. Additionally, Joyce shares personal anecdotes of her experience with financial stress during her entrepreneurial journey, revealing that a shift in mindset played a major role in achieving her financial goals. Together, Dina and Joyce Marter, LCPC exchange practical tips for building healthy financial habits. So, whether you’re looking to take control of your finances, or simply want to understand how money affects your well-being, tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights backed by science!

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This week on Wealth Pathways: Affluence Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Jamal Abarashi, Lecturer in International Business, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship, to discuss the evolving role of social media in building personal brands and generating income in the digital age. Jamal Abarashi holds a PhD from the University of Otago, New Zealand, and an MBA in Management and Marketing from Multimedia University, Malaysia. With academic expertise and practical insight into global business trends, Jamal Abarashi brings a sharp, research-backed lens to the world of digital marketing and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Jamal Abarashi breaks down how social media has become a foundational tool in digital marketing and how personal branding plays a central role in establishing credibility and creating financial opportunities. He explains the key steps to building a personal brand from scratch, how to identify the right platform for your goals, and why authenticity has become more valuable than ever in today's attention economy. Jamal Abarashi and Sabrina explore the monetization potential of social platforms, from advertising revenue and brand deals to digital products and memberships. He outlines common pitfalls beginners face when trying to earn income online and offers practical advice on navigating sponsorships, content strategy, and audience engagement. The conversation also looks ahead to how AI is reshaping content creation, branding, and digital influence, as well as the essential knowledge areas—like media law, ethics, and taxation—that every aspiring creator or entrepreneur should understand before turning their presence into a business. Whether you're starting from zero or refining your digital footprint, this episode offers a strategic guide to using social media not just for visibility, but for long-term wealth creation.

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As we age, maintaining muscle health is crucial for mobility, strength, and overall longevity. Sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle mass and function—can significantly impact quality of life, but emerging research is offering new hope. This week on Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Dr. Michael Ryan Hicks, Assistant Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of California Irvine, to discuss muscle health, aging, and cutting-edge strategies for preventing sarcopenia. Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D. is the Associate Director of the UCI Muscle Biology and Disease Research Center and a member of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. With nearly two decades of experience in muscle research, he has published extensively and received prestigious fellowships, including from the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the National Institute of Aging. His groundbreaking work focuses on muscle regeneration, stem cell therapies, and potential treatments for muscle-wasting diseases. In this episode, Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D. unpacks the science behind sarcopenia—what it is, why it happens, and how it affects aging bodies. He also shares insights from his latest research on muscle regeneration and explores promising future therapies, including potential drugs that could slow sarcopenia. Together, Sabrina and Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D. break down the role of exercise, nutrition, and medical advancements in maintaining muscle health as we age. Whether you're looking to preserve strength, stay active, or understand the future of muscle regeneration, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge. Tune in this week to discover how science is shaping the future of muscle health and what you can do today to stay strong for years to come!

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Some are anxious, some are avoidant but in the end, everyone wants to have a secure attachment and a healthy relationship. This week on Reloscope: The Relationships Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia consults clinical psychologist Phoebe Rogers in understanding attachment styles in romantic relationships. Phoebe Rogers is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with a Master of Psychology (Clinical) from the University of Wollongong and a Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counselling. Specializing in CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy, they work with individuals, couples, and families to navigate emotional challenges and create healthier relationship dynamics. After seeking a relationship coach for their own struggles, they discovered the transformative impact of Schema Therapy—an approach they now use to help others find love and fulfillment. In this episode, Phoebe Rogers sheds light on the reason behind the prominence of healthy attachment styles in successful relationships. Additionally, she delves into the effect of upbringing, dysregulated nervous systems and internal thoughts in the development of insecure attachment and the ways to unlearn those insecure attachments. Together, Sabrina and Phoebe Rogers explore the various practices couples can incorporate into their daily lives, and discuss the habits to unlearn insecure attachment. So, tune in this week for an insightful episode teeming with expert advice on attaining a healthy attachment for your relationship!

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There is now a growing body of research that’s shown strong connections between mental and physical health, but little is known about the pathways from one another. On this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, host Joahanna is joined by Jarryd Heasman to learn more. Drawing on his background in sports science, research, and mining industry wellbeing, Jarryd Heasman translates multidimensional expertise into practical strategies that enhance physical and mental health. He has a mission to empower people with actionable insights and foster environments that prioritize holistic wellbeing, and distills complex information into clear, concise insights. In this episode, Jarryd Heasman shares the important part hormones play in stress, and strategies for managing stress. Together, Joahanna and Jarryd Heasman discuss exercises that are beneficial for mental health, especially for those who struggle to exercise due to mental health obstacles. Jarryd Heasman also touches on the many wellness apps available on the market at the moment and gives advice on improving mental resilience.

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Job hunting and resume writing can often seem like a daunting task. Choosing what information to pack in and navigating the ever-changing job market is no easy feat. Thanks to expert Gabrielle Suttis, CRS, this episode uncovers advice to make the process a little bit easier, and certainly more effective.

Gabrielle Suttis, CRS is an entrepreneur with a background in Human Resources and is the founder of Go Getter Resumes. She has an extensive history of connecting candidates with jobs in the construction, oil and gas, and safety industries. She is also an award-winning resume writer and a Certified Resume Strategist who takes an individualized approach to each resume. Gabrielle Suttis, CRS started out as an Administrative Assistant for the Government of Alberta and has since progressed to specialize in human resources, and seeks to bridge the gap between job seeker and employer.

In this episode, Gabrielle Suttis, CRS explains that a key part of resume writing is actually not to talk about yourself. This is a big misconception that can be easily solved by focusing on the role instead of yourself personally. She also accentuates the importance of values and how these can really help you define a career.

Together, Sarah and Gabrielle Suttis, CRS explore the importance of networking - something many struggle with but one that does not have to be doused in professionalism to be helpful, in fact, authenticity is key, and some of your closest circles may end up helping with your job search too.

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Waking up to a home that offers functionality and cleanliness seems like the norm for many of us, but for some, is a struggle too big to tackle. This week on Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe consults researcher Dr. Stella C. Sabi on the relationship between substandard living conditions and food insecurity, and the small steps people can take to reorganize their home.

Dr. Stella C. Sabi obtained her doctorate in Food Security from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. She has presented her research findings at several local and international platforms including the first SA Higher Education Colloquium on Food Insecurity at Universities, The “9th Annual Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference”, and the “2016 New York City International Academic Conference on Education & Social Sciences”. With a background in Policy and Development Studies, Dr. Stella C. Sabi has authored scientific peer-reviewed journals and book chapters on food security, land policy, and HIV/AIDS-treatment policy advocacy.

In this episode, Dr. Stella C. Sabi stresses the misconception that those living in squalor are lazy. Often, people’s living conditions are reduced due to factors outside of their control, such as a mental or physical health condition. In reality, people are ashamed of their substandard living conditions and thus isolate themselves from society for fear of judgement.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Stella C. Sabi discuss how more well-off people can assist in helping those in squalor both with cleaning and with food security. When offering food, those living with food insecurity deserve a choice as you never know what food allergies or intolerances they may have. Ultimately, networking and community is the best way for those living in squalor to help themselves.

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How do you decide what’s right for you? Do you look inward for answers, or do you seek validation from the world around you? In this episode of Bouncing Back: The Personal Resilience Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews teacher and author Dr. Paul Dunion on how our frame of reference affects our ability to adapt and persevere. Currently serving as senior faculty member and consultant at Mobius Executive Leadership, and teaching at Mobius’ Next Practice Institute, Dr. Paul Dunion has had over 40 years in private practice. Prior to joining the team, Dr. Paul Dunion earned his doctoral degree in counseling and consulting psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his master of arts in philosophy from the University of Connecticut, where he eventually taught philosophy. In this episode, Dr. Paul Dunion sheds light on the concepts of external and internal referencing, offering examples of how these mindsets show up in day-to-day life. Additionally, Paul asserts that the majority of individuals adopt external referencing due to social and cultural factors. Together, Marie and Dr. Paul Dunion canvass some useful habits and exercises for training our brains to adopt a more internal frame of reference. So, whether you’re striving to become more self-reliant, or seeking healthier ways to engage with your environment, tune in to this episode for actionable tools and fresh perspectives to strengthen your resilience from the inside out!

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For many, the boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred, often resulting in stress, burnout, and a diminished sense of well-being. This episode delves into the importance of values and the need to challenge hustle culture, offering a refreshing perspective on work-life integration. Dr. Rònké A. Òké, a culture strategist and workplace transformation expert, leads the conversation. With nearly two decades of experience in HigherEd and over a decade in corporate consulting, she helps organizations navigate change, foster employee engagement, and align business goals with social responsibility. As the creator of the Worth Ethic Framework™️ and Worth-Centered Leadership program, she equips professionals to align their work with their values and achieve sustainable success. In her conversation with Sarah, Dr. Òké emphasizes the value of rest, flexibility, and a lifestyle that truly integrates work and life. She presents the Worth Ethic revolution as a more effective alternative to traditional ideas like work-life balance, encouraging a shift toward decentering work and focusing on well-being. This episode is ideal for anyone looking to redefine their relationship with work and rediscover a sense of purpose.

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