<![CDATA[Ask Dr Vincent: After Hours]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/s/after-hourshttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!6zR_!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef6196c3-fd8a-4c44-8b99-689c1b41e4e9_792x792.pngAsk Dr Vincent: After Hourshttps://www.askdrvincent.com/s/after-hoursSubstackTue, 10 Nov 2026 22:13:19 GMT<![CDATA[Can You Learn to Be Sexy?]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/can-you-learn-to-be-sexyhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/can-you-learn-to-be-sexyThu, 29 Oct 2026 06:02:46 GMTWhat actually makes someone sexy? We tend to think the answer is obvious: a good face, a good body and whatever society has decided is attractive at that particular moment. But in this episode of After Hours, Stephen and I quickly realise that attraction is much more complicated. We talk about physical appearance, fitness and cosmetic enhancements, but also confidence, posture, voice, humour, personality and the way someone carries themselves. I’ve noticed this in my own life too. Getting fitter may have changed how my clothes fit, but perhaps more importantly, it changed how I feel about myself. And when you feel more confident, other people often notice it.

The conversation eventually comes back to a question I find much more interesting: can somebody who doesn’t fit the traditional definition of beautiful still be sexy? I think absolutely yes. I wasn’t the stereotypically good-looking kid growing up, and in hindsight I’m grateful for some of what that taught me. I learnt to communicate, to make people laugh, to be courteous, to work hard and, eventually, to become more comfortable with myself. Those things accumulate. Sexiness changes with age and culture, but it also changes as we change. Maybe attraction isn’t one perfect feature at all. Maybe it’s the whole package: how you look, how you speak, how you treat people and, most importantly, how comfortable you are being yourself.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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]]><![CDATA[5 Habits for a Healthier Life (And Why Simple Is Often Better)]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/5-habits-for-a-healthier-life-andhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/5-habits-for-a-healthier-life-andSun, 25 Oct 2026 09:13:33 GMTFrom drinking more water and finding happiness within to the forgotten fruit hiding in plain sight, good health doesn't have to be complicated.

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Newsletter #24
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What if better health was simpler than we think? This week, Stephen and I explore five everyday habits that can improve how we live, from hydration and posture to kindness, connection and finding happiness within ourselves. We also rediscover the humble choko, bust a surprising food myth, share a refreshing recipe and explore the fascinating science of apple phenolics and Activated Phenolics. It's a reminder that living healthier isn't about being perfect. It's about making small, meaningful choices consistently.
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We live in a world where being healthy has somehow become unnecessarily complicated. There’s always another supplement to buy, another fitness trend to follow or another wellness expert telling us we’re doing everything wrong. But what if good health isn’t about doing more, but about doing the simple things consistently? This week on After Hours, Stephen and I explore five habits that I believe can make a meaningful difference to our health and happiness: drinking more water, paying attention to our posture, practising genuine kindness, learning to enjoy our own company and, perhaps most importantly, not outsourcing our happiness to someone or something else. We also discuss the importance of staying connected, switching off from technology occasionally and eating more fruits and vegetables. None of these habits requires perfection, expensive equipment or a complete lifestyle overhaul. They simply require us to be a little more intentional about how we live.

And speaking of simple things, we take an unexpected detour into the wonderful world of choko, an often-overlooked fruit that’s surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. We explore its fascinating origins, its place in Indonesian cooking and even debunk the long-standing myth that McDonald’s uses choko in its apple pies. There’s also a refreshing choko and green apple salad recipe worth trying. Finally, we turn our attention to something particularly close to my heart: the science of phenolic antioxidants. Apples contain remarkable plant compounds that may influence inflammation, our body’s antioxidant defences and gut health. I explain why the amount of antioxidants in a food is only part of the story, and why extraction, digestion and biological activity matter when understanding their potential benefits. It’s the science that inspired my work developing Activated Phenolics. Ultimately, whether we’re talking about nutrition, movement, relationships or happiness, the message remains the same: good health isn’t built through occasional extraordinary efforts. It’s built through ordinary things we choose to do, day after day.

With my best

Dr Vincent

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

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]]><![CDATA[Five Habits That Make Life Better]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/five-habits-that-make-life-betterhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/five-habits-that-make-life-betterThu, 22 Oct 2026 06:01:28 GMTFrom drinking more water to not outsourcing your happiness, the small things we do every day can shape how well we live.

I talk a lot about the idea that being healthy isn’t about being perfect — it’s about the things we do consistently. So in this episode of After Hours, Stephen and I ask a simple question: what are the habits we think everyone should at least try to build into their lives? Some are incredibly practical, like drinking enough water, paying attention to your posture and moving your body. Others have nothing to do with calories, steps or fitness at all. We talk about practising kindness without expecting anything in return, learning to enjoy your own company and making space to pause in a world that seems determined to keep us constantly switched on.

But the habit I keep coming back to is perhaps the most important one: don’t outsource your happiness. It’s very easy to convince ourselves that happiness is waiting on the other side of the next achievement, the next relationship, more money, a better body or some future version of our lives. I don’t want to wait for that. Happiness can coexist with ambition. We can still want more, work hard and have enormous goals while choosing to appreciate where we are today. Maybe the best habits aren’t the ones that completely transform your life overnight — they’re the small choices that make today a little healthier, kinder and happier than yesterday.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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]]><![CDATA[A Changing Climate, a Changing World: Why Adaptation Matters]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/a-changing-climate-a-changing-worldhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/a-changing-climate-a-changing-worldSun, 18 Oct 2026 10:25:40 GMTFrom the future of Australian wine to the water we drink and the waste we create, a changing world reminds us that small everyday choices can make a meaningful difference.

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Newsletter #23
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This week, we explore how climate change is reshaping Australian wine production and what adaptation means for our health, food and everyday routines. From hydration and sustainable living to worm farming, smarter shopping and the science behind agave syrup, we discover why small, conscious decisions matter. We also celebrate the simplicity of Tommy's Margarita and the importance of maintaining genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world. Because adapting to change isn't just about protecting our future. It's about making better choices today.
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Climate change can feel like an enormous, distant problem, but its effects are increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives. This week on After Hours with Dr Vincent, Stephen and I explore how our changing environment influences everything from the wine we enjoy to the food we eat, the water we drink and even the way we exercise. We take a closer look at what climate change really means for Australia’s iconic wine regions, including the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale. Are our favourite wines at risk of disappearing, or are we simply entering a new era of adaptation? The science suggests a more nuanced story. Changing temperatures, rainfall patterns and growing conditions present genuine challenges, but innovation, water management and smarter agricultural practices are helping producers adapt. The lesson is that change doesn’t necessarily mean the end of something we love. Sometimes, it means finding a different way forward.

But adaptation isn’t just about vineyards and global temperatures. It’s also about the small decisions we make every day. Stephen and I discuss everything from staying hydrated in air-conditioned environments and adjusting exercise routines to reducing unnecessary packaging and turning kitchen scraps into compost with worm farms. We also explore the importance of choosing recognisable food ingredients, understanding where our food comes from and recognising that natural sweeteners, like agave syrup, aren’t automatically healthier. And because this is After Hours, we finish with a little indulgence, exploring the history of Tommy’s Margarita and Stephen’s favourite tequilas. Perhaps the most important takeaway is that looking after our planet, our health and our relationships doesn’t always require dramatic changes. Sometimes, it begins with paying closer attention to the things we already do, making more thoughtful choices and remembering that even something as simple as sending a handwritten postcard can help us reconnect with what really matters.

With my best

Dr Vincent

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm

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]]><![CDATA[When Climate Change Gets Personal]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/when-climate-change-gets-personalhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/when-climate-change-gets-personalThu, 15 Oct 2026 06:02:42 GMTClimate change can feel like one of those enormous issues happening somewhere far away, but in this episode of After Hours, Stephen and I bring it much closer to home. We talk about what a changing climate can mean for our health, from how we exercise and stay hydrated to the food we eat, the seafood we choose and even where wine can now be produced. The bigger question for me is not simply whether the world is changing, but whether we are paying enough attention to how our own bodies and habits may need to change with it.

What I keep coming back to is that none of us can solve a global problem on our own, but that does not make us powerless. Being more conscious about water, food, single-use plastics and the choices we make inside our own homes can still matter. This episode is really a conversation about adaptation, awareness and doing what is within our control. We may not be able to change the whole world from our kitchen table, but we can make better decisions for our health, our families and the little corner of the world we actually live in.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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]]><![CDATA[The Science of Friendship: Could Your Friends Help You Live Longer?]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-science-of-friendship-could-yourhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-science-of-friendship-could-yourSun, 11 Oct 2026 11:15:04 GMTWe talk about eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep. But what if one of the most important things for our health is the people we share our lives with?

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Newsletter #22
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Could friendship be one of the most overlooked ingredients for a longer, healthier life? This week, Stephen and I explore the science of social connection, why loneliness is different from being alone, and what the world's Blue Zones can teach us about belonging. From the biology of stress to the simple act of showing up for one another, we discover why meaningful relationships deserve just as much attention as diet, exercise and sleep.
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When we think about living a longer, healthier life, we often focus on what we eat, how much we exercise and whether we get enough sleep. But there’s something we tend to overlook: friendship. In this week’s After Hours, Stephen and I explored the fascinating science behind human connection. One meta-analysis involving nearly 310,000 people found that stronger social relationships were associated with 50% higher odds of survival. That doesn’t mean friendship automatically makes us live longer, but it tells us something important about the role relationships play in our wellbeing. We also explored how meaningful connections can help us manage stress, support emotional resilience and potentially influence our physical health. Perhaps one of the most interesting insights is that being alone and feeling lonely are two very different things.

We also looked at the world’s Blue Zones, communities often associated with exceptional longevity, where social connection is woven into everyday life. From shared meals in Greece to the moai friendship groups of Okinawa, the common thread is not simply knowing people, but regularly showing up for one another. And here’s something worth remembering: friendships take time to develop, but they also need nurturing. As life gets busier with work, family and responsibilities, it’s easy to assume our friendships will simply look after themselves. They rarely do. My biggest takeaway from this conversation is that we should approach friendship with the same intention we bring to our physical health. Make that phone call. Organise that dinner. Check in on someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Because sometimes, one of the healthiest things we can do is remind someone that they matter.

With my best

Dr Vincent

PS. Yes I know, we accidentall skip an issue! Sorry!

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
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]]><![CDATA[The science of friendship - After Hours #45]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-science-of-friendship-after-hourshttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-science-of-friendship-after-hoursThu, 08 Oct 2026 05:49:05 GMTWe spend so much time talking about food, exercise, sleep and stress when we talk about living a healthier life, but we rarely talk about friendship. In this episode of After Hours, Stephen and I explore what science can tell us about why friendship matters, from research linking stronger social relationships with better survival outcomes to the surprising amount of time it can take to turn an acquaintance into a genuinely close friend. We also get into the very human side of it: why making friends as an adult can feel harder, the difference between being alone and being lonely, the “liking gap” when meeting new people, and why friendship deserves to be treated as a serious relationship rather than something that simply happens in the background of our lives.

What struck me most is that friendship is not simply emotional. Supportive relationships can help buffer our response to stress, give us a sense of safety and connection, and help us recover through difficult periods. But good friendship also requires something less scientific and much more practical: time, vulnerability, effort and the willingness to keep showing up. Some friends are with us for a season, some survive years and kilometres apart, and some become the people we know we can call when life gets difficult. The point isn’t to collect as many friends as possible. It is to recognise that the relationships we choose to nurture may be doing far more for our health, happiness and resilience than we realise.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm
Let’s be mates!

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Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Microplastics: Little Things Add Up]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/microplastics-little-things-add-uphttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/microplastics-little-things-add-upThu, 01 Oct 2026 06:44:17 GMTI came into this episode physically exhausted but incredibly happy. After months of work, a whirlwind trip to the US and a meeting with Walmart that once felt almost impossible, Stephen and I started talking about the danger of constantly chasing the next milestone without stopping to appreciate the one you have just reached. For me, the most meaningful moments are often the smallest ones: a customer telling me we have helped them, a little bit of trust built with someone I work with, or simply remembering why I started doing this in the first place. Big dreams are ultimately made from thousands of tiny moments, and I never want to become so focused on the next destination that I forget to celebrate them.

That idea gave us a rather perfect transition into something else very small: microplastics. We unpack what they are, how larger plastics break down into tiny particles, where we encounter them in everyday life and why completely avoiding plastic is far more complicated than simply telling people to make better choices. Plastic has brought enormous convenience and genuine benefits, but our reliance on it has also created a problem that is now extraordinarily difficult to undo. My takeaway isn’t that we should panic or somehow eliminate every piece of plastic from our lives. It is much simpler: now that we know more, we should try to do better. Reduce unnecessary plastic where we can, reuse what makes sense, ask better questions about the things we buy and, most importantly, stop adding to a problem simply because its consequences feel far away.

Thanks to Hello Fresh for supporting Dr Vincent with healthy and easy meals and for giving our listeners up to $80 off their first box! Because who doesn’t love delicious, easy meals at home for less.

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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]]><![CDATA[The Pursuit of Happiness: Are We Looking in the Wrong Place? After Hours #041]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-pursuit-of-happiness-are-we-lookinghttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-pursuit-of-happiness-are-we-lookingThu, 03 Sep 2026 07:02:01 GMTI’ve been thinking a lot about happiness lately, not the Instagram version of happiness, where everything looks perfect, but the kind you actually feel when you sit quietly with your own life. I can be tired, nervous about what is coming next, dealing with problems at work and still genuinely say that I am happy. For me, happiness is not the absence of difficulty; it is the feeling that I am where I am supposed to be, doing something that matters, and living in a way that leaves as little room for regret as possible. Money, health, achievement and comfort absolutely contribute to our wellbeing, and I don’t believe we should pretend otherwise. But they are not happiness by themselves. One idea from this conversation stayed with me: success is having what you want, while happiness is wanting what you have. Perhaps the real pursuit of happiness begins when we stop treating happiness as the prize waiting for us after the next achievement and start seeing it as something we can choose and cultivate along the way.

So what actually helps? Stephen and I came back to five remarkably simple things: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. Connection is not about collecting followers; it is about feeling known and valued, and sometimes it can be as simple as messaging someone you haven’t spoken to in years. Being active doesn’t mean becoming an athlete—it can mean moving your body or keeping your mind curious. Taking notice means slowing down long enough to actually smell the coffee, look at the night sky or appreciate the tiny moments we normally rush past. Keep learning, because curiosity keeps life expanding. And finally, give—not necessarily money, but your time, experience, support or even a few thoughtful words. I think we spend so much of life waiting for the big moment that will finally make us happy that we risk missing hundreds of small happiness moments happening right in front of us. Maybe happiness is not something we eventually find. Maybe it is something we practise.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm
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]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #21 - The Protein Trap]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-21-the-protein-traphttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-21-the-protein-trapSun, 30 Aug 2026 11:25:16 GMTProtein is essential—but more isn’t automatically better. Look beyond the marketing, eat for variety, and remember that food provides the building blocks; your body still has to do the work.

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Newsletter Issue #21
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This week, we cut through the protein hype and ask what our bodies actually need. From protein powders and supermarket marketing to plant versus animal sources, ancestral diets and First Nations seasonal food knowledge, the message is simple: protein is important, but it’s only one part of a healthy diet. Variety, whole foods and how you actually use your body matter far more than a “high protein” claim on a packet.
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Protein has gone from being an essential nutrient to one of the biggest marketing buzzwords in the supermarket. This week on After Hours with Dr Vincent, Stephen and I ask whether our obsession with “high protein” is actually making us healthier. Protein absolutely matters: it supports tissue repair, muscle maintenance and countless functions throughout the body. But putting extra protein into a cereal, chocolate bar or processed snack doesn’t magically transform it into a healthy food. And protein alone doesn’t build muscle—movement and resistance training create the demand for repair, while food supplies the materials your body needs to do it.

We also take a much bigger look at how humans have eaten protein throughout history, from seasonal and place-based food systems to the enormous variety now available in our supermarkets. The lesson is surprisingly simple: variety matters more than dietary tribalism. Rather than treating carnivore, vegan, keto, Paleo or “high protein” as an identity, build meals around diverse, recognisable foods and let plants occupy plenty of space on the plate. Meat, seafood, eggs and dairy can provide highly digestible protein, while legumes, nuts, seeds and other plant foods bring fibre, healthy fats and phytochemicals. This issue also explores First Nations seasonal food knowledge and finishes with a seeded cottage-cheese loaf delivering roughly 8–10 grams of protein per slice.

With my best

Dr Vincent

PS. Yes I know, we accidentall skip an issue! Sorry!

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm

Let’s be mates!

]]><![CDATA[Protein Is Everywhere, but Does More Protein Mean Healthier? After Hours #040]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/protein-is-everywhere-but-does-morehttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/protein-is-everywhere-but-does-moreThu, 27 Aug 2026 07:02:38 GMTProtein is essential. Our bodies need it to repair and rebuild tissue, and our individual needs change depending on our size, diet and level of physical activity. But somewhere along the way, “high protein” also became shorthand for “healthy”.

In this episode of After Hours, Stephen and I look past that health halo and ask whether adding protein to everything from cereal and cheese to chocolate and snacks actually makes those foods better for us. We explore where protein comes from, the role of plant and animal sources, why active people may need more, how whey protein became such a huge industry, and why simply eating more protein will not magically build muscle without giving your body a reason to use it.

The conversation also takes us into the much bigger world of dieting: detox products, diuretics, crash diets, protein-maxing, carnivore, keto and the constant search for a shortcut to a healthier body. My view throughout the episode is that nutrition should never be reduced to declaring one nutrient “good” and another “bad”. Protein has an important place in our diet, but so do carbohydrates, fats, fibre and the many nutrients we get from a varied diet. The best approach is ultimately the one that supports your health and can realistically become part of your life. As one of my university lecturers once told me, if the way you achieve your “dream body” is something you could never sustain, then it probably isn't a dream at all.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm
Let’s be mates!

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]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #19 - Are You Ready When the Unexpected Happens?]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-19-are-you-readyhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-19-are-you-readySun, 23 Aug 2026 11:01:36 GMTPreparedness isn’t paranoia. It’s knowing what matters, who you can rely on, and what you’ll do when everyday systems suddenly stop working.

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Newsletter 19
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This week, we ask whether you’re truly prepared for the unexpected, from supply-chain disruptions and emergencies to the everyday importance of health, medication and community. We also uncover the surprising history of “blood is thicker than water” and explore what family, friendship and chosen loyalty really mean. Ultimately, preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about looking after yourself and the people who matter before a crisis forces you to.
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What would you do if the power went out, supply chains stalled or you suddenly had to stay home for several days? This week on After Hours with Dr Vincent, Stephen and I went down the rabbit hole of emergency preparedness—from floods and cyclones to supply shortages and even nuclear fallout. But beneath the doomsday scenarios was a much more practical message: being prepared isn’t about living in fear. It’s about thinking ahead. Water, shelf-stable food, essential medications, a radio and torch matter, but so does something we often overlook—community. When normal systems fail, the people around us can become one of our greatest resources.

That idea of connection carries through the rest of this week’s newsletter as we explore the real history behind the phrase “blood is thicker than water.” Its documented origins support the traditional idea of family bonds, while Confucian thought, sworn brotherhood and Buddhist ideas of friendship give us a richer question to consider: what actually makes a relationship worthy of our loyalty? Perhaps the strongest bonds aren’t defined by blood alone, but by compassion, trust, responsibility and who chooses to stand beside us when it matters. And maybe that’s the connection between preparedness and longevity too: don’t wait for a crisis, illness or major life event before looking after your health—or the people you care about.

With my best

Dr Vincent

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm

Let’s be mates!

]]><![CDATA[Doomsday - After Hours #039]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/doomsday-after-hours-039https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/doomsday-after-hours-039Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:22 GMTQuite honestly, not too sure what to write here because I certainly do not want to come across as a prepper, but I still think it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Stephen and I dove into multiple topics on how to survive a big disasterous event. Certainly the episode you don’t want to miss!

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
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Let’s be mates!

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]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #18 - Knowledge Is Power at the Supermarket Shelf]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-18-knowledge-ishttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-18-knowledge-isSun, 16 Aug 2026 11:03:02 GMTFrom food labels to seafood sourcing, knowing what we’re buying helps us make better choices for our health, our families and the world around us.

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Newsletter Issue 18
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This week’s After Hours newsletter looks at how much we really know about the food we buy, from the “health halo” created by clever packaging to the importance of reading ingredient lists, understanding sugar content and knowing where our food comes from. We also explore why food processing itself is not the enemy, how seafood sourcing and fishing methods can affect both ethics and sustainability, and why transparency across the food chain matters. Ultimately, the message is simple: better information helps us make better choices, and good health should never depend on confusing labels, marketing tricks or how much money you can afford to spend.
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One thing I keep coming back to is that healthy choices should not depend on guesswork. Whether I’m standing in a supermarket, ordering dinner or choosing seafood at a restaurant, I want enough information to make a decision that feels right for me. That means looking beyond the front of the packet, understanding where food comes from, and questioning the assumptions created by words like “fat-free”, “plant-based” or “no added sugar”. This issue explores exactly that: how food marketing can create a health halo, why provenance matters, and why even simple information such as whether seafood is Australian, imported or mixed can give us more control over the choices we make.

For me, though, this conversation goes beyond labels. I don’t believe food needs to be perfect, expensive or completely unprocessed to be part of a healthy life. I believe we need transparency, context and balance. Processing can make food safer, reduce waste and extend shelf life, just as responsible fishing and farming can help feed a growing population. The real question is whether the system gives us enough information to understand how something was produced, who benefited from it and what impact our choice might have. In the end, I’m not interested in telling people exactly what to eat. I want people to have the knowledge and confidence to decide for themselves—because good health should never be complicated, gatekept or reserved for those who can afford it.

With my best

Dr Vincent

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm

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]]><![CDATA[Food for thoughts: Stop Reading the Front of the Pack? - After Hours 038]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/food-for-thoughts-stop-reading-thehttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/food-for-thoughts-stop-reading-theThu, 13 Aug 2026 07:01:27 GMTI spend a lot of time talking about making healthier choices, but there is a problem we don’t talk about enough: the supermarket is designed to make those choices feel much simpler than they really are. A strawberry on the front of a packet, the words “no added sugar,” “fat free,” “plant-based” or a beautifully photographed serving suggestion can create what we call a health halo—the perception that a product is healthier than it necessarily is. This is why one of the simplest things I tell people is to turn the packet around. Look at the first few ingredients. Look at the sugar. Look at what is actually in the food rather than relying entirely on what the marketing department decided to put on the front. I don’t think eating well should require a science degree, and consumers shouldn’t have to decode clever language just to understand what they’re putting into their bodies.

I’m also not anti-processing—in fact, as a food scientist, I think food processing is one of the great achievements of modern food technology. It can make food safer, extend shelf life, reduce waste and make nutrition more accessible. The problem begins when we confuse processed with engineered to look healthier than it is, or when better nutrition becomes something reserved for people with more money, more time or more knowledge. At the very core of what I believe as a scientist is that health should be accessible to everyone. Better labels, clearer information and greater transparency don’t make the decision for us—they give us the ability to make that decision for ourselves. And sometimes, being a smarter shopper really does begin with one very simple action: turn the packet around.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!

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]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #17 - Beyond the Label]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-17-beyond-the-labelhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-17-beyond-the-labelSun, 09 Aug 2026 11:46:31 GMTFrom allergen warnings to Health Star Ratings, understanding food labels isn't just about making healthier choices—it could protect your health and your family's safety.

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2026 08 09 Newsletter
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This week, we investigate the truth behind food labels, explain Australia's updated allergen labelling rules, explore the realities of food allergies, introduce Activated Greens Plus+, and share a delicious gluten-free friand recipe. Understanding your food starts with reading beyond the marketing on the front of the pack.
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Food packaging is designed to inform us, but how much can we really trust what it says? This week on After Hours with Dr Vincent, we unpack the growing concerns surrounding food labelling in Australia—from allergen declarations and country-of-origin claims to the limitations of the Health Star Rating system. Inspired by the recent Four Corners investigation, we explore why clear, accurate labels matter, who is responsible when they fail, and why consumers should never rely on front-of-pack marketing alone when making important health decisions.

This issue also examines Australia's new Plain English allergen labelling laws, explaining how clearer ingredient declarations can make food safer for millions of Australians living with allergies. We dive into the science behind food allergies, discuss why ingredient lists are ultimately safety documents rather than marketing tools, and highlight practical ways to navigate food labels with greater confidence. Alongside this, we introduce Activated Greens Plus+, share a gluten-free friand recipe, and reinforce a simple message: the more informed you are about what's in your food, the better equipped you are to make healthier, safer choices every day.

With my best

Dr Vincent

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After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This newsletter and podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

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]]><![CDATA[Food (mis)labelling: Can You Really Trust Food Labels?]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/food-mislabelling-can-you-reallyhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/food-mislabelling-can-you-reallyThu, 06 Aug 2026 07:02:51 GMTEvery time I walk through the supermarket, I’m reminded that most of us make buying decisions in just a few seconds. We trust what is printed on the front of the pack—whether it’s “Australian made,” “gluten free,” “organic,” or a high Health Star Rating—to guide those decisions. But after watching the recent Four Corners investigation into food labelling, I was reminded how important it is to look beyond the marketing. Food labels should exist to help consumers make informed choices, not leave them confused. When allergen statements are unclear, country-of-origin claims are misleading, or health ratings oversimplify nutrition, it isn’t just a marketing issue—it becomes an issue of trust and, in some cases, safety.

As both a food scientist and a consumer, I believe honesty should always come before marketing. I don’t expect food to be perfect, but I do expect labels to accurately reflect what’s inside the package. Consumers deserve transparency so they can make decisions that suit their health, values and budget. Rather than chasing buzzwords or relying on a single rating, I encourage people to read ingredient lists, understand what they’re buying and remember that no front-of-pack claim can replace informed decision-making. The best food label is one that tells the truth—clearly, consistently and without compromise.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

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📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
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Let’s be mates!

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]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #16 - The Hidden Health Crisis Men Don't Talk About]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-16-the-hidden-healthhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-16-the-hidden-healthSun, 02 Aug 2026 11:17:29 GMT
Newsletter #16
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This week, we unpack the hidden impact of chronic inflammation, share ten simple habits to help reduce it, explore the science and everyday uses of ginger, and explain why smarter skincare works with your skin instead of against it. Small choices, repeated consistently, can make a remarkable difference to your long-term health.
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Loneliness isn't just an emotion. It's a health issue. Discover why meaningful connection, movement and community may be some of the most powerful forms of preventive medicine.

This week on After Hours with Dr Vincent, we tackle a topic that too often goes unspoken: male loneliness. We explore the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, why major life transitions such as fatherhood, retirement and career changes can leave men feeling isolated, and why asking for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Through personal stories, research and practical advice, we discuss how genuine connection is built through consistent effort, shared experiences and having the courage to reach out before loneliness takes hold.

We also answer a timely listener question about breaking out of winter routines as spring approaches. From chasing morning sunlight and joining walking groups to discovering playful new ways to move, we share simple strategies to rebuild healthy habits without chasing perfection. Alongside these conversations, we explain the science behind Activated Greens Plus+ and how broad-spectrum plant nutrients can help support everyday health, finishing with a delicious gluten-free friand recipe to make healthy eating both practical and enjoyable.

With my best

Dr Vincent

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

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Let’s be mates!

]]><![CDATA[The Male Health Crisis Nobody Wants to Talk About - After Hours #036]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-male-health-crisis-nobody-wantshttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-male-health-crisis-nobody-wantsThu, 30 Jul 2026 06:55:08 GMTThere is a growing health crisis that doesn’t show up on a blood test, an MRI or even during a routine check-up. It’s loneliness. We often think of loneliness as something that only affects older people, but the reality is that it can affect anyone, especially men. As life changes through careers, fatherhood and increasing responsibilities, many men slowly lose the friendships and routines that once kept them connected. What makes this particularly challenging is that loneliness is often hidden behind success, busyness or the belief that everyone else is coping just fine. Yet research shows loneliness is linked to poorer physical and mental health, reminding us that meaningful relationships are just as important to our wellbeing as exercise and good nutrition.

I don’t believe the solution is simply telling people to “make more friends.” Real connection takes intention. For me, some of the best places to build friendships are through shared experiences, whether that’s joining a gym, a walking group, a community class or even attending a local workshop. The goal isn’t to leave with a best friend after one visit. It’s simply to keep showing up. A simple conversation, a familiar face or asking someone how they’re really doing can make a remarkable difference. Being alone isn’t the same as being lonely, and investing in our relationships with others, and with ourselves, may be one of the most powerful things we can do for our long-term health and happiness.

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm

Let’s be mates!

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]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #15 - Breakfast: The Habit That Refuses to Go Away]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-15-breakfast-thehttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-15-breakfast-theMon, 27 Jul 2026 10:53:05 GMT
Newsletter #15
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This week's newsletter explores the evidence behind breakfast, sugar and coffee, offering practical, science-backed strategies for building a healthier morning routine while making smarter everyday nutrition choices.
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Breakfast is one of nutrition's most enduring debates, and this week on After Hours with Dr Vincent, we revisit the science with fresh eyes. We explore what decades of research tell us about breakfast and cognitive performance, why quality matters more than simply eating first thing, and how the modern obsession with health data can sometimes create more anxiety than better health. Along the way, we discuss sleep, sustainable habits and why the best health advice is often the advice you can actually stick with for life.

We also answer a listener's question about whether sugary breakfasts are acceptable if you're active, comparing popular cereals, explaining how much exercise it takes to burn them off, and why reading nutrition labels is so important. Plus, we examine the role of coffee in your morning routine, including the best time to enjoy your first cup, and share practical ways to use Activated Greens Plus+ to bridge everyday nutritional gaps. It's a reminder that lasting health isn't built on extreme routines, but on small, repeatable choices that work with your body rather than against it.

With my best

Dr Vincent

After Hours is where science gets personal. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist and Stephen!
This podcast is part of the Ask Dr Vincent on Substack.

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
📩 Weekly newsletter every Sunday at AskDrVincent.com
📺 Full video episodes every Thursday after 5pm

Let’s be mates!

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