<![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-hoursSubstackSun, 28 Jun 2026 03:27:09 GMT<![CDATA[Inflammation: Why Your Body is Quietly on Fire ]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/inflammation-why-your-body-is-quietlyhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/inflammation-why-your-body-is-quietlyThu, 25 Jun 2026 07:01:49 GMTThis episode, Stephen and I finally dove into a topic that I have been wanting to tackle for a while: inflammation. And I want to be honest about why I find this so frustrating as a scientist. Eighty percent of our illnesses and diseases are rooted in inflammation, yet it is consistently one of the most overlooked health conversations out there. Unlike a broken arm or a deep cut, inflammation hides. It shows up as brain fog you brush off as a bad night’s sleep. It shows up as that low-level tiredness you keep blaming on a busy week. We talked about how conditions like PCOS and endometriosis were dismissed for decades, not because patients were wrong, but because the signs were subtle and the pattern was slow. That is the insidious thing about inflammation: because it does not demand your attention the way an obvious injury does, most people put it in the back burner until it has compounded into something far harder to reverse. The key message I kept coming back to is this: know yourself, look for the pattern, and do not wait for a crisis.

From there we got practical. I shared the two atomic habits I genuinely believe make the biggest difference when it comes to managing inflammation over time: hydration and plants. Water is unglamorous advice but it is foundational, and I pushed back on the obsession with apps and tracking. We actually discussed a study showing that people with pre-existing sleep issues who started obsessively recording their sleep scores ended up sleeping worse because of the anxiety it created. The same principle applies more broadly: a little bit of honest self-awareness trumps drowning in data.

I also launched a seven-day challenge on my Instagram, asking people to include four different colored vegetables in at least one meal per day. The digestive tract repairs itself every three to five days, so within a week of doing this consistently, you will feel the difference in energy, regularity, and even skin quality. Four vegetables, seven days. That is not a diet overhaul, that is just the beginning of a new pattern.

We also had a genuinely fun conversation about food, including Stephen’s wife’s complicated relationship with lamb, the correct way to cook Brussels sprouts in an air fryer (dark soy, mirin, sesame oil, a little crisp on the outside), and the surprising botanical reality that tomatoes, coffee, and chocolate are all technically fruit.

I also shared something personal heading into the recording: the next day I was flying to Dallas and then Austin to appear on ShopLC again, this time for two shows including a Monday primetime slot broadcasting to 70 million US households. I still get nervous before those moments, but I talked about something I genuinely believe, which is that the energy you put out matters.

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!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Ultra Processed Breakfast - After Hours #031 and Newsletter Issue #12]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/ultra-processed-breakfast-after-hourshttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/ultra-processed-breakfast-after-hoursSun, 21 Jun 2026 09:27:02 GMTBreakfast might seem like an odd place to start a conversation about the global food system, but it turns out to be the perfect lens. When Stephen and I sat down to record this episode, we weren’t planning to go deep on ultra-processed food or body image or the cultural architecture of what we eat before 9am. But that’s exactly where we ended up, and I think it’s because breakfast is the one meal that most of us treat as automatic. We reach for the same thing every morning without much thought, which is precisely when food engineering does its best work. I’ll be honest: I skip breakfast a lot. That habit goes back to growing up overweight and counting every kilojoule, and it’s a pattern I’ve never fully shaken. Sharing that on the podcast felt a little exposed, but I think it matters, because what we eat is never just about nutrients. It’s about history, self-talk, and the quiet stories we carry about our bodies.

The cereal aisle was where things got genuinely interesting for me. We used Weet-Bix, Cornflakes and Sultana Bran as the baseline, then held them up against Nutri-Grain, Coco Pops, Froot Loops and Milo cereal, and the contrast is pretty striking once you start looking. The branding on those ultra-processed products is doing a lot of heavy lifting. “Nutri-Grain” sounds medical. “Made with whole grain” sounds responsible. But when you actually read the label, you’re decoding marketing far more than you’re understanding nutrition.

That same pattern plays out across the whole food system, and it gets more dramatic when you compare Australian and American products side by side. The same pasta sauce, the same bread, the same mince, but with meaningfully higher sugar and fat baselines in the US version. Eat the “same” diet across both countries and you could be taking in 10 to 15 percent more calories without changing a single habit.

We honestly feel that, this week's After Hours newsletter is one of our most practical yet. Plus, we now have a mobile friendly version too: After Hours Newsletter Issue 12

Enjoy your Sunday evening and have a great week!

With my best

Vincent

Newsletter Issue 12
10MB ∙ PDF file
Download
This week's After Hours newsletter is one of the most practical yet. Stephen and Dr. Vincent dig into breakfast, ultra-processed food, and why the modern food system is quietly engineered to work against you, from cereal aisle marketing tricks to why the same meal in the US carries 10 to 15 percent more calories than its Australian equivalent. They also get into coffee, and whether Stephen's long black is actually doing him any favours (spoiler: it depends on the brew method, not the postcode). Plus there's a deep dive on what to actually check on a food label when you're standing in a supermarket with kids hanging off the trolley, and why the answer is simpler than the food industry wants you to think.
Download

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!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #12 - Stop Trying to "Boost" Your Immune System]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-12-stop-trying-tohttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-12-stop-trying-toSun, 14 Jun 2026 11:30:04 GMT
Newsletter Issue 12
11.6MB ∙ PDF file
Download
In this Issue, Stephen and Dr Vincent take apart the idea of "boosting" immunity and replace it with something more useful: understanding how the immune system actually works. They cover the basics (white blood cells, macrophages, skin as a first line of defence), why vaccination works like language training for your immune system, and the often-overlooked role of vitamin K in newborns. From there the conversation gets practical, hydration, sleep quality over sleep quantity, and eating with the seasons, before tying it all back to a simple idea: a calm, well-regulated immune system beats an over-amped one every time.
Download

People ask me all the time how they can boost their immune system before flu season hits, and I understand why. The marketing around “immune support” makes it sound like your body is an engine that just needs more fuel. But that’s not how immunity works. Your immune system isn’t a single dial you can turn up. It’s closer to a highly trained defence force, made up of cells that need to recognise threats accurately and respond proportionally. When that system is “boosted” beyond its normal range, it doesn’t get better at its job, it gets trigger happy. That’s the mechanism behind autoimmune conditions, where the immune system starts treating your own tissue as the enemy. So when I say no to “immune boosters,” I’m not being difficult. I’m pointing out that the goal isn’t a bigger army, it’s a smarter one.

This is actually the principle I had in mind when I formulated Immunity Plus+. The activated phenolics in the formula aren’t designed to ramp anything up or override what your body is already doing. They work by supporting the internal environment your immune system relies on, helping calm oxidative stress and inflammation so your cells can do their job without being pushed into overdrive.

The same logic applies to the rest of what we cover in this episode. Hydration, sleep quality, and seasonal eating all work the same way, they support the system rather than push against it. None of it is glamorous, but it’s the difference between a body that’s primed to respond well and one that’s constantly being told to do more than it needs to.

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!

]]><![CDATA[Immunity: Flu Season, Vax and the Autoimmune Trap - After Hours #031]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/immunity-flu-season-vax-and-the-autoimmunehttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/immunity-flu-season-vax-and-the-autoimmuneThu, 11 Jun 2026 11:08:53 GMTWinter is here in the southern hemisphere and cold and flu season is already making itself known. In this episode, Stephen and I dig into how the immune system actually works, and the first thing I need to clear up is the biggest misconception in the wellness space: you do not want to boost your immune system. A system that is over-activated is called autoimmune disease, and there are close to a hundred of them. What you want is an immune system that is calibrated, not supercharged. We also go deep on vaccination, including why I think flu shots are more important than most people realise, how vaccines act as a training program for your immune system rather than just a one-time fix, and the genuinely alarming research linking regular immunisation across a lifetime to lower rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s. We also talk honestly about why so many parents feel hesitant when it comes to infant vaccination, and why I think the medical system needs to do a better job of having that conversation before the delivery suite rather than during it.

The second half of the episode is the practical stuff: hydration in winter (your brain will lie to you about being thirsty), sleep as a non-negotiable reset for your immune function, and food as medicine. I wrap up with a story from our recent US trip where I picked up a loaf of bread at the supermarket and checked the best before date. It was nearly a month away. At room temperature. What followed was an ingredient list I can only describe as the longest thing I have read all year, and I pride myself on knowing food additive codes. That bread was not bread. We are what we eat, and this episode is a reminder of exactly why that matters.

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!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #11 - This Week We Cooked Up a Storm]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-11-this-week-wehttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-11-this-week-weMon, 08 Jun 2026 14:09:31 GMT
Newsletter Issue 11
13.4MB ∙ PDF file
Download
In this week's After Hours, Dr. Vincent and Stephen dive into the kitchen, arguing that everyday cooking decisions have a far greater impact on inflammation and disease risk than most people realise. They cover everything from knife sharpness and oil smoke points to food storage, defrosting safely, and why you should never wash raw chicken. A lively segment on tea explores the growing variety available in Australia, from classic black to herbal and ginger options. Stephen takes a deep dive into wasabi, revealing that most commercial "wasabi" is actually dyed horseradish and lacks the key isothiocyanate compounds, particularly 6-MSITC, that drive real wasabi's impressive antibacterial and cognitive benefits. The issue closes with a quick-pickle onion recipe using Renovatio apple cider vinegar, and a "Product of the Week" feature for APSKIN.
Download

This week Stephen and I got into one of our favourite topics: the kitchen. We made the case that most people are dramatically underestimating how much their everyday cooking habits shape their inflammation levels and long-term disease risk.

We covered a lot of ground, from why a sharp knife actually protects the nutritional value of your food, to choosing the right oil for the right temperature, to the truth about microwave-safe plastic containers and what they are actually releasing into your food. We also had some friendly disagreements along the way, including whether you should wash your rice, and I’ll let you read the newsletter to find out where we landed.

Stephen also took us deep into the science of wasabi this issue, and I have to say, it’s one of the most pharmacologically interesting culinary plants I’ve come across. The catch is that the vast majority of what you’re eating at your local Japanese restaurant is dyed horseradish with none of the active compounds that make real wasabi worth talking about.

We also brewed a pot of tea, talked about the growing variety available to Australians today, and I shared a quick-pickle onion recipe using Renovatio apple cider vinegar that genuinely makes home cooking feel like restaurant food in about ten minutes. As always, the goal is the same: giving you the knowledge to make better choices, without making it complicated.

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!

]]><![CDATA[In the Kitchen - After Hours #030]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/in-the-kitchen-after-hours-030https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/in-the-kitchen-after-hours-030Sun, 07 Jun 2026 10:18:45 GMTEveryday things we do in the kitchen that may be sabotaging our health and wellbeing.

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!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #10 - Why Aren’t We Healthier?]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-10-why-arent-wehttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-10-why-arent-weTue, 02 Jun 2026 03:30:05 GMT
Newsletter Issue #10
10.3MB ∙ PDF file
Download
In this issue of After Hours, Dr Vincent and Stephen explore a deceptively simple question: why are we not healthier despite having more supplements, health products, and wellness information than ever before? The discussion examines the gap between marketing and science, highlighting how cumulative nutrient exposure, poor supplement combinations, misleading "natural" claims, and a lack of focus on bioavailability may prevent people from achieving better health outcomes. The newsletter also answers subscriber questions about simplifying supplement routines, choosing effective products, understanding antioxidants, and avoiding the hidden risks of over-supplementation.
Download

In this week’s After Hours podcast, Stephen and I tackled what I believe is one of the biggest contradictions in modern health: we have more supplements, health technology, and wellness advice available to us than ever before, yet many people still don’t feel healthier. We explored why regulation, transparency, and scientific evidence matter when making health decisions, and why consumers need to be cautious of bold promises and the endless stream of “breakthrough” products that appear almost daily. We also discussed the important role regulatory bodies such as the TGA play in maintaining standards and protecting public trust.

One of the key themes we explored was supplement overload. In my experience, more supplements rarely mean better outcomes. In fact, taking too many products can sometimes reduce effectiveness when nutrients compete for absorption or create unnecessary complexity. My philosophy has always been to focus on a small number of well-formulated, highly bioavailable products that your body can actually use. Stephen shared some practical examples of how common supplement combinations can interfere with one another and highlighted how AI tools may help people identify potential issues in their routines, while remembering that AI should never replace professional medical advice.

We also discussed what separates genuinely effective supplements from clever marketing. Not all antioxidants are created equal. Their source, structure, extraction method, and bioavailability all influence whether they can deliver meaningful benefits. I shared why I’ve spent much of my career studying how to preserve and activate apple phenolics so they remain usable by the body. We also spoke about the risks of assuming that “natural” automatically means safe. Supplements can be beneficial, but they can also be harmful when used excessively or combined inappropriately. Ultimately, the message of this episode is simple: focus on quality over quantity, understand what you’re putting into your body, and make evidence-based decisions rather than chasing the latest wellness trend.

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!

]]><![CDATA[Why are we not healthier?]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/why-are-we-not-healthierhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/why-are-we-not-healthierTue, 02 Jun 2026 01:44:16 GMTWith all the tech and innovation, why are we not healthier?

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!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #9 - "Plant-Based." "Keto." "Guilt Free." Don't Fall For It.]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-9-plant-based-ketohttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-9-plant-based-ketoMon, 27 Apr 2026 11:05:33 GMT
Newsletter Issue #9
7.95MB ∙ PDF file
Download
This issue centres on the Health Halo Effect, how a single positive word on food packaging tricks us into assuming the whole product is healthy, with Dr. Vincent and Stephen unpacking real examples from folic-acid cereals to vegan burgers and energy drinks, and offering practical label-reading strategies. Subscriber Q&As cover the halo effect in tech (Apple's green branding), recyclable eyewear, and a fun detour into Filipino dessert halo halo. Stephen shares a behind-the-scenes look at using a self-hosted reasoning AI to generate a roasted passata recipe, exposing both the impressive capabilities and the real inconsistencies AI can produce without human oversight. The Daily Dose recap covers collagen, the 10,000 steps mortality study, olive oil and brain health, smartwatch data at doctor appointments, and the science of venting. The issue also features Renovatio's Activated Apple Cider Vinegar as the product of the week.
Download

This week Stephen and I got into something that genuinely frustrates me: the Health Halo Effect. It’s the reason so many people eat “healthy” for months and see no change in their weight, their cholesterol, or how they feel. It’s not their fault. Food companies are very good at putting one glowing word on the front of a packet and hoping you never flip it over. We went through real examples including vegan burgers, energy drinks, and “all natural” oat slices with 20% sugar, and I tried to give people the actual tools to see through it, because awareness alone isn’t enough. You have to read the label.

We also did something a little different this issue. Stephen put his self-hosted AI through its paces generating a passata recipe with verbose reasoning turned on, so you can see exactly how these models think and where they get it wrong. It’s a genuinely useful window into why AI is brilliant for ingredients and substitutions but still can’t replace a recipe that’s actually been tested in a real kitchen.

On the Daily Dose side, I covered a 72,000-person study on walking and mortality, why extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil are not interchangeable for brain health, and my personal favourite of the week: the science of why complaining can actually be good for you.

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!

]]><![CDATA[The Health Halo Effect]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-health-halo-effecthttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/the-health-halo-effectSat, 25 Apr 2026 06:50:51 GMTThis week on After Hours, we unpacked something that quietly shapes almost every decision you make in the supermarket: the health halo effect. It’s the idea that a single “good” word on packaging, like plant-based, natural, or added vitamins, creates a perception that the entire product is healthy. In reality, that same product could still be high in sugar, salt, or heavily processed. As I shared, this isn’t accidental. Brands understand how our brains work. We’re busy, we’re time-poor, and we rely on shortcuts. So instead of reading the back label, we trust the front. And that’s where the disconnect happens.

The takeaway isn’t to become paranoid, but to become a little more aware. Most people genuinely want to be healthier, but the system doesn’t always make that easy. Between marketing, pricing strategies, and limited time, even the best intentions can be misled. My advice is simple: be a little more skeptical, focus less on the claims and more on the substance, and understand that “healthy” is not a label, it’s a composition. When you know better, you can choose better. And that’s really the goal, not perfection, but progress.

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!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #8 - Eat Seasonally, Stay Warm, Think Clearly]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-8-eat-seasonallyhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-8-eat-seasonallyMon, 20 Apr 2026 00:49:31 GMT
Newsletter Issue #8 - Eat Seasonally, Stay Warm, Think Clearly
5.67MB ∙ PDF file
Download
This issue of the After Hours Newsletter covers the podcast's latest episode on staying healthy in winter, covering immunity, hydration, movement, skin health, light exposure, and sleep. It includes subscriber Q&As with tailored activity recommendations for Melbourne and Chicago, a deep dive on UV exposure and sun safety across Australia and the US, a roundup of the week's Daily Dose science content (covering GLP-1 pills, brain waste-removal, meditation, red light therapy, and collagen), and a recipe for kangaroo with Japanese pumpkin and pepperberries using native Australian ingredients.
Download

This week on After Hours, Stephen and I got into something I genuinely care about: why winter makes us sick — and it’s not what most people think. It’s not about more germs. It’s about what we do differently. We move less, hydrate less, breathe drier air, and crowd indoors — and all of that quietly erodes our immune defences at the cellular level. We talked through what that actually means for your gut, your airways, your skin, and your sleep, and what small daily habits can genuinely shift your resilience before the cold really sets in.

We also answered subscriber questions from Melbourne and Chicago, unpacked the real science behind UV exposure and vitamin D on both sides of the world, and I shared what seven days of meditation does to the brain at a cellular level — the findings genuinely surprised even the researchers who ran the study. If you missed the Daily Dose LIVE this week, the recap inside covers everything from the first oral GLP-1 pill to why your collagen supplement probably isn’t doing what you think it is. It’s been a big week of science made simple, and there’s plenty to dig into.

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!

]]><![CDATA[Winter Is Coming]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/winter-is-cominghttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/winter-is-comingThu, 16 Apr 2026 07:03:44 GMTWinter is coming — and I have to say, I find it a little cheeky that I came up with that title while sitting at my desk in 30-degree Sydney heat on a Saturday. By Sunday it was 12 degrees overnight, so perhaps the universe agreed with me.

In this episode, Stephen and I get into the real biology of why we fall sick when the temperature drops. It is not just about germs — it is about how our behaviour changes, how we stop drinking enough water without even realising it, how our gut health suffers, and how the dry air that comes with cold weather quietly inflames our airways. We also talk about skin as your first line of immune defence (something most of us only think about when it comes to vanity, myself included), the 33% drop in daily steps our community experiences every winter, and why what you do in summer genuinely determines how well you hold up in the cold months.

We also go somewhere I always love going — scuba diving, eating seasonally, the magic of yuzu, and somehow, Neanderthals. Stephen keeps me mostly on track. Mostly.

Stay well this winter. Your body is worth looking after before it needs it.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into our live video! Join us for my next live video in the app.

Please also check out my Daily Dose daily podcast: Simple science, real news, no hype.

***

Daily Dose is your daily hit of health, wellness & tech news; made simple. Hosted by Dr Vincent, your friendly neighbourhood scientist. Part of the Ask Dr Vincent universe on Substack.

Let’s be mates!

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #7 - Build, Move, Warm Up]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-7-build-move-warmhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-7-build-move-warmSun, 12 Apr 2026 12:54:42 GMT
After Hours Newsletter #7
2.92MB ∙ PDF file
Download
This issue of the After Hours Newsletter explores the intersection of health, entrepreneurship, and everyday living, blending practical insights with personal storytelling from Dr Vincent and Stephen. It reflects on the realities of turning ideas into businesses, emphasising problem-solving, resilience, and the importance of community, while also offering actionable advice for founders at any stage. Alongside this, the issue brings in seasonal lifestyle elements such as staying active during cooler weather and a comforting onion and cider soup recipe, creating a balance between business, wellbeing, and daily life. Overall, it captures the philosophy that progress comes from small, consistent steps, whether in building a company, improving health, or simply showing up and taking action.
Download

This week’s After Hours is a mix of real talk and practical insights, built around a simple idea: progress comes from action, not perfection. We dive into what it actually takes to turn an idea into a business, from identifying real problems to having the courage to ask for help and start small. It’s not about having everything figured out, it’s about getting your idea out of your head and into the world, testing it, refining it, and learning as you go.

Alongside that, we keep things grounded with a touch of everyday life, including a simple, comforting onion and cider soup recipe perfect for the cooler nights ahead. It’s a reminder that while you’re building, creating, and pushing forward, you still need to slow down, eat well, and take care of yourself. As always, the goal is to make health, business, and life feel a little more accessible and a lot more human.

With my best,

Dr Vincent

]]><![CDATA[Entrepeneurship: Day one vs One Day]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/entrepeneurship-day-one-vs-one-dayhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/entrepeneurship-day-one-vs-one-dayThu, 09 Apr 2026 07:02:42 GMTI said something on the podcast this week that I think more founders need to admit. I don’t actually enjoy social media, but I show up anyway. Not for attention, but because I feel a responsibility. There’s too much noise in health and wellness, and if people who understand the science don’t speak up, we don’t get to complain about the misinformation. That idea of responsibility is what really sits at the heart of entrepreneurship. It’s not just about passion. It’s about solving a real problem, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it feels like work, because it always is.

We also spoke about something simple, but powerful. The difference between “one day” and “day one.” Most people wait for the perfect time, more certainty, less risk. But the truth is, you only figure it out by starting. Ask for help, test your idea, stay open to pivoting, and do one thing today that moves you forward. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t start, nothing happens. Whether it’s your business, your health, or your life, now is as good a time as any to begin.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Newsletter Issue #6 - The Truth About Quick Fixes]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-6-the-truth-abouthttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/newsletter-issue-6-the-truth-aboutSun, 05 Apr 2026 11:02:00 GMT
After Hours Newsletter #6
5.71MB ∙ PDF file
Download
This issue of After Hours dives into the reality behind popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs, exploring where they genuinely add value and where they risk becoming a shortcut that replaces sustainable habits. It expands into a deeper conversation about gut health as a foundation for overall wellbeing, highlighting the role of inflammation, daily choices, and long-term consistency over quick fixes. Balanced with a touch of lifestyle, the issue also includes a classic grapefruit-based cocktail recipe, reinforcing the idea that health, business, and life should be practical, enjoyable, and built to last.
Download

GLP-1 weight loss drugs! We break down what they actually do, who they’re for, and where the line sits between medical necessity and casual use. It’s an honest conversation about quick fixes versus long-term thinking, and why sustainable lifestyle changes still matter more than ever, even in a world full of powerful interventions.

Alongside that, we zoom out into something just as important but often overlooked: gut health. From inflammation to energy levels, we unpack why your gut might be the missing piece in your health routine. And to keep things balanced, there’s a classic grapefruit-based cocktail recipe to close out the week, a small reminder that health isn’t about restriction, it’s about building a lifestyle you can actually enjoy.

With my best,

Dr Vincent

]]><![CDATA["Skinny Jab": Hype, Cost and the Real Trade-Offs]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/skinny-jab-hype-cost-and-the-realhttps://www.askdrvincent.com/p/skinny-jab-hype-cost-and-the-realThu, 02 Apr 2026 05:57:11 GMTI have been so hesitant to discuss this topic. But Stephen and I agreed that if After Hours is where science gets personal, then we have to be open to have a discussion on sensitive topics, like weight and weight loss.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are having a moment right now. And I get it. As a scientist, it’s fascinating. You’re essentially altering how the body perceives energy, dialing down appetite by shifting hormonal signals around glucose. But what most people don’t realise is that this isn’t just a “shortcut,” it’s a long-term biological commitment. It’s expensive, it requires injections, and it fundamentally changes how your body interacts with food. For someone with Type 2 diabetes or severe obesity, this can be life-changing, even life-saving. In those cases, it’s not about aesthetics, it’s about survival.

But when we start using the same tool to lose the last five kilos, that’s where I pause. Because now we’re not solving a medical problem, we’re outsourcing discipline. And the trade-offs are real: nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, that hollowed “Ozempic face,” and often the weight comes back the moment you stop.

What I always come back to is this: your body isn’t broken, it’s responding. If you can walk consistently, eat real food, and build habits that your biology recognises, you’re not just losing weight, you’re building a system that lasts. Skinny is easy. Healthy is earned.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Secret link: https://tr.ee/djefey

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[Long Story Short: Expo West 2026]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/long-story-short-expo-west-2026https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/long-story-short-expo-west-2026Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:01:11 GMTG’day, Dr Vincent here! I am so sorry that we took a 3 week hiatus from our regular After Hours show. It was for a good reason, though!

I went to the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California! And what an adventure it was. From crossing path unexpectedly with some of the most revered people in the industry, being on the keynote stage with Gary Vee, the wild after-parties to learning so much from fellow founders who are building their empires in this $350 billion industry.

It’s good to be back and I am so excited to share this experience with you all.

P.S. I also had a bone to pick with Stephen who sent me on a wild goose chase for a certain brand of vodka.

We are so grateful for your support, so we’d like to offer you a special Renovatio deal:

Exclusive Offer

PS: This session was recorded LIVE, thank you to everyone who tuned in!

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[After Hours Newsletter, Issue #3]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/after-hours-newsletter-issue-3https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/after-hours-newsletter-issue-3Sun, 22 Feb 2026 09:29:07 GMTWeek #3! Woohoo!

I think we are having too much fun with this newsletter! Truly, thank you so much for all your feedback, we appreciate it tremendously!

I hope you enjoy reading this week’s newsletter (especially the recipe!) and pelase don’t forget to tune in to our LIVE recording at 2.15pm on Tuesday.

Thank you and I’ll see you after hours,

Dr Vincent

After Hours Newsletter February 22 2026
5.94MB ∙ PDF file
Download
After Hours, Issue #3 is the third edition of our weekly newsletter, sent after hours, when the noise drops and there’s room to think more clearly. In this issue, we recap our Fire Horse episode on what wellness in 2026 should really look like, beyond fads and Health Star algorithms that can rate ultra-processed drinks above whole foods. We answer subscriber questions on astrology, biology and whether birth timing truly shapes health, explore the science of photoperiod and circadian rhythms, and share a practical “label and let go” mental drill to calm a racing mind. Stephen steps into the kitchen with a once-a-year chorizo with figs and red wine, using it as a lesson in processing versus tradition, while also diving into the evolving world of browser-based cybersecurity and AI-driven scam detection. We close with a simple stretch-break challenge for the week, grounded in the same philosophy that runs through everything we do: question claims, protect your sleep, favour real food, and make small decisions now that your future self will thank you for. Welcome back to After Hours.
Download

]]><![CDATA[2026 Wellness Trends (023)]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/2026-wellness-trends-021https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/2026-wellness-trends-021Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:38 GMTLunar New Year always carries a certain electricity. The Year of the Fire Horse feels bold, restless, forward-moving. It is the kind of energy that makes people declare, “This is my year.” In this episode, Stephen and I used that moment to ask a harder question: what should wellness in 2026 actually look like, beyond fads, filters and clickbait headlines? The industry swings wildly. One decade it is “never touch meat or dairy.” The next it is “full-fat everything.” Trends are loud. Balance is boring. And yet balance is the only thing that has consistently worked: adequate protein, diversity on the plate, fibre, real food, and a healthy skepticism toward anything promising miracles in a tub.

We also spoke about how confusing “healthy” has become, particularly with Australia’s mandatory Health Star Rating system. I am not anti–Health Star Rating. It was designed to help consumers compare packaged foods. But that is the flaw. It only applies to packaged foods. An ultra-processed drink can be reformulated to score more stars than plain milk. A fresh apple, one of the most researched whole foods on the planet, receives no stars at all. The unintended message becomes: packaged food with a high rating must be better than real food without a label. My view is simple. Keep the stars if they help, but add a clear processing traffic light: green for fresh, yellow for minimally processed, red for ultra-processed. Busy parents and time-poor shoppers deserve clarity, not algorithms that can be gamed.

From there, we zoomed out. Why are we chasing wellness in the first place? It is not just about living longer. It is about capacity. It is about walking the hills of Athens at 80, carrying your own bags through an airport, taking that cruise you worked decades for, and actually enjoying it. Health is not an aesthetic project. It is freedom. But there is no silver bullet. Not the “world’s most potent antioxidants.” Not the best skincare. Not the perfect biohack. You cannot outsource your biology to a supplement while your lifestyle remains chaotic. You cannot undo 20 years of neglect in 20 days.

So the real invitation in 2026 is not a 12-step overhaul. It is awareness. Do not wait for a diagnosis or for a brick to fall on your head. Notice the early sprinkles of sand: the fatigue you keep brushing off, the niggle in your back, the poor sleep you normalise in the name of hustle. Stephen shared how, in high-performance engineering teams, unaddressed stress always surfaces eventually. The body keeps the score, whether you are a CEO, a parent, or both. Question claims. Even government ones. Look past marketing. Favour real food over ultra-processed options. And this week, pick one thing. An earlier night. A proper walk. A less-processed lunch. Think of it as a vote for the older version of you who still wants to be out there exploring the world, not watching it from the sidelines.

We are so grateful for your support, so we’d like to offer you a special Renovatio deal:

Exclusive Offer

PS: This session was recorded LIVE, thank you to everyone who tuned in!

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Dr Vincent in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android
]]><![CDATA[After Hours Newsletter, Issue #2]]>https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/after-hours-newsletter-issue-2https://www.askdrvincent.com/p/after-hours-newsletter-issue-2Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:08:54 GMTI can’t believe it, we are actually doing this! By this I meant, the 2nd Issue of our newsletter. Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

I guess we really are doing this weekly now!

I got Stephen to share a recipe for us this week, if you tuned in to the last episode of our podcast, I mentioned that he is a very capable cook and I am genuinely very excited to make this recipe column a permanent feature on the newsletter.

I hope you enjoy reading this week’s newsletter and as always, do sound off if you think of anything! Don’t forget to tune in to our LIVE recording at 2.15pm on Tuesday.

Thank you and I’ll see you after hours,

Dr Vincent

After Hours Newsletter February 15 2026
3.68MB ∙ PDF file
Download
After Hours, Issue #2 is the second edition of our weekly newsletter, sent after hours, when the day quietens and there’s space to think. In this issue, we reflect on last week’s nuanced discussion about AI and health, explore the risks and realities of over-reliance on digital tools, answer subscriber questions on screen time and travel habits, unpack why fibre-maxxing can backfire, and preview Dr. Vincent’s 2026 Wellness Forecast, including the question of whether we can truly outsource our health to science. Stephen also shares one of his favourite kitchen rituals, a crispy kale and lingonberry salad, complete with an Australian native twist. Grounded in evidence, shaped by lived experience, and written for curious people who want to think more critically about how technology, trends, and tiny daily decisions shape their health. Welcome back to After Hours.
Download

]]>