Happy to Health with Dr Preeya
Dr Preeya Alexander passionately breaks down complex medical topics with a range of experts to make the information digestible. The podcast aims to make health and medical advice accessible and easy to understand for a general audience. Each episode covers practical health issues and answers common questions. It is hosted by Australian GP Dr Preeya Alexander.
Episodes
Gut Health - it’s all the buzz but what’s the evidence?
Professor Felice Jacka is a Deakin Distinguished Professor in Nutritional Psychiatry and founder and director of the Food and Mood Centre at Deakin University. You can’t imagine how excited Dr Preeya is to pick her brains on the gut microbiome - how we can nurture it, its role in mood and the immune system and what testing actually has evidence. If you’re bombarded by stuff on gut health - this ep
The Midwife x Obstetrician Guide on Pregnancy
Obstetrician gynaecologist Dr Fiona Brownfoot and midwife Prue Hartley join Dr Preeya to cover the entire pregnancy journey from preconception to birth and post partum care. All those FAQs on how to best prepare for birth, and surprises in the post partum period answered!Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander@drfionabrownfoot Books: Eat, Sleep, Play, Love by Dr Preeya Alexander
Sam Gash: lawyer, survivor competitor to endurance athlete
In this life chat Dr Preeya talks to Sam Gash about resilience, the role of running and connection particularly for women and her own fertility journey. This is a raw, deeply personal chat. Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander@samanthagashBooks: Eat, Sleep, Play, Love by Dr Preeya AlexanderFull Plate, out nowTo find out more about AIA Australia head to www.aia.com.au
Rectal bleeding, a wonky tummy - do I need a scope?
Ever wondered who needs an endoscopy or colonoscopy or how to prepare for one? Gastroenterologist Dr Suresh Sivanesan joins Dr Preeya to discuss common issues like coeliac disease, reflux and rectal bleeding. They also cover symptoms you shouldn't ignore and how to advocate for yourself in the health care system. Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander@jeanhailes Books: Eat, Sleep,
Sifting through noise in women’s health: perimenopause
Dr Preeya speaks to Dr Sonya Davison who is an endocrinologist at Jean Hailes and former president of the Australasian Menopause Society to ask all the FAQs - how is perimenopause diagnosed, what are the options for treatment, what things do people need to consider and when it comes to menopause hormone therapy (MHT) where does the evidence lie? There’s lots of noise on social media - these two s
Perinatal Mental Health - Bonding, Attachment and Beyond
Dr Edna Lekgabe is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist. She joins Dr Preeya to chat about perinatal mental health - why it’s so important, how it can impact pregnancy outcomes and what factors can help bonding and attachment.Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat, Sleep, Play, Love by Dr Preeya AlexanderFull Plate, out nowTo find out more about AIA Austral
Daisy Pearce: The Face of Women's Footy but So Much More
You likely know Daisy Pearce as a legend of AFLW. She joins Dr Preeya to discuss the challenges of being in a male dominated field, why team sport is so important for women, parenthood and her journey from midwifery to elite sport. Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander@daisypearce6 Books: Eat, Sleep, Play, Love by Dr Preeya AlexanderFull Plate, out nowTo find out more ab
Sleep stuff: obstructive sleep apnea, dreaming and sleep talking
Dr Peter Wallbridge (sleep and respiratory physician) joins Dr Preeya again after multiple requests from the audience for another chat on sleep! Obstructive sleep apnea - why it can present differently in women, options for management and all the super interesting stuff everyone wants to know on dreaming, sleep walking and talking!Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat, Sleep
Sifting through noise in women’s health: contraception myth busters
A/Prof Pav Nanayakkara is an Obstetrician gynaecologist and advanced minimally invasive gynaecological surgeon at Jean Hailles. She joins Dr Preeya to nut through options when it comes to contraception - pros, cons, risks and benefits and why you might consider one option over another. There’s a whole heap of noise out there - in this chat you can expect two girlfriends to cut through the nonsense
Sunscreen gate 2025 - what went down? And how do we choose sunscreen?
Dr Michelle Wong is a cosmetic chemist and the highly popular @labmuffinbeautyscience on Instagram. She joins Dr Preeya to chat about the CHOICE testing in 2025 that led to 16 out of 20 sunscreens being under the SPF level that they stated on their products. What went wrong? How do we choose a sunscreen product? And how are sunscreens actually tested in Australia?Instagram: @doctor.preeya.ale
Season Three Coming Soon - ON VIDEO
Season 3 is coming soon, friends.
Chin hair, eye circles and hair loss - Qs you’re dying to ask a derm
Dr Cara McDonald is back and in this episode Preeya asks all the questions you’re pondering- why are chin hairs getting worse with age? (and will there be a beard soon?!)? Are there things that actually work for dark eye circles? Losing hair? Well, you’re not alone and there’s stuff you can do about it! All your derm FAQs tackled!Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat,
Life Chitty Chat with Dr Will Alexander
Dr Will Alexander AKA Willy (Preeya’s husband) is back for round 2. Given season 1’s chat was loved by so many of you- Preeya has convinced Will to come back on so they can delve even further into marriage, parenting and surgery. Yep - it’s all in there! Strap in friends!!Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat, Sleep, Play, Love by Dr Preeya AlexanderFull Plate
Wellbeing in Men - with AFL legend Shane Crawford
Preeya and AFL legend Shane Crawford explore physical and mental wellbeing for men. Nothing is off the table in this chat - dealing with grief and loss and identity shifts with retirement from sport and parenthood. Shane and Preeya engage in open, honest and raw conversation about a range of topics.If this episode raises anything for you please see a qualified health professional like your GP or c
Belle Gibson to RFK Junior - the beast of health misinformation
Dr Jess Stokes Parish (science communicator and ICU nurse) joins Preeya to tackle the beast of health misinformation. Why was Belle Gibson so effective at spreading false information? Was Belle unique or is the issue far more widespread? How do you spot dodgy health content online when there’s so much of it and even qualified health professionals get confused at times? This episode includes practi
It’s not as simple as “energy in, energy out”- the complexities of weight regulation
Dr Emily Meyer (endocrinologist and bariatric physician) joins Preeya to discuss the complex issue of weight regulation for those living with overweight and obesity... without any of the diet culture BS or nonsense. Evidence based goodness - did you know that sleep, mental health, diet and physical activity are pillars when it comes to weight regulation? Why even with medication options these pill
Introduction to injectables
Been thinking about injectables for wrinkles? Preeya has pondered it and Dr Cara Mcdonald answers all her questions - when you might think about it (hot tip: making weird faces in the mirror looking for wrinkles ain’t it) and for which hot spots on the face and how to find someone qualified and trained to do it. It’s not for everyone and not everyone wants to consider it but if you’re pondering he
Diet golden nuggets: Fad diets, gut health and perimenopause
Accredited practising dietician and nutritionist Marika Day joins Preeya to bust myths in the diet space. Is the latest diet being pushed on social media backed by evidence? What DOES matter in the perimenopause transition and do you need the supplements being marketed to you? Why is gut health so critical and what can you do to support it?Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat, Sl
Resilient Kids - how do we raise them?
Addie Wooten from Smiling Mind has a background in clinical psychology and chats to Preeya about what it takes to foster resilience in children and why it’s so important. As parents and caregivers it can feel overwhelming at times knowing what helps and what hinders - lots of practical takeaways and reassurance is coming your way. Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat, Sleep, P
Loneliness - why it’s a serious issue
Clinical psychologist Associate Professor Michelle Lim is an expert in loneliness and helps break down what it is, why it can happen to those constantly surrounded by people and why we need to be doing something about it given the potential for serious mental and physical health consequences. Ending Loneliness Together and AIA Australia have partnered again for loneliness awareness week (4- 10 Aug
Life chats with Ruchi Page
Time for another life chitty chat and this one covers huge topics like what it’s like to be adopted, inclusion within the fashion and beauty worlds (and if it’s genuinely improving) and how much of an unrelenting harmful beast diet culture can be.Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander@ruchipageBooks: Eat, Sleep, Play, Love by Dr Preeya AlexanderFull Plate, out nowTo find out mo
Let’s talk hormones - PCOS, perimenopause, glucose and beyond.
Endocrinologist Dr Izzy Smith and Preeya chat all about hormones and delve into some of the stuff you’ve likely heard on social media - what’s nonsense and what has legs? Should we be listening to influencers when it comes to glucose and all wear a continuous glucose monitor? Is cortisol testing helpful? Are the symptoms you're experiencing perimenopause? And do your hormones need testing? Wh
Ovarian and breast cancer - everything you need to know about detection, prevention and research
Most of us know someone who has been touched by breast or ovarian cancer. So Preeya sat down with medical oncologist Dr Geraldine Goss to get answers to the biggest questions relating to these cancers. Why is ovarian cancer so hard to detect early, what is breast density and what does an oncologist do to prevent cancer herself?Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexanderBooks: Eat, Sleep, Play,
The anxious brain - anxiety, panic attacks and what psychologists do
Clinical psychologist Hayley Zarb joins Preeya to chat about the beast that is anxiety. What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? What happens during a session with a psychologist? What’s the role of medication and when is it useful? This is a chat filled with practical takeaways (including some tools you can implement to those annoying anxious thoughts!) and raw moments with Preeya sharin
Sunscreen got sexy
Sunscreen got (super) sexy and dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald and Preeya are here for it! They break down which sunscreen (chemical, physical or both!) and when and answer your nitty gritty questions around the order to apply sunscreen, serums and make up, tricks when it comes to reapplying and whether you need a dedicated sunscreen or if the all in one stuff is good enough.Instagram: @doctor.pr
BONUS: A chat with my ride or die girlfriends
In this final bonus episode before we start recording the new season, Dr Preeya chats to two of her oldest and best friends about life, ageing, the juggle, and why it's ok that Preeya never remembers their birthdays.
Lots of giggles in this one.
BONUS - Your kids' medical questions answered! PART 1
We invited kids to ask their medical questions and here are the answers.
From why we need vaccines to how germs get into our bodies, what the heck an appendix is and the big one, why needles hurt.
Dr Preeya has all of the easy to understand answers for these very clever questions.
Joining Preeya to ask the questions (and give one or two answers) is her daughter "Stevie".
This is a great episod
BONUS - More of your kids' medical questions answered! PART 2
We're back with more medical questions from kids.
From why it's sometimes hard to fall asleep to why mosquito bites itch. Also who has the best stickers Dr Preeya or her husband Dr Will?
Dr Preeya has all of the easy to understand answers for these very clever questions.
Joining Preeya to ask the questions (and give one or two answers) is her daughter "Stevie".
This is a great episode for the
BONUS - Keeping Christmas cooking simple with Adrian ‘Richo’ Richardson and Will Alexander
This time of year you should be winding down and relaxing but if you’re the Christmas Day cook maybe you’re not so lucky.
In this bonus Happy to Health, Preeya and her husband Will Alexander chat to their great mate and awesome chef Adrian “Richo” Richardson about how to keep the Christmas feast delicious, easy and budget friendly.
If you need some food ideas for the festive season or just a sol
Festive bonus eps coming your way
Friends we've finished Season One of Happy to Health and Season Two is already in the works and coming to you early in 2025.
But to say a huge thank you for joining us on this ride we have some bonus episodes to get you through the festive season.
So watch the feed, make sure you keep following @doctor.preeya.alexander on Insta and listen now to find out what we have in store.
Pillow talk (AKA a chat about sleep) with Dr Peter Wallbridge
Do you try to go to bed early but lie awake for hours? Do you struggle to wind down when your head hits the pillow? And are you doing things in bed that you really shouldn't?
Dr Preeya talks all things sleep with Dr Peter Wallbridge, respiratory and sleep physician.
From setting yourself up for a good night sleep to addressing worries about insomnia and being judged by your wearables.
The discuss
Bowels, Breasts and Treating the Big C with Dr Kortnye Smith
Why are bowel cancer rates rising in younger people? What's the best age to get a mammogram? And how is modern day cancer treatment different from what we see in the movies?
Dr Preeya and her friend/medical oncologist Dr Kortnye Smith chat about the myths and realities of cancer treatment and exactly what it's like to be the doctor friend you never want to need for a favour.
The discussions in th
Life Chitty Chat with Dr Will: parenthood, surgery, marriage
Dr William Alexander (aka Willy) is Dr Preeya’s partner in crime; he’s a dance floor enthusiast, plastic and reconstructive surgeon for kids and adults and known as the “tickle monster” at home (no one is safe).
These two chat about everything from surviving surgical training and managing stress to managing the joys and challenges of parenting. It’s all on the table.
Laughs, teariness and bante
Food Allergies in Kids: Prevention and Management with Dr Nelu
Food allergies are on the rise, but there are some things you can do to try and reduce the risk of them developing in your kids.
From eating a variety of food during pregnancy - yes including nuts if you're not allergic yourself - to avoiding food-based skin products like almond oil on your infant. And it's so important that you introduce a range of foods, bit by bit, when your bub starts
Behind the GP Curtain with Dr Andy Morgan
How do GP's navigate dozens of patients and countless conditions with so little time? There's an art to it and today we're letting you in on our secrets.
My dear friend and mentor Dr Andy Morgan taught me so much as a medical educator. He's here to explain why the first minute of a consult is the most important, why your GP might involve you in the decision making, and how we feel
A No-BS Skin Care chat with Dermatologist Dr Cara
What does your skin actually need and what is just an overhyped waste of your time and hard earned money?
Retinol, toners, cleansers, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, chemical peels, AHA, BHA (ahhh what do these terms even bloody mean?!)
Dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald lets Dr Preeya pick her brains (for her personal interest but also to help you friends) so we can figure out where our pennies are b
Stop putting up with period pain! With gynecologist Dr Mei Cheah
Do you wonder every month what is and isn't normal when it comes to period pain?
It's time to feel empowered to say “nope I’m not putting up with this sh*t anymore” as obstetrician/gynecologist Dr Mei Cheah joins Dr Preeya to bust all the societal expectations when it comes to period pain, PMS and all the rest.
Period pain 101 - it’s basically a biology lesson with 2 mates; when should yo
See you in a few weeks!
Friends, it's time for a short break so that we can escape the winter before we get cracking on a bunch more episodes for the rest of the year.
I'll be back on 5 August to talk about evidenced based skin care with an actual dermatologist (because we are all about debunking the wonky info that's out there). And in the meantime enjoy our chat with Obstetrician/Gynaecologist Dr Mei Cheah
Fussy Eating Gold Nuggets with Dietician Alex Fili
Trying to feed a fussy eater can make even the most confident parent feel like they're failing. But (and hopefully this comforts you) it’s actually very common. Some fussiness can be a normal part of child development.
Dr Preeya chats to Alex Fili, accredited practicing dietician (working with Karitane in NSW) and mother of fussy eaters (not dragons).
Preeya and Alex provide practical tips on
Diet Culture Is Dangerous! Learn How To Fight It
Diet culture is a problematic beast and when you know how to spot it, you’ll start to see it everywhere.
There are so many "aha" moments in this chat with Helen Bird, the Acting Head of Prevention at the Butterfly Foundation as she joins Dr Preeya to dissect diet culture - what it looks like, why it’s dangerous and how to combat it.
They chat about parenting (and the powerful practica
Navigating Neurodivergence in Kids with Paediatrician Dr Anisha
Tantrums, sensitivites, trouble listening: many parents will wonder if their kids' behaviour is typical or a sign of autism or ADHD.
Dr Preeya chats to developmental pediatrician and mother of three Dr Anisha Pillay about neurodivergence - what is it?
What signs might prompt you to check in with a qualified health professional?
And what does “seeing a GP or pediatrician” actually look like
Life Chitty Chat: Anxiety, Body Image & Family Planning Decisions
Life will throw a lot of challenges at you that may not seem medical, but as a GP, Dr Preeya is often just there to listen.
Preeya and Megan Burslem (host of Classic Breakfast on ABC Classic) met through work and had a clash of souls (yep, it’s a thing - we think!). Two humans discussing everything from the pressures on women (from diet culture, family planning and relationships) to mental health
Your Surgery Questions Answered with Dr Will Alexander and Dr Ash Dash
Go behind the operating theatre curtain with a GP, an anesthetist and a surgeon. Drs Will, Ash and Preeya answer all the sh*t you’ve wondered about; who is actually in charge (the surgeon or the anesthetist?), do people wake up mid operation, what happens if you lie about fasting? (Seriously DO NOT lie about fasting!) And what worries them most when it’s someone they love going under?
The discuss
Post Baby Body (UNCENSORED) With Physio Mel Layton
Swelling; bleeding; incontinence; sex after childbirth. Absolutely bloody nothing is off limits when Dr Preeya and pelvic floor physio Mel Layton discuss the realities of the post partum phase.
It’s all covered in great detail (with anecdotes - sorry not sorry) with plenty of practical tips on how to navigate this huge time in one’s life.
The discussions in this podcast are general in nature and d
Introducing Happy to Health
Happy to Health with Dr Preeya Alexander is all about dissecting complex medical stuff and making it easy to digest.
Before you begin, learn a bit more about who Preeya is and who she'll be talking to this season (hot tip - plenty of awesomeness).
