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The Matt Walker Podcast

The Matt Walker Podcast

By: Dr. Matt Walker
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Summary

The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public.

© 2026 The Matt Walker Podcast
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #134 - Seeing Inside the Brain with Prenuvo
    May 4 2026

    Dr. Daniel Durand, Chief Medical Officer and President at Prenuvo Medical Group, joins Matt to discuss a proactive shift from reactive medicine to whole-body MRI screening. This radiation-free technology identifies 16 cancers per 1,000 scans and uncovers silent risks like hepatic steatosis and structural sleep obstructions that traditional diagnostics often miss.

    The conversation explores how AI is accelerating medical precision, from brain quantification to reduced scan times. By analyzing visceral fat and the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, Prenuvo offers a data-driven blueprint for personal longevity. Listeners can secure an exclusive $300 discount at prenuvo.com/mattwalker.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    One of today’s sponsors, David, is a revolutionary new protein bar that boasts an unbeatable ratio: 28g of protein and 0g of sugar in just 150 calories. Incredibly satiating with six amazing flavors, it’s perfect for muscle health. Visit davidprotein.com/mattwalker for a special Matt Walker Podcast listener deal!

    Another sponsor, LMNT, offers a science-based electrolyte drink with no sugar or artificial ingredients. Try their Lemonade Salt flavor! Get eight free sample packs with any order at drinklmnt.com/mattwalker. Stock up on this summer flavor while it lasts!

    Most people think their heart health is fine, but key markers often go untested. Function Health gives you access to 160+ lab tests each year, including advanced heart markers, for $365. Own your health. Visit functionhealth.com/mattwalker and use code MATTWALKER25 for a $25 credit.

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

    Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3FB1fOtY4Vd8yqLaUvolg

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • #133 - Sleep & Doomscrolling
    Apr 27 2026

    Matt introduces "doomscrolling," linking compulsive online consumption to worsened sleep and mental health. He tracks social media's rise (1997-2016), noting increased addiction. By 2016, 82% of 12th graders spent six hours daily online, often at sleep's expense. Matt also highlights heightened psychological distress in adolescent girls due to comparison-focused platforms.

    Noting that "doomscrolling" is tied to FOMO, addiction, and distress, he describes a bidirectional loop: poor sleep drives doomscrolling, intensifying depression, further degrading sleep. Challenging the blue light myth, Matt shows minimal sleep onset delay. And identifies cognitive/emotional arousal and the FOMO-rumination-procrastination cycle as true disruptors. He concludes with practical interventions: usage caps, phone-free bedrooms, and consistent cutoff times.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    Clean biological living requires precision. Podcast partner Caraway’s non-toxic ceramic cookware eliminates deleterious "forever chemicals" for a seamless, slide-off-the-pan cooking experience. Save $190 on sets plus 10% off at Carawayhome.com/mattwalker.

    Caraway. Non-Toxic kitchenware made modern.

    This episode is also supported by podcast partner Pique. Their Radiant Skin Duo pairs Sun Goddess Matcha and B·T Fountain to target stress and deep cellular hydration from the inside out. Get 20% off sitewide for life plus an exclusive free holiday bundle at piquelife.com/mattwalker.

    MUD\WTR is the ultimate coffee alternative that delivers a natural morning pick-me-up without caffeine jitters. Their unique blend of cacao and mushrooms offers a delightful and gentle lift to kickstart your day, as Matt can attest! Plus, now when you head over to mudwtr.com/MattWalker, as a podcast listener, you'll receive a free frother and coconut creamer samples!

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt:

    Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • #132 - Sleep and Binaural Beats
    Apr 20 2026

    Exploring the science of binaural beats, Matt evaluates their potential to improve sleep. Tracing their discovery back to 1838, Matt explains that a binaural beat isn't a physical sound, but a "ghost tone" generated deep within the brainstem. When slightly different frequencies are played into each ear, the brain creates a phantom beat that closely mirrors the delta waves of deep sleep.

    Moving beyond the hype, Matt reviews what clinical polysomnography studies actually reveal about these audio illusions. He explains how they differ from white noise, clarifies the debate around brainwave entrainment, and emphasizes why stereo headphones are strictly required. Finally, Matt shares science-backed guidelines, recommending delta frequencies (1-4 Hertz) for at least 30 minutes to help soothe a restless mind.

    Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.

    In a supplement industry where trust is critical, Matt uses podcast supporter Puori. Their protein powders are free from hormones, GMOs, and pesticides, with every single batch third-party tested for over 200 contaminants. For protein you can trust, save 20% at puori.com/mattwalker.

    Another partner, LMNT, offers a science-based electrolyte drink with no sugar or artificial ingredients. Try their Lemonade Salt flavor! Get eight free sample packs with any order at drinklmnt.com/mattwalker. Stock up now on this summery flavor!

    Optimize your sleep recovery! Combat tired legs with Hollow Socks. Made from soft, breathable baby alpaca, their graduated compression boosts circulation without suffocating. Matt loves them so much, he even forgot he was wearing them on a 10-hour flight! Buy 2, Get 2 Free at Hollowsocks.com. Tell them the Matt Walker Podcast sent you!

    As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out:

    Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat,

    YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sleepdiplomat

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
All stars
Most relevant
I look forward to every episode, and love receiving the notification to say there’s a new one. I spend the day waiting to get to bed early so I can listen to it before a good sleep! Awesome work Matt!

Excellent!

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exgellent advice to improve sleep. it follows the contents of his book "why we sleep?"

excellent podcast

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