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Real Health with Karl Henry

Real Health with Karl Henry

Irish Independent 461 Episodes Jul 23, 2026

Health and wellness expert Karl Henry hosts a weekly podcast that cuts through the noise around health dos and don'ts. Each episode features conversations with experts on physical and mental health, as well as practical lifestyle tips to make health easy and accessible.

Episodes

Why 1200 calorie diets are setting you up to fail
Why 1200 calorie diets are setting you up to fail Jul 23, 2026 1328 This week on The Real Health podcast, Karl answers your health questions in another Karl's Questions episode. Producer, JJ Clarke, joins Karl on this week’s episode. He explains why very low-calorie diets rarely work in the long term, how to exercise safely during hot weather, the simple health numbers everyone should be tracking, and the best way to reduce your caffeine i
What your liver wishes you knew about alcohol
What your liver wishes you knew about alcohol Jul 16, 2026 1425 Many of us think liver disease only affects heavy drinkers, but the reality is far more complex. This week on The Real Health podcast, Professor Debbie Shawcross, Professor of Hepatology and Chronic Liver Failure at King's College London, explains how binge drinking, excess weight and everyday habits can silently damage the liver long before symptoms appear. She shares what counts as binge drinkin
The surprising habit that brings more happiness than money
The surprising habit that brings more happiness than money Jul 9, 2026 1230 We spend so much of life chasing happiness, but are we looking in the wrong places? On this week's episode of The Real Health podcast, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, Ian Robertsonexplains why money, status and success rarely bring lasting fulfilment, and why purpose, relationships and helping others are far more powerful. He also explores the impact of loneliness, soci
How to lose fat without calorie counting
How to lose fat without calorie counting Jul 2, 2026 1241 On this episode of Real Health, I am joined by producer JJ Clarke for a Karl’s Questions special, answering listener queries from social media. We discuss how weather and lack of sunlight may be affecting mood and motivation, the value of moving more rather than less with age, and simple ways to improve eating habits without calorie counting. We discuss why slowing down eating, using portion plate
The secret to youthful skin and warning signs to look out for
The secret to youthful skin and warning signs to look out for Jun 25, 2026 1432 Healthy skin is about far more than appearance, but many people are still confused by skincare trends and conflicting advice. On this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast, consultant dermatologist Dr Rosemary Coleman explains why there is no such thing as a safe tan, the importance of applying enough sunblock, and the warning signs of skin cancer that should never be ignored. One point that s
Why your waistline tells a bigger story than your weight
Why your waistline tells a bigger story than your weight Jun 18, 2026 1407 On this week's episode of Real Health, I am joined by registered dietitian and business owner Orla Walsh to discuss the factors that really influence long term health. ­ While much of the conversation around nutrition focuses on weight loss, Orla explains why metabolic health, insulin sensitivity and visceral fat deserve far more attention. We explore the impact of refined carbohydrates, fibre, ch
The muscle myth that could change your health
The muscle myth that could change your health Jun 11, 2026 1425 On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Professor Phil Jakeman, Professor of Exercise Science at the University of Limerick, to discuss why muscle is one of the most important tissues for lifelong health. While many of us associate muscle with strength or appearance, it also plays a crucial role in mobility, metabolic health and healthy ageing. Professor Jakeman explains w
The hidden health impact of Irish drinking culture
The hidden health impact of Irish drinking culture Jun 4, 2026 1953 Dr. Chris Luke, retired consultant in emergency medicine, medical columnist, and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast, joins me on this week’s episode of The Real Health podcast. The retired emergency medicine consultant explains how drinking culture has evolved from the nightclub scene of the nineties to today’s rise in cocaine and drug use. He discusses binge drinking, poor decision making, i
How to take control of your money and reduce stress
How to take control of your money and reduce stress May 28, 2026 1709 On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Blueprint Financial Planning and founder of financialfitness.ie, to explore the link between money stress and overall wellbeing. As the cost of living continues to rise, financial pressure is affecting sleep, mental health and everyday decision making. John explains why financial health is a key
Why calorie counting often fails and what works instead
Why calorie counting often fails and what works instead May 21, 2026 1258 On this week’s episode of Real Health, I’m joined by registered dietitian Aisling Geary, who works within the NHS while also running her own clinic, AMG Nutrition. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just h
The convenience trap: how modern life is changing us
The convenience trap: how modern life is changing us May 14, 2026 1615 On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Dale Whelehan, assistant professor of psychology at Trinity College Dublin, to explore our modern relationship with discipline, time and convenience. ­ Why you can Trust the Irish Independent: Learn about Editorial Guidelines and AI Use ­ We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute,
Beyond weight loss: a smarter approach to women’s health
Beyond weight loss: a smarter approach to women’s health May 7, 2026 1437 On this week’s episode of The Real Health Podcast, I sit down with Dr Ailis Brosnan, Midlife Wellness Coach. We’d love to hear your thoughts on your overall listening experience, it only takes a minute, and your feedback helps us keep improving what we do. When you take part, you’ll also be in with a chance to win a €500 One4All Voucher Just head to mypodcastfeedback.com and enter code; CODE HERE

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