Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier
About the Show
Hosted by UCLA Health’s Dr. Eve Glazier, Medically Speaking delivers clear, candid conversations that cut through headlines and hype. With curiosity and compassion, Dr. Glazier and expert guests unpack the evidence, bust myths, and turn medical insight into practical steps—grounded in real patient stories—for every stage of life, from prevention and mental health to innovative therapies and everyday choices that move the needle. Whether you’re managing a diagnosis, caring for family, or simply a health-enthusiast, Medically Speaking gives you the context and tools to make confident, informed decisions.
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Meet the Host
Current Episode
Ep 23: Hope for Chronic Pain: Science Meets Compassion
Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt — it changes lives. It affects how we move, work, sleep, connect with others, and see ourselves. And because it’s invisible, too many people feel dismissed, doubted, or told to “just live with it.” In this episode of UCLA Health's Medically Speaking, Dr. Eve Glazier speaks with psychiatrist and palliative care leader Dr. Tom Strouse about changing the narrative — exploring why chronic pain is real, why language matters, and why relief is possible. Together, they break down emerging non-invasive treatments — TMS, mPNS, and Scrambler Therapy — that retrain pain pathways instead of masking pain.
This conversation blends science and compassion, offering something everyone in pain deserves: to be believed, to be heard, and to know that hope exists.
🎧 Listen here.
Guest Speaker
Ep 22: Safe Sex part two—Why It Always Matters
In part two of Safe Sex—Why It Always Matters, Dr. Eve Glazier continues her conversation with infectious disease expert Dr. Raphael Landovitz about what “safe sex” means in 2025. Together they unpack myths, evolving norms, and the latest tools for protection—from condoms and PrEP to vaccines and open communication. The conversation highlights why stigma and silence remain major barriers to sexual health and how education and empathy can close the gap.
🎧 Tune in here.
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https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/care-center
Guest Speaker
Ep 21: Safe Sex—Why It Always Matters
What does “safe sex” really mean in 2025? In this candid, myth-busting episode, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with Dr. Raphael Landovitz, Director of the UCLA Center for Clinical AIDS Research & Education, to explore how sexual health has evolved—and why conversations about it still matter.
From condoms to PrEP, from stigma to science, they discuss how to protect yourself and your partners, what’s new in HIV and STI prevention, and why inclusive, judgment-free dialogue is the most powerful tool of all.
Whether you’re dating, partnered, or just curious, this episode will leave you better informed, less anxious, and more empowered to take charge of your sexual health—because caring for your sexual health is caring for your whole self.
🎧 Listen here.
https://www.facebook.com/UCLAHealthCARECenter/
Guest Speaker
Ep 20: Sleep Science: Why We Sleep, What Happens When We Don't, & How to Fix It–Sleep FAQs.
In part two of this series, Dr. Eve Glazier and UCLA sleep expert Dr. Ravi Aysola answer your most pressing sleep questions in a rapid-fire Q&A. Is your sleep tracker helpful or is it just fueling your anxiety? Why does your teenager suddenly sleep until noon?
They cover everything from when and how to take melatonin, why women don’t actually need more sleep than men, and why that glass of wine you sip to help you fall asleep may actually be sabotaging your rest. You will hear useful tips including the most sensitive way to tell your partner about their ear-splitting snoring (hint: try recording it) and how meditation and breathwork really can help you get a better night's sleep.
Whether you're struggling with insomnia, supporting a partner with sleep apnea, or simply want to improve your well-being, this episode offers practical wisdom grounded in both scientific facts and timeless practices.
And if you missed part 1 “Counting More Than Sheep”, be sure to tune in to hear our discussion on sleep stages, why we sleep, and the four simple rules that can transform your rest.
🎧 Tune in here.
Guest Speaker
Ep 19: Sleep Science: Why We Sleep, What Happens When We Don't, & How to Fix It–Counting More Than Sheep
Find out why that one terrible night of sleep may be more normal than you think and what symptoms might indicate a sleep disorder. In the first episode of our two-part deep dive into sleep health, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with UCLA sleep expert Dr. Ravi Aysola to explore the science of sleep, why it is so critical, and how it impacts our physical and mental health.
To illustrate just why good sleep is so vital to our overall health and well-being, Dr. Aysola and Dr. Glazier discuss what your brain and body are really doing when you sleep. Together, they describe the importance of each of the four stages of sleep and how sleep patterns can shift throughout different phases of life.
The doctors break down some of the more common sleep disorders and stresses why chronic sleep problems should be taken seriously, detailing their potential negative impact on heart health, mood, blood pressure, and even memory.
If all of this sounds like a nightmare in the making, don’t fret. Dr. Aysola shares the four simple rules that he says can transform your sleep–none of which requires a tracker. He also throws in a few tips on how we can stop sabotaging ourselves and find easier ways to rest peacefully.
Still have burning questions about sleep that keep you up at night? Tune in to Part 2 where Dr. Aysola takes on a rapid Q&A, that covers everything from doomscrolling to insomnia.
🎧 Listen here.
Guest Speaker
Ep 18: Leading with Heart: From Public Policy to Personal Struggle
Join Dr. Eve Glazer for an intimate and powerful conversation with Dr. Felicia Knaul—economist, global health researcher, and associate to the chancellor at UCLA. In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Knaul shares her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at age 41, her initial resistance to chemotherapy, and the transformative moment that abruptly changed both her treatment plan and the course of her career. As a woman living in Mexico, married to the country’s former Minister of Health, she quickly turned her own privileged access to health care into an opportunity to advocate for breast cancer patients everywhere.
Making use of her unique perspective–she is at once a patient, the mother of two small children, an academic, and an advocate for women’s health–Dr. Knaul shares her vision for changes in breast cancer care on a global scale. She offers practical advice for breast self-exams, outlines the different factors to consider when making treatment choices, and highlights the importance of asking questions.
At its core, this is a conversation about hope. Whether you or a loved one has been touched by breast cancer, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and equipped with tools to advocate for yourself and others.
🎧 Tune in here.
https://www.uclahealth.org/cancer/members/felicia-knaul
Guest Speaker
Ep 17: Who Is Really in Charge Here? A Guide to Navigating a Hospital Stay
Ever wondered who's really coordinating your care when you or a loved one are admitted to the hospital? Join Dr. Eve Glazier as she speaks with her friend and colleague, Dr. Ashley Busuttil, a hospitalist at UCLA Health and Chief Medical Officer of Ronald Reagan Medical Center, to explain the critical role of a hospitalist.
Think of a hospitalist like your on-field quarterback, says Dr. Busutill as she walks us through the entire patient journey describing her role at every step of the way. From the ER to discharge, her job is to ensure that members of a patient’s care team—including nurses, doctors, resident trainees, case managers, and social workers–remain on the same page, consistently executing care plans to get patients treated and home safely.
Dr. Busuttil dives into the importance of communication and how she strives to empower patients to become partners in their own care. In this episode of Medically Speaking, you will also learn practical tips to make one of life’s most stressful experiences more manageable, like what information to bring to an ER visit, how to effectively ask questions, and what to expect at discharge.
Whether you're facing a hospital stay, supporting a loved one, or just want to understand how modern healthcare works, this conversation is for you.
🎧 Listen here.
Guest Speaker
Ep 16: A Doctor, Her Best Friend & Stage 4 Cancer, Moving Beyond Survival: Living with Metastatic Cancer
In part two of the series A Doctor, Her Best Friend & Stage 4 Cancer, host Dr. Eve Glazier welcomes back Julie Saliba Clauer. Julie opens up about the practical and emotional strategies that help her stay present while living with metastatic cancer.
Drawing from both her personal experiences and her advocacy work for colorectal cancer patients and their families, Julie underscores the power of building a strong support network. She offers insight for loved ones who want to help but aren’t sure how, and shares how finding peer connections—through communities like Colontown, an online network of 100-plus private support groups—can help inform treatment and lifestyle decisions and offer patients critical emotional support.
At the heart of Julie’s story is a simple but profound truth: living with cancer isn’t just about treatment or survival. It’s about managing precious energy reserves to focus on what truly matters—making memories, nurturing relationships, and continuing to live life as fully as possible. For more background on Julie and her story, listen to part one: Life Interrupted–Early Onset Colon Cancer, Julie’s Story.
For more resources: www.colontown.org
🎧 Tune in to Part 2 here.
Guest Speaker
Julie Clauer
Ep 15: A Doctor, Her Best Friend & Stage 4 Cancer Life Interrupted–Early Onset Colon Cancer, Julie’s Story
In this two-part series Dr. Eve Glazier is joined by Julie Saliba Clauer. A devoted mom and an accomplished marketing executive, Julie has been living with Stage 4 colon cancer for seven years. She also just happens to be Dr. Glazier’s best friend from childhood.
In Episode 1, Julie graciously shares her story leading up to and after her diagnosis. Starting with the symptoms that first prompted her to text Dr. Glazier for advice to the moment she received her cancer diagnosis at 43 years old–just seven months after giving birth to her first child– Julie discloses candid details.
We follow along with her as she conducts a methodical search for the right care team and the various treatments that have kept her alive. Julie also offers practical advice on what symptoms to look out for, what to consider when choosing a care team, and how to advocate for the best care for yourself and your loved ones. Even while she opens up about the physical pain, the shock, and the uncertainty she has endured, she also explains how she has managed to stay sane and find joy while living with a terminal diagnosis. Her underlying message is inspiring and clear. “You have cancer, but it does not have you.”
Throughout this series, the audience has the unique opportunity to bear witness to an intimate conversation between two friends sharing one extraordinarily personal story. Please keep an eye out for Episode 2: Moving Beyond Survival: Living with Metastatic Cancer.
For more resources: www.colontown.org
🎧 Tune in to Part 1 here.
Guest Speaker
Julie Clauer
Ep 14: Your Voice, Your Care: The Power of Planning Ahead
Starting a conversation with a loved one about death–their death or your own–is so overwhelming that most people put it off for as long as possible. In the short-term it's easier to delay these talks, but the reality is that the consequences of avoiding them can be devastating. Today, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with end-of-life planning experts Dr. Neil Wenger, Dr. Anne Walling, and Shawny Smith, to share the unexpected challenges that a lack of planning can impose on families and caregivers, as well as some strategies to help make the process easier and less intense. They will cover the ins and outs of Advanced Care Planning, define what exactly an Advance Directive is, and explain how to ensure that this information gets into the right hands. We are reminded that end-of-life planning is not just an important task. It may also be one of the greatest gifts we can leave behind for our loved ones.
🎧 Listen here.
UCLA Health ACP Program Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/advance-care-planning/what-acp
UCLA Health Advance Directive (English): https://www.uclahealth.org/sites/default/files/documents/Advance-Directive-English.pdf
Prepare for your Care Advance Directives: https://prepareforyourcare.org/en/prepare-for-your-care/advance-directive/advance-directive-welcome
Guest Speakers
Ep 13: CORE Truths about Kidney Health
What do our kidneys actually do? What are the early warning signs of kidney disease? In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier welcomes Dr. Anjay Rastogi, Founding Director of the CORE Kidney Program at UCLA Health and kidney expert, to have an open and honest conversation about common kidney diseases. He describes what symptoms to look out for, how kidney function is tested, and offers simple tips on how to keep these vital organs healthy. Throughout this episode, Dr. Rastogi recounts patient stories that help illustrate advances in current treatments and offer hope for patients who are newly diagnosed with kidney disease. He highlights the lifesaving power of organ donation and transplantation, explaining when and how it becomes the most viable option for a patient. He also shares personal stories of his work outside of clinical care that will offer hope to everyone. 🎧 Tune in here.
- Learn more about what we do, by visiting us: CORE Kidney website: https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/core-kidney Follow us: CORE Kidney Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/COREKidney/ Instagram and X: @corekidney
Contact Us: Phone: (310) 794-5023 CORE Kidney
Email: [email protected]
February 2022: UCLA Health Kidney program gives Louie Mejia a path to recovery https://connect.uclahealth.org/2022/03/04/ucla-health-kidney-program-gives-louie-mejia-a-path-to-recovery/
August 2024: One Patient's Journey from Kidney Failure to Pre-emptive Transplant https://www.uclahealth.org/news/story/one-patients-journey-kidney-failure-transplant
Guest Speaker
Ep 12: Matrescence: Becoming a Mother
Dr. Eve Glazier welcomes Dr. Misty Richards, psychiatrist and maternal mental health expert, to explore the concept of matrescence. What is matrescence and why does it matter? In this intimate conversation, Dr. Richards explains why naming the profound transformation to motherhood is essential to creating a safer and more nurturing environment for mothers everywhere. She answers the questions that many of us are too afraid to ask. Why does motherhood feel like such an abrupt identity shift? Do cultural standards dictate that mothers leave behind parts of their former selves? How do societal expectations impact a mother’s state of mind? Dr. Richards describes the structural and emotional changes that happen to the maternal brain at different intervals and stresses the importance of a strong support system. Through the sharing of both personal stories and scientific revelations, she dispels the belief that motherhood starts with a single frightening leap and instead illustrates that it is a process—one that continually evolves over time. When armed with the right tools and information, matrescence, an often isolating and overwhelming experience, can become a time of healing, growth, and connection.
🎧 Dive in here.
Guest Speaker
Ep 11: Your Health’s Home Base: Why a PCP Is Your MVP
Think of primary care as your health’s home base—the place you go not just when you’re sick, but to stay well. In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with Dr. Maria Han and Dr. William Carroll to unpack why having a primary care provider matters. They share how regular check-ins catch problems early, make chronic conditions easier to manage, and give you a trusted partner who can coordinate care with specialists. You’ll learn how to prepare for appointments, what questions to ask, and what info to bring so visits feel productive, not rushed. We also bust common myths, walk through how to choose the right PCP for you, and offer tips for building a strong, long-term relationship with your provider. If you’ve ever wondered “Do I really need a PCP?”—this conversation will make the case, with practical steps you can use today.
🎧 Listen here.
Guest Speakers
Ep 10: Whole Person, Whole System: Where Social Care Meets Medicine
Social Care is a holistic concept that bridges the gap between medical treatment and people’s everyday lives. From food and housing to transportation, healthcare must expand beyond the clinic walls to address more than just a patient’s clinical healthcare needs. In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier has a candid conversation with Jasper Kump, a thought leader and clinical social worker, and Niki Miller, who serves as Chief of Staff for the Faculty Practice Group at UCLA. Both Jasper and Niki offer a unique perspective into how to build an infrastructure that improves quality and health equity for patients from every community.
This episode dives deep into the social determinants of health, including financial strain and housing needs. Niki and Jasper both highlight unique patient stories to help illustrate just how even small social care interventions can make the world of difference in a patient’s health outcome.
Community Resources
https://www.uclahealth.org/patient-resources/community-resources
🎧 Tune in now.
Guest Speakers
Ep 09: Breast Health 101: What Everyone Should Know
Breast cancer screening saves lives—but the guidelines are changing, and many women are left wondering what that means for them. Should you start screening earlier? Do you need more than a mammogram if you’re at higher risk?
In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with breast surgeon Dr. Carlie Thompson to break down the essentials of breast health. They cover everything from the truth about self-exams and clinical breast exams, to when mammograms and ultrasounds are most effective. You’ll also hear how family history and genetics can influence your personal risk, and what steps you can take to stay proactive.
Dr. Thompson shares candid advice for anyone hesitant about screening and explains how today’s advanced imaging tools are helping doctors catch cancers earlier and treat them more precisely than ever before. This conversation clears up myths, offers practical guidance, and empowers women to take charge of their breast health with confidence.
RECAST Study: https://www.quantumleaphealth.org/for-investigators/recast-dcis/
🎧 Listen here.
Guest Speaker
Ep 08: Sports Medicine 101: What Every Parent Should Know
Sports-related overuse injuries are on the rise among young athletes — sometimes affecting them for years to come. What’s behind this trend, and how can we protect our kids during their critical growth years?
In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier speaks with sports medicine specialist Dr. Marissa Vasquez about early recognition, proper management, and key prevention strategies. From the importance of playing multiple sports to allowing essential rest and recovery time, Dr. Vasquez shares practical tips to keep growing bodies healthy and strong.
She also explains when it’s time to see a specialist, how to tell the difference between a minor injury and something more serious, and what we can learn from her work with both professional and recreational athletes of all ages.
🎧 Tune in now.
Guest Speakers
Ep 07: Sex, Intimacy, & Identity- Women's Sexual Health After 40- part 3 of our 3-part series on menopause
Menopause may bring big changes — but it doesn't mean the end of intimacy. In this final episode of our menopause series, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with OB-GYNs Dr. Mya Zapata and Dr. Rajita Patil for a candid and empowering conversation about women’s sexual health after 40ish. We unpack how hormonal shifts, cultural narratives, and aging can affect libido, intimacy, and self-image — and more importantly, what you can do about it. From normalizing what’s rarely talked about to offering real strategies for navigating discomfort, desire, and connection, this episode is both informative and reassuring. What you’ll hear:
- Sex after 40 — what changes and why
- Solo vs. relational intimacy
- Body image and self-perception
- Cultural myths around aging and sex
- When to seek help (and what kind)
- Tips to improve intimacy and sexual wellness
🎧 Listen now to redefine what intimacy looks like — at any age.
Guest Speakers
Ep 06: The Body in Transition: Reframing the Evolution: Part 2 of our 3-part series on menopause
Perimenopause, this natural, transitional phase leading up to menopause, is often overlooked, yet it can bring profound changes to a person’s health and daily life. In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with obstetrician-gynecologists Dr. Mya Zapata, Dr. Rajita Patil, and Dr. Erica Oberman for a candid and compassionate conversation that helps redefine how we understand and support the body in transition. Together, they explore the wide range of symptoms, from hot flashes, sleep disruption, and memory changes to depression, ADHD-like symptoms, and bone health. They also unpack myths about “hormonal imbalance,” explain why hormone level testing isn’t always helpful, and emphasize the importance of personalized, holistic care—including exercise, sleep, and treatment options tailored to the individual. By challenging outdated narratives and advocating for inclusive, supportive language, this conversation offers both medical insight and real-world guidance for navigating perimenopause and menopause with clarity, confidence, and care. 🎧 Tune in now to catch part 2 of the series.
Guest Speakers
Ep 05: Menopause 101: What to Expect, When, and What to Do (or Not Do)
What is menopause—really? How do we define menopause, perimenopause, and what happens during this new beginning? In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier welcomes obstetrician-gynecologists Dr. Mya Zapata and Dr. Rajita Patil for an honest, positive, and enlightening conversation about the transition into menopause. From understanding what’s “normal” to knowing when to see a doctor, Drs. Zapata and Patil break down the hormonal, emotional, and physical changes that can occur. We explore how language shapes our understanding of this life phase: the words we use, the narratives we inherit, and how those stories influence how we feel in our bodies. Whether it’s navigating new symptoms, shifts in mental health, or simply learning what’s happening and why, this episode invites listeners to see menopause not as a decline, but as a powerful evolution. With expert insight and compassionate guidance, we reframe menopause as a meaningful, manageable, and even liberating chapter of life. 🎧 Listen now.
Guest Speakers
EP 04: Health Below the Belt: A Guide for Every Man
Why do so many men put off taking care of their health—and how can that change? In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with urologist Dr. Christopher Saigal for a candid, judgment-free conversation about the key issues impacting men’s health. From hormone changes and prostate concerns to sexual wellness and healthy aging, Dr. Saigal breaks down the topics many men hesitate to discuss. He debunks persistent myths fueled by “bro science,” offers real treatment options, and shares practical advice on when it’s time to see a doctor. Whether you're navigating your own health or supporting someone else, this episode shines a light on what men need to know—and why it’s time to start talking about it.
Guest Speaker
EP 03: Through the Speculum with Dr. Mya Zapata: What Your Gyno Knows
What does preventive care look like when it comes to women’s health? In this podcast episode, Mya Zapata, MD, breaks down what pap smears and pelvic exams actually check for—and why regular screenings are essential, even if you don’t have symptoms. She answers common questions about exam frequency, sexual health, and pelvic care, and shares what she wouldn’t recommend as an OBGYN. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Zapata emphasizes a patient-first approach to help you feel informed and safe in the exam room.
Guest Speaker
EP 02: Integrative Medicine 101 with Dr. Elizabeth Ko: Connecting Mind, Body and Soul
What exactly is integrative medicine—and how does it differ from traditional or Eastern approaches? In this episode of Medically Speaking, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Ko, Medical Director of the UCLA Health Integrative Medicine Collaborative, for an insightful conversation about how integrative care supports whole-person wellness. From mind-body techniques to everyday habits that boost well-being, Dr. Glazier and Dr. Ko break down practical ways to incorporate these approaches into your daily life.
Guest Speaker
EP 01: A Conversation with Katie Couric About Colorectal Cancer
Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with legendary journalist, best-selling author and passionate health advocate Katie Couric, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Their vibrant, honest and moving discussion covers everything from the importance of cancer screenings to advocacy to the latest stats and studies. They also share personal stories, tips and takeaways for a healthy life, and explain why we all need to be paying attention to preventive health screening guidelines.
Guest Speaker
Katie Couric
Contact Us
Podcast Credits
Host
Dr. Eve Glazier
Executive Producers
Annie Krasnow
Michael Burke
Producers
Niki Miller
Jessica Alabastro
Creative Producer
Kanza Shaheen
Associate Producer
Jennifer Feld
Suzanne Koudsi Walker
Technical Directors
Adrian Cardoso
Andrew Stocks
Editor
Tony Sweet
Recorded at
Canella Media
Special Thanks
To our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by
UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
For More Information
Visit: https://www.uclahealth.org/podcasts
Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.