Polly Hansen Archives | Radio Health Journal

Polly has been a member of the Radio Health Journal team since 1998. As a producer, she conducts interviews with expert guests, and writes/edits segments…

Producer

Death Doula: A Guide For Transitioning Into The Afterlife

>> March 21, 2026

Death is never an easy topic to talk about. To help manage this difficult transition, many are turning to death doulas. They provide compassionate guidance for the dying, like how birth doulas support new mothers. Our experts this week discuss how to foster curiosity rather than fear, navigate the art of a peaceful end, and find meaning in the time that’s left.

The Predator’s Playbook: How To Identify And Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

>> February 1, 2026

Child abuse is a sobering reality often perpetrated by trusted individuals rather than strangers. To successfully exploit a child, predators rely on a specific playbook to gain access, trust, and secrecy. Our expert this week explains how parents can help dismantle these opportunities without needing to resort to overprotective parenting styles.

Burning Point: Why Aren’t Workers Protected From Extreme Heat?

>> October 19, 2025

Advocates are now pushing for nationwide regulations to guarantee every worker access to shade, water, rest, and the right to speak up without fear of retaliation.

Do Americans Have A Prejudice Against Immigrant Doctors?

>> September 21, 2025

Immigrant doctors are an important part of America’s physician workforce, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Can Suicide Be Prevented? Stories From Survivors And Loved Ones

>> September 14, 2025

We hear stories from prevention experts, loved ones, and a suicide attempt survivor.

Why Everything Is Tuberculosis To Best-Selling Author John Green

>> June 8, 2025

John Green, a best-selling author, dives into the disparities that exist within the world of tuberculosis and how we can get life-saving treatment to the millions that need it.

Does A Colombian Community Hold The Key To Curing Alzheimer’S Disease?

>> June 1, 2025

Our expert explains the decades of research and drug testing, as well as the unassuming clue they now think could be the key to finding a treatment for this condition.

The Memory Failure That Could Be A Death Sentence For Your Child

>> April 13, 2025

Our experts explain a memory failure that leads even the best of parents to forget their baby in the backseat.

Medicine Is A Woman’s World: The History Of Apothecaries

>> January 26, 2025

Karen Bloom Gevirtz explains the historical role women played in healing and how they were pushed out of medicine.

No Peace After Death: The Thousands Of Unclaimed Bodies In America

>> January 12, 2025

Our expert explains what happens to these people and how the states handle these situations.

One Woman’s Fight To Expose The Genetic Disease That Made Her An Orphan

>> December 22, 2024

The earlier it can be detected, the earlier it can be treated, and the more lives can be saved. Our experts discuss the disease and treatment options.

The Eye Condition That Causes Hallucinations And Face Distortions

>> December 1, 2024

Many people with this rare condition don’t report it because they’re afraid they’re going crazy, but our expert breaks down this condition and what more research is needed to truly understand PMO.

The Skinny Revolution: Does Ozempic Simply Mask a Larger Issue?

>> July 21, 2024

We discuss the life-changing results, what we don’t yet know about these drugs, as well as the concerns around these medications becoming popular in certain communities.

The Modern Father: A History Of Men And Babies

>> June 16, 2024

Dr. Sarah Hrdy, an anthropologist, reveals the biological evidence of involved fathers – even before humans existed – and the natural origins of fatherhood.

Why Is Forced Sterilization Still Legal In America?

>> June 9, 2024

Our experts explain how this practice has been used throughout history and discuss the debate of outlawing forced sterilization.

Should We Embrace Dementia?

>> April 7, 2024

Many people view dementia as a death sentence, but Dr. Tia Powell says we need to rethink our perspective.

The Suicide Stigma: Stories From Parents, Experts, And Attempt Survivors

>> April 7, 2024

Our experts discuss the different perspectives of suicide and the stigmas that follow them.

The Female Geniuses Throughout History You Need To Know About

>> March 3, 2024

In honor of Women’s History Month this March, our expert tells the stories of a few female geniuses whose accomplishments deserve greater recognition.

Big Liars: Is Honesty Always The Best Policy?

>> February 11, 2024

Our experts explain the psychology behind why people lie and how you can avoid being duped.

Black Angels: The Black Nurses Involved In The Fight Against Tuberculosis

>> February 4, 2024

Dr. Herbert Fox helped discover a cure for tuberculosis, but his work wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the black nurses who monitored and cared for each patient. When all of the white nurses refused to work, these women stepped up.

Does A Good Bedside Manner Save Lives?

>> January 7, 2024

Dr. Wes Ely gives us a unique look into how physicians can humanize patients in the ICU and, in turn, save more lives.

Is Science Close To Creating Immortal Humans?

>> December 17, 2023

The key to living a long life? Chip Walter says it’s more about having less ‘bad’ genes rather than having more ‘good’ ones.

The Infertility-Causing Disease That May Not Be As Rare As We Thought

>> November 26, 2023

Lisa McCarty and Dr. Sigal Klipstein, a reproductive endocrinologist, explain the signs of Asherman’s – and when you should see a specialist.

Brace Face: Author Who Was Bullied For Her Overbite Offers Guidance

>> November 5, 2023

Christina Wyman offers guidance on how parents can successfully support their kids through these tough times.