Recommended Reading and Listening
Evidence-based books and podcasts that offer clear, practical insights into psychology, midlife health, and lifestyle medicine.
1. Psychology, Behaviour Change & Emotional Wellbeing
The How of Happiness – Sonja Lyubomirsky
A research-based overview of which psychological practices reliably improve wellbeing.
Quit – Annie Duke
A science-informed look at decision-making and why letting go is often the rational choice.
Four Thousand Weeks – Oliver Burkeman
A reflective exploration of time, limits, and how to allocate attention meaningfully.
Yes to Life – Viktor Frankl
Frankl’s lectures on meaning and resilience after surviving extreme hardship.
Meditation for Mortals – Oliver Burkeman
A self-help sceptic offers tips for contentment that start with abandoning the quest for super-productivity
2. End of Life, Mortality & Meaning
Listen – Kathryn Mannix
A clinician’s insight into compassionate communication and what helps people feel understood.
With the End in Mind – Kathryn Mannix
Stories from palliative care that illuminate how people approach dying and meaning.
Being Mortal – Atul Gawande
A surgeon’s examination of ageing, autonomy, and how medicine can better support the end of life.
3. Women’s Health and Menopause
The Menopause Manifesto – Dr Jen Gunter
A clear, evidence-based explanation of menopause that challenges common myths.
The Complete Guide to the Menopause – Dr Annice Mukherjee
A medical, balanced guide to managing menopause symptoms and long-term health.
The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause – Dr Louise Newson
A clinically grounded overview of symptoms, treatment options, and HRT.
The XX Brain – Dr Lisa Mosconi
Research on oestrogen, brain health, and cognitive ageing in women.
The Menopause Brain – Dr Lisa Mosconi
An evidence-based look at how menopause affects the brain, cognition, and long-term neurological health
Unwell Women – Elinor Cleghorn
A historical analysis of women’s health and the scientific biases that shaped medical care. An illuminating read.
4. Lifestyle Medicine: Sleep, Stress, Nutrition & Healthy Living
Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker
An accessible summary of sleep science and its impact on cognition and health.
The 4 Pillar Plan – Dr Rangan Chatterjee
A lifestyle medicine framework for improving wellbeing through small, practical habits.
Spoon-Fed – Tim Spector
A critical look at nutrition research and what current evidence can realistically tell us.
Just One Thing – Dr Michael Mosley
Simple, research-backed habits aimed at improving physical and mental wellbeing.
5. Evidence-Based Podcasts
The Proof – Simon Hill
Interviews with researchers on nutrition, longevity, and metabolic health.
ZOE Science & Nutrition
Discussions with scientists exploring personalised nutrition and metabolic research.
Sigma Nutrition Radio – Danny Lennon
In-depth, research-focused conversations on nutrition science and physiology.
The Happiness Project / Happiness Lab – Laurie Santos
Evidence-based insights from psychology on wellbeing and human behaviour.
The Brain On…
Episodes examining everyday behaviour and cognition through a neuroscience lens.