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REM Reward: Daily Summaries Delivered
by REM Reward
Our podcasts provide greater insight into the life-changing benefits of sleep psychology. The host, Ryan Shintani, chats with guest speakers ranging from psychologists to sleep professionals. Some notable guests include Sports Sleep Coach Nick Littlehales, Specialist Sleep Physician Dr. David Cunnington, and Associate Professor Dr. George Dragoi from the Yale School of Medicine. If you want to learn more about how sleep can help you improve academically, socially, mentally, and physically, these podcasts are for you! For more tips, check out our website at remreward.org.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 weeks ago25 min
Rest, Mindfulness & Student Wellness – EP 32 w/ Dr. Sudha Wadhwani
Today on REM Reward, Ryan is joined by Dr. Sudha Wadhwani, a student wellness and mental health advocate who has helped bring creative approaches to rest and mindfulness onto college campuses. Through initiatives like Sereni-tea events and the introduction of nap pods in university libraries, Dr. Wadhwani has worked to create spaces where students can slow down, recharge, and prioritize their well-being in the middle of demanding academic environments.In this episode, they talk about the growing issue of burnout and sleep deprivation among students, how mindfulness and rest can improve emotional resilience and academic performance, and what colleges can do to shift campus culture toward healthier, more sustainable habits. We also discuss the impact of nap pods and student wellness programming, and practical advice for students trying to balance achievement with mental health and recovery.LINKS:Dr. Wadhwani Psychology TodayConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Apr 16, 202630 min
Caffeine, Screens & Teen Sleep: What’s Really Keeping Teens Awake – EP 31 w/ Dr. Christina Calamaro
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Christina Calamaro, a leading researcher in adolescent sleep and health at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University. Dr. Calamaro’s work focuses on how behaviors like caffeine consumption and technology use impact sleep patterns, learning, and overall well-being in teenagers.The conversation explores why so many teens are not getting enough sleep, how sleep deprivation affects academic performance and daily functioning, and the surprising levels of caffeine consumption among adolescents. Dr. Calamaro also breaks down the complex relationship between screen time, stimulation, and sleep disruption, and shares insights on which factors matter most.They also discuss the real-world consequences of sleep loss, including safety risks and long-term health effects, and what parents, schools, and teens can do to create healthier habits in an increasingly demanding and connected world.This episode offers a clear, research-backed look at one of the most important and overlooked challenges facing young people today.LINKS:Citations from Dr. CalamaroConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Mar 15, 202626 min
Sleep, Food & Energy: Building Habits That Actually Last – EP 30 w/ Angela Goldman
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Angela Goldman, a board-certified health and wellness coach and founder of NRG Health and Wellness. Angela specializes in helping people improve their energy, sleep, and overall well-being through sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.The conversation explores how sleep interacts with nutrition, stress, and daily habits, and why sleep is often the “keystone habit” that supports progress in many areas of health. Angela also discusses how food timing and macronutrients affect sleep quality, how poor sleep influences cravings and metabolism, and the coaching strategies she uses to help people build lasting behavior change.They also dive into common myths around sleep and wellness, the challenges students face balancing sleep with school and screen time, and practical shifts that anyone can start implementing this week to improve energy and overall health.Note: The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk with parents, trusted supports, and healthcare professionals about your individual health needs.LINKS:http://nrghealthcoach.com/Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Feb 15, 202637 min
The Power of Light: Circadian Rhythms, Sleep Inertia & Better Mornings – EP 29 w/ Dr. Helen Burgess
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Helen Burgess, a leading circadian rhythm scientist at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory. Dr. Burgess studies how the body’s internal clock responds to light, behavior, and daily routines, and how disruptions to these rhythms affect sleep and mental health.The conversation explores why morning sunlight is so important for regulating sleep cycles, what causes sleep inertia and morning grogginess, and how everyday habits like caffeine, alcohol, exercise, and inconsistent schedules influence the circadian clock. Dr. Burgess also shares practical advice for teens, parents, and shift workers on how to better align their routines with the body’s natural timing system.This episode offers a clear and practical look at how understanding your circadian rhythm can help you wake up easier, sleep better, and feel more energized throughout the day.LINKS:https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/programs/sleep/sleep-circadian-research-laboratoryConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Jan 16, 202620 min
Circadian Rhythms Explained: Why Timing Matters for Health – EP 28 w/ Dr. Erik Herzog
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Dr. Erik Herzog, a leading circadian biologist at Washington University in St. Louis. The conversation explores how the brain keeps time, what circadian rhythms actually are, and why daily timing matters for sleep, learning, and health. Dr. Herzog explains why teenagers naturally want to stay up later, how screens and melatonin affect developing sleep systems, and what research reveals about circadian disruption and diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. They also discuss cutting-edge work on brain tumors and synthetic gene circuits that align with circadian time, offering a glimpse into the future of sleep-aware medicine. This episode is a deep but accessible look at why when things happen in the body can be just as important as what happens.LINKS:https://biology.wustl.edu/people/erik-herzogConnect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Dec 16, 202518 min
The Mysteries of Sleep & Dreaming – EP 27 w/ Dr. Wanda Willard
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Wanda Willard, Professor of Psychology at Monroe Community College, to explore the science and mystery of sleep and dreaming. Drawing from her years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Willard explains what happens during the stages of sleep, how sleep deprivation affects our emotions and cognition, and how life experiences can shape our dreams. The conversation also explores recurring dreams, cultural interpretations of dreaming, common myths about sleep, and whether dreams can influence creativity or problem-solving. This episode is a thoughtful and engaging look at why sleep and dreams matter more than we often realize.Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Nov 16, 202513 min
Inside ‘Where Children Sleep’: Childhood, Culture & Inequality – EP 26 w/ James Molliso
In this episode, Ryan speaks with James Mollison, whose acclaimed project Where Children Sleep explores childhood through the lens of the bedroom, and what it reveals about culture, inequality and identity. We discuss what inspired him to start this work, how children’s sleep-environments vary dramatically around the world, and what lessons his images hold for understanding the connections between material conditions, sleep and emotional health. Whether you’re interested in children’s mental-health, global cultures or photography as a tool for change, this episode offers a unique vantage on how a simple space, the place a child sleeps, can reflect far more than meets the eye.James Mollison Links:WebsiteWhere Children Sleep Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
- Oct 15, 202535 min
Gentle Sleep, Better Nights – EP 25 w/ Professor Sarah Blunden
In this episode, Ryan speaks with Professor Sarah Blunden, a world-renowned pediatric sleep researcher from CQUniversity Australia and Monash University. Sarah has spent decades studying how children and adolescents sleep, why their rest is so often disrupted, and what parents and communities can do to better support them. We discuss the most common sleep problems in young kids, how early sleep habits shape emotional and cognitive development, and her Gentle Methods of Self-Settling (GeMSS) approach to helping children learn healthy sleep patterns. We also dive into cultural perspectives on co-sleeping, the pressures parents face to “fix” sleep quickly, and why understanding sleep in context is key for supporting both children and familiesLINKS:https://sensiblesleep.com/https://snoozeforkids.com/https://www.amazon.com/Sensible-Sleep-Solution-Guide-Babys/dp/1862549478Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_rewardListen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!• Apple Podcasts• Spotify Podcasts• Google Podcasts• YouTubeFor more tips, check our website at remreward.org.
About REM Reward
Our podcasts provide greater insight into the life-changing benefits of sleep psychology. The host, Ryan Shintani, chats with guest speakers ranging from psychologists to sleep professionals. Some notable guests include Sports Sleep Coach Nick Littlehales, Specialist Sleep Physician Dr. David Cunnington, and Associate Professor Dr. George Dragoi from the Yale School of Medicine. If you want to learn more about how sleep can help you improve academically, socially, mentally, and physically, these podcasts are for you! For more tips, check out our website at remreward.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How often does REM Reward release new episodes?
REM Reward publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does REM Reward cover?
REM Reward covers topics including Fitness, Health & Fitness. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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