Lihavuustutkijat Podcast brings together science and lived experience: "Now we understand the importance of communicating in the proper way"

While episodes have been airing for nearly three months, the journey from the initial idea to the first broadcast took several years. The concept grew out of various obesity research seminars and events, fueled by the interactions experienced through those events.

Johanna Matilainen has been serving on the board of the Finnish Association for the Study of Obesity (FASO). Through that she has gained firsthand insight into the stories and experiences of those affected by obesity.

On the other hand, the intriguing dimensions and constant relevance of the field sparked the flame for a podcast that popularizes researched information. At its core, the project aims to bring scientific knowledge accessible to the public.

Perspectives on Obesity

Each episode features guests who offer unique insights into the subject. For example, respected researchers and doctors of the field have been giving insights into scientific and objective knowledge. However, Lautaoja-Kivipelto and Matilainen found the most striking conversations to be those with ordinary people who have struggled with obesity.

These discussions highlight a lingering negative atmosphere in obesity discourse. Upcoming episodes will feature experts by experience sharing stories of inappropriate treatment and the difficulty of discussing obesity openly.

Science Meets Everyday Life

The project has been a learning curve for the researchers themselves. They’ve discovered the vital importance of discussing scientific phenomena in a common language. Communicating science understandably presents its own challenges for researchers. Matilainen admits it is easy to fall into the trap of seeing things only through a researcher’s lens.

"It’s easy to become blind to what regular everyday people understand. We use scientific terms daily that mean nothing to the average person. It's good to stop and ask yourself: 'What does this actually mean?’, says Johanna Matilainen.

"You have to find the middle ground between what interests the researcher and what sparks the interest of the podcast listener," adds Lautaoja-Kivipelto, emphasizing the intersection of science and daily life.

The researchers hope the podcast reaches those for whom the content can make a practical difference in their everyday life.

The creators also had to learn to tolerate a certain "unfinished" quality that is usually absent from academic work. In research, the final result is always well-founded and fundamentally argued. On the contrary, podcast conversations happen spontaneously in the moment, and the flow of the situation can’t be predicted perfectly.

"In science, perfection can be a virtue, but excessive perfectionism kills creativity," Matilainen reflects.

Significant Work for a Timely Topic

The researchers admit they were nervous before the launch of the podcast, but the prevailing feelings now are gratitude and relief. The reception from both colleagues and the public has been warm.

"All the support we've received feels truly meaningful," says Juulia Lautaoja-Kivipelto.

Currently, Matilainen and Lautaoja-Kivipelto are recording the second season with new guests and themes, including some well-known public figures.

Episodes of the first season can be listened to on Spotify and YouTube. New episodes are released every other Wednesday.