Coffee Conversations with Scientists
About The Series
In partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin, join host Rayna Andrews each month as she digs into the science behind a health topic making news today. Think of it as a virtual coffee break, with a science twist.
You bring the coffee. We’ll bring a scientist. And together we’ll explore what science tells us about the health topics that matter to you!
UPCOMING EPISODE
The Science Reshaping Reflux Care
May 27, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Nikki Johnston, PhD, Professor of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about how the digestive enzyme pepsin may drive upper-airway inflammation, complicate reflux diagnosis, and open new doors for targeted therapies and cancer-related research.
PREVIOUS EPISODES
April 29, 2026
The Science Behind Pediatric Vaccines
We chat with Storm Dorrough, MD, who brings deep expertise and perspective to the science of pediatric vaccination. We explore how pediatric vaccines work, why early prevention is so critical, and how vaccines—such as Hepatitis B—protect children from serious disease and long term health consequences, while strengthening the health of families and communities.
View EpisodeMarch 26, 2026
The Science Behind the GLP-1 Weight Loss Pill
We chat with Srividya (Vidya) Kidambi, MD, MS, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the promise and limitations of the GLP-1 weight management pill and look ahead to the next wave of breakthroughs on the horizon.
View EpisodeFebruary 17, 2026
The Science Behind Glaucoma
We chat with Joel Miesfeld, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the many forms of glaucoma. We also examine the eye's inner communication networks and look ahead to what regenerative science could mean for the future of vision.
View EpisodeDecember 17, 2025
The Science Behind Digital Health and AI
We chat with Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, Senior Associate Dean in the Medical College of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and the Executive Director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, about how digital health solutions, including artificial intelligence, are enhancing healthcare—from reducing health worker burnout to improving care. We’ll discuss how advances in technology can strengthen relationships between doctors and patients and the importance of human oversight of new AI tools.
View EpisodeOctober 28, 2025
The Science Behind Obesity and Breast Cancer
We chat with Olena Klindukhova, MD, about the biological connections between obesity and cancer, unpack how holiday habits may influence long-term risk, and share practical strategies for healthier nutrition, movement, and stress management.
View EpisodeOctober 2, 2025
The Science Behind Environment and Health
We chat with Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, Professor of Epidemiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about how environmental changes are affecting our natrual resources, the adaptations needed, and examples of community resilience.
View EpisodeAugust 28, 2025
The Science Behind Brain Cancer
We chat with Jennifer Connelly, MD, Neuro-Oncologist with Froedtert's Cancer Center and Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the rarity of brain tumors and some advancements being made in their diagnosis and treatment to prolong life expectancy.
View EpisodeJuly 16, 2025
The Science Behind School-Based Trauma Response
We chat with David Cipriano, PhD, Child and Adolescent Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about how Milwaukee Public Schools are using technology and partnerships to understand the mental health impact of students’ proximity to emergency response calls—and how this insight is driving change.
View EpisodeJune 19, 2025
The Science Behind Clinical Trials
We chat with Callisia Clarke, MD, Division Chief of Surgicial Oncology at MCW, and Co-Associate Director of Clinical Research at MCW's Cancer Center. We'll discuss cutting-edge research in clinical trials, their benefits, and the importance of representation in medical research.
View EpisodeMay 28, 2025
The Science Behind Workforce Well-Being
We chat with Michael Stadler, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and former Chief Medical Officer of Froedtert Hospital, to discuss a transformative statewide initiative to support the well-being of Wisconsin’s health workforce. As the champion of this ambitious effort funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, Dr. Stadler shares challenges and solutions related to professional burnout among Wisconsin’s health workers.
View EpisodeMarch 27, 2025
The Science Behind Pediatric Feeding and Nutrition Disorders
We chat with Alan Silverman, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Pediatric Psychology Training at MCW, as we explore feeding and nutrition disorders in pediatrics, their prevalence, and where parents can find support.
View EpisodeFebruary 27, 2025
The Science Behind Hunger
We chat with Srividya (Vidya) Kidambi, MD, MS, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the body's physiological adaptations to a fasted state or calorie restriction and the implications for successful weight loss.
View EpisodeJanuary 30, 2025
The Science Behind Heart Health
We chat with Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH, Northwestern Mutual Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, department of medicine and pharmacology, and director of the Cardiovascular Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about optimizing our endothelial cell function and why it’s important.
View EpisodeDecember 18, 2024
The Science Behind Sickle Cell Disease
We chat with Cheryl Stucky, PhD, Marvin Wagner Endowed Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin, about the neural basis of Sickle Cell Disease pain and discuss recent advancements in pain management strategies.
View EpisodeNovember 13, 2024
The Science Behind Increasing Healthy Food Access
We chat with Dr. Leslie Ruffalo, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at MCW, about how building trusted relationships between communities and farmers can help address nutrition insecurity.
View EpisodeOctober 30, 2024
The Science Behind Pancreatic Cancer Therapeutics
We chat with with Gustavo W. Leone, PhD, Director of Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and Senior Associate Dean of Cancer Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about urgent research and cutting-edge therapies that are transforming the fight against pancreatic cancer.
View EpisodeSeptember 25, 2024
The Science Behind Premature Respiratory Disease
We chat with Girija Ganesh Konduri, MD, Pediatrician and Neonatologist with Children’s Wisconsin and Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the urgent and often life-threatening challenges of neonatal respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension in premature babies—conditions that demand immediate attention and expert care..
View EpisodeAugust 28, 2024
The Science Behind Reducing Opioid Overdoses
We chat with Julia Dickson-Gomez, PhD, anthropologist in the Institute for Health & Equity and professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about how we can tackle the complex and evolving overdose crisis in our communities.
View EpisodeJuly 30, 2024
The Science Behind Rising Syphilis Rates
We chat with Allison Linton, MD MPH, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the latest trends in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and why syphilis is on the rise.
View EpisodeJune 26, 2024
The Science Behind Combatting Youth Sex Trafficking
We chat with Angela Rabbitt, DO, Child Abuse Pediatrics at Children’s Wisconsin and Professor in the Department of Child Advocacy and Protection at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the systems changes needed to detect, prevent, and treat youth who are sex trafficked.
View EpisodeMay 28, 2024
The Science Behind Collaborative Diabetes Management Interventions
We chat with Dr. David Nelson, PhD, Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the systems changes needed for health integration and delivery for diabetes prevention.
View EpisodeApril 24, 2024
The Science Behind Integrative Dementia Care
We chat with Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on how imagination and creative communication strategies could increase caregiver and patient relations for persons living with dementia.
View EpisodeMarch 20, 2024
The Science Behind Self-Compassion and Weight Management
We chat with Dr. Alexander Buhk as we explore the correlation between self-compassion and weight management, and discuss the tools to help love yourself at any size.
View EpisodeFebruary 14, 2024
The Science Behind AI in Healthcare
We chat with Bradley Crotty, MD, MPH, Chief Digital Officer for The Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Health System, Chief Medical Officer and Interim President for Inception Health, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the science behind AI and healthcare.
View EpisodeJanuary 17, 2024
The Science Behind the Grieving Brain
We chat with Joseph Goveas, MD, Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and Institute for Health and Equity and Vice-Chair and Director, Geriatric Psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on the risks, symptoms, and interventions for prolonged grief.
View EpisodeDecember 12, 2023
The Science Behind Bacteria-Human Coexistence
We chat with Dr. Nita Salzman, MD, PhD, professor, Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology; Director, Medical Scientist Training Program; Founding Director, Center for Microbiome Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, to learn about the role bacteria play in our bodies, forming microbiome communities that are crucial for our good health.
View EpisodeNovember 29, 2023
The Science Behind Autism Diagnosis
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Dr. Kathleen A. Koth, DO, DFAACAP, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), to learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), diagnosis, and advancements in care.
View EpisodeSeptember 29, 2023
The Science Behind Immunizations
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Carlos Figueroa Castro, MD, assistant professor of infectious disease at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) to learn about the importance of immunizations, early detection, and infection prevention.
View EpisodeJuly 31, 2023
The Science Behind Sweeteners and Our Metabolic and Reproductive Health
We chat with Dr. Stephanie Olivier-Van Stichelen, PhD, Assistant Professor in Biochemistry; Secondary Faculty in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the intersection of sweeteners, pregnancy, development, and metabolism.
View EpisodeJune 27, 2023
The Science Behind Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Dr. Jeff Karst, PhD, pediatric psychologist in the MACC Fund Center at Children’s Wisconsin and associate professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin talks about the new cautionary effects of social media on young people.
View EpisodeMay 31, 2023
The Science Behind Maternal Morbidity
Dr. Anna Palatnik, MD, maternal fetal health medicine physician and associate professor at Froedtert, and the Medical College of Wisconsin talk about racial and ethnic disparities across selected measures of maternal and infant health and discuss the factors that drive these disparities.
View EpisodeApril 26, 2023
The Science Behind Effective Dieting
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Lisa Morselli, MD, PhD, endocrinologist, and assistant professor at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin about the trends, facts, and misconceptions associated with effective weight-loss diets.
View EpisodeMarch 21, 2023
The Science Behind Vasectomies
Approximately 500,000 men in the United States get vasectomies each year, and many of them get scheduled during March Madness. Why is that? Tune in as we discuss the science behind vasectomies and what’s driving the uptick in procedures. Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Jay Sandlow, MD, urologist and professor at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Presented in partnership with the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.
View EpisodeFebruary 21, 2023
The Science and Trends Behind Losing Weight
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Tammy Kindel, MD, PhD, bariatric surgeon and associate professor at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
View EpisodeJanuary 31, 2023
The Science and Trends Behind Seasonal Respiratory Illness
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with John Meurer, MD, MBA, professor of pediatrics and community health at the Medical College of Wisconsin, as we guide you through the signs of seasonal respiratory illnesses—COVID, influenza, and RSV—and share what you can do about them.
View EpisodeDecember 12, 2022
The Science Behind Seasonal Affective Disorder
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Himanshu Agrawal, MD, DFAPA, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
View EpisodeNovember 14, 2022
The Science Behind Genetic Counseling
Host Michael Zimmermann, PhD, director of the bioinformatics research and development lab in the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin chatted with Jenny Geurts, MS, CGC, director of the genetic counseling program and assistant professor in the Institute for Health & Equity at the Medical College of Wisconsin about the science behind genetic counseling.
View EpisodeNovember 4, 2022
The Science Behind Monkeypox
Andrew Petroll, MS, MD, professor of medicine in the MCW division of infectious diseases chatted with Mary Beth Graham, MD, FIDSA, FACP, associate chief and professor of medicine in the MCW division of infectious diseases about the science behind monkeypox.
View EpisodeOctober 27, 2022
The Science Behind Breast Cancer
Adrienne Cobb, MD, MS, assistant professor of surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discussed the science behind breast cancer.
View EpisodeSeptember 21, 2022
The Science Behind Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion
Dr. Michael McCrea, the Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, Chair in Neurosurgery; professor; vice chair of Research; co-director, Neurotrauma Research Center; director, Clinical Trials Office (CTO) in the Neuroscience Institute at MCW, chatted with host Dr. Terri deRoon Cassini, professor of surgery and the executive director of the MCW Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, about the science behind traumatic brain injury and concussion.
View EpisodeAugust 17, 2022
The Science Behind Bullying and Suicide Prevention
Sara Kohlbeck, Director of the Division of Suicide Prevention at MCW, chatted with host Dr. Staci Young, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Healthy Communities and Research at MCW, about bullying and suicide prevention.
View EpisodeJuly 27, 2022
The Science Behind Parkinson's Disease
Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin as we chat with Dr. Cecilia Hillard, Associate Dean for Research; Director of the MCW Neuroscience Research Center; G. Frederick Kasten, Jr. Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research, as she chats with host, Dr. Cassie Ferguson, associate professor at MCW, about the science behind Parkinson’s Disease.
View EpisodeJune 28, 2022
Understanding the Science Behind Cardiovascular Health and Pregnancy
Dr. Jennifer McIntosh, Associate Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine at MCW and clinician in the Froedtert & MCW Maternal Fetal Medicine Program, chatted with host, Dr. Nicole Lohr, cardiologist and chief of cardiovascular medicine at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, about the science behind cardiovascular health and pregnancy including misconceptions, risks and prevention.
View EpisodeMay 16, 2022
The Science Behind Seasonal Allergies
Dr. Asriani Chiu, Professor of Allergy and Immunology, and the interim section chief of Allergy at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Medical Director of Asthma and Allergy at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin chatted with host Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, about the science behind seasonal allergies including understanding the difference between allergies and illnesses such as the respiratory flu or COVID-19.
View EpisodeApril 27, 2022
The Science Behind Hearing Loss
Join Dr. Chris Runge, professor in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at the Medical College of Wisconsin and director of the Koss Cochlear Implant Program, as she chats with host, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, about the science behind hearing loss, the most common types of hearing loss, and what you can do if you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss.
View EpisodeMarch 23, 2022
Understanding the Science Behind Sleep Health
Dr. B. Tucker Woodson, otolaryngologist and professor and chief of sleep medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discussed the science behind sleep health.
View EpisodeFebruary 25, 2022
The Science of Cardiovascular Health: Understanding Your Risk and Tips for Prevention
Dr. Nicole Lohr, cardiologist and chief of cardiovascular medicine at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, chats with host, Julia Schmitt, about the science behind cardiovascular health, understanding your risk factors, and tips for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
View EpisodeJanuary 19, 2022
The Science of Health: Transitioning to a Plant-based Lifestyle
Dr. Stuart Wong, medical oncologist and director of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Disease Prevention Research Center, chats with Dr. Rania Dempsey, lifestyle medicine physician and mom, about the science behind plant-based nutrition and tips on how to get started with some simple lifestyle modifications to improve your overall health.
View EpisodeDecember 29, 2021
2021: The Year in Review
Join us as we take a look back at the most talked about coffee conversations from 2021. From COVID and vaccines to violence prevention and gender inclusivity, we talked to MCW’s leading scientists to learn more about the public health topics that mattered most to you.
View EpisodeNovember 18, 2021
Managing Mental Wellness: The Science Behind Stress Anxiety and Burnout
‘Tis the season for … stress? Join Medical College of Wisconsin Associate Professor of Psychiatry Dr. David Cipriano to explore the science behind how stress, burnout, and anxiety can impact our overall well-being, and what we can do to support our mental wellness during the holiday season and beyond
View EpisodeOctober 27, 2021
Kids & COVID-19: Vaccine Edition
Join as Children's Wisconsin Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Gutzeit explores the science behind COVID-19 vaccines for kids and what the data says about safety and effictiveness, and the steps we can all take to keep our families healthy today
View EpisodeSeptember 15, 2021
The Science of Healthy Eating: How to Eat to Prevent Disease & Promote Health
Join Stuart Wong, MD, medical oncologist and director of the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Disease Prevention Research Center, and Ken Jacobsohn, MD, associate professor, as they explore the science-driven nutrition plan that can prevent disease, promote good health, and change our bodies and our communities for the better.
View EpisodeAugust 3, 2021
Kids & COVID-19: A Conversation for Parents & Caregivers
Medical College of Wisconsin pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Frank Zhu talks with Calie Herbst, founder of Milwaukee with Kids, on the science behind COVID-19 in kids, and what parents and caregivers need to know about variants, vaccines, and the latest guidelines for keeping your family healthy this fall.
View EpisodeJuly 13, 2021
Preventing Violence Promoting Safe & Healthy Communities
As cities around the country reimagine public safety, Reggie Moore, director of violence prevention in the MCW Comprehensive Injury Center, and host Dr. Marc de Moya, Chief of Trauma Surgery at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin explore the science behind violence prevention
View EpisodeJune 2, 2021
Let's Talk About Sex Gender & Health
Join nationally recognized LGBTQ health specialist Dr. Jessica Francis and host Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld for a discussion on sex, gender identity, and health, as they explore what science tells us about how exclusion in health disparities and inequities, and why inclusion in medicine, science, and society matters to health.
View EpisodeMay 4, 2021
Tired & Overwhelmed During COVID-19
Why do so many of us feel tired and overwhelmed more than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began? Health psychologist Dr. Terri deRoon-Cassini explores the science behind how our experiences today are shaping how we feel, and what we can do to give ourselves the break we need.
View EpisodeApril 8, 2021
A Conversation on COVID-19
Join us as nationally recognized infectious disease expert Dr. Joyce Sanchez explores the science behind what we know now about COVID-19 vaccines, variants, and being vigilant so that we can get back to the things we love and miss most.
View EpisodeNo episodes found.
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