
The Matt Walker Podcast is all about sleep, the brain, and the body. Matt is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of the book, Why We Sleep and has given a few TED talks. Matt is an awkward British nerd who adores science and the communication of science to the public.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 176 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ScienceHealth & FitnessMedicineSocial Sciences | |||

Exploring the "tired but wired" state where exhaustion meets an overactive alerting system, Matt explains that insomnia is often a disorder of hyperarousal rather than a lack of sleep drive. Using metabolic data and brain activity, he shows how an in... more
Matt explains sleep inertia - the groggy transition to wakefulness - noting that waking is a process, not a switch, and that brain regions activate at different speeds. While the core wakes fast, the prefrontal cortex, which handles judgment, remains... more
Deconstructing the "Sleepy Girl Mocktail", Matt separates digital hype from rigorous sleep science. He delineates that tart cherry juice works not through trace melatonin, but as an anti-inflammatory "bodyguard" for tryptophan by inhibiting the enzym... more
Matt examines "revenge bedtime procrastination," where individuals voluntarily delay sleep to reclaim autonomy. Distinguishing this "unlocked door" from the "locked door" of insomnia, he uses global data to explain how smartphones and low agency trig... more
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Thank you Dr. Walker for an outstanding work you do!
I am finding your content so helpful & informative for understanding the science of sleep. Thank You. You have a lovely voice & accent, great to listen to - you are also humble, even though you have achieved a lot. I admire that.
Could have been such a great podcast, but is completely ruined by ads. There is almost as much ad time as content time, and the ads keep interrupting all the time. Matt says just a few words, then new ad, another few words, next ad. This is not a science podcast, it is an AG1, electrolyte and protein sales podcast with some sleep stuff in between. Real pity.
I had been so pleased to see that Matt Walker has a podcast after reading his excellent book. However, the greediness and lack of credibility of the trusted neuroscientist touting all manner of products throughout the podcast for some extra cash completely detracts from my impression of the podcast, book and author. And why emphasise that you buy your own of these products when they pay you for the ads? There could have been much lower profile sponsorship and /or treat the podcast as a means of ... more
Can’t listen any more. 3x adds in a short (30 min) podcast? Too disruptive. Adds are very long in comparison too. Used to be so good.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #64 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #54 | |
Apple Podcasts | #195 | |
Apple Podcasts | #68 | |
Apple Podcasts | #99 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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The show focuses on sleep, neuroscience, and health, exploring how sleep affects memory, cognition, and well-being. Episodes cover topics from circadian biology and sleep stages to the societal impact of tech and lifestyle factors on sleep, often blending rigorous science with practical tips. A notable strength is translating complex sleep research into accessible takeaways, sometimes alongside product sponsorships that fuel conversations about real-world living. Fans likely value clear explanations, evidence-based guidance, and interviews with researchers or clinicians, making it a strong pick for listeners curious about how sleep shapes daily life and long-term health.
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The Matt Walker Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 176 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Matt Walker Podcast include:
1. Daniel Durand
2. Dr. Avinish Reddy
3. Daniel Kish
4. Dr. Aric Prather
5. Dr. Cheri Mah
6. Dr. Ranji Varghese
7. Dr. Charan Ranganath
8. Jessica Lunsford-Avery
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