What's My Age Again? with Katherine Ryan

In this bonus episode, our resident scientist Dr. Nicola dives beneath the surface of cosmetic procedures to explore how modern treatments are evolving—from masking aging to actually targeting it at the cellular level.Discover the science behind biohacking, fillers, skin boosters, and polynucleotides (yes, the “salmon sperm facial”)We'll hear how these treatments affect your skin’s biology, and hear listener questions answered on long-term Botox use, microneedling and the impact of dermal fillers.Plus, Dr. Nic’s Quick Fix offers three practical takeaways to support healthy aging from the inside out.If you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in via our socials or email [email protected] you're thinking of undergoing any procedures, or changing your diet to start your own "biohacking" journey, do seek advice from a trained medical professional, and make sure anyone conducting the procedure is trained, and linked to a licensed body.Producer: Mick CoyleSound Design: James Stodd

Katie Piper spent the second half of her twenties recovering from a violent acid attack, and coming to terms with how her life had permanently changed. Nearly two decades on, her life couldn’t be more different.  In this wide-ranging conversation, Katie and Katherine cover being a wayward teenagers and how attitudes to alcohol change as you age, the false and short-acting currency of beauty, and how she found faith after her life-path was changed at 24.  As Katie observes in her 2025 book Still Beautiful, age is a gift not everybody is given, which is why she’s very happy for journalists to print her real age. She doesn’t think that traumatic life events have added to her biological age, but the day-to-day reality of being married with children may well have. Listen to this episode of What’s My Age Again to find out how accurate her predictions were. 

In this bonus episode of Dr. Nichola’s Second Opinion, Dr. Nichola Conlon gets into the science behind the hormonal shifts that come with aging, especially during perimenopause and menopause. She'll explain how hormones like oestrogen and progesterone impact everything from mood and sleep to skin and bone health, and why menopause isn’t just a symptom of aging—it can actually accelerate it.She'll break down the science behind how HRT can reverse some of the effects, and shares practical lifestyle tips to help you feel better and age smarter. Plus, your questions tackle everything from early menopause to visible aging and the real benefits of HRT.Whether you're navigating hot flushes or just curious about aging better, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.And if you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in on our socials or email [email protected] Producer: Mick CoyleSound Design: James Stodd

He didn’t win the final but Sandro Farmhouse was the star of The Bake Off 2022. He takes Katherine behind the scenes and reveals it’s not all sprinkles and icing on the show and tells her the lengths he went to, to get in that infamous tent. He’s made cakes for Little Mix, Katherine and hiss show-stopper for Stormzy brought him lots of new followers though not necessarily for the right reason.   Sandro’s early years were in Angola and he talks openly to Katherine about how fleeing war has impacted on him and Katherine’s concerned, trauma at a young age, may play out in his biological age.  Nichola delves into his exercise routine and promotes a balanced approach.  Sandro argues abs are more important than biological age and Katherine sort of agrees.  Sandro admits he still licks out the bowl on occasions and Nichola explains for people prone to a sweet tooth, the healthiest way to consume sugar.  Senior Video Producer – Elena CottonVideo Producer– David MaySocial Media -  Demi BrockwayArtwork – Ben Watkins Video Editor - Mossie CassidyHead of Video – Edie JefferysSound Designer – Rick Loynes Executive Producer – Henrietta HarrisonHead of Production – Cat MoranChief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave 

In this bonus episode Dr. Nichola Conlon explores the booming world of supplements and biohacking.Are they truly the secret to slowing aging—or just social media hype? From red light therapy and cold plunges to NAD boosters and collagen powders, Dr. Nic breaks down what’s backed by science and what might be just draining your wallet. She'll answer your questions about how to pick the right product for you, but if you're thinking about making big changes to the way you live or eat, make sure you talk it through with a medical expert first.Don’t miss Dr. Nic’s Quick Fix this week for three more practical tips you can try today to support your biological age.And if you've got a question send it in on our socials or email [email protected] Producer: Mick CoyleSound Design: James Stodd

 Having spent her twenties feeling she was both too much and not enough, at 35 Rosie Jones is happy with her age. She talks about growing up with cerebral palsy and how her parents never made her feel any different  - but how it did take her until 4 to get off her arse and start walking! She’s making up for it now – a successful writer, stand up and actor – she regularly works 16 hours days.  Her and Katherine discuss whether women, especially ones living with a disability – need to work those extra hours to earn a place at the showbiz table.  It’s a funny, fascinating insight into the world of Rosie.  She never orders soup in restaurants but tells us how she admired a man she met recently with CP who did.  Rosie tells Nichola about her diet and says her disability makes home cooking difficult but when she is at the fancy restaurants, she does order vegetables.  Rosie often has late nights so she can see her girlfriend and though sleep is good for biological age, Nichola also explains the importance of human connection.  Senior Video Producer – Elena CottonVideo Producer– David MaySocial Media -  Demi BrockwayArtwork – Ben Watkins Video Editor - Mossie CassidyHead of Video – Edie JefferysSound Designer – James StoddExecutive Producer – Henrietta HarrisonHead of Production – Cat MoranChief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave 

In this episode of Dr. Nichola’s Second Opinion, everyone's favourite scientist dives deep into one of the hottest topics in longevity science: gut health. From understanding what your microbiome is to exploring its powerful influence on aging, inflammation, mental clarity, and even skin health, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical advice. Dr. Nichola answers listener questions on bloating, brain fog, mood swings, and probiotics, and shares her “Quick Fix” tips for nurturing a youthful gut. Plus, we'll hear how many times a day Katie Price farts and what it actually means. Whether you're curious about fermented foods, wondering if gluten is your enemy, or looking for ways to reset your lifestyle for better health, this episode is your go-to guide. If you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in on our socials or email [email protected] Producer: Mick CoyleSound Design: James Stodd

 In Season One, Katherine Ryan’s age came in at 77 years – the oldest on the series. She’s bravely taken another test to find out what impact pregnancy had on her biological age and all will be revealed in this episode.  Katherine lives with the auto-immune condition Lupus and is joined by Dr Chris Wincup, a consultant rheumatologist at King’s College hospital as well as resident scientist Dr Nichola Conlon. They talk about the impact pregnancy has on biological age, why women with Lupus used to be discouraged from becoming pregnant and why monitoring is important for some women.  Plus Chris gets excited about potential breakthrough in treatment that is currently being trialled.  Senior Video Producer – Elena CottonVideo Producer– David MaySocial Media -  Demi BrockwayArtwork – Ben Watkins Video Editor - Mossie CassidyHead of Video – Edie JefferysSound Designer – Michelle HomanExecutive Producer – Henrietta HarrisonHead of Production – Cat MoranChief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave 

In this eye-opening bonus episode Dr. Nichola explores the impact of drugs and alcohol on your body's age.From the cellular stress caused by stimulants to the long-term effects of alcohol on our DNA, Dr. Nic breaks down the science behind how our party habits can fast-track our biological age. Help is at hand as she offers practical advice on how to support your body’s recovery—even if you’re starting late - and delivers her signature “Quick Fix” tips to help you age better, take control of your health, and get on top of your vices. Whether you're sober-curious or just wondering if your weekend wine habit is catching up with you, this episode is packed with insights, empathy, and science-backed strategies for living well at any age.If you want to read more information about drugs and what they do to the body, you can Talk To FrankIf you want to explore ways out of drug and alcohol use there are some useful resources and organisations here And if you've got a question for Dr Nic, send it in on our socials or email [email protected] Producer: Mick CoyleSound Design: James Stodd

With two young boys, who fight and bite, a dog and a busy career, Sara Pascoe says at the age of 44 she finally knows what stress feels like.     She came to motherhood late and conceived via IVF.  She thinks talking openly about the process will remove any shame and tells Katherine, in detail, what happened to her and her body. They discuss how an ageist society even extends to the embryos Sara and her husband have on ice.   She’s vegan, she exercises and she’s made a stand against cosmetic procedures.  She’s hoping her refusal to succumb to surgery and Botox will, in time, be rewarded with an OBE.  Nichola applauds Sara for her plant-based diet, and they talk about how best to get protein in your diet when you don’t eat meat.  Senior Video Producer – Elena CottonVideo Producer– David MaySocial Media -  Demi BrockwayArtwork – Ben Watkins Video Editor - Mossie CassidyHead of Video – Edie JefferysSound Designer – Paul Kearney Executive Producer – Henrietta HarrisonHead of Production – Cat MoranChief Creative Officer – Lucie Cave