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#154 - Behind the Mike - Matthew Walker - Part 1

Hej Mike - what do you think about you doing a podcast?” said Malin.

Yeah, that’d be cool !

After all, it seems like other people think it would be a good idea …

p.s. - it’s worth following Aimee and Mollie on LinkedIn …

Don’t get me wrong - I love writing blogs. It’s a great way to express what the sleep science means.

And I must say that many scientific articles are really dry.

But if you’re a scientist reading this, just be aware that reviewers don’t really like you to spruce up your scientific writing - especially Reviewer 2 …

Now I don’t know who Reviewer #2 is, nor have I known who the hundreds of other reviewers of our studies have been.

But reviewers and editors are the gatekeepers of scientific quality - and simultaneously ensuring that published studies are boring AF.

But not always - sometimes we get to slip something fun in …

So when Sleep Cycle got the idea to do a podcast, I knew there would be no Reviewer 2. Because these Swedes know how to push the envelope and have fun …

Professor Matthew Walker is arguably the world’s most well known sleep expert.

The first time I knew he existed was when I attended a conference in Manchester in 2012. Matt was one of the keynote speakers.

His research investigating the emotional aspects of human memory was both clever and fascinating. But probably what stood out more was his presentation style. No one was delivering a talk like he was - it was like a performance. And it was flawless.

And that’s the only time I’ve been in the same room with Matt.

And we’ve never spoken.

Until now …

Interviewing people for a podcast is a gift.

At the end of it all, there is a final product that could also be considered a gift.

And along the way - memories are made.

I certainly did not do this alone. I had the expertise of Malin and Andreas at Sleep Cycle. Two pieces of furniture at this successful company - but if they were any type of furniture, they’s be those two comfy chairs facing each other at a slight angle, in front of a gentle fire.

And of course, the man in the centre of the stage - Matt Walker - talks about a topic he’s passionate about - for the very first time.

He was so passionate, that his answers spanned almost two hours.

So if you have access to an Apple device or Apple ID account, here is the first episode of …