Anatomy is for everybody and every body.
BODY BANTER
Welcome to Body Banter, a podcast where we explore different perspectives of the human body in all its forms! Our hosts, Dr. Claudia Krebs and Dr. Segun Oyedele, are joined by an amazing line up of guests to share their expertise and thoughts about what the human body means to them. Our guests come from all over the world and include researchers, clinicians, anatomy instructors, scholars of language and culture, and people with lived experiences navigating the healthcare system. Anatomy is for everybody and every body, and we are here to get the body banter going!
#43 | Jason Mussell: Human Bodies, Human Choices
28 October 2026 | 46:21
In this thought-provoking episode of Body Banter, anatomist and educator Jason Mussell explores the ethical responsibilities of teaching human anatomy, emphasizing the profound generosity of body donors and the importance of treating them with dignity, empathy, and respect. He reflects on how anatomical education has evolved to place greater emphasis on informed consent, transparency, and the humanity of those who donate their bodies to science. He also challenges educators to rethink what students truly need to learn, discussing how artificial intelligence can support education while highlighting the irreplaceable value of human judgment, critical thinking, and personal connection. From the complexities of anatomy to the history and ethics that shape our understanding of the human body, Jay reminds us that meaningful learning begins with recognizing the person behind the anatomy.
#42 | Nicole Bailey & John (Kip) Kramer: Pain, Perception, and Possibility
09 September 2026 | 37:39
Pain is universal—understanding it is anything but simple. In this episode of Body Banter, pain researcher Kip Kramer and medical student and chronic pain advocate Nicole Bailey take us inside the fascinating, often misunderstood world of chronic pain. Kip explores the science behind how pain works and the search for better treatments, while Nicole shares her powerful journey from severe, life-altering pain to reclaiming her identity, finding purpose, and turning her lived experience into a strength. Together, they reveal why understanding pain takes more than biology—it takes empathy, patient-centred care, and listening to the people who live with pain every day.
#41 | Sienna Cenere: The Art of Anatomy in Numbers
10 August 2026 | 37:30
What happens when art and anatomy collide? Artist Sienna Cenere answers that question through “numberism,” her one-of-a-kind technique that transforms scientific data and equations into mesmerizing portraits of the natural world. On Body Banter, Sienna shares her remarkable journey from self-taught artist to anatomy student and dissector, revealing how drawing with data has helped her understand complex science while giving others a new way to connect with the human body. From the intricate beauty of the kidney to the mechanics of muscles and movement, her work turns the hidden science within us into art that is both accessible and deeply captivating. Join us for a conversation about curiosity, discovery, and Sienna’s mission to help everyone see—and appreciate—the extraordinary beauty beneath the skin.
#40 | Christine Palmay: Strong Bodies Strong Communities: Protecting Health Through Immunization
11 September 2025 | 34:07
Welcome back to Body Banter after summer break! This month, Dr. Christine Palmay shares her perspective as a family physician passionate about preventative care, particularly immunizations. She explains how RSV, a highly contagious respiratory virus, impacts both infants and older adults, and discusses the recent advances in protection, including monoclonal antibodies for children and vaccines for older populations. Dr. Palmay emphasizes that good medicine is about prevention, urging patients to view vaccines as part of a broader investment in health, vitality, and time with loved ones. She also shares her holistic approach to healthcare, reminding listeners that staying well depends not only on science and vaccines but also on everyday basics like movement, connection, and self-care.
#39 | Sarina M: Invisible Illness - The Weight of Long COVID
13 June 2025 | 36:54
This time on Body Banter, Sarina M shares her powerful and personal experience living with long COVID following two severe infections. She describes the wide-ranging impacts on her body—from respiratory struggles and chronic fatigue to muscle pain and visual disturbances—as well as the emotional toll of navigating an invisible illness. Sarina emphasizes the importance of being believed and supported by healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for empathy and patient-centered care. Despite the challenges, she speaks with resilience about recovery, self-compassion, and rebuilding her relationship with her body.
#38 | Martine Dunnwald: How Anatomy Got Under My Skin
08 May 2025 | 37:46
In this episode, Martine Dunnwald shares her journey from studying pharmacy and cell biology in France to becoming a skin biologist and educator in the US. She describes how a chance research collaboration sparked her interest in craniofacial biology and how her resilience during funding challenges led her to discover a passion for teaching anatomy. Martine emphasizes the value of foundational anatomical sciences and interdisciplinary collaboration in both research and education. Her approach blends science, art, and music, reflecting a deep appreciation for the human body—especially the often-overlooked skin.
#37 | Janet Philp: Who Gets to Learn Anatomy? Exploring the Ethics of Access with Crafty Innovation
14 March 2025 | 47:13
This week on Body Banter, Janet Philp shares her unconventional path into the field of anatomy, driven by a passion for accurate anatomical education. She discusses her research on the history of body donation, including the notorious Burke and Hare case, and examines how access to dissection is regulated. Janet also explores her innovative use of felted anatomical models, which make learning more interactive and accessible for both students and the public. Her work highlights the importance of rethinking how anatomy is taught, who has access to it, and how creative approaches can enhance understanding.
#36 | Claire Smith: How One Body Donation Sparked a Conversation on Ethics
05 February 2025 | 44:26
Welcome to the fifth season of Body Banter! In our opening episode, Professor Claire Smith shares her journey into anatomy, driven by personal health experiences and a fascination with body donation. She explores the complex motivations behind donation, including altruism and a desire to contribute to medical education. A key discussion revolves around "My Dead Body," a documentary featuring the dissection of Toni, a body donor who wished to educate the public about cancer, sparking both praise and controversy. Claire also reflects on ethical questions surrounding donor consent, anonymity, and how anatomical education is evolving to be more transparent and inclusive.
#35 | Christopher Smith: The Intersection of Art and Science: Revealing the Secrets of the Inner Ear
20 November 2024 | 40:33
In our final episode of 2024, Dr. Christopher Smith takes us through his unique path from exercise science and fine arts to his role as a postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History. Combining his artistic training with scientific research, Chris explores the evolution of the inner ear and its role in balance and spatial awareness. He shares how his interdisciplinary approach, blending creativity with analytical precision, opens new doors for understanding anatomy and its functions. Chris’s journey underscores the transformative power of merging art and science to uncover insights into human evolution.
#34 | Valerie O'Loughlin: Unlocking Anatomy with Inclusivity, Mentorship, and the Power of Embryology
16 October 2024 | 40:39
In this episode Dr. Valerie O'Loughlin shares her unconventional journey into the fields of anatomy and embryology, from studying biological anthropology to becoming a tenured professor of anatomy. She reflects on how early challenges with understanding embryology sparked her passion for creating accessible and innovative learning tools to help students grasp complex concepts. Valerie highlights the importance of inclusivity in teaching, emphasizing the use of non-gendered language and communicating science in ways that everyone can understand. Her commitment to mentorship and advancing educational research in anatomy has made a lasting impact on both her students and the field.
The Hosts
Claudia Krebs
Dr. Claudia Krebs, MD, PhD, has been teaching neuroanatomy and gross anatomy to MD undergraduates, biomedical engineering and allied health professions at UBC for over a decade. She focuses on integrating technology and novel visual approaches in the classroom, particularly with AR and VR. In 2017, Dr. Krebs created the HIVE (Hackspace for Innovation and Visualization in Education), a multidisciplinary space for innovation in biomedical education, such as the creation of educational xR apps. Along with local and global collaborators, Dr. Krebs is creating a library of open educational resources, including videos, e-books and interactive web materials.
Olusegun Oyedele
Dr. Olusegun Oyedele, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the UBC Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, as well as in the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Southern Medical Program (SMP), at the UBC Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. He also teaches and oversees the case-based learning curriculum at SMP. Over the past decade, Dr. Oyedele has taught anatomy and all its subdisciplines to pre-clerkship students in the UBC MD Undergraduate Program. His research focuses on medical education, particularly on small group learning pedagogies, and on how case-based learning equips medical students for clinical decision-making during clerkship and beyond.