In this episode, Neil Tangal and Dr. Christoph Thaiss, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania, sit and discuss the idea of the microbiome as a switchboard for the human body. Dr. Thaiss talks about his work exploring gut-brain signaling and interoception, as well as Spyridon Biotechnology, his new startup. Potential therapeutics are discussed, where this gut-brain axis could be used in widespread applications such as obesity and addiction. Thaiss then emphasizes the need for whole body research as opposed to more niche specializations.