Dr. Shaun Holt holds Pharmacy and Medicine degrees, has conducted over 50 clinical trials and has over 200 publications in the medical literature. He is a global expert on the science behind natural products and therapies.

Shaun is the author of 10 books including the bestseller "Natural Remedies That Really Work" and “Medical Cannabis - a brief guide for New Zealanders”. He was a finalist in the 2015 New Zealander of the Year Awards in the Innovator category and a finalist in the 2019 New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

As well as multiple appearances on radio and TV shows, he has given a TEDx talk and appeared on a Netflix documentary.

Shaun currently offers the following talks and is working on several others. They have been well received already on multiple cruise ship and are regularly given to community groups in New Zealand. As well as health, Shaun is a world expert on the science behin natural products and therapies and is also a Mediterranean and New Zealand destination specialist lecturer.

Health

1. Medicines from the Hive - the medical uses of honey and bee venom
Humans have been using honey for medical purposes for at least 4000 years and recent research has shown that it is an effective treatment for many medical conditions. Other products from bees are also effective, including bee venom that can help with pain and remove wrinkles!

2. Natural Products and Therapies: which work, which don't....and how to tell the difference.
Do you know the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath? A homeopath and a
naturopath? Whether rescue remedy, ginger, or B vitamins are worth taking? Learn about the evidence behind natural products and therapies, and ask about ones that you use or are thinking about.

3. Omega 3 101
We all know that fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are good for us. But what is the difference between all the different products you see on the shelves? Should you eat fish or take a supplement? What’s the difference between omega-3 and omega-6, between fish oil and krill oil, between DHA and EPA?

4. Churchills' ills - Winston’s amazing medical story
Churchill survived multiple health scares to become one of the world's greatest leaders. Crashed a plane, thrown from a camel and survived an attempt to throw him under a train....all whilst he was in his thirties!

5. Medical Cannabis
It’s a hot topic in both medicine and business at the moment. What does science say about the possible medical benefits of this widely used plant...and what are potential risks?

6. Probiotics 101
Many of us eat yoghurt or take probiotic pills. But do they work? And for which conditions. After this talk you will know why there are billions of reasons to take a probiotic!

7. Complementary therapies Q&A
Most people take vitamins, supplements or herbal products, or use other forms of natural, complementary or alternative medicines. In this open session you can ask about the science of any that you use, are thinking of using, or are simply interested in.

8. The Science of Sips: the Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee
Your favourite cuppa is good for health as well. New research has found that tea can make your brain, muscles, bones and heart stronger. And coffee can make you smarter, thinner and faster, and may reduce your chances of getting diabetes. But like everything, too much can be a bad thing.

9. Alternative Medicine: weird & extreme healthcare practices
Alternative medicines and therapies are healthcare products or practices that are
taken or used instead of standard medical therapies. Some of the most interesting and controversial of these therapies are discussed, including: colonic irrigation, ear candling, cupping, colloidal silver and massive doses of vitamins. This is often a light-hearted and humorous presentation, but with a serious underlying message.

10. Remarkable Research - important and fascinating recent medical studies
There are around 10,000 medical journals published every month, each containing many reports on medical research studies. Cutting-edge medical research is not only fascinating but the findings can also contribute enormously to our health and wellbeing. Many remarkable studies are presented in an easy-to-follow manner, discussed, and the merits of them debated.


Mediterranean destinations

1. Mediterranean Medicine
As well as the Mediterranean diet there are so many other foods and health products from this part of the world

2. Leonardo da Vinci, the scientist
Perhaps better known as an artist, da Vinci was also one of the greatest early scientists and inventors.

3. Mediterranean plants that heal & plants that harm
Plants such as rosemary and thyme possess healing properties, whereas plants such as oleander and belladonna can be toxic.

4. Medicine in ancient Greece and Rome
Combined philosophy, observation, & herbal remedies. Influential figures like Hippocrates & Galen emphasized ethics & holistic approaches, laying the foundations for modern medical practices & ethics.


New Zealand destinations

1. Kia ora mate!
Ehilst all kiwis primarily speak English, the Indigenous language of Māori is also significant. Diverse linguistic heritage reflects rich cultures and histories of the nations.

2. New Zealand honey
Produced from the nectar of the Manuka & Kanuka trees in New Zealand, it is renowned for its unique antibacterial properties and health benefits, making it highly sought after.

3. Sport - its not just the All Blacks & the Americas Cup.
The nation celebrates athletic achievements and values community participation in sports.

4. Highlights of New Zealand
The most spectacular, famous, must-see places in NZ, and also some of the more quirky and off-the-beaten track places to see.

5. Famous people from New Zealand
Famous kiwis include Sir Edmund Hillary, pioneering mountaineer; actress Anna Paquin; filmmaker Taika Waititi; singer Lorde & recent Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

6. NZ Flora & Fauna
New Zealand's flora and fauna are unique, featuring ancient forests, endemic bird species like the kiwi, and diverse plant life including ferns, kauri trees, and alpine flowers.

7. TV, movies & music from NZ
These include "The Lord of the Rings" films, musicians like Lorde & Crowded House and Flight of the Conchords' quirky comedy.

8. A brief history of New Zealand
From Māori settlement around 1300 AD, British colonization in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi, independence movements, to its unique cultural bicultural identity today.


Australia destinations

1. Medical honey
Produced from the nectar of the Manuka & Kanuka trees down under, it is renowned for its unique antibacterial properties and health benefits, making it highly sought after around the world.

2. Sports and National Identity in Australia
Cricket, AFL, rugby, etc and their role in Australian culture.

3. The Science Behind Australia's Natural Remedies
Overview of the therapeutic properties and uses of iconic Australian plants like tea tree, eucalyptus, and kakadu plum.