The Body of Evidence

Our full interview with Vox.com's Julia Belluz, health reporter. How did a prominent Canadian media fail the public while covering the HPV vaccine; the philosophy behind Vox.com; the public's perception of mainstream journalism; Zika versus Ebola; how journalists should cover pseudoscientists; and ISIS… sort of.

Are energy drinks the answer to staying awake? Or are they harmful cans of poison? Or is this a false dichotomy? Our man-on-the-street finds out that Canadian students, on top of being polite, really care about their health. Plus: Vox.com reporter Julia Belluz on one of the most embarrassing Canadian science headlines, and will a new chocolate make your skin look twenty years younger? (answer: no, but a bunch of MDs think it tastes delicious). Vox pop by Chris Sandiford (of the Ladies & Gentlemen Comedy Show). Jingle by Joseph Hackl from Voodoo Jazz. Additional music by Kevin MacLeod. Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra. The Toronto Star's retraction of the Gardasil story can be accessed here: https://www.thestar.com/news/2015/02/20/a-note-from-the-publisher.html The Motto article on Esthechoc can be read here: http://www.notey.com/@motto_unofficial/external/13281448/eating-a-piece-of-this-chocolate-every-day-could-make-you-look-younger.html The segment on THE DOCTORS promoting Esthechoc is viewable here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Ax2ltEE-M

Jonathan interviews three alternative health practitioners: a sound healer, a Reiki master, and a BodyTalker. Through these conversations, he seeks to find out how they came to believe that these practices worked and what, if anything, would change their mind.

As 2016 draws to a close, Chris and Jonathan reveal they are not perfect. Whether it's cracking up while delivering a joke or mispronouncing a host of scientific names, their ineptitude makes for great blooper fodder. Plus, the worst bits of medical news this year; favourite jingles; and science communication heroes. Happy holidays! Additional music by Kevin MacLeod (www.incompetech.com) Original music by Seth Donnelly

Chris and Jonathan interview Erica Johnson, the former co-host of CBC's Marketplace, on the topics of investigative journalism and homeopathy.

Would you like to know if you are the carrier of a horrible disease? With direct-to-consumer DNA testing, you can now bypass your doctor and see the results for yourself! But is there wisdom in choosing the DIY route? And is the information useful… or self-evident? Plus: a taste of our interview with the CBC's Erica Johnson on getting Health Canada approval for a fake remedy, and will poinsettias kill Fido this holiday season? Vox pop by Thanos Michailopoulos (@ThanosMic). Jingle by Jillian Kate. Additional music by Kevin MacLeod. Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra.

Dr. Christopher Labos and Jonathan Jarry host a one-hour version of their podcast, The Body of Evidence, on stage at the Trottier Public Science Symposium (McGill University). Their guests: Joel Achenbach (The Washington Post) and Trevor Butterworth (Sense About Science USA). Featuring a vox pop segment with Thanos Michailopoulos and music by Joseph Hackl. You can also watch the video version on our YouTube channel.

A visit to Chris' bedroom reveals fun facts about sleep and leads to bodily harm. Melatonin, sleeping pills, sleep hygiene: what works? Plus an interview with the author of the book "Statistics Done Wrong" and a discussion about Theranos and lab diagnostics. Come see us on stage October 18 at noon for the Trottier Public Science Symposium! Vox pop by David Pryde (@DavidPrydeJokes). Jingle by Jillian Kate. Additional music by Kevin MacLeod. Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra.

Yogurt is chock-full of probiotics but do these nice bacteria do anything for your health? Plus an interview with Dr. Saul Hymes on antibiotic resistance, and crowdfunding projects that overhype their science (bioluminescent plant, anyone?). Vox pop by Thanos Michailopoulos. Jingle by Joseph Hackl from Voodoo Jazz. Additional music by Kevin MacLeod. Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra.

A day at the pool leads Chris and Jonathan to talk about the evidence behind sunscreen… and restraining orders. Comedian Thanos Michailopoulos heads to ComicCon to ask Superman if he puts on SPF 30. Also: refuting the antivaccine arguments of a Montrealer and questions on herbal weight loss and vitamin C. Vox pop by Thanos Michailopoulos. Jingle by Joseph Hackl from Voodoo Jazz. Additional music by Kevin MacLeod. Theme music: "Troll of the Mountain Swing" by the Underscore Orkestra. LINKS: