Unbiased Science

This week, we dig into another common topic in the wellness world: toxic mold. Like many other pseudoscience concepts, there are tiny nuggets of truth that are misinterpreted and exaggerated to spread misinformation. To help you navigate this, we discuss what's real and what's not when it comes to mold. We cover the basics: what molds are, where they're found, and what symptoms can present with high exposure to certain molds. We dissect the wellness claims: the attribution of a wide array of symptoms to toxic mold syndrome, how it is claimed to be diagnosed, and the supposed treatments for mold toxicity. We summarize the potential harms of using unregulated supplements and diagnostic tests, and some red flags to look out for. Make sure to tune in for the whole discussion!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode, we are joined by two experts: Dr. Kevin Folta, a molecular biologist specializing in plant biology, and Dr. Nicole Keller, a general pediatrician and member of AAP, to discuss the recent position paper written by 3 pediatricians about GMO foods which is being adopted as a policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This paper has countless issues, from omission of relevant data, cherry-picked studies, and inflammatory statements not supported by evidence, and reads like an opinion piece instead of a credible analysis of data. As this will be published in Pediatrics, we discuss the major methodological flaws and the gross misrepresentation of the body of evidence on GMOs, GE technology, and foods. Aside from discussing specific false claims made, we highlight several glaring missteps in critical evaluation of the data. We discuss the implications this misinformation will have on pediatric healthcare, families, and trust in science and medicine. Make sure to listen to the whole thing!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of the pod, we discuss postpartum depression disorder (PDD) with guest Dr. Craig Chepke, a board-certified psychiatrist. We kick things off with some statistics and demographics of those who are impacted by PPD. We explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and risk factors of PPD —and distinguish it from the less serious “baby blues”. Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma associated with mental health treatment and support. The conversation also covers the development of FDA-approved medications for postpartum depression, including an oral medication called Zurzuvae (zuranolone). We discuss the FDA approval process for Zurzuvae, and the lack of approval for major depressive disorder (MDD) which limits its accessibility and coverage by insurance, making it out of reach for many individuals. We chat about the efficacy and safety of this new medication, highlighting the potential benefits it could offer to individuals in a mental health crisis. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma and barriers to treatment, as well as the need for faster-acting medications for depression. We share some personal experiences with mental health issues and treatments. We wrap with a conversation on the impact of FDA approvals on suicide prevention and the future direction of Zurzuvae’s approval (to possibly include other disorders such as MDD), and share some resources available for mental health support. You do not want to miss this episode!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we're joined by fellow misinformation debunker Dr. David Robert Grimes to dispel some pesky wellness trends and myths. We kick things off with a discussion of full-body MRIs as a voluntary preventive measure for asymptomatic individuals. We'll discuss the cognitive dissonance between these trends and recommended screenings, highlight the privilege and status symbol associated with full-body MRIs, and explore the lack of evidence supporting their use. The conversation also delves into other dangers of the wellness industry, including direct-to-consumer genetic testing and the misdiagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. We'll also explore the nocebo effect and the impact of external factors on symptoms. Then, we'll shift gears to discuss other pseudoscientific wellness practices, including IV drips, vaginal sunbathing, cryotherapy, coffee enemas, urotherapy, and bee sting and venom therapy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of evaluating evidence in totality and the challenges of cherry-picking studies. You don't want to miss this!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Marino (medical toxicologist, ER doc, and addiction specialist) to discuss the opioid crisis. We kick things off with some statistics on opioid use and overdoses and the array of health and social problems caused by the high prevalence of opioid use disorder. We take a step back to discuss the biochemistry of opioids, starting with the history of the oldest known drug, the opium poppy. We discuss the mechanism of action and some key differences between different opiates. We chat about the different waves of opioid overdose deaths and the factors that influenced them. We don't shy away from controversy (we never do!) and discuss the erosion of trust in regulatory and industry agencies that the opioid epidemic has caused. We describe the multiple factors, missteps, and failures that have brought us to this point and some of the ways that we might be able to combat this issue. You don't want to miss this important discussion!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the podcast, we're joined by Dr. Kate Baicker, a leading expert in the economic analysis of healthcare policy, to delve into the intricacies of the U.S. healthcare system. We begin by laying the groundwork with an overview of our current system's key characteristics and a breakdown of healthcare spending in the U.S. We then examine the disparities in health outcomes and life expectancy linked to sociodemographic factors. Our discussion takes a candid turn as we explore whether the U.S. healthcare system can be considered broken and share our perspectives on the most pressing issues we face today. We dissect the concepts of universal healthcare and a single-payer system (unveiling their distinct differences) and delve into specific components of the Affordable Care Act. We address the complexities of comparing healthcare systems across countries and the limitations of such comparisons. We also explore the underlying reasons behind the U.S.'s exorbitant healthcare spending and brainstorm potential solutions to enhance the cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This episode is not to be missed!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we are joined by Dr. Alison Ventura who has expertise in early childhood nutrition and development to talk about infant feeding. We kick things off with some statistics on the ways we feed infants in the US with regard to breastfeeding and formula feeding-- including variations by demographic. We discuss the reasons why an infant may receive breastmilk via bottle (versus from the breast) and debunk common myths and misconceptions about bottle feeding. We also dig into the stigma of bottle feeding and take a trip down memory lane to present the history and evolution of this feeding practice. Next, we discuss healthy bottle-feeding practices and the technique known as paced feeding. We wrap things up with a discussion of some of the latest studies on bottle feeding and some thoughts on future directions for research in this field. You don't want to miss this!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we tackle veterinary health and pet preventive medicine. We were joined by "Veterinary Hero" Dr. Matt McGlasson to dig into several important topics. We start with vet care essentials, including dental care. We address the controversy behind spaying & neutering pets and the importance of doing so. Next, we debunk misinformation surrounding pet vaccines. We chat about other important preventatives for our fur babies. We recap fad pet diets (and why you should avoid them). We wrap up with key takeaways and facts we wish more people knew about keeping our pets happy and healthy. Make sure to tune in for all the details!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's podcast episode, Professor Tim Caulfield joins us to discuss the media's impact on health policy and science literacy. We dig into the concept of false balance with recent examples, and the phenomenon where people turn to unproven wellness hacks and advice endorsed by celebrities as opposed to evidence-based expert guidance. We talk about predatory journals and publications that muddy the waters and their impact consumption of science information. And of course, we cover the motivation of those who spread misinformation and how that shapes individual and collective behaviors. This was a very interesting and dynamic conversation that you definitely don't want to miss!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's podcast episode, we tackle a topic that is splashed across every news outlet - PFAS and, more broadly, endocrine disruptors. To cover this very important issue we are joined by TWO experts: a toxicologist and a clinical endocrinologist. We start with an overview of the endocrine system and endocrine disruptors, both natural and synthetic. We then focus on PFAS specifically-- what they are, how risk is assessed, sources of PFAS, and other important concepts like bioaccumulation. We discuss perceived risk versus actual risk and myths and misconceptions about PFAS and endocrine disruptors that have led to a lot of public fear and anxiety. This is a very complex and nuanced discussion, so you'll need to tune in for all the details!Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line.PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.