What if everything you've heard about vaccines is wrong? Or maybe just wildly misunderstood? Dr. John, a Canadian internist who works at a major teaching hospital, joins us to cut through the noise and explain what's really happening with vaccine misinformation.

From the fascinating origins of vaccines (did you know the word comes from "vacca" meaning cow?) to the most persistent myths circulating today, Dr. John provides clear, evidence-based explanations that make complex immunology accessible. We dive deep into why Andrew Wakefield's infamous autism study was retracted, how the "turbo cancer" conspiracy theory defies basic science, and why giving Hepatitis B vaccines to infants makes perfect sense despite what critics claim.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore how anti-vaccine narratives exploit normal death rates to create fear, why RFK Jr.'s definition of autism is wildly inaccurate, and how the difference between long and short incubation viruses explains why some vaccines seem more effective than others. Dr. John even explains how the "died suddenly" narrative falls apart when you apply simple analytical methods to the data.

Most powerfully, we confront the common argument of "what did people do before vaccines?" with the stark reality: they died, often in massive numbers. This eye-opening discussion reveals how herd immunity protects the most vulnerable among us and why maintaining high vaccination rates matters for everyone, not just those receiving the vaccine.

Whether you're curious about vaccine science, concerned about misinformation, or just want to understand how to evaluate health claims critically, this episode provides the tools to separate fact from fiction in an increasingly confusing information landscape. Follow Dr. John on social media @dr.john.l on TikTok and @dr.john.lx on Instagram for more science-based insights that cut through the noise.

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Susana Ritchey takes us on her fascinating journey from pseudoscience believer to registered dietitian, revealing how deeply she once embraced "clean eating" myths before science education transformed her perspective. The transition wasn't immediate—it took years of graduate school and clinical experience to recognize that obsessing over "toxins" and food additives distracts from addressing the fundamental nutrition problems most Americans face.

Working primarily with children in genetics clinics, Susana offers practical wisdom for parents struggling with picky eaters. She introduces the division of responsibility framework: parents decide when, where, and what kids eat, while children decide if and how much. This approach reduces mealtime battles while establishing healthy boundaries. Her actionable tips include offering regular meals without screens, providing at least three food groups per meal with one guaranteed "safe" food, and recognizing that every exposure to a new food counts as progress—even if kids don't immediately eat it.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Susanna discusses her work with patients who have rare metabolic disorders like PKU, where protein must be severely restricted—sometimes to as little as 4 grams daily. These conditions highlight how nutrition advice can never be universal and why evidence-based approaches matter. She also addresses food affordability, offering practical suggestions like frozen produce to reduce waste and simple meal combinations that provide balanced nutrition without complexity.

For anyone overwhelmed by contradictory nutrition information, Susana's closing advice resonates powerfully: abandon perfectionism. The "all-or-nothing" approach inevitably leads to "nothing" because perfection is unsustainable. Instead, focus on small, consistent improvements that gradually enhance your diet without the pressure of flawless execution. Connect with Susana on social media @Susana.Ritchey.RD where she continues fighting nutrition misinformation with evidence-based content.

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Have you ever wondered how we figured out the most basic principles of our world? Prepare for a mind-bending journey through humanity's scientific awakening as we explore the bizarre, often accidental path of discovery that brought us from magical thinking to modern science.

In this captivating discussion, we unravel how early scientists believed burning objects released a mysterious substance with negative mass called "phlogiston," and how doctors once diagnosed diabetes by tasting patients' urine. We laugh about the accidental discoveries that changed history—like the artificial sweeteners found when scientists forgot to wash their hands before eating lunch or smoking cigarettes.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through Jan-Baptiste Van Helmont's famous willow tree experiment, the evolution of medicine from willow bark to aspirin, and how public education transformed our collective understanding of the natural world. Throughout, we reflect on how much of scientific progress came through persistence, experimentation, and sometimes sheer luck rather than the orderly process many imagine.

As we pivot to examine artificial intelligence's potential to revolutionize discovery, we confront challenging questions about who benefits from technological advancement. Will AI solve humanity's biggest problems or simply widen existing inequalities? The tension between capitalism and scientific progress emerges as we consider whether innovation can truly flourish when profit is the primary motivator.

Whether you're fascinated by the history of science, curious about chemistry's strangest stories, or concerned about our technological future, this episode will transform how you think about human knowledge. Subscribe now and join the conversation about how we came to understand our world—and where we might go next.

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What makes fitness drama so captivating, and how has social media transformed the conversation around performance-enhancing substances? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the psychology behind the endless "natty or not" debates that dominate fitness discourse online—what our hosts call "the Jersey Shore of fitness content."

The conversation takes an honest turn as our guests reflect on their own evolution as content creators. Both share candid admissions about periods where they created "drama content" for views rather than to genuinely help their audiences. This rare behind-the-scenes look reveals the internal struggles many creators face when algorithms reward controversy over constructive advice. As one guest powerfully puts it: "I would rather inform, educate and support 10,000 people and squeak by than entertain 100,000 and be rich."

We tackle the concerning rise of social media accounts promoting peptides and research chemicals with minimal safety considerations, using the paper-thin legal shield of claiming these substances are "not for human consumption" while explicitly demonstrating their use. This leads to a broader discussion about how fitness advice has become unnecessarily complicated, with "optimization bros" making simple concepts seem impossibly complex.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking conversation about health accessibility and why preventative measures are becoming increasingly important. Remember: "Don't let perfect get in the way of good enough" might be the most valuable fitness advice you'll ever receive.

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What if your body isn't your enemy, but your oldest, most loyal companion? Singer-songwriter Tessa Violet joins us for a soul-stirring conversation about transforming our relationship with our physical selves through her new healing anthem "My Body's My Buddy."

Tessa shares the profound origin story behind the song—a retreat exercise where she wrote letters from the perspective of her body, realizing that while people come and go throughout our lives, our bodies remain with us from birth until death. This revelation challenges the fitness industry's common approach of "hating yourself into a better body," offering instead a compassionate alternative: your body loves you and experiences everything alongside you, including pain.

The conversation expands into fascinating philosophical territory as we explore whether we are our bodies or simply in our bodies, and what constitutes the essence of self. Tessa explains how meditation helps her create space between herself and her thoughts, describing the mind as "a tool and a buddy, but more mischievous than my body."

We also dive into the healing power of community and vulnerability, especially for men who often feel they need to "fix" themselves before seeking connection. Through a powerful desire exercise, we demonstrate how simply expressing what we want can be both revealing and liberating.

Wrapping up this meaningful exchange, Tessa treats us to a beautiful live acoustic performance that perfectly captures the themes of our discussion: self-acceptance, healing, and the grace to begin again. Listen in and perhaps discover a new way to view your oldest, most constant relationship—the one with your own body.

You can find Tessa's music on Youtube and most streaming platforms.

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Rob and Liam return with a fast-paced debunking session that dismantles some of the most outrageous nutrition and health claims circulating on social media. After a brief personal update on Rob's challenging situation and gratitude for community support, they dive straight into combating misinformation.

The episode takes a sobering turn when addressing the rumor about schools having litter boxes for students identifying as cats. The hosts reveal the heartbreaking truth: these litter boxes exist for emergency bathroom use during active shooter lockdowns - a stark reminder of the serious realities obscured by viral misinformation.

With trademark humor and evidence-based commentary, Rob and Liam dissect numerous nutrition myths: from a chiropractor's claim that ketogenic diets don't require high fat (despite that being the very definition of keto), to fear-mongering about chickpeas, yogurt processing, and microscopic amounts of sugar in prepared chicken. They expose how these creators exploit minimal risks to generate anxiety and sell expensive alternatives, like $71 bamboo baby wipes marketed to concerned parents.

The discussion highlights how fitness influencers create unrealistic expectations through deceptive content strategies and program structures designed to keep consumers dependent on new products. Throughout, the hosts maintain their central philosophy: nutrition doesn't have to be complicated, and obsessing over minor ingredients creates unnecessary stress and barriers to healthy eating.

By the end, listeners are reminded to approach health information with critical thinking, recognize predatory marketing tactics, and embrace moderation rather than extremism. As Rob and Liam conclude: take a deep breath, step back from overwhelming social media claims, and remember - it's all going to be fine. Don't be your worst.

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What drives nutrition experts up the wall? In this candid, unfiltered conversation with EvidenceNutrition (Edin), Liam, and Rob dive deep into the most frustrating myths and misconceptions plaguing the nutrition space today.

The gloves come off as they tackle head-on the absurdity of claims like "pomegranates make your breasts perkier" while breaking down why study methodology matters and why some claims are too ridiculous to even warrant scientific investigation. Through equal parts exasperation and humor, they expose the tactics used by content creators who prioritize engagement over accuracy.

From the demonization of carbohydrates—"the primary energy source of the body"—to unfounded fears about seed oils and diet sodas, the conversation reveals how nuanced nutritional science gets flattened into misleading black-and-white narratives on social media. For Edin, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, these mischaracterizations aren't just annoying—they can be potentially dangerous.

The episode takes a fascinating turn when the three break down the exact formula for creating viral fear-mongering content: take a beloved product, claim it contains something "banned in Europe," create a shocking visual, and watch the views roll in regardless of accuracy. This insider perspective helps listeners develop a critical eye for the content they consume.

Perhaps most revealing is their discussion about creator integrity and brand deals, where they share stories about declining lucrative offers from companies whose products they couldn't honestly endorse. It's a rare glimpse into the ethical challenges nutrition content creators face in an industry where financial incentives can sometimes encourage compromise.

Want to cut through the noise and understand which nutrition claims deserve your attention? This episode delivers equal parts entertainment and education from three creators committed to evidence over engagement.

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Ever wonder what happens when a bearded, tattooed guy starts wearing glitter and red dresses on social media? Kevin (aka Iron Sanctuary) reveals the wild journey that took him from construction worker to viral TikTok sensation with millions of followers practically overnight.

What began as comedy videos parodying "five-minute crafts" during early COVID lockdowns evolved into something far more meaningful. Kevin shares how radical transparency about his struggles with mental health and addiction created deep connections with viewers who felt seen for perhaps the first time. "I spent a lot of time trying to give as much of a view into my life and be as vulnerable as possible," he explains, "because social media is very skewed."

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Kevin reveals that his recent return to creating raw, authentic mental health content has literally saved lives. "Six separate people have messaged me and said that was the day they were going to check out, and they didn't because of that video," he shares, highlighting what true purpose feels like after a period of feeling lost following health scares and stepping back from competitive bodybuilding.

Whether discussing his "do it anyway" philosophy that builds mental resilience, the brotherhood of the traveling red dress that somehow got Papa Roach's lead singer into women's clothing within five minutes of meeting, or the challenges of taking yourself seriously in a world gone mad, this episode delivers equal parts hilarity and heart. As Kevin puts it, "Life is absurd. You have to embrace the absurdity, otherwise what are you going to do?"

Connect with this bearded mental health warrior across all platforms @IronSanctuary and discover his clothing line "Fighting Mental Illness, One Rep at a Time" or his approach to fitness coaching that addresses both physical and mental wellbeing.

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