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 We dive deep into why Andrew Wakefield's infamous autism study was retracted, how the "turbo cancer" conspiracy theory defies basic science, and why giving Hepatitis B vaccines to infants makes perfect sense despite what critics claim.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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