Critically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson discuss his book, Shame-Sex Attraction, which explores the experiences of conversion therapy survivors. Lucas explains that conversion therapy aims to change sexual orientation or gender identity, despite its ineffectiveness and harmful nature. He traces the history of conversion practices from the 1800s to the present, highlighting various methods like electroshock therapy and aversion therapy, and their rapid growth after 1976 up through the heyday in the early 2000s. Dr. Wilson shares his personal journey through conversion therapy...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joe Pierre discuss the phenomenon of false beliefs, as explored in his book, False. Joe explains the distinction between clinical delusions and delusion-like beliefs, emphasizing the continuum of belief conviction and the role of motivated reasoning. He highlights the impact of political affiliation on belief spread and the concept of "suicide by false belief." Joe also discusses the importance of intellectual humility, cognitive flexibility, and analytical thinking in combating misinformation. He notes Finland's success in addressing misinformation...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Teresa Lynch discuss the portrayal of women in video games and its impact on gender stereotypes. Teresa explains her research on gender stereotypes in media, influenced by her personal gaming experiences. She highlights the evolution of female character representation, noting a shift from sexualized to more diverse and empowered portrayals. They also address the economic significance of the gaming industry, which generated $59 billion in consumer spending in the U.S. in 2021, and the prevalence of online gaming, with 89% of gamers playing online weekly....
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Jill Dixon discuss the rising food insecurity in the U.S., highlighting the critical role of food banks. Jill explains that food banks coordinate efforts across 200+ food banks and thousands of food pantries. The Food Depot in Northern New Mexico serves 43,000 people annually, distributing 10 million pounds of food. Recent cuts to federal programs like TEFAP and SNAP have significantly impacted food banks, with the Food Depot losing 10% of its food supply and 58,000 New Mexicans at risk of losing SNAP benefits. Dixon emphasizes the need for community support...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Irin Carmon discuss Irin’s new book, “Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America.” 80% of maternal deaths in the United States are due to completely preventable reasons. She highlights the three pillars of reproductive justice: the right not to have a child, the right to have a child, and the right to parent in a safe community. She shares her personal experiences and those of five women to illustrate systemic inequalities in maternal care. Irin emphasizes the need for respectful, autonomous care and the impact of systemic racism and...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Michael Thomas discuss Critical Race Theory (CRT). Dr. Thomas explains CRT as a framework for understanding persistent racism post-Civil Rights Era, emphasizing its structural presence in law, education, and urban planning. He highlights the misconceptions around CRT, noting it's often misrepresented in legislative efforts to ban it. Dr. Thomas also discusses systemic racism, implicit vs. explicit racism, and the concept of white privilege. He shares personal anecdotes and research on white Southerners' awareness of racial advantages, and critiques...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Law Professor Anya Prince discuss the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. DTC testing, which began in the 1990s and grew significantly by the 2010s, allows individuals to purchase genetic tests without a doctor's prescription. By 2021, 100 million people globally used DTC testing. Companies like 23andMe and Ancestry offer ancestry, health, and wellness information. However, concerns include data privacy, potential genetic discrimination, and the accuracy of health results. Professor Prince breaks down the 2023 data breach at 23andMe,...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Dorothy Leidner discuss the growing trend of personal relationships with AI, including AI-generated therapists and romantic partners. Dr. Leidner highlights the history of AI in therapy, noting the shift from rule-based systems in the 60s to generative models today. She emphasizes the potential dangers, such as AI encouraging harmful behaviors and replacing real human interaction. She also discusses the lack of regulation in the U.S. and the need for responsible AI development. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing AI as a...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and P.E. Moskowitz discuss P.E.’s new book, Breaking Awake, which explores their lifelong struggle with trauma and mental health. They recount their near-death experience in Charlottesville in 2017 and their subsequent journey of self-discovery. P.E. critiques the reliance on SSRIs and other medications for mental health, arguing these provide temporary relief but do not address the root causes of trauma. They emphasize the importance of community and collective grieving in addressing societal stressors. P.E. also highlights the societal pressures that drive...
info_outlineCritically Speaking
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Amaal Starling discuss the prevalence and impact of migraines, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Dr. Starling highlights the genetic and hormonal factors and discusses the different subtypes of migraines. They delve into the importance of talking to your doctor or seeing a headache specialist if you are experiencing headaches and migraines, as well as the economic burden of migraines in the US. Finally, they discuss exciting new treatment options, ones that have been developed over the last decade. Key Takeaways: There is...
info_outlineIn this episode, Therese Markow and Law Professor Anya Prince discuss the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. DTC testing, which began in the 1990s and grew significantly by the 2010s, allows individuals to purchase genetic tests without a doctor's prescription. By 2021, 100 million people globally used DTC testing. Companies like 23andMe and Ancestry offer ancestry, health, and wellness information. However, concerns include data privacy, potential genetic discrimination, and the accuracy of health results. Professor Prince breaks down the 2023 data breach at 23andMe, discusses what DTC companies do with customer data (including DNA samples), and what third parties may be interested in the data collected by these companies.
Key Takeaways:
-
There are hundreds of DTC genetic testing companies out there with a variety of levels of security measures. Some are going to be more secure than others.
-
Depending on which DTC company you use, some will destroy your genetic sample, but others may keep it indefinitely, potentially for future research and use.
-
The US doesn't have any general data privacy protections, nor any broad genetic privacy action or protection. However, many states are beginning to pass general data protection laws.
-
There is no right or wrong answer for participating in genetic testing. It is something each needs to weigh the pros and cons for themselves and understand what is important to them and the risks they are willing to take.
"For the most part, DTC companies can do a lot with your data, and the customer doesn't have too much control over it. The main protection is a company's privacy policy." — Anya Prince
Connect with Anya Prince:
Professional Bio: https://law.uiowa.edu/people/anya-prince
Publications: https://library.law.uiowa.edu/anya-er-prince
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anya-prince-3a06b171/
Connect with Therese:
Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net
Threads: @critically_speaking
Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net
Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.