Critically Speaking
On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.
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Dr. David Hill: Peanut and Food Allergies in Children
03/24/2026
Dr. David Hill: Peanut and Food Allergies in Children
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. David Hill discuss the rise of peanut allergies in children. David explains that anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is common in children, often triggered by food. He emphasizes the importance of early allergen introduction to prevent allergies. The LEAP study from 2015 showed that introducing peanuts before six months reduces the risk of peanut allergy. They also discuss other common allergies and the fact that many children outgrow milk and egg allergies by age four. Key Takeaways: The major allergens are milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and sesame, which are among the most common foods around the world. Thus we must do everything we can to prevent food allergy in the first place. The part of the immune system that causes allergic reactions, was originally evolved to fight parasites. There is still a lot to learn about what causes allergies. Multiple people are working on it now, and we will likely see, in the coming years, new risk factors emerging. "In the first year, specifically somewhere between four to six months of age (once the child is able to handle a solid food in their mouth and swallow appropriately), at that point, we should start to introduce the major allergens." — Dr. David Hill Connect with Dr. David Hill: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Fred Miller: The Autoimmune Disease Epidemic
03/17/2026
Dr. Fred Miller: The Autoimmune Disease Epidemic
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Fred Miller discuss the autoimmune disease epidemic, highlighting the economic burden and the rise of diseases like juvenile diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Miller explains that autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body, affecting various organs. He notes that there are at least 150 types of autoimmune diseases, with prevalence rates varying from 0.1% to 5% of the population - the exact number is unknown due to the need for better registries to track these diseases. Dr. Miller also discusses the role of genetics and environmental factors, lifestyle, and exposure to chemicals. He also mentions new treatments and the importance of lifestyle changes in prevention and management. Key Takeaways: Virtually any organ system or tissue in the body can be damaged by the immune system, which makes autoimmune diseases difficult to assess, diagnose, and treat, as they can be so varied from person to person, and they can change over time. There are no fully agreed-upon definitions for autoimmune diseases. As such, we don’t know how many there are, but most experts would say at least 150 different types. All of the autoimmune diseases are developed from interactions of many genes and many environmental risk factors in combination. Various environmental exposures might not change the genes themselves, but they might alter the normal way that genes are supposed to be turned on and off. "We really don't have a way to measure all of these yet, but we are expanding the range of the types of exposures we can measure every year, and there are a few ways of capturing which exposures or mixtures of them we've experienced at what times, and by integrating all these together into a single number, this could help us understand the cumulative exposures that are that are probably important for the development of these diseases." — Dr. Fred Miller Connect with Dr. Fred Miller: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. John Kisiel: Early Cancer Detection Liquid Biopsy
03/10/2026
Dr. John Kisiel: Early Cancer Detection Liquid Biopsy
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. John Kisiel discuss early cancer detection using liquid biopsies. Dr. Kisiel explains that liquid biopsies detect cancer signals in blood and urine, including tumor cells, fragments, proteins, and DNA. He highlights the FDA's approval of a blood test for colon cancer and the development of multi-cancer early detection tests. Dr. Kisiel notes that false positive and false negative rates vary by test. He emphasizes the potential of liquid biopsies to complement, not replace, standard screening methods and the need for further validation and clinical trials. Key Takeaways: Liquid biopsies have been used in the oncology community to test if cancer is still present, may need additional or more aggressive treatment, or if the cancer has come back. Each test will have its own false positive and false negative rate, partially based on where manufacturers set the thresholds for that positive/negative result. Peripheral blood-based tests for colon cancer do not detect polyps, and it's the finding and removing of polyps that actually offers the greatest preventive benefit, so that somebody never gets cancer in the first place. "Another word of cautious optimism, I think that I, personally, and many other people active in the space really view these as an addition to standard of care cancer screening and not a replacement." — Dr. John Kisiel Connect with Dr. John Kisiel: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Stacy Andersen: Living to be a Hundred
03/03/2026
Dr. Stacy Andersen: Living to be a Hundred
Some people live more than a hundred years with no health problems and very little cognitive decline. How come? While healthy lifestyles certainly play a part in healthy aging, these “centenarians” share a number of special biological attributes. Furthermore, these attributes, along with attaining an age of 100 or greater, show a strong genetic component. Dr. Stacy Andersen of the Boston University School of Medicine has been studying these centenarians and the factors that are associated with not only their attaining an advanced age, but also doing so with no history of major physical or mental health problems. In her interview, Dr. Andersen discusses what she and her colleagues have discovered about this unusual group of older people. Key Takeaways: Centenarians are people who have reached 100 years of age, while “supercentenarians” are 110 and older. Recent studies of these groups of adults reveal that during their lives, they have “escaped” diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, dementia, and diabetes that cause earlier mortality among adults born at the same time. Dr. Andersen discusses her work on the genetic bases for being an “escaper”, as well as the lifestyle and personality characteristics they have in common. "The older you get, the healthier you’ve been." — Dr. Stacy Andersen Connect with Dr. Stacy Andersen: BUMC Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Kari Nadeau: Microplastics in Our Bodies
02/24/2026
Dr. Kari Nadeau: Microplastics in Our Bodies
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kari Nadeau discuss the presence and health effects of microplastics in our bodies. Microplastics can enter our bodies through various environmental routes, including food, water, and air. They are in everyone’s bodies to some degree. Microplastics have been linked to health issues like stroke, cancer, and heart attacks. Simple actions like avoiding single-use plastics and processed foods can reduce microplastic levels in the blood by up to 80% in three months. Dr. Nadeau emphasizes the need for further research and consumer awareness to mitigate plastic pollution. Key Takeaways: A microplastic, scientifically, is anything between 1 micron (the size of a red blood cell or an immune cell) to 5 millimeters (the size of a sesame seed). Anything smaller than that is a nanoplastic. Plastics are chemicals. Plastics, as we know them, did not exist before the 1940s. Now we see them in so many places, from healthcare to food to our clothing. In the US, we are getting about a credit card's worth of plastic per week in what we eat. In Indonesia, it is more like a credit card amount per day. The amount varies around the world. "We really need to think about air and water and soil as ways that these plastics can get into our bodies." — Dr. Kari Nadeau Episode References: Environmental Working Group: Jung YS, et al. Characterization and regulation of microplastic pollution for protecting planetary and human health. Environ Pollut. 2022 Dec 15;315:120442. Ward CP, Reddy CM. We need better data about the environmental persistence of plastic goods, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 117 (26) 14618-14621. Ziani K, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Mititelu M, Neacșu SM, Negrei C, Moroșan E, Drăgănescu D, Preda OT. Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 25;15(3):617. Leslie, H. A. et al. (2022). Plastic particles in cosmetics and personal care products: A review. Science of the Total Environment, 822, 153406. Connect with Dr. Kari Nadeau: Professional Bio & Studies: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Lise Eliot: Brain Development, Sex, Gender
02/17/2026
Dr. Lise Eliot: Brain Development, Sex, Gender
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Lise Eliot discuss neurosexism and brain differences between males and females. Dr. Eliot explains that historical brain comparisons often aimed to prove women's inferiority, citing examples like weighing cadaver brains. Modern MRI studies show minor structural differences, but still present significant methodological challenges. She highlights that brain plasticity and social experiences shape gender differences, noting that women tend to have more active default mode networks, linked to anxiety and rumination. She emphasizes that gender is a psychological phenomenon, not strictly binary, and that early life experiences significantly influence brain development. Key Takeaways: Sex is a biological phenomenon determined by physical characteristics and some secondary characteristics. Gender is a psychological phenomenon and is not binary - there are multiple dimensions of gender. Without brain plasticity, you would be unable to learn anything. While the brain has more plasticity when you’re young, the brain can continue to learn and form new pathways even in adulthood. Gender is a uniquely human attribute - other animals do not have gender. This is something that humans have invented and reinvented in every culture to adapt our different physical bodies and reproductive roles to a social environment. "I'm really starting to think about gender learning as almost like learning a language. You learn the language, you learn the rules and the symbols of being a boy or being a girl until it's finally internalized, and you reach this moment of gender identity thanks to endless clues in your environment, and this strong drive to find your place and find your identity and social community." — Dr. Lise Eliot Connect with Dr. Lise Eliot: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Books: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Catherine Lebel & Dr. Sam Nivins: Disruptors of Fetal Brain Development
02/10/2026
Dr. Catherine Lebel & Dr. Sam Nivins: Disruptors of Fetal Brain Development
In this episode, Therese Markow, Dr. Catherine Lebel, and Dr. Sam Nivins discuss the impact of prenatal factors on fetal brain development. Catherine explains how MRI can detect subtle brain changes due to prenatal alcohol exposure, even at low levels, and emphasizes the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. Sam discusses the effects of maternal obesity before pregnancy on brain development, noting sex-specific differences and the importance of early intervention. Both also touch on the impact of stressors, such as natural disasters, and the need for early identification and support for children with potential reading difficulties. Key Takeaways: Even exposing a fetus to one alcoholic drink per week during pregnancy shows a detectable difference in brain structure compared to kids who had no alcohol exposure at all. The same is true of prenatal maternal obesity, even if the obesity is preconceptional. Reading is a skill that must be taught to children. Prereading skills lay the foundation for later reading. And prereading skills can be visualized with brain imaging. When you know what part of the brain is affected, you can better tailor interventions to target those particular consequences. "People who have good support from a partner or other folks in their lives, not only do they tend to do better, but their kids tend to do better too." — Dr. Catherine Lebel Connect with Dr. Lebel and Dr. Nivins Dr. Lebel’s Professional Bio & Publications: Dr. Nivins’ Professional Bio & Publications: Website: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dorothy Roberts: The Mixed Marriage Project - Race
02/03/2026
Dorothy Roberts: The Mixed Marriage Project - Race
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dorothy Roberts discuss her book "The Mixed Marriage Project," which explores her father's unpublished research on mixed marriages in Chicago. Dorothy's father, a white anthropology professor, interviewed over 500 black-white couples from the 1930s to the 1960s. The book blends personal stories, historical insights, and interviews, revealing the challenges and discrimination faced by interracial couples. They also discuss Dorothy’s mother's remarkable journey from Jamaica to Chicago and the impact of her parents' interracial marriage on her life. The book highlights systemic racism and the one-drop rule, emphasizing the need for societal love and equality. Key Takeaways: All black movements can be linked back to the Marcus Garvey Movement, which started in Jamaica. Even within early mixed marriages and organizations for these couples, such as the Manassas Club, there were harmful stereotypes within these groups. To interracial couples, the biggest barrier was the barrier of the black belt that was created by racially restricted covenants and mob violence against black people. "The One-Drop Rule was instituted to support white supremacy, and also it proves that race is not a natural division of human beings. Who is black, who is white, depends entirely on social rules, which might be instituted in law, or they're just part of societal norms and expectations. But they're not biological, they're not natural. They're made up." — Dorothy Roberts Connect with Dorothy Roberts: Professional Bio: Website: Book: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Tami Rowen: Q and A - Women's Health
01/27/2026
Dr. Tami Rowen: Q and A - Women's Health
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Tami Rowen discuss the listener questions that arose from her last episode on Critically Speaking. From drinking soy milk as a substitute for estrogen, the complex relationship between the number of children you have and breast cancer risk, dense breast tissue, early menstruation, hormone replacement therapy, and more. Listen in for the answers to your questions! Key Takeaways: Soy is not in any way a substitute for estrogen. How it affects your circulating estrogens depends on your age. While the number of kids you have is inconclusive regarding its relationship to breast cancer, breastfeeding has been shown in every study to be preventative against breast cancer. The number one killer of women is heart disease. It's not breast cancer. "A period is a bleed in response to ovulation, and that is coming from the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus, so you can have a problem at any of those levels." — Dr. Tami Rowen Episode Reference: Welcome to the Wild West of Testosterone: Connect with Dr. Tami Rowen: Professional Bio: Website: Instagram: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Haley Hersant: Brain Health Supplements - Do They Work?
01/20/2026
Dr. Haley Hersant: Brain Health Supplements - Do They Work?
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Haley Hersant discuss a study by Dr. Hersant and her colleagues that reviewed over 100 brain and memory supplements. They found 18 common ingredients grouped into three categories: those with scientific evidence of benefit, those with no compelling evidence, and those with mixed results. They discuss the results of this study and emphasize the need for more rigorous testing. While not giving medical advice, they caution against potential interactions with prescription medications and advise listeners to do their research as well as talk to their own providers. Key Takeaways: The most common factor across all of these ingredients that had some benefit is that, theoretically, they are known to decrease inflammation and help activate cellular repair pathways. The FDA does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are put on the market, so it primarily regulates them once they are already on the market. This is different from traditional pharmaceuticals. If you are taking supplements, do report them when completing a medical history with your doctor, as they can interact with your prescriptions, vitamins, and other supplements. "For many people, it could be harmless to be taking these supplements. They may be wasting their money without getting much benefit. But health-wise, they may be okay. However, whenever you start mixing a lot of different supplements, or are taking supplements with prescription medications, there are certainly some risks that can come into play." — Dr. Haley Hersant Episode References: Connect with Dr. Haley Hersant: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Adam Morgan: A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls
01/13/2026
Adam Morgan: A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls
In this episode, Therese Markow and Adam Morgan discuss Adam’s new book, A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls, which explores the life and legacy of Margaret C. Anderson. Margaret was a pioneering figure in modern literature, the founder of “The Little Review” in Chicago, and one of the key figures in fostering the Chicago literary renaissance. They talk about the challenges she faced, despite her initial successes, why her physical appearance often overshadowed her contributions, and the impact on young girls today that Margaret also faced during her time. Key Takeaways: “The Little Review” served as a platform for uncensored conversations about literature and art, including experimental works that were often undiscovered during her time. The Comstock Act was a group of federal laws that banned the mailing of “obscene materials” and was upheld, in part, through censorship at what is now the USPS. This resulted in many copies of “The Little Review” being burned or otherwise destroyed before they could arrive at their subscribers. We are seeing the same rhetoric used by conservative lawmakers today that was used in the early 20th century against Margaret Anderson, despite no evidence to support it. They argued that if young girls read “obscene literature,” they would turn to a life of immorality, prostitution, or partner with people not approved of by their parents. "She was not a saint, but there were a lot of things to admire about her courage and her sense of agency." — Adam Morgan Connect with Adam Morgan: Professional Bio: Twitter: Book: Bluesky: Instagram: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Elizabeth Burch: Pain Brokers: Exploiting Women by Mass Torts
01/06/2026
Elizabeth Burch: Pain Brokers: Exploiting Women by Mass Torts
In this episode, Therese Markow and Elizabeth Burch discuss Elizabeth’s new book, “The Pain Brokers: How Con Men, Call Centers, and Rogue Doctors Fuel America’s Lawsuit Factory,” which exposes a scheme where con artists, attorneys, and rogue doctors exploited women through mass torts involving pelvic mesh implants. Elizabeth explains how mass torts differ from class actions and explains how attorneys earn contingency fees. Throughout the episode, they discuss the ways in which the scheme was perpetuated and how vulnerable women were exploited by a data breach in India. Key Takeaways: A tort is a harm, such as a punch or a car accident. A mass tort is when those harms happen on a large scale. Mass torts can be a goldmine for lawyers (and there is a convention held twice a year regarding mass torts in Las Vegas). This can be concerning as more states are allowing law firms to be owned, even partially, by non-lawyers. Many of the women involved with this mass tort were conned by people who had their specific information, including birth dates, surgery dates, and other medical information. It created a lot of confusion for many. "You can imagine that your scam detector would probably go off if someone called you and asked you for that information. But if someone calls you and they already know your birth date and the name of your implanting doctor and the type of mesh that you have and exactly when you had the surgery and where you had the surgery, then all of a sudden it feels a lot more legitimate." — Elizabeth Burch Connect with Elizabeth Burch: Professional Bio: Website: Bluesky: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Facebook: Pre-Order The Pain Brokers: How Con Men, Call Centers, and Rogue Doctors Fuel America’s Lawsuit Factory here: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Ambition and Psychopathology
12/30/2025
Ambition and Psychopathology
In this episode, Therese Markow, Dr. Jerald Kay, and Dr. Joel Yager discuss the various forms of ambition: lack of ambition, mismatched ambition, Machiavellian ambition, and how to deal with malignant narcissists. Key Takeaways: There are biological underpinnings to ambition, but much of what we know about ambition is built on repeated interactions as children. Not everyone who is Machiavellian is ambitious. Not everyone ambitious is Machiavellian. But when you have people who have dark triad characteristics, it can mean trouble for those around them. There are levels of narcissism. Only some are treatable. The last division of severe narcissism is called malignant personality disorder and is relatively untreatable. "It’s both nature and nurture. We know ambition runs in families. And we know kids that are adopted into families with ambitious parents turn out to be more ambitious than if they weren’t adopted into those kinds of families." — Dr. Joel Yager Episode References: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Sophie Lucido Johnson: KIN: Families of the Future
12/23/2025
Sophie Lucido Johnson: KIN: Families of the Future
In this episode, Therese Markow and Sophie Lucido Johnson discuss the evolution of family and the concept of "kin" in Sophie’s book "Kin: The Future of Family." They explore the isolation and loneliness in modern society, emphasizing the importance of chosen family networks, or "pods," for emotional and physical well-being. She highlights the benefits of close, non-genetic relationships, citing research showing that strong social connections can prolong life more than health habits. Sophie also addresses the challenges of maintaining friendships post-children and the mutual support needed in kin relationships, drawing parallels to primate behavior and community responses to disasters. Key Takeaways: Digital connective tools are wonderful, but they do not take the place of human connection of conversation, and relationships. You do not have to live with someone to create a family pod together. Living in proximity can help to share the burden and lighten the load. It is good for your mental and physical health to build relationships with those in close proximity to you. Relationships do not need to be transactional. However, by nature, there will be levels of give and take. Commitment is not just for romantic relationships. Planning is difficult. Be spontaneous with short time hangouts, running errands together, and a willingness to commit more deeply with your friends while being flexible. Cross-generational relationships have many benefits for all parties involved. "There's nothing that the science has shown to prolong your life more than relationships with other people." — Sophie Lucido Johnson Connect with Sophie Lucido Johnson: Website: Linktree: Book: Instagram: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Tami Rowen: Menopause, Mysteries, and Hormones
12/16/2025
Dr. Tami Rowen: Menopause, Mysteries, and Hormones
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Tami Rowen discuss menopause, perimenopause, and hormone therapy. She explains that menopause is defined as one year without a period, while perimenopause can last up to 10 years with symptoms like mood changes and menstrual irregularities. Dr. Rowen discusses the changes in FSH levels and how to understand what the levels mean across time, and why they may not be as helpful as you think. She also explains how hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, and that bioidentical hormones are preferred for their safety and efficacy. Finally, she cautions that social media can spread both accurate and misleading information about menopause and hormone therapy. Key Takeaways: There is a debate over whether or not there is a cardiovascular benefit to starting hormone therapy early. While several studies suggest there may be a benefit, all the current guidelines recommend against using hormone therapy specifically for the prevention of heart disease. When somebody enters menopause or post-menopause, there is no significant change in their testosterone levels. However, testosterone will be lower than when someone was in their 20s. The majority of people giving information about menopause are not healthcare providers. Oftentimes, when they are discussing hormone therapy, some of the risks get missed, some of the benefits get overblown, and many are left believing hormone therapy will be a cure-all. "Anytime someone makes a definitive statement, I would take it with a grain of salt and just know that there's oftentimes nuance to recommendations and guidance, and I would encourage all women to seek out a provider that is familiar with the data." — Dr. Tami Rowen Connect with Dr. Tami Rowen: Professional Bio: Website: Instagram: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Robert Klitzman: Anti-Obesity Drugs - What We Don't Know About Them
12/09/2025
Dr. Robert Klitzman: Anti-Obesity Drugs - What We Don't Know About Them
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Robert Klitzman discuss the implications of new anti-obesity drugs, initially designed for type 2 diabetes but now used for weight loss. These drugs are expensive and may not be fully covered by insurance. They discuss how the drugs work and explain why they may be more effective for some than others. Dr. Klitzman highlights the socio-economic disparity that contributes to some of the causes of obesity. He emphasizes the need for prevention and policy changes to address the root causes of obesity, including dietary habits and access to healthy food. Key Takeaways: The US spends twice as much per person on health care as any other country in the world, yet our health indices are nowhere near the top. A lot of that is because of the price of drugs. Obesity medications are being touted as the end of the obesity pandemic, as a cure-all. However, while they do a lot of good, there are many limitations to the drugs. Obesity is often more prevalent in lower socio-economic classes. With the increased use of these obesity drugs, the disparity between the haves and have-nots will continue to grow, potentially leading to additional stigmas being placed on those struggling with obesity. "I do have concerns that the attention on drugs, if we're going to spend a lot of money on drugs for obesity, my concern is we're not going to spend as much attention on how to prevent obesity in the first place." — Dr. Robert Klitzman Connect with Dr. Robert Klitzman: Professional Bio: Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Kevin Spencer: Magic Tricks - New Therapy for Autism
12/02/2025
Dr. Kevin Spencer: Magic Tricks - New Therapy for Autism
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kevin Spencer discuss the innovative use of magic tricks as therapy for children with autism. Kevin found that teaching magic helped children with autism improve social skills, communication, and self-esteem. He developed the Hocus Focus program for schools and the Magic Therapy program for hospitals, both using simple magic tricks with common items. Kevin's research showed significant improvements in social skills and self-esteem using the Social Skills Improvement Scale (SSIS) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). He also successfully adapted his therapy to virtual formats during the pandemic. Key Takeaways: One of the most significant deficits of traditional social skills programs in the schools is that they try to teach social skills explicitly, through this very didactic structure, but none of that is transferred over to a real-world setting. Doug Henning’s formula for magic works well with kids on the spectrum, and really, everyone: The difficult must become habit. Habit becomes beautiful. Beautiful becomes magic. Magic gives kids an avenue to practice social interactions and other social skills that become broadly applicable to other areas of life. In classroom settings, it gives kids a chance to practice both performing and being an audience. Teachers and parents often see the changes before the child does, as the kids are so engaged in the learning and sharing with their friends. There are no expectations that you know how to do magic (unlike other behaviors). It allows for failure to be part of the process, which builds frustration tolerance, persistence, critical thinking, and resilience. "All of the tricks that we teach are done with very ordinary items. It's coins and Q-tips and string and rope and paper clips and rubber bands, because we want them to recognize that the magic is connected to them. It's not connected to a prop." — Dr. Kevin Spencer Episode References: TDF: Connect with Dr. Kevin Spencer: Professional Bio: Facebook: Website: Books: YouTube: Vimeo: LinkedIn: Instagram: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Instagram: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Tami Rowen: Pregnancy and Tylenol
11/25/2025
Dr. Tami Rowen: Pregnancy and Tylenol
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Tami Rowen discuss the controversy surrounding the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and its potential link to autism. She emphasizes that the evidence is largely anecdotal and not supported by robust scientific studies. Dr. Rowen highlights a study published in Environmental Health in 2025 that found a weak association between Tylenol use and autism, but adds that a subsequent study revealed flaws in the earlier study and showed no association. Fever in pregnant women can have dangerous effects and should be relieved. She stresses that Tylenol is the safest pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women, who experience fevers in 20% of pregnancies. Dr. Rowen criticizes the media and some health officials for misrepresenting the risks, potentially leading to harmful decisions by pregnant women. Key Takeaways: Tylenol is the safest option that we have in terms of a fever reducer and pain reliever. Fevers actually have more association with autism than Tylenol does in the research. On the other hand, Ibuprofen and NSAIDs are unsafe in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. "Pregnancy is quite an uncomfortable state of being. We tell pregnant women, and we tell women in general, to tough out a lot of things, but pain is not something that I think is reasonable. I think that it goes against the principle of doing no harm, to tell people they should just suffer with pain when there is actually effective and safe medication for them." — Dr. Tami Rowen Episode References: The Conversation Article: Connect with Dr. Tami Rowen: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Bluesky: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson: Shame-Sex Attraction: Conversion Therapy Survivors
11/18/2025
Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson: Shame-Sex Attraction: Conversion Therapy Survivors
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 at Liberty University and emphasizes the broader impact of conversion practices on societal beliefs and individual identities. He advocates for empathy and understanding to challenge these practices. Key Takeaways: There are no known cases where conversion therapy has actually changed someone’s sexual attraction. While there is anecdotal evidence from the organizations perpetuating the claims, research shows that it is not effective. “Pastoral Counseling” and other similar phrases are used to mask or obfuscate the practice of conversion therapy to hide the work that is being done. There is no typical or standard conversion therapy. The experiences range widely from person to person. Conversion practices can be seen throughout many, if not all, people’s lives, even if they’ve never been to official conversion therapy, nor is it solely for those who are part of the queer or religious community. It is important to engage with ideas and communities that are different from your own. "I would argue that probably every single person in this world at some point has been told ‘don't act like this,’ whether they were a kid or older, and that message has stayed with them and affected how they present their gender and how they identify." — Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson Episode References: by Garrard Conley by Sue E. Spivey and Christine M. Robinson Connect with Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Threads: TikTok: Bluesky: X: Other Publications: Book: Book: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Joe Pierre: False - Suicide by False Beliefs
11/11/2025
Dr. Joe Pierre: False - Suicide by False Beliefs
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 through societal education and advocates for a similar approach to foster a culture of truth. Key Takeaways: There is a spectrum of conviction when we are discussing delusion-like beliefs - such as conspiracy theories. Misinformation refers to information that isn’t true. Disinformation is usually used to mean deliberate misinformation. Knowing the difference can be tricky because it relies on knowing the intent of the person spreading the misinformation. The Holy Trinity of Truth Detection is something people can learn and adopt - they aren’t always intuitive. They must be learned and valued for people to adopt them. "False beliefs always have at least the potential for harm. They don't always cause harm, but they certainly carry the risk of harm. And these days, because of some of the false beliefs that are going around - like beliefs about vaccines or climate change denialism - I sometimes refer to what's going on right now as suicide by false belief, because these beliefs really are potentially dangerous." — Dr. Joe Pierre Connect with Dr. Joe Pierre: Professional Bio: Facebook: Website: Book: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Teresa Lynch: Gender Stereotypes in Video Games
11/04/2025
Dr. Teresa Lynch: Gender Stereotypes in Video Games
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. The conversation also touches on the challenges women face in gaming communities and the importance of diverse and interesting character portrayals. Key Takeaways: Game context can change how a character is perceived. A female character in a bikini in a beach volleyball game might not feel objectified in the way that the same character in the same outfit in a war game might. How women are portrayed in video games can influence gender stereotypes in society. To be able to interface with gaming technologies and utilize video games as an entertainment option allows you to develop tech savviness and comfort with technology that can boost your skills in other aspects of your life. Gaming is not just for young people. It is not just for any one demographic. While the term “gamer” can be gatekept by certain members of the gaming community, if you play games, you are a gamer. "Everybody benefits from more interesting characters and from lots of different kinds of physical portrayals of characters." — Dr. Teresa Lynch Connect with Dr. Teresa Lynch: Professional Bio: Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Jill Dixon: Rising Food Insecurity in America
10/28/2025
Jill Dixon: Rising Food Insecurity in America
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 and innovative programs to address these challenges. Key Takeaways: Food banks across the US all have different requirements based on the people they serve, where they are, and what those people need. If you’ve seen one food bank, you’ve seen one food bank. While food drives are still extremely meaningful and important, fund drives are becoming increasingly common and necessary. The vast majority of people who receive SNAP assistance and turn to food banks when SNAP assistance is not enough are already working at least one job or are caregivers. Food banks are a highly sophisticated business network, working together nationwide to acquire supplies through different means. "Hunger is not actually its own issue. It's a symptom of poverty; it's a symptom of the cost-of-living crisis that is making it increasingly hard year over year." — Jill Dixon Connect with Jill Dixon: Professional Bio: Website: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Irin Carmon: Unbearable
10/21/2025
Irin Carmon: Unbearable
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 misogyny on maternal health outcomes. Key Takeaways: Abortion care affects all levels of pregnancy care. In many states, such as Alabama, many former abortion clinics want to turn into birth centers, but are prevented by the government and state medical associations. 80% of maternal deaths in the United States are due to completely preventable reasons. In the US, we have a system where OBGYNs are classified as primary care providers and are the most common way people give birth, which is not right for everyone. False binaries (C-Section vs vaginal birth, epidural or not, etc.) are a way to pit women against each other for their own biological story that is often outside of their control. "There's something profoundly wrong with a system that doesn't recognize your full humanity at a point where you need it the most. Because these are life and death experiences, even in the best of circumstances and regardless of the course of your pregnancy and your choices around it, they concern our deepest held values and our ideas about our destiny." — Irin Carmon Episode References: Pregnancy Justice: Connect with Irin Carmon: Professional Bio: Website: Book: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. James Michael Thomas: What's Critical Race Theory?
10/14/2025
Dr. James Michael Thomas: What's Critical Race Theory?
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 legislative attempts to control education and maintain inequality. Key Takeaways: Critical Race Theory is a framework for understanding how racism persisted and continues to persist in the post-Civil Rights Era. We distinguish systemic racism from personal acts of prejudice, racist attitudes, or racist actions because those individual attitudes and actions do not have the same effect on the distribution of power, resources, and opportunity. Many who object to teaching American history, good and bad, often are in power and do not want to discuss the unequal arrangements that have resulted from the racism and inequality that have shaped this country and present-day conditions, nor do they want to have their source of power questioned. Race has no basis in biology; race is a social construction. "When Critical Race theorists consider the idea of racial progress, what they're trying to do is make distinctions between changes in law and then how that law is enforced or not enforced, and if it is enforced, often unevenly and with very mixed results." — Dr. James Michael Thomas Episode References: ‘It’s a complicated time to be a white Southerner’ - and their views on race reflect that: Connect with Dr. James Michael Thomas: Professional Bio: Books: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Anya Prince: Dangers of DTC Genetic Testing
10/07/2025
Anya Prince: Dangers of DTC Genetic Testing
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, 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: Publications: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Dorothy Leidner: AI Romance - Boyfriends, Girlfriends
09/30/2025
Dr. Dorothy Leidner: AI Romance - Boyfriends, Girlfriends
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 technology rather than a human counterpart to prevent unhealthy dependencies. Key Takeaways: Most chatbots and AI are not trained for therapy or relationships, but many people are using them for that. There are specific programs that have been developed based on therapy and mental health knowledge. Many people who are using generative AI and chatbots in a therapeutic way do not yet realize they need therapy, and the AI encourages the person to continue talking to the chatbot. People may forget that their AI boyfriend or girlfriend isn’t real. Generative AI has been trained on so many books and types of writing that it is good at predicting what should come next and coming up with language that is realistic. But it is important to remember that it is just a technology. "One of the things that bothers me about AI is how it talks in the first person. And to me, it's deceitful, because it's not an I, it's an object. It is a piece of software running on a piece of hardware, and for it to refer to itself as ‘I’ then it's definitely humanizing it and technologies are being humanized enough already just by the language." — Dr. Dorothy Leidner Connect with Dr. Dorothy Leidner: Professional Bio: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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P.E. Moskowitz: Breaking Awake
09/23/2025
P.E. Moskowitz: Breaking Awake
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 individuals to substance abuse and the need for systemic changes to address mental health issues. Key Takeaways: Many people’s struggles with trauma are deeply personal, shaped by near-death experiences, substance use, and the long process of healing through writing and therapy. Medications such as SSRIs and Adderall can help, but they often fail to address underlying trauma or the broader societal causes of distress. Economic instability, lack of community, and global crises all contribute significantly to widespread anxiety, depression, and substance use. A “quick fix” culture often prioritizes fast solutions over long-term care like therapy, community, and systemic change. Healing and resilience are most powerfully nurtured in supportive communities, where collective action and shared experiences provide hope. "If you experience [community], it makes it easier to fight, because all of a sudden you have something to fight for, not just something to fight against." — P.E. Moskowitz Episode References: Breaking Awake: A Reporter's Search for a New Life, and a New World, Through Drugs. How to Kill a City: Gentrification, Inequality, and the Fight for the Neighborhood. The Case Against Free Speech: The First Amendment, Fascism, and the Future of Dissent. Connect with P.E. Moskowitz: Website: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Amaal Starling: Migraine News and New Treatment
09/16/2025
Dr. Amaal Starling: Migraine News and New Treatment
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 a lot of stigma around people with migraines. Women with migraines and pain conditions are disproportionately stigmatized. 1 in 5 women, 1 in 11 children, and 1 in 16 men are affected by migraines - an average of 1 in 7 worldwide. Different people will experience migraines and migraine treatment differently. They all also have different triggers, though some are more common, such as red wine, nitrates, and caffeine. Many new migraine treatment options are not covered, either immediately or at all, by insurance providers. Colic in infants appears to be associated with increased risk of adult migraine. "There is still a lot to learn about the genetics of migraines. Genetics is a strong factor in who is going to have migraines versus not, but there are also a lot of other external and internal factors." — Dr. Amaal Starling Episode References: American Migraine Foundation: Connect with Dr. Amaal Starling: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Richard Kirk: Necropolitics and inequality
09/09/2025
Richard Kirk: Necropolitics and inequality
In this episode, Therese Markow and Richard Kirk discuss the rise of inequality and homelessness, highlighting the lack of access to healthcare and resources for marginalized populations. They delve into the myth of trickle-down wealth and the downsides of gentrification. Richard also discusses the impact of large projects, such as stadiums, which increase property values and rents, exacerbating homelessness. He emphasizes the need for better regulations and policies to address these issues. Key Takeaways: There is no adequate tracking of the fates of people displaced by gentrification, large-scale projects, and other circumstances. Gentrification sometimes starts informally with young professionals, artists, or students moving into an affordable area with new businesses following. Other times, it is intentional with cities and developers targeting an area for development, but this is often done without protections for those original community members. People in displaced communities often don’t have the knowledge and energy, due to the roadblocks placed by those in charge and the need to work, in order to fight back against the gentrification and aggressive acquisition of their property. Since the 1970s, the government has stepped back from providing affordable housing and robust social safety nets, prioritizing private investment and large development projects. "It's really, really hard to combat something that is a global phenomenon without major reforms at the federal level. But elections at every scale matter, and voting still matters." — Richard Kirk Episode References: SAJE - Necropolitics by Achille Mbembe: Neoliberal necropolitics and the global competition for urban dominance by Richard Kirk - Connect with Richard Kirk: Professional Bio: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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Dr. Molly Hales: Children Use Antiaging Creams!!
09/02/2025
Dr. Molly Hales: Children Use Antiaging Creams!!
In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Molly Hales discuss the growing trend of young children using anti-aging skincare products, influenced by social media and influencers. Dr. Hales highlights the concerns about the rise in young patients with skin reactions to these products. These young users often apply multiple products with potentially irritating ingredients (and often multiple active ingredients or multiple products with the same active ingredient). Dr. Hales also emphasizes the need for basic skincare routines for young users, with a focus on sunscreen, and calls for better education and regulation to protect these children. Key Takeaways: Girls as young as 9 are increasingly using antiaging creams geared to older women. These products contain ingredients and are designed for more mature skin rather than youthful skin. Sunscreen is the number one recommended product for people of all ages (except babies under 6 months). This is also not the most commonly used product among social media influencers with their viral skincare routines. There are three main risks associated with using improper skincare products, with the main risk being irritation (irritant contact dermatitis). Brands get more attention and recognition by sending free products to influencers for videos, reaching a wider (and younger) audience than they might otherwise. "It seems like, as more younger and younger people are putting more and more products on their skin, that there is more and more skin allergy that's happening and that's going to follow kids around for the rest of their lives." — Dr. Molly Hales Episode References: Pediatric Skin Care Regimens on TikTok - Molly Hales, MD, PhD - Connect with Dr. Molly Hales: LinkedIn: Connect with Therese: Website: Threads: Email: Audio production by You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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