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Can't You Biopsy That Cancer Trends Are Complicated?

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Dr. David Robert Grimes to discuss various aspects of cancer, including prevalence, survivorship, trends, and prevention. They emphasize the importance of understanding that cancer is a complex disease with various forms and causes. They debunk myths and misinformation surrounding cancer, such as the idea that sugar, sunscreen, or deficiency in vitamin C cause cancer. They also highlight the role of screening programs in early detection and prevention, while cautioning against unnecessary tests and over-treatment. They chat about modifiable risk factors for cancer, such as smoking, obesity, and sun exposure -- as well as cellular changes during the aging process. The conversation takes a positive turn when the two discuss the potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating cancer-related information, particularly on social media. You don't want to miss this!

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Turn The Beet Around: Course Correcting on Diet

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne for an unfiltered heart-to-heart discussion. You may have heard Sarah's name mentioned on a previous episode of the pod-- being criticized for her association with the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet. Yes, Sarah was previously known as the Paleo mom but has shed that title and done a complete 180 to right past wrongs and correct previous misinformation that she unknowingly spread. No topic was off limits during this raw conversation. She talks about what prompted the change and how it was received by her audience. She shares about her new approach to nutrition and the two do a deep dive on Nutrivore and how "scoring systems" can be problematic when it comes to diets. Sarah uses the time to clear up misconceptions and share an honest update with listeners. This episode is like none other and is not to be missed!

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From A to Zinc: The Chemistry of What We Consume

Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a world-renowned chemist and science communicator joins the pod to address some commonly asked questions! They kick-off the conversation by discussing the concept of superfoods and the need for a balanced diet, as well as the role of vitamins and supplements. They also touch on the origins of the belief that vitamin C can cure the common cold, tracing it back to Dr. Linus Pauling (and discuss the impact of eminence versus evidence). They walk through the evidence (or lack thereof) that vitamin C has role in treating the common cold. Dr. Joe discusses the exploitation of indigenous cures by American settlers and the rise of alternative medicine. The conversation touches on the topic of benzene and its potential toxicity (but that we do not need to throw out our sunscreen). Dr. Joe emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need to distinguish between legitimate scientific research and quackery. You do NOT want to miss this!

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Is The Yuka App Yummy or Yucky? Let's Dish on Nutrition

In this episode, Jess is joined by Dr. Joey Munoz to discuss various topics related to nutrition, including the monetization of expertise, the role of supplements, and the marketing tactics used in the supplement industry. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based claims and the need for individualized approaches to supplementation. The conversation covers the importance of dose and type of supplements, the limitations of marketing claims, and the Yuka app's oversimplification of food ratings. The hosts discuss the need for nuance and context in nutrition, the role of overall dietary patterns, and the potential for food anxiety and disordered eating caused by black-and-white labeling. They emphasize the importance of individual goals and habits, rather than focusing on good and bad foods. You do not want to miss this!

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Fall Of The House Of Misinformation: Science At Work

On this week's episode of the pod, Jess is joined by Dr. Matthew Facciani, social scientist, to talk about media literacy, misinformation, and polarization. The two kick things off with a conversation about mis- and disinformation and why some people are more susceptible to it. They then shift gears slightly to chat about motivations behind the intention spread of false information. Next, they share some media literacy tips and ways to spot red flags of misinformation. They bring tech into the conversation and discuss the role of AI in the future of debunking misinformation. We hope you'll walk away from this episode with some techniques to protect against bad information online!

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