The Economy of Distrust

This episode explores the critical role of confounding variables in health research, which are external factors that distort or mask true associations between an exposure and an outcome, often leadin…

This episode addresses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s assertions regarding a purported link between the MMR vaccine and autism in Black boys, specifically referencing a CDC "whistleblower" and a retracted s…

This episode examines how information overload contributes to the spread of misinformation, utilizing the stressor-strain-outcome model to illustrate how excessive information creates psychological s…

This episode explores the profound dangers of medical misinformation, illustrating how it leads individuals to make catastrophic health choices. Through compelling case studies like Steve Jobs' delay…

This episode discusses various conspiracy theories and the misuse of open scientific data and historical events to promote misinformation. Specifically, they explain the "chemtrail" conspiracy, detai…

This episode discusses modern conspiracy theories in healthcare, focusing on the fluoridation controversy as a prime example of persistent public health misinformation. The episode explains how distr…

This episode explores the predatory exploitation of fear within the healthcare landscape, demonstrating how historical institutional betrayals cultivate systemic distrust that opportunistic actors th…

This episode critically examines the widespread digital misinformation surrounding seed oils, such as canola and soybean oil, and contrasts these claims with established scientific evidence. It highl…

This episode highlights the pervasive issue of health misinformation and its serious consequences, often amplified by social media and misleading narratives. It examines how various topics, such as t…

This episode explores the crucial role of science popularization in making complex discoveries accessible to the public, while simultaneously highlighting the perils of oversimplification and misinfo…

This episode examines how historical betrayals and systemic distrust in institutions create fertile ground for pseudoscientific exploitation and profit-driven misinformation. It highlights how grifte…

This episode examines the widespread misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights several prevalent false claims, such as the pandemic …

The episode explores the rise and persistence of modern health conspiracy theories, highlighting how they leverage historical distrust, scientific ambiguities, and digital platforms to spread misinfo…

This episode explores how scientific research, specifically on the measles virus for cancer therapy, is misused and distorted by anti-vaccine proponents to create misinformation and fear. It highligh…

This episode examines anti-vaccine narratives that exploit concerns and spread misinformation, particularly focusing on the debunked link between vaccines and autism. It highlights how false claims, …

This episode examines the historical and psychological roots of resistance to public health initiatives, highlighting how contrarianism is often mistakenly perceived as critical thinking. They illust…