The Body of Evidence - podcast cover

The Body of Evidence

Dr. Christopher Labosthebodyofevidence.libsyn.com
Dr. Christopher Labos and guests use the body of evidence to go beyond science and medicine headlines and hype. All to help you develop your critical thinking skills so that when you google your symptoms, you won't believe you’re going to die tomorrow. The Body of Evidence is your weekly dose of clarity on complex health topics and the often-sketchy medical information found online. Hosted by cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos and featuring a rotating cast of co-hosts and guests, this podcast brings you engaging interviews, original reporting, and humour-filled commentaries to help you navigate the world of medicine. Episodes tackle everything from debunking misinformation to exploring the reality of certain conditions to the effectiveness of social media medical trends. With an extensive archive dating back to 2015,The Body of Evidence is your go-to source for understanding science and medicine and developing critical thinking about your health.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

143 – A possible diabetes cure using stem cells

Sophie joins Chris to unpack a new study about using stem cell derived cells transplanted into the pancreas of people with Type 1 diabetes. The early results showed 10 of the 12 patients who got the transplant no longer needed insulin. But the therapy comes with some risks because nothing in medicine is risk free. Is there a cure for a diabetes? Is it possible to treat diabetes without changing your diet? Listen to the episode to find out! Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon o...

Jul 09, 202545 minEp. 143

142 – How metabolism changes as we age

What is metabolism and does it “slow down” as we age? Can you hack your metabolism, as many social media influencers suggest? Guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to discuss what your metabolism actually is, how you measure it, whether it changes as we age, and whether there is anything we can do that actually affects it. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...

Jul 02, 202536 minEp. 142

141 – Teaching kids how to navigate social media

Stephanie Simoes is back to tell us about her new social media simulator, a kid-friendly mock social media feed filled with clickbait, logical fallacies, and dubious claims. The goal of the simulator is to teach kids how to surf the web safely and identify scams, tricks and fake news. Also, she throws a few more riddles Dr. Chris’ way. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hoste...

Jun 11, 202535 minEp. 141

140 – Cholesterol denialism with Unbiased Science

How did cholesterol denialism go from reasonable skepticism to pseudoscience? It’s a question that needs to be asked with Ahseem Malhotra, who has denied the effectiveness of both statins and the covid-19 vaccines, being named chief medical advisor to MAHA. In this special collaborative episode with the Unbiased Science podcast, Dr. Chris Labos speaks with Drs. Jessica Steier and Sarah Scheinman on why it is so hard for the cholesterol skeptics of the past to change their minds. Become a support...

May 28, 202550 minEp. 140

138 – Can vitamin D treat multiple sclerosis?

A new study claims that vitamin D can treat multiple sclerosis. But is this trial groundbreaking or an outlier? Dr. Chris Labos finds that the answer is far more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no”. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Q...

May 14, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 138

137 - What Grey’s Anatomy got right, and really wrong

Grey’s Anatomy had a lot of fascinating medical cases… in between all the sex and work drama. After investing 20 years of her life watching the show, guest co-host Robyn Flynn puts some of the weirdest cases she’s ever seen on the show to Dr. Chris Labos to find out which ones were based on real cases, which were absolutely impossible, and which ones had valuable teaching lessons built in. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com...

May 07, 202557 minEp. 137

135 – Seed oils vs. beef tallow, with Unbiased Science

Is beef tallow a healthier alternative to seed oils? Why have seed oils become the latest diet villain? And how did we get to the point that people are walking into restaurants with their own beef tallow and asking for chefs to cook with that instead? In this special collaborative episode with the Unbiased Science podcast, Dr. Chris Labos speaks with Drs. Jessica Steier and Sarah Scheinman about the state of food science. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! ...

Apr 23, 202551 minEp. 135

134 – Medical Cannabis: where are we?

Dr. Mark Ware joins Chris to discuss the state of the science for medical cannabis. Why should we be calling it cannabis and not marijuana? What are the challenges of studying something that is still illegal in the United States? How good is it at treating chronic pain and which of its health claims are mainly hype? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78J...

Apr 16, 202542 minEp. 134

133 – IVF, infertility and pineapples

In vitro fertilisation is almost 50 years old but still a victim of misunderstandings and myths. Guest co-host Robyn Flynn returns to walk Dr. Chris Labos through the IVF process from beginning to baby and explains why she found it more painful than actually giving birth. Plus, what is the age cut off, why does obesity matter, and why is the pineapple a symbol of IVF? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ ht...

Apr 09, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 133

132 – Ice baths, cold plunges and Wim Hof

Ice baths, polar bear plunges and cold immersion promise a “treasure trove of benefits” according to wellness guru Wim Hof. On this episode, friend of the show Dr. Nick Tiller - author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science - and his British accent return to talk with Dr. Chris Labos. Both share near drowning experiences that should make you realize that even in a comedy podcast, cold plunges are no joke. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 132

131 – Can ‘sleepmaxxing’ help you sleep better?

From mouth taping to weighted blankets to blue light filters and melatonin. There’s no shortage of “hacks” that will help you max out your sleep in this latest TikTok trend. Pedro Mendes returns to help Dr. Chris Labos sort through what is true, what is fluff, and what is just exploiting people’s anxiety. Added bonus: we also learn which was the first show to air reruns on American network television. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www...

Mar 26, 202553 minEp. 131

130 – Is Bill Gates committing genocide? How to debunk misinformation.

Is Bill Gates really trying to decrease the world’s population by 15% using the covid vaccine? Was the gongshow that is Microsoft Office just a prelude to mass genocide? What would you do if a friend forwarded you a Ted Talk of Gates claiming exactly that? Would you assume it was a deep fake or edited to misrepresent what he said or is it even more complicated than that. Floris van Vugt joins to unravel the mystery of the billionaire’s bluster and tell us if indeed there are microchips in our va...

Mar 19, 202543 minEp. 130

129 – These puzzles can teach kids about critical thinking

Critikid.com is a website dedicated NOT to criticizing children but rather to teaching them critical thinking using games, riddles and puzzles. Founder Stephanie Simoes joins Dr. Chris Labos as he tries to solve the riddle of the magical cookie that turns mice pink. And why does the internet think Stephanie is anti-road? Plus, what is her super-duper secret project about teaching kids that social media is a cesspool of misinformation? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or thr...

Mar 12, 202536 minEp. 129

128 – Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy a cure-all?

While it is proven to be lifesaving in carbon monoxide poisoning, is there any evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps with cerebral palsy, autism, long covid, migraines and many other conditions? Can HBOT be both a valid medical therapy and a pseudoscience? Guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to parse out fact from fiction. Bonus points if you know the one condition where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is strictly contra-indicated. Become a supporter of our show today either on Pa...

Mar 05, 202546 minEp. 128

127 - The reality of living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is more common than most people realize and with more far-reaching implications than it would initially seem. Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Dr. Chris Labos to talk about it's potential impact on fertility, cardiovascular health, and according to Robyn, that it's more painful than childbirth?!? We’re going to have to look into that one. You can also check out Robyn’s podcast, Rebel Mom Boss https://open.spotify.com/show/4uMAsJS9ySR47iGYw8ExDo?si=bc68ddfcb0bd4f3f Beco...

Feb 26, 202547 minEp. 127

126 - Case Challenge: What role did drugs play in two mystery conditions?

Intense abdominal pain and erratic behaviour. Both involving drugs. What's really going on? Dr. Aigul Zaripova, a familiar voice for our regular listeners, is back to try and stump Dr. Chris Labos with two Medscape case challenges. Will Chris cover himself in glory or will shame and humiliation await him at the end of the episode? Only one way to find out. Part 1: Intense Abdominal Pain After a Night of Partying https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/954084 Part 2: Recent Erratic Behaviour a...

Feb 19, 202548 minEp. 126

125 - The Monogamy Myth?

Are animals actually monogamous? Do penguins really mate for life? Does any of this really matter? Returning guest Natalia Pasternak joins Dr. Chris Labos in this special Valentine’s Day episode to talk about monogamy. A look at love and sex in the animal kingdom and a reminder that none of this gives you permission to cheat on your spouse or significant other. Just because animals are jerks, doesn’t meant mean you have to be one too. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or thr...

Feb 12, 202542 minEp. 125

124 - Why was Red Dye No. 3 banned in the US?

Why did the FDA ban the use of Red Dye No. 3 and why is it still available in Canada? Guest co-host Pedro joins Dr. Chris Labos to explain and discuss how we should think about food colourings in general. Does the fact that can cause cancer in rats mean anything for human health? And what about the alleged ADHD link? Also, there’s a Winnie the Pooh reference at the end. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ ...

Feb 05, 202542 minEp. 124

123 - BMI and the Lancet Commission on Obesity

How good is the Body Mass Index as a measure of obesity? And why did the Lancet Commission trash it so completely? Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Dr. Chris Labos to flesh out how bad BMI really is and if the alternatives are any better. There’s probably no singing this time around... but no promises. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us ...

Jan 29, 202549 minEp. 123

122 - Menopausal Hormone Therapy is back. Why?

Hormone Replacement Therapy is now called Menopausal Hormone Therapy. And despite being almost universally abandoned two decades ago, it's making a comeback. Dr. Chris Labos and guest co-host Pedro Mendes explain why, while also giving a primer on menopause itself Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gm...

Jan 15, 202551 min

121 - The Case of the Red Buttocks and an Important Announcement

We wrap up the year with a new case challenge. A 38-year-old radiology technician has a strange rash just above… his buttocks! Who’s to blame? Was it the dog? Was it his job? Or is it the special person in his life? Also: Chris learns about socks! Yet also: we say the phrase “ass crack.” We had to! And also also: an important announcement. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?h...

Dec 17, 202436 minEp. 121

120 - Pain (with Leon Tourian)

Pain. Sometimes it’s acute, sometimes it’s chronic. It may come from an injury or just from wear and tear. Chris and Jonathan sit down to speak to Dr. Leon Tourian, who specializes in pain psychiatry at McGill University. Can we objectively measure pain? Is there such a thing as normal pain? And what happens when chronic pain in our extremities is left untreated and our brain takes over? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/t...

Dec 11, 202449 minEp. 120

119 - Mold/Mould

What does the body of evidence say about mold? Or if you’re part of the Commonwealth, mould? Some mould can make you sick, especially by triggering allergic symptoms, but beware of people selling you a service to detect mould in your home because there is no established “safe” threshold yet. How can you prevent mould from growing where you live? And how do you take care of it once you’ve spotted it? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.p...

Dec 04, 202441 minEp. 119

118 - Burnout (with Emma Jones)

It’s not the “blues” you’re having, but the “mean reds.” It can be hard to spot the signs of an impending burnout, and Dr. Emma Jones knows all about it. As a medical student, she started being depressed and she never fully got over it, which resulted in a burnout as a practicing physician caring for children with cancer. But she found a way out and the means to prevent a future burnout from happening so that she can act as a lighthouse for others. Become a supporter of our show today either on ...

Nov 27, 202457 minEp. 118

117 - Fluoride Update

Will Montreal soon lose what little fluoridated tap water it has? Why do we even put fluoride in the drinking water in the first place? And do the arguments voiced to take it away from citizens even… hold water? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD The...

Nov 20, 202416 minEp. 117

116 - Do You Know What's Inside Your Natural Health Product?

Not so long ago, natural health products sold in Canada—which include a slew of dietary supplements of dubious effectiveness—were not regulated. When Kat McLeod got poisoned via the herbal supplement she was taking, she was offered a choice: sue the Canadian government or help them draft stronger regulation. The Body of Evidence reached out to Olsy Sorokina to report on this story. She will tell you how natural health products are regulated in Canada and what the latest legislation, Vanessa’s La...

Nov 13, 202440 minEp. 116

115 - Quitting Smoking

What does the body of evidence say about smoking cessation? Does counselling make a difference and, if so, what kind? Is vaping effective as a way to quit smoking? And did you know there are drugs that have been shown to help give up the habit? Chris attempts to pronounce their names and is left with one question: is his veranda clean? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hoste...

Nov 06, 202450 minEp. 115

114 - Down the Rabbit Hole and Out (with Lewis, a former conspiracy theorist)

On a special live recording of The Body of Evidence, Jonathan sits down in conversation with Lewis, a reformed conspiracy theorist from Liverpool who tumbled down the rabbit hole during the COVID-19 pandemic. How should you talk to the conspiracy theorist in your life if you want to make progress? There’s no better person to answer this question than someone who was at the other end of this. The two discuss the strange alignment between gym bros and yoga moms—and the “cosmic Scousers” in Liverpo...

Oct 30, 202444 minEp. 114
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android