Joining the discussion is Michael Regilio, a comedian and podcaster known for his witty skepticism. He dives into the outrageous history of vanity products, from ancient mouse-ground remedies for hair loss to modern treatments with unexpected side effects. Regilio reveals the surprising origins of minoxidil and finasteride, and the unproven claims of collagen supplements. They also explore the bizarre teeth whitening practices of ancient Romans. This lively conversation blends humor, history, and a critical eye on beauty standards.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Michael Regilio's Bald Spot
Michael Regilio felt insecure about his thinning hair.
After friends saw it, he accepted it and joked about it on stage.
insights INSIGHT
Ancient Hair Loss Remedies
Ancient Egyptians used ground-up dates, dog paws, and donkey hooves for hair loss.
Hippocrates used opium, horseradish, pigeon droppings, and spices, noticing eunuchs don't go bald.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hippocrates and Eunuchs
Hippocrates observed that eunuchs never go bald, linking testosterone to hair loss.
This observation predates modern understanding of DHT's role in baldness.
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Balding blues? Magic pills? Mouse juice? Michael Regilio untangles the hairy history of vanity products on this week's Skeptical Sunday!
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by skeptic, comedian, and podcasterMichael Regilio!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
Hair loss treatments have evolved from ancient Egyptian mouse-grinding adventures to modern pharmaceutical solutions like minoxidil and finasteride — though these modern miracles come with some rather unsettling side effects, from growing unwanted breasts to potentially losing interest in, well, everything.
Vanity-boosting discoveries often happen through delightfully accidental means — minoxidil started as an ulcer medication, while finasteride's development stems from studying a fascinating genetic condition in a Dominican Republic village where some children experience dramatic physical changes at puberty.
Collagen supplements, while sounding like a smoothie made from the entire barnyard, actually show promising results for skin elasticity and cardiovascular health — though their benefits for hair and nails remain unproven despite widespread marketing claims.
Teeth whitening has a rather colorful history, from ancient Romans' creative use of public urine collections (yes, really) to modern peroxide-based treatments, which thankfully carry far fewer risks than their historical counterparts.
The most empowering approach to appearance-related concerns might be the one suggested by an 18th-century British newspaper: the best cure for something like baldness is simply not being bothered by it. This mindset doesn't just save money and avoid side effects — it offers a path to genuine self-acceptance that no bottle, cream, or ground-up mouse could ever provide. Sometimes the most revolutionary thing we can do is simply rock what we've got.
The Jordan Harbinger Show 