Explain It to Me Hacking our health
Aug 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Adam Clark Estes, a Vox Tech reporter, shares his personal experiences with health wearables, detailing their pros and cons. Anahad O'Connor, a Washington Post health columnist, dives into the murky waters of supplement regulation and safety concerns. Ruth Wood, a neurobiologist, discusses the rise of hormone replacement therapy and its impact on fitness. The trio humorously unpacks health trends while critiquing the supplement industry's pitfalls, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of modern wellness culture.
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Experimenting With Many Wearables
- Adam Clark Estes went all-in testing many wearables like the Oura ring, Whoop, Apple Watch, and continuous glucose monitors.
- He aimed to learn how trackers affect daily habits, sleep, and workout planning.
Use Scores As Feedback Not Grades
- Trackers are useful when they meet your goals and provide actionable feedback, not just scores.
- Adam now plans workouts around readiness and sleep scores instead of fixed schedules.
Obsession Over Closing Rings
- Both hosts describe becoming obsessive about closing rings and checking stats late at night to meet goals.
- That compulsion made them justify eating and altered normal behavior around activity tracking.