The podcast illustrates how a single letter about MSG can propagate misinformation, affecting public perception and health discussions for decades.
The Stork Derby highlights the exploitation of women's reproductive rights in the 1930s, revealing societal prejudices through a bizarre competition.
A cycling race incident between Mike Friedman and Ian Dille demonstrates how a moment of betrayal can haunt relationships and provoke reconciliations.
Deep dives
The MSG Myth Origin
The widespread belief that monosodium glutamate (MSG) is harmful can be traced back to a single letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the 1960s. In this letter, a doctor reported experiencing 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' after dining out, suggesting MSG as a possible cause. This unfounded assertion sparked decades of stigma against MSG, particularly in Asian cuisine. Despite scientific evidence disproving its harmful effects, a significant portion of the population continues to view MSG with suspicion.
Discovery of a Prank
The narrative around the MSG letter takes an intriguing turn when Jennifer LeMessure uncovers the true identity behind the author's pseudonym, Dr. Ho Man Kwok. She learns from Dr. Howard Steele, who claims to have authored the prank letter, that he created the name as part of a bet with a friend. However, the reality is murky, as the name appears to have roots in real medical discussions by Dr. Kwok, who actually intended to raise awareness about food sensitivities. The confusion surrounding the true author highlights the complexities of how myths can propagate through misinformation.
Howard Steele's Legacy
Even after the prank letter spiraled into a public health scare, Howard Steele's humorous intentions became intertwined with a significant societal issue. He reportedly attempted to clarify the situation but faced dismissal from the medical journal. As years passed, his tale morphed from confession into a legend within the medical community, illustrating how one seemingly harmless joke could unleash immense consequences. Despite his efforts, Steele's narrative remained elusive and ultimately unverified.
The Stork Derby Controversy
The Stork Derby initiated by Charles Vance Miller's will provoked widespread social implications and discussion surrounding women's reproductive rights in the 1930s. He left his fortune to the woman who bore the most children in the ten years following his death, igniting a chaotic competition that exploited the desperation of impoverished women. As this bizarre contest unfolded, many women faced media scrutiny and exploitation, with their personal tragedies reported as mere tales for public entertainment. The controversy surrounding the Derby ultimately reflected societal prejudices and the often harsh realities faced by women in desperate circumstances.
A Cheater's Redemption
In a cycling race, athlete Ian Dilley faced emotional turmoil when fellow competitor Mike Friedman broke an unspoken agreement by sprinting ahead to win. This moment of betrayal haunted both racers for years, revealing how a single incident can impact relationships and personal identities long after an event has passed. Eventually, a chance meeting led to Friedman's acknowledgment of his mistake and heartfelt apology, illustrating the power of communication in resolving past grievances. This story showcases how the pursuit of victory can lead to moral dilemmas that affect individuals far beyond the race itself.
Prologue: Host Ira Glass plays a strange voicemail left by a 96-year-old surgeon about a letter that was written five decades ago. (6 minutes)
Act One: Producer Lilly Sullivan reports out that voicemail. (13 minutes)
Act Two: On his deathbed, a wealthy man in Toronto decides to make some trouble. Hundreds of babies are involved. Stephanie Foo tells the story. (25 minutes)
Act Three: Cyclist Mike Friedman said something to cyclist Ian Dille in the middle of a race that ate at both of them for years. Jared Marcelle tells the story. (12 minutes)
