

The Body of Evidence
Dr. Christopher Labos
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2025 • 40min
136 - Does acupuncture work?

Apr 23, 2025 • 51min
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! 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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. You can check out the Unbiased Science podcast here: https://www.unbiasedscience.com/podcast

Apr 16, 2025 • 42min
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=9QZET78JZWCZE Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com. Editor: Robyn Flynn Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
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/ 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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Age of IVF as predictor of success doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.036 Success rates in older women doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.05.081 Surgical treatment of hydrosalpinx prior to IVF doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002125.pub3. How smoking affects outcomes doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.073 How obesity affects outcomes doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.008 Aspirin in IVF doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004832.pub3 Acupuncture in IVF doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006920.pub3 Heparin treatment in IVF doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.005

13 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
132 – Ice baths, cold plunges and Wim Hof
Nick Tiller, an exercise scientist and author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science, discusses the chilling craze of ice baths and the Wim Hof method. He reveals surprising insights into the efficacy of cold therapy, questioning its benefits for muscle recovery and highlighting its place in sports culture. Tiller and host Dr. Chris Labos share personal near-drowning stories that underscore the risks associated with cold water activities. They also delve into the psychological effects on athletes and the crucial need for safety precautions when embracing these frosty practices.

Mar 26, 2025 • 53min
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.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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) Cochrane review on blue light filtering lenses https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013244.pub2/full 2) A systematic review on weighted blanket use https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.037358

Mar 19, 2025 • 43min
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 vaccines. 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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: ● Initially emailed clip ● Actual TED talk ● How does better healthcare reduce population growth? ● George Bernard Shaw Anti-Vax Quote

Mar 12, 2025 • 36min
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 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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Stephanie’s website: www.critikid.com The answer to the poisoned wine riddle (the harder version of the mouse-cookie riddle): https://medium.com/i-math/a-king-1000-bottles-of-wine-10-prisoners-and-a-drop-of-poison-2dd1959a8dd2 The brand new social memdia simulator for kids (live soon): https://critikid.com/courses/social-media-simulator Some fun puzzle books: https://www.amazon.com/aha-two-collection-Insight-Spectrum/dp/0883855518

Mar 5, 2025 • 46min
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 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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html Chris’ article on hyperbaric oxygen therapy: https://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/article560792.html Recent child’s death https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/clinic-death-raises-questions-about-oxygen-therapy-2025a10003wa?ecd=wnl_tp10_daily_250216_MSCPEDIT_etid7230220&uac=207389HY&impID=7230220 Trauma Bouachour G, Cronier P, Gouello JP, Toulemonde JL, Talha A, Alquier P. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of crush injuries: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Trauma. 1996 Aug;41(2):333-9. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199608000-00023. PMID: 8760546. Burns Brannen AL, Still J, Haynes M, Orlet H, Rosenblum F, Law E, Thompson WO. A randomized prospective trial of hyperbaric oxygen in a referral burn center population. Am Surg. 1997 Mar;63(3):205-8. PMID: 9036884. Radiation injury Lin ZC, Bennett MH, Hawkins GC, Azzopardi CP, Feldmeier J, Smee R, Milross C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Aug 15;8(8):CD005005. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub5. PMID: 37585677; PMCID: PMC10426260. Chronic wounds: Kranke P, Bennett MH, Martyn-St James M, Schnabel A, Debus SE, Weibel S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 24;2015(6):CD004123. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004123.pub4. PMID: 26106870; PMCID: PMC7055586. Cerebral palsy Collet JP, Vanasse M, Marois P, Amar M, Goldberg J, Lambert J, Lassonde M, Hardy P, Fortin J, Tremblay SD, Montgomery D, Lacroix J, Robinson A, Majnemer A. Hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy: a randomised multicentre trial. HBO-CP Research Group. Lancet. 2001 Feb 24;357(9256):582-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04054-x. PMID: 11558483.

Feb 26, 2025 • 47min
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 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 Queen“ by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) Dutch Twin study about the role of genetics in PCOS: 10.1210/jc.2005-1494 2) Cochrane review on meds that improve fertility https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003053.pub6/full 3) RCT of diet to restore fertility https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/88/2/812/2845309?redirectedFrom=fulltext 4) Benefits of weight loss prior to fertility treatment 10.1210/jc.2016-1659 5) Letrozole vs. clomiphene for fertility treatment https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1313517 6) Metformin as a fertility treatment 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11995


