In Vivo

My guest today, Dr. Oded Rechavi, is a brilliant polymath who has dedicated his career to radical problem-solving. He's famous for discovering the inheritance of acquired memories and using ancient DNA sequencing to reconstruct the 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls.But now, he's tackling his biggest problem yet: the broken peer review process.The system, which has been the "gold standard" of science since 1665, has become a slow, biased, and soul-crushing bottleneck. We discuss why scientists are now acting like "cowards" and why it took six years for one of his papers to get published.Dr. Rechavi's answer is QED—an innovative AI platform he built to democratize and depoliticize research feedback.QED acts as an "MRI for logic," breaking down papers into core claims (logic trees), ruthlessly hunting for missing controls, logical gaps, and statistical errors—all in minutes, not months or years. It removes the author's identity and prestige to ensure a truly objective critique.00:00 The Tyranny of Peer Review01:12 Introducing Dr. ODed Avi01:39 The Broken System of Peer Review01:52 QED: Revolutionizing Peer Review with AI03:00 The Impact of Peer Review on Scientists04:40 Challenges and Biases in the Review Process09:00 The Addiction to Impact Factor17:32 The Future of Peer Review: AI and Transparency36:17 Addressing AI Fears and Misconceptions36:54 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Feedback37:32 Quality and Challenges of AI Reviews40:48 Future Applications of QED42:15 Development and Evolution of QED43:34 Challenges in AI and Future Improvements50:09 The Future of Scientific Publishing51:52 Interdisciplinary Research: Dead Sea Scrolls53:04 The Importance of Historical Context in Science01:10:00 Concluding Thoughts and Future VisionDr. Rechavi's lab - https://www.odedrechavilab.com/Dr. Rechavi on X - https://x.com/OdedRechaviQED - https://www.qedscience.com/In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo#SSRICrisis #FDAInsider #AntidepressantSideEffects #PSSD #SSRIWithdrawal #DrugTapering #SerotoninTheory #DrJosefWittDoerring #BigPharma #MentalHealthAwareness

Former FDA medical officer Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring joins me to blow the whistle on the widespread overprescription of psychiatric medications and the dangerous lack of proper SSRI tapering guidance.Dr. Witt-Doerring, who served in the FDA's Division of Psychiatry, reveals how the entire system—from clinical trials to prescribing habits—is built on a flawed foundation. He exposes the truth behind the serotonin theory of depression and explains why the long-term data on antidepressant side effects is virtually non-existent.In this must-watch interview, Dr. Witt-Doerring covers:The Serotonin Lie: Why the "chemical imbalance" narrative is bankrupt and how it led to a crisis.The Opioid Parallel: Drawing a direct line between the opioid crisis and the casual overprescription of SSRIs.Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD): The devastating, potentially permanent side effect that affects up to 70% of users and is routinely ignored.The Tapering Crisis: Why doctors are practicing outside the evidence base when advising patients on SSRI withdrawal and the urgent need for slow, meticulous drug tapering protocols.Big Pharma's Data Gap: Why controlled trials for these powerful drugs rarely last longer than a few months.If you or a loved one is taking psychiatric medication or considering getting off antidepressants, this is the most critical conversation you can hear. Dr. Josef is now one of the leading voices advocating for safe medication withdrawal and responsible mental health care.You may also enjoy: https://youtu.be/LxHimAbxSrY?si=o0VLoLVcf28nc25Q&t=1Connect with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring's Work:Find out more about his work, the taper clinic, and resources: www.taperclinic.comCheck out the Dr. Josef YouTube Channel for more on mental health in America and psychiatry in the news:  @taperclinic  In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo#SSRICrisis #FDAInsider #AntidepressantSideEffects #PSSD #SSRIWithdrawal #DrugTapering #SerotoninTheory #DrJosefWittDoerring #BigPharma #MentalHealthAwareness

In this episode I speak with Dr. Emma Hapke, a leading psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychedelic researcher who ran the MAPS Canada MDMA trials in Montreal.Dr. Hapke provides an expert, on-the-ground look at the clinical trials and therapeutic process using substances like MDMA for PTSD and high-dose Psilocybin therapy for patients struggling with depression and end-of-life distress (fear of death/unprocessed grief).What you will learn:The Clinical Process: Dr. Hapke walks us through the intensive patient screening process, the preparation sessions, the high-dose treatment day, and the critical role of post-session integration and a two-therapist model.The Psychedelic Experience: Discover why these medicines are non-specific "amplifiers of the psyche" that facilitate a depth-oriented psychotherapeutic process. She cautions against the media narrative of a "brain reset," emphasizing that the medicines act as "catalysts for this deep work," which remains challenging for the patient.History and Future: We explore the deep history of altered consciousness and plant medicine in indigenous cultures, the 20th-century rediscovery with Albert Hofmann and LSD, and how the War on Drugs caused a decades-long setback for research.This discussion cuts through the "hope and the hype" to provide a clear, scientifically grounded view of where psychedelic medicine is today and its promise for the future of mental healthcare.Dr. Hapke's profile - https://www.uhn.ca/MentalHealth/Research/Psychedelic-Psychotherapy-Research/Pages/who-we-are.aspxIn Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

Dr. Shawn Baker joins me to discuss the Carnivore Diet, his status as a controversial figure, and why he believes current nutrition science is failing the public.As a pioneering orthopedic surgeon and world-record-holding athlete, Dr. Baker provides an unfiltered look at the benefits of an all-meat diet for achieving peak athletic performance in his 50s.We deep-dive into the corporate interests and anti-meat lobbying groups that have labeled him the world's "#1 mis-influencer" and why he views this as a "dubious honor." This is the essential conversation on zero-carb, metabolic health, and taking control of your health away from big pharma.Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or health regimen.#ShawnBaker #CarnivoreDiet #ZeroCarb #MetabolicHealth #NutritionScience #MeatHeals #HealthControversy #OptimalHealth #FastedLifestyleDr. Shawn Baker's X page - https://x.com/SBakerMDDr. Shawn Baker's book 'The Carnivore Diet' - https://www.amazon.ca/Carnivore-Diet-Shawn-Baker/dp/162860350X/ref=asc_df_162860350X?mcid=eb6c7be67e8f3b388d0aedf071a7957e&tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706730090076&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15949171223565559290&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9198282&hvtargid=pla-550048882508&psc=1&hvocijid=15949171223565559290-162860350X-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1Revero - https://www.revero.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organicIn Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

In this episode of In Vivo, I sit down with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and leading voice challenging the very foundation of modern mental health care. Dr. Fabiano argues that by separating the mind and body, Western medicine has created a dangerous medical divide that is failing patients.We dive deep into his viral assertion: "Could not prescribing exercise for depression be psychiatric malpractice?"In this groundbreaking conversation, you will discover:The Mind-Body Connection: Why the ancient concept that physical and mental health are inseparable is being ignored today, and why this historical blunder is hurting millions.The Exercise Prescription: The scientific evidence proving why exercise is often a more effective treatment for mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety than traditional methods.Beyond the Serotonin Hypothesis: Why the focus on "chemical imbalances" is often misleading and what true root causes—like inflammation and sleep—drive mental illness.Integrative Psychiatry's Blueprint: Dr. Fabiano shares the lifestyle factors every doctor should be prioritizing, including a discussion on the role of supplements like creatine and depression, the alarming discovery of microplastics in the body and brain, and the complex effects of marijuana legalization on public mental health.The Future of Wellness: How to move Psychiatry Beyond the Brain to treat the whole person for sustainable well-being.If you or a loved one have struggled with depression, anxiety, or feel frustrated with the pill-first approach of modern medicine, this interview is mandatory viewing.#PsychiatryBeyondTheBrain #DrFabiano #IntegrativePsychiatry #MindBodyConnection #ExerciseForDepression #MentalHealth #DepressionTreatment #AnxietyRelief #LifestyleMedicine #SerotoninHypothesis #MedicalMalpractice #HolisticHealth #MentalWellness #Inflammation #CreatineAndDepressionDr. Nicholas Fabiano's X page - https://x.com/NTFabianoIn Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

On September 22, 2025, the Trump administration held a landmark press conference in the White House Roosevelt Room, presenting evidence linking prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) exposure to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Led by President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the announcement prompted immediate FDA actions, including label reviews and advisories urging caution during pregnancy—sparking global debate on a drug long considered safe for kids and expectant mothers.In this episode of the In Vivo podcast, I speak with Dr. William Parker, a scientist at the center of the acetaminophen-Autism connection. We take an objective look at the data, from molecular mechanisms to historical trends.Dr. Parker's lab - https://www.wplaboratory.org/In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

In this episode of In Vivo, we sit down with Dr. Tomás Duraj to challenge a century of conventional wisdom about cancer. For decades, the dominant theory has been the somatic mutation theory, which suggests cancer is a genetic disease caused by random mutations.Dr. Duraj and his colleagues are proposing a paradigm shift, viewing cancer as a mitochondrial metabolic disease. This theory explains that cancer cells are fundamentally different from healthy cells in how they produce energy, relying on a less efficient form of energy production through glucose and glutamine fermentation. This metabolic inflexibility is what makes them vulnerable.We discuss the history of cancer research, the flaws in the current paradigm, and the exciting potential of a new approach: Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy (KMT). Dr. Duraj explains how KMT, which includes a ketogenic diet, is not just a diet but a comprehensive strategy to create a metabolic disadvantage for cancer cells while protecting and empowering healthy ones.We cover:The Warburg Effect and the metabolic theory of cancerThe difference between how healthy cells and cancer cells generate ATPHow a ketogenic diet and other therapies can synergistically target cancer's vulnerabilitiesThe potential of KMT in treating aggressive cancers like glioblastomaThis is a must-watch for anyone interested in a new perspective on cancer research and treatment.Connect with Dr. Tomás Duraj: http://www.tomasduraj.com/Dr. Duraj's 2024 paper on KMT: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39639257/In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

Dive into the science of sleep with Dr. Michael Mak, a leading psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) in Toronto. In this episode, we explore why sleep is essential for peak performance, memory consolidation, and mental health. Dr. Mak breaks down sleep stages (deep sleep, REM), the glymphatic system's role in brain detox and dementia prevention, and practical tips like CBT-I for insomnia, weighted blankets for anxiety, and debunking polyphasic sleep myths like Da Vinci's protocol. Learn about sleep apnea risks, blue light effects on melatonin, optimal sleep positions, and student strategies for better focus and exam success.Whether you're battling sleep deprivation, optimizing for cognitive enhancement, or seeking evidence-based sleep hacks, this episode delivers actionable insights to boost your physical, mental, and emotional resilience. Perfect for biohackers, students, professionals, and anyone chasing better rest.Subscribe for more science-driven discussions on health optimization, biotech, and performance. Like and comment your biggest sleep takeaway! #SleepScience #InsomniaTips #PeakPerformance #MentalHealth #SleepOptimizationDr. Michael Mak's profile: https://psychiatry.utoronto.ca/faculty/michael-makIn Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@InVivoPodcastIn Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

I spoke with Dr. Brandon Luu, an Internal medicine–trained Medical Doctor currently specializing in Respirology, as he breaks down the science behind creatine, nicotine, and binaural beats. Discover why these three are buzzing in fitness, cognitive enhancement, and sleep deprivation circles. From boosting muscle strength to enhancing focus during, Dr. Luu shares evidence-based insights and personal experiments he tried durring his 26 hr residency shifts. Learn how creatine supports ATP regeneration, why nicotine (in controlled forms like gum) might sharpen attention, and how binaural beats could improve memory by up to 30%. Plus, get practical tips for students and professionals on optimizing performance while prioritizing health. Don’t miss this deep dive into cutting-edge protocols for body and mind!Follow Dr. Luu’s evidence-based journey on X: https://x.com/BrandonLuuMDCheck out Dr. Luu's binaural beats Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonLuuMDDr. Luu's newsletter: https://brandonluumd.substack.comExperiment with making binaural beats: https://onlinetonegenerator.com/binauralbeats.html#biohacking #creatine #nicotine #binauralbeats #cognitivenhancement #sleepdeprivation #healthoptimization #performancetips #evidencedbased #medicalinsightsIn Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo

Dr. David Rosen, a cognitive neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins, explores the science of flow states and creativity. He discusses his research on jazz improvisation and how musicians enter flow by dis-engaging certain brain areas. Rosen shares insights into how intrinsic motivation and the right mindset can enhance performance. He also delves into the role of psychedelics in unlocking creativity and reflects on his personal journey in music, revealing how balance and connection are key to achieving peak performance.