Serious Inquiries Only

In 2020, the United Kingdom’s (NHS) commissioned an inquiry to provide recommendations for the healthcare of transgender adolescents. It was overseen by a pediatrician named Dr. Hillary Cass and was completed in April 2024. It became known as the Cass Review, and it has since been used to justify depriving a lot of people of the healthcare they badly need. But is it good science? Obviously not. Yale's Integrity Project gathered several actual experts in the field to conduct their own review of the review. The results are not pretty. They published an excellent report entitled "An Evidence-Based Critique of “The Cass Review” on Gender-affirming Care for Adolescent Gender Dysphoria." Three of these experts, Drs. Meredithe McNamara, Kellan Baker, and Ken C. Pang, were kind enough to join us to talk about their findings. It looks to me like the anti-trans side is winning this information war, so please share this far and wide to get the word out! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

Dr. Eric Jaffe, an expert in CRISPR technology, unpacks the fascinating world of genetic editing. He discusses the historical evolution of CRISPR and how it functions in bacterial immunity. The conversation explores groundbreaking applications in areas like spina bifida research and the controversial use of CRISPR to control mosquito populations. Ethical concerns and potential ecological impacts are examined, offering listeners a thorough understanding of both the promise and perils of this revolutionary technology.

Dr. Eric Jaffe, a genetics expert and CRISPR innovator, returns to discuss the fascinating intricacies of genetics. He dives into how eye color illustrates genetic complexity and why mapping the human genome hasn't led to instant modifications. The conversation explores the relationship between genes and physical traits, emphasizing the role of multiple genes in determining characteristics. Jaffe also explains genetic mutations, the gene expression journey, and sets the stage for the promise of CRISPR technology in reshaping genetic understanding.

Kelly Burke joins the pod again, this time to break down Facilitated Communication. A documentary recently came out on Netflix that explored this, and Kelly tells us why it's not just nonsense but also harmful, and how she and other experts in this field actually help people learn real communication techniques. Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here!

Part 2! Dr. Jenessa Seymour continues to walk us through our drug journey with a brief stop to cover why it's impossible to get ADHD medication. PSA: Narcan is over the counter and (last we checked) less than $50 for two doses. Please consider buying some to have on hand so you can help save a life. Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here!

Dr. Jenessa Seymour, an expert in addiction and drug policy, dives into the science of how drugs affect the brain and what addiction really means. She critiques current drug policies and highlights the challenges surrounding opioid and fentanyl use. Their discussion emphasizes the distinction between chemical dependency and substance use disorder. Jenessa also underscores the importance of harm reduction strategies and the alarming rise of fentanyl, urging for a more evidence-based approach to drug education.

In a deep dive into Bret Weinstein's PhD thesis, the discussion unpacks the relevance and implications of his claims about vaccines and COVID-19. The critique highlights a troubling lack of scientific rigor and empirical evidence, questioning academic standards. It emphasizes the need for solid data in the study of aging, telomeres, and biological trade-offs. As the speakers dissect anecdotal reasoning versus substantiated research, they call for higher standards in academic discourse to combat misinformation.

Bret Weinstein, a former biology professor known for his controversial views, joins evolutionary biologist Heather Heying to delve into the complexities of COVID-19. They critically analyze the politicization of science, advocating for responsible communication and unbiased evidence evaluation. The discussion unpacks mRNA vaccines, clarifying misconceptions and emphasizing their safety. They also examine the origins of COVID-19, tackling conspiracy theories and highlighting the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry in understanding the pandemic's true nature.

Dr. Joe Siev from SIO429 is back with us to discuss a new study he's published regarding political behavior among those who hold ambivalent attitudes. This one is very subtle and trickier to grasp fully than you might think. I talk more after the interview about how I've come to understand what this study means. Additionally, there's a blog post that makes it easier.  Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here!

The New York Times had a recent article discussing the United States' absence of effective pain management for IUD insertion procedures, but it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Jenny Wu joins the show to tell us about how her research influenced her practice and the approach she now takes with patients seeking pain relief, and what she believes we can look forward to with the next generation of providers. Also, Lydia regales us with her personal IUD trauma.  Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here!