

The Dose
CBC
A weekly look at the health news that matters to you. Dr. Brian Goldman brings you the best science from top experts in plain language. He cuts through the BS and confusion to give you a dose of smart advice that you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes every Thursday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 24min
Why does the time change mess with my sleep, and what can I do about it?
Most Canadians reset their clocks twice a year. We spring forward, fall back and experts say that messes with our body's internal clocks. Rébecca Robillard, University of Ottawa associate professor and co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, says we should abolish Daylight Saving Time, in order to protect our sleep and overall health.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!

Oct 23, 2025 • 22min
What's the harm in eating ultra-processed foods and what can I do about it?
An estimated one third of Canadian adults are obese, and ultra-processed foods are a major culprit. Leading nutrition scientist Kevin Hall recently co-wrote a new book on how foods nourish and harm us. He says understanding what's in our food is essential for our health, and that not all ultra-processed foods are bad.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!

Oct 16, 2025 • 22min
What do I need to know about IV hydration and vitamin therapy?
Bernie Garrett, an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing, explores the controversial world of IV hydration and vitamin therapy. He discusses the rapid rise of wellness clinics and the deceptive health claims surrounding them. Bernie highlights the lack of solid evidence to support these treatments for hangovers and migraines. He also warns about the potential risks, including serious adverse reactions, and stresses the importance of seeking care from licensed professionals. A must-listen for anyone curious about the safety of these popular therapies!

Oct 9, 2025 • 25min
How can we protect ourselves from fall and winter respiratory viruses?
It’s respiratory virus season again, and experts say to look out for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Allison McGeer explains what the data shows about how severe this year might be, as well as how Canadians can protect themselves.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!

Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
What does the evidence tell us about Tylenol, leucovorin, and autism?
The Trump administration has claimed Tylenol in pregnancy causes autism, despite no conclusive evidence, and promoted the drug leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism symptoms. Pediatric neurologist Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou breaks down the science and what’s really known about these claims.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!

Sep 25, 2025 • 25min
What might testosterone replacement therapy mean for me?
The internet is full of hype for products claiming to boost mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance sexual performance—including testosterone supplements. Low testosterone can affect both men and women, but OB/GYN Dr. George Arnold says supplements rarely raise hormone levels; only prescribed testosterone can.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Sep 18, 2025 • 23min
How can I reduce my risk of computer vision syndrome?
An estimated 70 per cent of people have experienced computer vision syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain. It's a condition caused by staring at a digital screen that's too close for too long and can lead to headaches, dry or blurry eyes, and neck, shoulder or back pain. Optometrist Meenal Agarwal says simple habits like taking regular breaks can help prevent CVS.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Sep 11, 2025 • 25min
What does the latest research say about the benefits of GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are proven effective for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Researchers are now exploring their potential to reduce heart, kidney, liver, and even Alzheimer’s disease risks. But experts, including obesity specialist Dr. Sean Wharton, warn against off-label use. He breaks down the latest research and what the future might hold.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Sep 8, 2025 • 16min
BONUS: TED Health: What staying up all night does to your brain
TED Health is a podcast from TED that shares interviews, stories, and TED Talks that will help you better understand your health. You can learn the latest ideas on what exercise does to your brain, whether or not psychedelics can treat depression, why your body fights weight loss, and more. In this episode: You’re just one exam away from a relaxing spring break. But you still have so much to study! You decide to follow in the footsteps of many before you, and pull an all-nighter. So, what happens to your brain when you stay up all night? And does cramming help you prepare for a test? Science journalist Anna Rothschild explores how a sleepless night affects your cognitive function. And host Dr. Shoshanna Ungerleider delves into the effects of sleep deprivation on other aspects of your health–starting with the heart. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or go to: https://link.mgln.ai/f7pFxv

Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
What should I know about asking ChatGPT for health advice?
As a growing number of Canadians use AI, physician groups like the Ontario Medical Association are warning against using it for medical help. Family physician Dr. Danielle Martin explains how AI chatbots can be useful, but risky when it comes to personal medical advice.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.


