#public-health
78 episodes · Page 3 of 4
#2422: Rare Diseases: Incentives That Work and Backfire
How orphan drug policies created 800 new treatments—and the "orphan paradox" that lets blockbusters game the system.
#2420: How 4 Countries Actually Destigmatized Mental Health
Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, and the Netherlands show what structural change looks like — not just awareness campaigns.
#2418: The Lossy Compression of Human Development
How the HDI measures progress, where it falls short, and what it reveals about inequality.
#2415: Autism Numbers vs. the Noise
What the data actually says about global autism rates, diagnostic history, and why the numbers keep changing.
#2321: Kratom’s Double-Edged Leaf: Science vs. Marketing
From ancient remedy to modern supplement, Kratom’s story reveals gaps between marketing, science, and global regulation.
#2277: The Unfalsifiable System of Medieval Medicine
Sneezing in 1500? You might’ve been bled, dried out, or told to pray. Here’s how medieval medicine worked — and why it lasted so long.
#2112: Your Rice Is Already Infested
That bag of rice in your pantry isn't a food item—it's a Trojan Horse for weevils pre-installed at the factory.
#1977: Why Earth Can't Hit 60°C
Death Valley hit 53.9°C, but the planet seems stuck. Here’s the physics behind Earth’s natural heat ceiling and the biological danger zone.
#1783: Why Sleep Deprivation Makes You a Monster
Sleep loss doesn't just make you tired—it physically cuts the brake line between your logical and emotional brain.
#1726: 2500 Years of Bad Medicine: The Slow Surrender
Bloodletting dominated medicine for 2500 years. Here’s how science finally admitted it was wrong.
#1659: Why Your Brain Shuts Down After Months of Stress
Chronic stress isn't just mental; it physically rewires your brain. Here's the biological path from high alert to clinical depression.
#1655: The Chemistry of Flavor Pairing
Up to 80% of flavor is aroma. Discover the volatile compounds that make foods sing together—and how to use them.
#1517: The 12-Month Crash: Why Dads Hit a Depression Spike
Explore the shift to authoritative parenting, the 12-month paternal depression spike, and how AI is changing the way dads lead in 2026.
#1515: Is Your Algorithm Training You to Be Violent?
Exploring the widening gap between our enlightened public values and the increasingly violent, stereotypical world of private digital consumption.
#1449: Deciphering Development: The Science of Baby Milestones
Why do some babies walk at ten months while others wait until sixteen? Explore the genetics and environmental factors behind developmental timelines.
#1251: Why Richer Countries Are Getting Miserable
Why is the US falling in happiness rankings while others thrive? Explore the "Beyond GDP" movement and the true metrics of a life well-lived.
#1192: Why You’re Taking 100x More Melatonin Than You Need
From gas station gummies to prescription drugs, we dive into the "melatonin paradox" and why your 10mg dose might be a "flamethrower."
#1191: Are Your Vitamins Just Expensive Houseplants?
Are your vitamins actually doing anything? Discover the regulatory loopholes and quality control issues hiding behind your supplement labels.
#1188: The Fixed Patient Paradox: Is Therapy a Forever Subscription?
Is therapy a tool for healing or an infinite subscription? Explore the tension between quick protocols and decade-long clinical journeys.
#1063: The Physics and Ethics of Deathmatch Wrestling
Beyond the "fake" label: Discover the science of how wrestlers survive glass panes, light tubes, and mercury exposure in the ring.
#843: The Mechanistic Phase: Why Long COVID Finally Has Answers
While the world moves on, 65 million people remain in the shadow pandemic. Explore the latest 2026 breakthroughs in Long COVID science.
#643: The Silent Killer in Your Smart Home
Learn why carbon monoxide is the "silent killer" and how to properly place and maintain your sensors to protect your home.
#619: The Village and the Vibe: Kids, Cafes, and Clean Air
Should kids be in bars and cafes? Herman and Corn explore the "social apprenticeship" of third places and the battle for smoke-free public air.
#547: The Thirst Tax: When Water Becomes a Luxury
Why is it so hard to find a drink in Jerusalem? Herman and Corn explore the history, economics, and public health of urban water access.