Funny Medicine Podcast

Cheeks puff up, jaw aches, and your group chat starts talking about mumps. Plants and Facts EP 123 breaks down the chipmunk cheeks virus with real science and unfiltered millennial commentary.

Pediatrician Dr Yvy and medical researcher Julz explain what mumps is, how it spreads in dorms, teams, camps, and households, and why vaccines dropped yearly cases from hundreds of thousands to a few hundred. You also hear wild history from Hippocrates to World War I barracks, how Maurice Hilleman built the MMR shot from his daughters infection, and why online vaccine myths keep dragging this virus back...

RSV in babies, kids, and older adults explained by a board certified pediatrician and a medical researcher who deal with RSV season every single day in clinic. In this Funny Medicine Podcast episode, we talk through real numbers, real stories, and the new RSV vaccines and antibodies for 2024 2025 without fear mongering or medical jargon overload.

You hear Dr Yvy, pediatrician, and Julz, medical researcher and mom, break down:

• What RSV is in plain language, from “runny nose” to bronchiolitis and pneumonia

• RSV symptoms in babies, toddlers, older kids, adults, and seniors

• Why RSV se...

Chickenpox scars on your nose. Shingles burning along a nerve.

Varicella is not a cute childhood phase. In this episode of Funny Medicine Podcast, pediatrician Dr Yvy and medical researcher Julz break down varicella zoster virus, chickenpox, and shingles, from first itchy spots to long term nerve pain. You get real talk on vaccines, side effects, complications, and why public health experts still worry about this virus.

You hear:

• What varicella zoster virus does in the body

• Why kids often bounce back while adults face higher risk

• How herd immuni...

HBV is a liver infection, not a “stomach bug.” We break down what HBV is, how it spreads, who is at risk, why newborn vaccination matters, and how modern antivirals keep people safer long term. We also address common claims about autism, MS, and “toxins,” using clear evidence and real clinic experience.

What you’ll learn:

• HBV basics, DNA virus, routes of spread, birth, blood, sex, needles, tattoos, razors

• Why infant vaccination drives liver cancer down across populations

• Acute vs chronic infection, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, long-term monitoring

• Adult screening updates, who shoul...

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🎙️ New Patreon Exclusive! 🎙️

Ever wondered why some robots, dolls, or even humans can evoke a sense of unease or discomfort? It's all about the Uncanny Valley Effect, a phenomenon that has fascinated scientists, psychologists, and designers for decades.

In this video, we'll delve into the psychological and neurological explanations behind this creepy sensation, exploring how our brains process human-like features and why we find certain simulations or replicas unsettling. From robotics to computer graphics, we'll examine the implications of the Uncanny Valley on various industries and how it's shaping the future...

Vampires are fake. Porphyria is real. We break down the science behind the so-called “vampire disease,” in plain English, with Halloween vibes and zero fluff.

What you’ll learn

• What porphyria is, how heme is made, and why enzyme problems cause symptoms

• Acute vs cutaneous types, including AIP, HCP, VP, PCT, EPP, XLP, and CEP

• Classic symptoms you should know: severe abdominal pain, nerve changes, painful photosensitivity, dark or red urine

• Common triggers to avoid: unsafe drugs, fasting or low carb intake, alcohol, infections, hormonal changes

• How doctors test for...

A rare psychiatric syndrome where a person believes they are dead or do not exist. In this episode we explain Cotard's syndrome in plain language. Clear history. Real symptoms. What doctors look for. How treatment works. Why awareness matters during spooky season.

What you will learn

• What Cotard's syndrome is, also called the walking corpse delusion.

• Key symptoms, nihilistic delusions, self neglect, food refusal, suicide risk.

• History, Jules Cotard’s 1880 case and modern case patterns.

• Links with severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and neurological disease.

• Brain findin...

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Three diseases that sound ancient but aren’t gone.

In this episode of Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down what the TDaP vaccine actually protects you from, and why skipping it isn’t a good idea. From lockjaw and “whooping cough” to the real science behind herd immunity, we explain why staying up to date on your vaccines matters more than ever.

This episode is packed with straight facts, sarcasm, and stories that make public health make sense. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare worker, or someone who hasn’t had a booster si...

Polio is not gone. Here is what you need to know, why it still matters, and how to stay protected. In this episode of Funny Medicine, Evie and Julie break down polio in plain English. We cover the history, the science, and what recent headlines mean for your family. We focus on medical facts, not politics.

What you will learn

• What polio is, how it spreads, and who is at risk

• Symptoms, paralysis rates, and why breathing muscles are the danger

• How vaccines from Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin cut ca...

Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses of the cell,” but what happens when they stop working? In this episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down mitochondrial disorders, explain why they are so complex and rare, and bust myths spreading on social media about so-called mitochondrial challenges.

You’ll learn:

• What mitochondrial disorders are and how they affect the body

• Why these conditions are inherited through maternal DNA • The real symptoms and daily struggles patients face

• Why diagnosing and managing mitochondrial disease is so difficult

• The truth about myths linking va...

Juice cleanse hype meets real science. We break down detox diet claims, Master Cleanse history, celery juice, and the cucumber salad trend. Learn what helps, what harms, and what to do instead.

What you get:

What a juice cleanse is and how programs run Master Cleanse origins and celebrity buzz

Detox myths versus real biology, liver and kidneys handle detox

Short term weight loss versus rebound weight gain

Risks, low protein, blood sugar swings, food safety, kidney stone risk, electrolyte issues

Trends, cucumber salad TikTok, celery juice...

Ever felt like you "know" a celebrity, streamer, or fictional character? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into parasocial relationships: the one-sided bonds we form with people who may never know we exist.

We explore where the idea came from in the 1950s with psychologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, how it's evolved with social media, and why our brains are wired to feel connected to people on screens.

You'll learn about:

• What parasocial relationships are (and how they differ from being a fan)

• Why we get attached to crea...

Step into one of history’s most shocking medical and cultural practices: foot binding in China. Also known as Lotus Feet, this brutal tradition started in the 10th century and crushed generations of women under the weight of “beauty standards.”

From our Patreon archives, this exclusive episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast is now available for everyone.

We break down:

• The origins of foot binding and why it became a status symbol

• The painful bone-breaking process and the lifelong health consequences

• The link between foot binding, sexuality, and power in ancient C...

This week on Funny Medicine, we break down the wildest recent health and medical news stories with facts, humor, and just the right dose of sarcasm. 🩺

What we cover in this episode:

• The hidden dangers of popular supplements like turmeric, green tea extract, and ashwagandha linked to liver damage

• The world’s first three-parent IVF babies born in the UK to block mitochondrial diseases

• The Trump administration’s cut to PFAS farm research and why it matters for your food and water

• Silicon Valley’s “super baby” embryo screening controversy

•...

Target twins, then myth-busting. In this Funny Medicine episode, we unpack pseudoscience in health: what it is, how to spot it, and why it can hurt. From homeopathy and detox cleanses to medical astrology, Reiki, and viral TikTok hacks, we keep it clear, evidence-based, and useful for real life.

What you’ll hear:

• What makes something pseudoscience vs real science

• Why “like cures like” and ultra-dilutions in homeopathy don’t hold up

• Detox claims vs what your liver and kidneys already do 24/7

• Astrology in healthcare and why controlled tests find chance-leve...

Vibrio vulnificus is not rare. This episode explains why it is trending and why you should care.

You will learn:

• Where it lives, including the Gulf of Mexico and US East Coast

• How warmer waters from climate change are increasing its spread

• How people get infected from raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters

• How open wounds exposed to contaminated water lead to severe infections

• What symptoms to watch for, including gastroenteritis, septicemia, and necrotizing wound infections

• Who is at highest risk, such as those with chronic live...

☀️ Melanoma, Sunscreen & Sun Myths: What You REALLY Need to Know

Hit play to find out why your “healthy glow” is anything but healthy, how UVA and UVB trash your skin at the molecular level, and why SPF-30 is the bare minimum, not the finish line.

🔑 What we cover

0:00 Intro & why this topic matters

1:41 Melanoma 101—how a rogue pigment cell turns deadly

5:55 UVB vs UVA—burns, wrinkles, and DNA damage explained

10:28 Myths we crush: base tans, vitamin D excuses, and “dark skin doesn’t burn”

🔥 Welcome to Funny Medicine Podcast! In this jam-packed episode, we tackle everything you need to know about TESTOSTERONE: from its natural production and vital physiological roles to legit medical uses and the dark side of abuse. Whether you’re curious about TRT, weightlifting performance enhancers, or just want to bust some popular testosterone myths, this one’s for you!

What You’ll Learn 🎧

• Testosterone 101: How this steroid hormone is made in men & women, and why it peaks in the morning.

• Medical Uses of TRT: Who really needs testosterone replacement therapy, the delivery methods (injections, gels...

Decoding Baby DNA – Newborn Whole-Genome Sequencing & Predictive Health

Today we tackle the future of newborn whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and how reading a baby’s entire DNA at birth could revolutionize predictive health and preventive medicine.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• 00:00 Intro & studio upgrades

• 02:15 How traditional newborn metabolic screening works vs. WGS

• 05:40 What is whole-genome sequencing, and why it matters

• 10:30 Real-world wins: SCID, G6PD deficiency & more

• 15:20 Ethical genomics: consent, overdiagnosis & data privacy

• 20:05 Cost, equity & who pays for baby DNA testing

• 24:45 The global rollout...

Get ready for inked insights in our latest episode of Funny Medicine Podcast! We are back with a new camera and teleprompter setup to dive into the world of tattoos. We’ll trace tattoo history across cultures, unpack the chemistry of tattoo ink, and explain why your immune cells can’t quit that pigment. Discover how tattoos mark grief and identity, and explore medical frontiers like radiation therapy markers, biosensor electronic tattoos, and tattoo delivered vaccines. We also cover real-talk risks: bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and why laser removal can be tricky and spotlight 2025 trends from micro-line minimalism to AI d...

AI Therapy: Your Robot Shrink Will See You Now? 🤖🛋️

Julz flies solo this week on Funny Medicine Podcast (get well soon, Yvy!) to tackle the biggest curveball in mental health: AI therapy chatbots. From the first “therapist” ELIZA in 1966 to today’s ChatGPT-powered mood coaches, we unpack the promise of 24/7 access, budget-friendly check-ins, and data-driven pep talks, and the peril of privacy breaches, fake empathy, and real-world horror stories (yes, we’re looking at you, Belgian AI tragedy).

🚀 Why listen?

Moms’ Mental Health, Toxic Tampons & Vitamin D vs. Aging | Funny Medicine Podcast

This week, we are making you question your grocery cart, your tampon stash, your sugar substitutes, and probably your entire neighborhood. Welcome back to Funny Medicine, where we turn real medical headlines into one big “Wait, what?!”

🧠 First up: Moms’ mental health is tanking fast: a 30% drop in mothers rating their mental health as “excellent” from 2016 to 2023. Single moms, young moms, you’re carrying too much and the data shows it. Families feel it too.

🩸 Next, let’s talk about tampons testing 40x over the l...

👁️ Infrared Contact Lenses, Genetic Breakthroughs & Healthcare Scandals | Funny Medicine Podcast

In this episode, we break down the latest must-know medical news with humor, honesty, and a touch of panic. From Bell’s Palsy anxiety to babies surviving at 22 weeks, we’re covering the medical spectrum, one wild headline at a time.

🚨 Topics covered include:

• Infrared vision contact lenses that could let humans see in the dark

• A controversial UnitedHealth scandal: nursing homes paid to delay emergency care

• The dangerous impact of junk food advertising on kids and upcoming UK ad bans

• C...

These are the science-backed longevity secrets of people who blow out 100+ birthday candles with a grin. 🎉 In this episode of Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down the Blue Zone research on Okinawa, Sardinia, Ikaria, Nicoya Peninsula, and Loma Linda to reveal simple, evidence-based habits that extend life expectancy while keeping you sharp, mobile, and hilarious.

🔑 What you’ll hear:

• Why plant-slant diets (hello beans, veggies & olive oil) crush ultra-processed junk for healthy aging

• Built-in natural movement vs. gym culture, and how goat herding beats a treadmill

• Ikigai & purpose: the mindset that l...

In this unlocked Patreon gem, we trace electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) from its rough-and-ready debut in 1938 to the well-regulated, anesthesia-assisted procedure psychiatrists rely on for treatment-resistant mood disorders today. Early “unmodified” ECT earned its horror-movie reputation—performed without anesthesia, it caused fractures and fierce stigma . Modern ECT looks nothing like those scenes: brief-pulse currents, IV propofol, and succinylcholine keep patients asleep and still while achieving remission rates of 50–80 % in severe depression . We break down how the therapy now saves lives in bipolar disorder , catatonia , and even postpartum depression when medications stall —all with a tiny fracture risk (≈0.36 per 100 000 treatments) and side-effects...

Ever wish your body came with a dashboard and a mute button for stress? 👀 Meet biofeedback, the science-backed trick that lets you peek at your heart-rate variability, brainwaves, and muscle tension; then tweak them like podcast volume. In this episode, we serve up equal parts hard science and snarky commentary on…

• 🎮 VR headsets that measure chill-level in real time

• 🧠 Neurofeedback clinics promising laser-beam focus for ADHD

• 💡 Wearables that claim to zap migraines before they start

• 🙃 Cat-ear headbands that wiggle when you’re zen (because why not?)

We peel back the history (hell...

Trending PCOS Diets: Fact or Fad? | Funny Medicine Podcast

Struggling with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)? In this episode of Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down the most talked-about PCOS diets—Low-Glycemic Index, DASH, Mediterranean, Low-Carb/Keto—and separate evidence-based nutrition from social media hype. Learn how to manage insulin resistance, balance hormones, and support weight loss with PCOS-friendly meal plans. We also debunk myths about dairy, gluten, and carbs, explore the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) in PCOS, and share practical tips for mental health, exercise, and lifelong wellness.

🎧 Listen...

Flint Michigan Water Crisis EXPOSED: From Lead Poisoning to Legionnaires’ Outbreak

Once locked behind our Patreon, now open to everyone: dive into the devastating Flint, Michigan water crisis—a prime example of regulatory failure, environmental injustice, and public health disaster. Learn how a switch to corrosive river water unleashed widespread lead contamination and a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, endangering thousands—especially children. Discover Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha’s heroic fight for justice, the socioeconomic forces at play, and practical water filtration solutions to safeguard your home. Subscribe and hit the bell for more hard-hitting health investigations and eye-openin...

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Face Taping: Anti-Aging Miracle or Total Flop? | Funny Medicine Podcast

Is face taping really the next big anti-aging secret—or just another viral beauty gimmick? In this episode, we break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know (and probably didn’t want to know) about face taping and wrinkle patches.

From TikTok face tape trends to Hollywood facelift hacks, we explore the history, science, risks, and medical uses of this wildly popular beauty practice. Whether you’re here because...

Mental health has been confusing humans since the first cave-person wondered why they felt weird for no obvious reason. In this episode we trek from ancient trepanation to tomorrow’s psychedelic-assisted therapy and AI mood-bots—with plenty of sarcasm, fun facts, and zero shame. We unpack the biology, psychology, and “life keeps lif-ing” environmental triggers behind mental illness, trash some stubborn myths, and swap personal stories (because our ADHD needs to make an appearance in each episode... iykyk).

Episode map

00:00 Welcome to Funny Medicine ☕️

00:53 Mental health, plain English edition

03:35 History’s qu...

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Butter vs. Canola. Lard vs. Sunflower oil. What’s really better for your body — and your brain?

In our latest episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down the truth about seed oils, animal fats, and what science actually says about heart health, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mental health 🧠💥 We’re cutting through the internet noise to talk balance, moderation, and practical healthy eating; not fear-mongering.

🎙️ We cover:

✔️ Seed oil history (and why it’s everywhere...

This episode covers key health stories making headlines this week. We talk about Florida’s push to remove ultra-processed foods from public school meals and a new FDA-approved antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTIs). There’s also an update on Alzheimer’s research, including a new blood test that may track its progression earlier.

We look at how artificial dyes in snacks are being phased out, how chewing gum might expose you to microplastics, and what recent data says about drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Also in this episode: a second successful pig kidney...

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Debunking Viral Health Myths: Honey & Salt, Pink Himalayan Salt, Weightlifting for Women & More!

Think honey and salt can melt away fat before a workout? Think lifting weights will make you bulky? Think again! In this episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, we are back with Part 4 of our and eye-opening series: "Debunking Popular Health Myths."

From trendy TikTok wellness hacks to old-school health beliefs, we break down viral claims with real science, laughter, and no-nonsense facts.

You’ll...

🧬 Unlocking the Secrets of Biohacking | Boost Health, Performance & Longevity | Funny Medicine Podcast

Ready to optimize your health and supercharge your life? In this episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, Yvy and Julie break down the world of biohacking—from DIY biology and wearable tech to nootropics, nutrigenomics, and more! 🔥

💡 Whether you’re new to biohacking or looking to level up your mental and physical performance, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and science-backed tips to help you take control of your health, wellness, and longevity.

🔬 What You’ll Learn:

SHOCKING MEDICAL NEWS RECAP | Microplastics in the Brain, Bird Flu Outbreaks & More!

Welcome to our brand new setup! We’re kicking things off with a must-watch medical news recap you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the latest health news headlines from January and February 2025, including:

🧠 Microplastics found in the human brain — yes, including from your favorite teabags

🐔 The bird flu outbreak that’s now impacting dairy cows and food safety

🚢 Why norovirus is wrecking cruise ship vacations again

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🎙️ Measles Part 2: Vaccine Hesitancy, Immune Amnesia & Why Misinformation is Making Us Sick | Funny Medicine Podcast

🚨 Think measles is a thing of the past? Think again. In this no-holds-barred, laugh-while-you-learn episode, Yvy and Julie return to unpack the messy truth behind the resurgence of measles, diving headfirst into vaccine hesitancy, immune amnesia, and the wild ride of viral misinformation fueled by social media. From anti-vax influencers to celebrity health myths, from the MMR vaccine facts to why antivirals like Tamiflu won’t help, this episode of Funny Medicine combines hilarious commentary with real scien...

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Measles Outbreak: The Deadly Comeback, Immune Amnesia & Vaccine Myths

Measles is back, and it’s more dangerous than you think. In this episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, hosts Evie & Julie break down the science, history, and public health crisis behind the resurgence of measles—with a side of humor, of course!

🔬 What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ Why measles cases are skyrocketing worldwide 📈

✅ The shocking truth about immune amnesia (your immune system’s memory gets wiped!) 🧠

✅ How measles kills more than you think—pneumonia, en...

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🚀 Welcome back to Part 2 of our deep dive into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)! In this episode we explore the science, myths, and cutting-edge research shaping the future of autism treatment and diagnosis. 🧩

👉 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The health risks & co-occurring conditions linked to autism (sleep disorders, epilepsy, gut health & more)

✅ How sensory sensitivities & communication challenges impact daily life

✅ The latest research on medications for autism (antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants & mood stabilizers)

✅ AI-powered diagnosis & genetic testing – the future of autism detection

✅ The...

Breaking Down Autism and Vaccine Myths | Funny Medicine Podcast

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the controversial world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the persistent myth linking vaccines to autism.

This is the first installment of a two-part series where we unravel the history of autism, scientific research on autism causes, and how misinformation campaigns have shaped public perception. We also break down the infamous Andrew Wakefield vaccine study, uncovering the fraud, ethical violations, and conflicts of interest that fueled vaccine hesitancy for decades.

💉 Are...

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🚨 SHOCKING WELLNESS SCAM EXPOSED: Belle Gibson Cancer Fraud & The Whole Pantry Scandal

Watch the FULL INVESTIGATION of how this wellness influencer FOOLED APPLE, deceived thousands, and FAKED CANCER for fame! 😱 The truth about Belle Gibson's $500,000 wellness empire built on lies...

In this explosive episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, we expose the COMPLETE TRUTH about Australia's most notorious wellness scammer. From fake brain cancer to a best-selling app, discover how Belle Gibson created a wellness empire worth over $500,000 - all based on lies! 🤯

✅ Like & Subscribe for weekly episodes! <...