meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Big Picture Science

Skeptic Check: Heal Thyself [rebroadcast]

Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science

Science, Technology

4.5 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 30 December 2019

⏱️ 54 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Do we still need doctors? There are umpteen alternative sources of medical advice, including endless and heartfelt health tips from people without medical degrees. Frankly, self-diagnosis with a health app is easier and cheaper than a trip to a clinic.  Since we’re urged to be our own health advocate and seek second opinions, why not ask Alexa or consult with a celebrity about what ails us? Find out if you can trust these alternative medical advice platforms. Plus, lessons from an AIDS fighter about ignoring the findings of medical science.   And, if AI can diagnose better than an MD, will we stop listening to doctors altogether? It’s our monthly look at critical thinking … but don’t take our word for it! Guests: Katherine Foley – Science and health reporter at Quartz, and author of the article “Alexa is a Terrible Doctor” Paul Offit – Professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of “Bad Advice: Or Why Celebrities, Politicians, and Activists Aren’t Your Best Source of Health Information” Richard Marlink – Director Rutgers Global Health Institute. Shinjini Kundu – Research Fellow, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Stuart Schlisserman – Internist, Palo Alto, California   originally aired September 24, 2018 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast.

0:05.0

This episode is brought to you by Shopify.

0:07.0

Looking to start a side hustle or become your own boss, do it with Shopify.

0:11.0

Whether you're selling succulents or stilettoes, Shopify has the industry leading tools to help you create, control and grow your own business.

0:18.0

So get serious about selling and get Shopify today.

0:21.0

Sign up for a one pound per month trial period

0:23.6

at Shopify. co-deek slash special offer,

0:26.4

all lowercase.

0:27.5

That's Shopify. co-deekk slash special offer.

0:32.3

Get ready to geek out. The Wired Science Podcast explores all the

0:36.8

latest and greatest in science, everything from strange diseases and

0:40.6

biological breakthroughs to interesting tech and mysteries in outer space.

0:45.0

Listen to Wired Science today wherever you get your podcasts.

0:49.0

That's Wired Science wherever you get your podcasts. When I was a kid and I got sick, my mom would call Dr Stein. He would show up at the

1:07.5

front door about 20 minutes later with, and I swear this is true, an actual black bagged.

1:12.2

These days, this is the only medical advice coming into my

1:15.8

house.

1:16.8

People think I'm insane. When I get on an airplane, when I get to my seat, I spray this all

1:20.9

over my seat and under my tongue because the research says that

1:25.9

colloidal silver really keeps viruses away. Well since Dr Stein isn't around

1:30.9

anymore to make house calls and this advice is free and

1:33.9

convenient should I listen to it? I'm Seth Chostak. I'm Molly Bentley

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Big Picture Science, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Big Picture Science and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.