Rumor vs Truth

Your trusted source for facts... where we dissect the evidence behind risky rumors and reveal clinical truths.This podcast series from TRC Healthcare, the team behind Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights products, is designed to help pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, prescribers, and even patients navigate some of the claims they might see about medication therapy. Find the video version of this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare  TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.

  1. Hair Loss Treatments

    7H AGO

    Hair Loss Treatments

    Hair today… gone tomorrow? Don and Steve are combing through the claims to find out what really works. In this episode, they separate fact from fiction about hair loss treatments, tackling everything from minoxidil and finasteride to natural remedies and trending techniques. 💊Does oral minoxidil really outperform topical versions? 🧴Is topical finasteride genuinely a safer workaround, or do the same systemic side effects still sneak through? 🌿Are “natural” options like rosemary oil and saw palmetto actually regrowing hair… or just regrowing rumors? Bad hair days meet bold claims — and our hosts are on the case. Strands, studies, and “so‑called solutions”… they pull out the magnifying glass to uncover the clinical truth. They’ll share research and insights into some eyebrow‑raising claims, including: Oral minoxidil is more effective than topical versions for hair loss.Topical finasteride doesn’t have systemic side effects seen with oral tablets.Combining topical minoxidil with oral finasteride may be more effective than using them alone.Saw palmetto and rosemary oil are effective for hair lossPlus, they tackle a trio of quick-hit myths—from family “in-hair‑itance” to grooming habits...and even a surprising pet danger. Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSPGuest:  Jeff Langford, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP (Managing Clinical Editor at TRC Healthcare for NatMed)****** CE Information: None of the speakers have anything to disclose.  TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter,or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. Claim Credit ****** The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  Chart: Treatment and Prevention of Hair LossArticle: Get to the Root of Male Pattern Baldness Treatments****** Send a text ***** 📣 New Podcast!📣 🌱Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice  Evidence, not hype. Concise, clinician‑ready guidance on natural medicines and integrative care. Episode 1: GLP‑1s & Nutrition is live now! ***** Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    33 min
  2. Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause

    JAN 20

    Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause

    Hot flashes or cool facts… are menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the middle of the rumors? In this episode, Don and Steve turn up the heat on common claims about estrogen therapy and menopause management. Joined by guest expert Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS, they separate fact from fiction and share practical tips for clinicians. 🔥 Is HRT the go-to for every patient with hot flashes? 💊 Are bioidentical hormones truly better… or just better marketed? 🩹 Is topical estrogen safer than oral therapy? 🎗 Does hormone therapy raise breast cancer risk… or is the evidence more nuanced? Bust the hype, and uncover the facts behind these hot-button hormone claims: All patients with low estrogen levels should use HRTBioidentical estrogens are more effective than other estrogensTopical estrogen is safer than oral options  Hormone replacement therapy causes breast cancer10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSPGuest:  Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS (TRC Healthcare Editor)****** CE Information: None of the speakers have anything to disclose.  TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter,or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. Claim Credit ****** The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  FAQ: Managing Vasomotor Menopause SymptomsChart: Menopausal Hormone TherapiesArticle: Elinzanetant: Emerging Therapy for Menopausal Hot FlashesChart: Managing Genitourinary Menopausal SymptomsChart: Send a text ***** 📣 New Podcast!📣 🌱Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice  Evidence, not hype. Concise, clinician‑ready guidance on natural medicines and integrative care. Episode 1: GLP‑1s & Nutrition is live now! ***** Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    28 min
  3. GLP-1 Side Effects

    12/16/2025

    GLP-1 Side Effects

    Are GLP-1 side effects food for thought or just food for rumors? In this episode, Don and Steve dig into the evidence behind the most talked-about risks of GLP-1 agonists, separating clinical truth from rumors and headlines. 🦱 Are these meds thinning waistlines—and hairlines? 🚹 Do GLP-1s cause erectile dysfunction—or could they actually help? 🛑Is holding GLP-1s before surgery a must, or just medical myth? Our clinical sleuths investigate whether these claims hold up: GLP-1 agonists can lead to hair lossMen can develop erectile dysfunction from GLP-1 agonistsGLP-1 agonists increase risk of suicidal thoughtsGLP-1 agonists are associated with blindness GLP-1's should be held before every surgery to prevent aspirationOur listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout. ****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Guest:  Sara Klockars, PharmD, BCPS (TRC Healthcare Editor, Dermatology Specialist)****** CE Information: None of the speakers have anything to disclose.  TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter,or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. Claim Credit ****** The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  Chart: GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Interactive Comparison ChartChart: Treatment and Prevention of Hair LossFAQ: Managing Erectile DysfunctionChart: Perioperative Management of Diabetes****** Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or Text: 988 https://988lifeline.org/ ***** Send a text ***** 📣 New Podcast!📣 🌱Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice  Evidence, not hype. Concise, clinician‑ready guidance on natural medicines and integrative care. Episode 1: GLP‑1s & Nutrition is live now! ***** Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    28 min
  4. Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

    11/18/2025

    Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

    Is your favorite cold fix fact—or folklore? In this episode, hosts Don and Steve team up with special guest Jeff Langford, PharmD, from TRC’s NatMed team, to bust the biggest myths about natural remedies for cold and flu. Together, they dig into the roots of popular remedies—from pharmacy shelves to grandma’s kitchen—to uncover what’s backed by evidence. 🍯 Is honey for cough a sweet solution or just a sticky myth? 🫐 Elderberry syrup: flu fighter or fruity fad? 🌱 Are homeopathic flu remedies backed by science? Get ready for the verdict on these popular claims: Vitamin C and zinc can shorten cold symptoms.Honey is effective for cough.Elderberry can treat the flu.Homeopathic products, such as oscillococcinum, can prevent or treat the flu.****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts: Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSCDon Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Guest: Jeff Langford, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP (Managing Clinical Editor at TRC Healthcare for NatMed)****** CE Information: None of the speakers have anything to disclose. TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. Claim Credit ****** Clinical Resources: Chart: Managing Cough and Cold SymptomsChart: Managing Seasonal AllergiesNatMed Pro ****** 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout. ****** 🌿🎙New show from today's guest: Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice🎙🌿 🎧 Trailer + Follow on Apple Podcasts🎧 Trailer + Follow on SpotifySend a text ***** 📣 New Podcast!📣 🌱Natural Medicines: Evidence in Practice  Evidence, not hype. Concise, clinician‑ready guidance on natural medicines and integrative care. Episode 1: GLP‑1s & Nutrition is live now! ***** Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    32 min
  5. BONUS: Dental Dilemmas – Extended Fluoride Interview

    11/04/2025 · BONUS

    BONUS: Dental Dilemmas – Extended Fluoride Interview

    We loved our conversation with Dr. Jayson Chalmers, DDS so much that we’re sharing the full, never‑before‑heard interview. It goes deeper than our last episode “Dental Dilemmas” on the history of fluoridation, chemistry, dosing, safety signals, and what clinicians should actually recommend.  ** No CE credit for this bonus episode. (CE returns with our next regular episode on cold & flu.) **  What you’ll learn: How fluoride prevents cavities (the hydroxyapatite → fluorapatite story) Where the 2025 JAMA Pediatrics metaanalysis on fluoride exposure and children’s IQ fits (signal vs causality; exposure thresholds; study bias).  Practical guidance on OTC (~900 ppm) vs prescription (5000 ppm) toothpaste and counseling tips for kids and high-risk adults.  Community water fluoridation: historical context (Grand Rapids), outcomes, and how programs are tuned to ~0.7 mg/L today.  ******  TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:   Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP ******  Guest:   Jayson Chalmers, DDS ******  The clinical resources related to this podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:   Chart: Alcohol and Drug InteractionsFAQ: Management of Opioid Use DisorderChart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in AdultsToolbox: Antibiotic Stewardship******  Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.   Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.   If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.   Send us a text Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    17 min
  6. Dental Dilemmas

    10/21/2025

    Dental Dilemmas

    In this episode, Don and Steve separate fact from fiction about meds and oral health. 💊 Could your favorite mouthwash be more “spirited” than you think? 😬 Can a key medication for opioid use disorder quietly sabotage your smile? 🦷 What really happens when you put aspirin on a toothache—relief, or regret?  Ready to brush up on the facts and drill down to the truth? No need to sugarcoat it, our myth-busting pharmacist duo (and a special dentist guest expert) are here to rinse away the rumors and polish up the evidence! Claims: Fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes are harmful. Alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided with metronidazole. Patients need prophylactic antibiotics before most dental visits. Putting aspirin directly on a tooth can help cure a toothache. Sublingual or buccal buprenorphine is linked to tooth decay and cavities. ******  TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:   Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP ******  Guest:   Jayson Chalmers, DDS ******  CE Information:  None of the speakers have anything to disclose.  TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. Claim Credit  ******  Clinical Resources:   Chart: Alcohol and Drug Interactions FAQ: Management of Opioid Use Disorder Chart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in Adults Toolbox: Antibiotic Stewardship ******  10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout. 🎓 Student free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.  Send us a text Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    31 min
  7. Quick Verdicts: Acetaminophen in Pregnancy

    10/01/2025 · BONUS

    Quick Verdicts: Acetaminophen in Pregnancy

    In this “Quick Verdicts” episode, hosts Don Weinberger and Steve Small separate fact from fiction about whether acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases the risk of neurologic disorders in kids.    ******  TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:   Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP ******  The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:   Chart: Glossary of Study Design and Statistical Terms Chart: Analgesics in Pregnancy and Lactation Chart: Topical Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation Toolbox: Resources for Discussing Medical Misinformation Article: Put New Acetaminophen Pregnancy Warnings in Perspective ******  Don’t miss out! Subscribe to Pharmacist’s Letter today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.   Our listeners can get 10% off a new subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.   If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.   ******  The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare.  Send us a text Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    11 min
  8. Testosterone

    09/16/2025

    Testosterone

    In this episode, Don and Steve flex their clinical muscles and bust myths about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - from supplements to safety risks. 🐶 Can topical testosterone transfer to pets and kids? 💊 Are supplements like ginseng and vitamin D legit testosterone boosters? ❤️ Does testosterone increase cardiovascular risk? Stick around as our pharmacist duo breaks down the evidence and shares insights on these hot-button hormone claims: Testosterone should be considered for ALL men with low testosterone levels, or “low T”Topical testosterone can transfer to other people and petsSome vitamins and supplements are safe and effective for increasing testosterone levelsTestosterone products increase cardiovascular risksTestosterone can cause prostate cancer****** TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP****** Guest:  Caitlin Prather, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP, TTS****** The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  Article: Put Testosterone Replacement Claims to the TestChart: Comparison of Testosterone ProductsChart: Hormones for Transgender PatientsNatMed****** Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.  Our listeners can get 10% off a new subscription with code rvt1025 at checkout.  🎓 If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.   Send a text Email us: rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Your trusted source for facts... where we dissect the evidence behind risky rumors and reveal clinical truths.This podcast series from TRC Healthcare, the team behind Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights products, is designed to help pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, prescribers, and even patients navigate some of the claims they might see about medication therapy. Find the video version of this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trc.healthcare  TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.

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