Causes or Cures

Dr. Eeks
  • 4.7 (55)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"For the Nerds and the Nerd Nots"Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks—an independent, grassroots show driven by curiosity and a passion for breaking down complex health topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand insights. Dr. Eeks (ErinKate Stair, MD, MPH) works as a senior public health consultant in the realm of public health, epidemiology, and health communication. She's all about making science relatable and often uses a blue-collar sense of humor to drive the message home. On this podcast, Dr. Eeks talks with experts from around the world (doctors, researchers, public health pros, and more) to dive into the latest hot topics in health and research, all in a down-to-earth kind of way. She also includes people with compelling stories of healing and "characters" because life is too boring and short to leave out characters. ;) DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not health advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. If an episode is sponsored by a company she likes, she will say so in the show notes. Also, she has a MD but does not practice medicine. Public Health questions, she might answer, medical ones, she won't. ;) Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does. (At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-walls & on the NYC sidewalks.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded, and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for.  You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode, write erin@bloomingwellness.com.  SIGN UP for her Newsletter HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/xnqmy06  Work with Me:  Blooming Wellness

  1. Can Probiotics Protect Us From Microplastics? With Dr. Christian Pacher-Deutsch

    1D AGO

    Can Probiotics Protect Us From Microplastics? With Dr. Christian Pacher-Deutsch

    Send us a text Microplastics are everywhere—but what are they doing inside the human body? In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with Dr. Christian Pacher-Deutsch about his lastest study and the growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may affect the digestive system, the gut microbiome, and long-term health. He explains why this problem has reached crisis level.  Rather than focusing on dramatic claims or quick fixes, this conversation explores what the science actually shows, including how probiotics may help mitigate some of the harmful effects of microplastics...not by breaking them down, but by supporting gut integrity and immune balance. We discuss: What microplastics and nanoplastics are, how they’re formed, and where human exposure comes fromWhy nanoplastics may be especially concerning due to their size and biological interactionsThe range of health effects microplastics have been linked to, including immune, neurological, reproductive, and carcinogenic effectsHow microplastics may disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, including digestion, inflammation, barrier function, and gut permeabilityWhat the microbiome is and why it plays a central role in healthWhy probiotics were considered as a potential solution, and what the research foundWhy probiotic bacteria are unlikely to directly degrade plasticsHow probiotics may still help reduce inflammation and support the gut’s protective barriersWhether certain bacteria appear more protective than othersThe role of industry collaboration and whether probiotic formulations are being exploredWhether probiotics can realistically help us get ahead of the microplastic crisis, or if they are only part of a larger solutionPractical ways people can reduce exposure, and where reduction may be unrealisticHow diet, including probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods, might help mitigate riskWhat this research changed about Dr. Pacher-Deutsch’s own habitsWhat’s next in microplastics and health researchThis episode offers a clear, evidence-based look at microplastics inside the human body—without panic, hype, or false promises. GUEST BIO: Dr. Pacher-Deutsch is a scientist and researcher in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria.  Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    54 min
  2. Psychedelics and Acute Trauma: Insights from Nova Festival Survivors, with Dr. Zohar Rubinstein

    4D AGO

    Psychedelics and Acute Trauma: Insights from Nova Festival Survivors, with Dr. Zohar Rubinstein

    Send us a text In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with Dr. Zohar Rubinstein, a clinical psychologist, researcher and trauma expert about an early and deeply sensitive study examining how different substances may have influenced early trauma responses among survivors of the October 7 Nova music festival attack. Many survivors had taken substances just hours before the traumatic event — including classic psychedelics, MDMA, cannabis, alcohol, or none at all. Dr. Rubinstein’s team approached this research with extreme care, focusing on respect, consent, and the ethical challenges of studying trauma in real time. Together, they discuss: Why Dr. Rubinstein became interested in studying trauma at the moment it happens, not years laterHow the research team worked respectfully with survivors in the aftermath of mass traumaThe challenges of studying real-world substance use without lab-verified dosingWhy survivors who had taken classic psychedelics reported lower anxiety and fewer early PTSD symptoms compared with other groupsHow timing and state of consciousness during trauma may influence how the brain encodes memory and fearWhat we can, and cannot, conclude from an early, observational studyWhy these findings do not justify self-experimentation, but may justify further controlled researchWhat mental health professionals and policymakers should take away from this workHow doing trauma research has shaped Dr. Rubinstein’s own understanding of resilience and healingThis conversation does not promote psychedelic substance use. Instead, it explores how brain state, context, and timing may shape trauma responses, and why studying these questions responsibly matters. Content note: This episode discusses trauma related to the October 7 attacks. Listener discretion is advised. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Dr. Zohar Rubinstein, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and organizational psychologist. He is a founding member of the Interdisciplinary Master’s Program in Emergency and Disaster Management at the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, where he lectures on trauma, resilience, and mental health in emergency settings. His research focuses on trauma, testimony, and resilience, including how individuals and societies process extreme events. Dr. Rubinstein developed an intensive short-term group intervention model for treating traumatic casualties and has led multidisciplinary research collaborations on trauma across psychology, history, and architecture.  Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    54 min
  3. Do Artificial Sweeteners Affect Your Brain? The Latest Evidence with Dr. Claudia Suemoto

    DEC 2

    Do Artificial Sweeteners Affect Your Brain? The Latest Evidence with Dr. Claudia Suemoto

    Send us a text In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks talks with Dr. Claudia Suemoto in Brazil about her new 8-year study looking at whether artificial sweeteners are linked to changes in thinking and memory. We cover: • How she started studying dementia and why she became curious about sweeteners. • What the research team hoped to learn and what they actually found. • Why these results are different from older, one-time “snapshot” studies. • Why the link between sweeteners and thinking problems showed up in people under 60, but not over 60. • The seven sweeteners they studied and whether any looked more concerning than others. • What a small decline on a cognition test really means in everyday life. • Whether people who switch to sweeteners because of health issues make sweeteners look guilty. • Whether there seems to be a “safe range” or if more sweetener means more risk. • How to use studies like this when they show association, not proof. • Easy ways to cut back on sweeteners without doubling your sugar. • What policies she thinks make sense while we wait for more data. • Her top tips for protecting your brain and lowering dementia risk. If you want a clear, calm, evidence-based take on sweeteners and brain health, this episode is for you. Guest Bio:  Claudia Suemoto, MD, PhD, is a geriatrician and researcher at the University of São Paulo whose work centers on successful brain aging, dementia, and the cardiovascular risks that shape both. She runs the Suemoto Lab, directs the Biobank for Aging Studies, contributes to the major ELSA-Brazil cohort, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Suemoto has been recognized with major awards, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science honor and the Ewald W. Busse Research Award for her contributions to aging biology. She also serves in leadership roles with ISTAART and the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology.  Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Follow Public Health is Weird You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on health you care about!) Support the show

    50 min
  4. How Animals Self-Medicate and Heal Themselves, with Dr. Jaap de Roode

    NOV 25

    How Animals Self-Medicate and Heal Themselves, with Dr. Jaap de Roode

    Send us a text In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks talks with Dr. Jaap de Roode, an evolutionary biologist and author of Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes, and Other Animals Heal Themselves, about one of the most fascinating corners of biology: the ways animals use plants, minerals, insects, and even toxins as medicine. They talk about: What sparked his interest in animals treating their own illnesses Why medicine isn’t only a human invention How scientists tell the difference between random behavior and true self-medication His favorite examples of animal doctors in the wild Whether animals know they’re taking medicine or if it’s instinct or trial-and-error The weirdest substances animals use to heal themselves What traditional healers who observed animals for years and years could teach us ,and what we ourselves could learn from observing this type of animal behavior.  Whether animal self-medication could lead to new drugs or therapies The risks of over-romanticizing “nature knows best” The scientific challenges in proving an animal is self-medicating  How seeing animals as medicine-users might change how we respect their lives and value their habitats  And the big question: Who is the best doctor in the animal kingdom?If you love animals, nature, weird science, evolutionary biology, or the idea that your pet might actually be a doctor or furry-little pharmacist, you’ll love this episode. Dr. Jaap de Roode runs a research lab at Emory University focused on how hosts and parasites co-evolve, from monarch butterflies to honey bees. He also leads science outreach, directs the Infectious Diseases Across Scales training program, and hosts the Virulent Vortex podcast. You can learn more about him and his research here.  Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Follow Public Health is Weird You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on health you care about!) Support the show

    56 min
  5. Why Single Women Are Happier than Single Men, with Elaine Hoan

    NOV 18

    Why Single Women Are Happier than Single Men, with Elaine Hoan

    Send us a text Episode: Why Single Women Are Happier than Single Men, with Elaine Hoan Guest: Elaine Hoan, PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Forget the “sad cat lady” cliché. In this episode, Dr. Eeks chats with researcher Elaine Hoan about her new study showing that single women are, on average, happier than single men. They explore what that says about modern love, independence, and the pressure to couple up. In this episode: What sparked Elaine’s interest in studying singlehood and well-beingHow she actually measured happiness, satisfaction, and sex without making it weirdWhy women report more contentment and autonomy in singlehoodWhat traditional masculinity has to do with men’s lower happiness scoresHow cultural expectations shape who thrives aloneWhether singlehood could use a total rebrandAnd the advice Elaine gives to anyone feeling the “you should be partnered” pressureRead Elaine's full study here and check out her and her team's lab here.  Elaine Hoan is a PhD researcher in Experimental Psychology at the University of Toronto where she uses surveys and various statistical models to examine the lives of single and partnered individuals. She studies the broad question of who is more likely to be happy single or in a romantic relationship. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Follow Public Health is Weird You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on health you care about!) Support the show

    37 min
  6. Are Pyschedelics the Answer for Prolonged Grief? With Dr. Greg Fonzo

    NOV 6

    Are Pyschedelics the Answer for Prolonged Grief? With Dr. Greg Fonzo

    Send us a text Episode: Psychedelics and  Prolonged Grief with Dr. Greg Fonzo Guest: Greg Fonzo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Charmaine and Gordon McGill Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Medical School. In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with Dr. Greg Fonzo about how psychedelics might help people suffering from prolonged grief, a form of grief that lasts longer and feels harder to heal than typical bereavement. They discuss: The origins and mission of Dell Med’s Center for Psychedelic Research and TherapyWhat “prolonged grief” really means and how it differs from normal griefWhy his team is testing psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT for survivors who lost loved onesTheories for why psychedelics may help prolonged griefStudy design details, inclusion criteria, and their unique recruitment focusEthical and safety considerations when studying powerful psychoactive substancesThe broader promise and pitfalls of the fast-moving field of psychedelic research.If you’d like to learn more or see whether you qualify for a clinical trial involving psychedelics, check out the current studies at the Fonzo Lab at the McGill Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at Dell Medical School. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match. You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on health you care about!) Support the show

    46 min
  7. How to Find Your Inner Billionaire, with Debbie Dobbins

    OCT 27

    How to Find Your Inner Billionaire, with Debbie Dobbins

    Send us a text In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Debbie Dobbins, international prosperity consciousness speaker/teacher and author of Your Inner Billionaire. Why listen: Debbie’s origin story isn’t a soft-focus vision board. It's not feel-good Instagram or TikTok reels. It’s making millions..., then dollar-store cookies on food stamps; addiction, cancer, and IRS debt..., followed by a rebuild grounded in daily practices and a different relationship with money.   What's covered in this episode:  “Inner Billionaire” 101: What it is (identity, not net worth) and why strategy fails without it.Prosperity ↔ Poverty cycles: How Debbie bounced after addiction, cancer, and tax debt, and the moment she stopped self-sabotaging.Knowing vs. Healing: Why giving great advice isn’t the same as living it and how she bridged the gap.Abundance as a foundation: “The universe responds to beliefs, not circumstances”  She goes beyond the feel-good memes and tells us what that means in practice.Your money story: Spotting the script you’re running and rewriting it so it serves you.Body–mind money cues: Posture for prosperity, the “money dance,” and somatic nudges that reinforce belief.First steps if you feel lost: One mindset shift and one tiny habit to start today.Setbacks: How to expect them, metabolize them, and keep going.Why “money is your most important relationship”: What she really means, and how to make it a healthier one.Queen of Magic? Yes, Eeks asked. Debbie’s book & links: Book: Your Inner Billionaire Learn more about Debbie or Contact HerYou can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on health you care about!) Support the show

    1h 7m
  8. Mayo Clinic Test Predicts Who Gets GLP-1 Side Effects, with Dr. Andres Acosta

    OCT 22

    Mayo Clinic Test Predicts Who Gets GLP-1 Side Effects, with Dr. Andres Acosta

    Send us a text Dr. Acosta returns to Causes or Cures to talk about the next big leap in obesity research: using genetics and machine learning to predict which patients will get side effects to popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Previously, he was on Causes or Cures to discuss your individual obesity type.  He and his team are uncovering why some people experience major weight loss while others face tough side effects—especially nausea. The goal? True precision medicine for obesity: matching the right treatment to the right person before treatment even begins. (You can learn more about their available tests and  company here.)  Topics We Discuss Dr. Acosta’s background and what drew him to obesity researchWhy not all obesity is the same—and why that matters for patients and doctorsThe most common questions patients ask about GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and ZepboundHow big a problem side effects like nausea really are in practiceNew research using genetic markers to predict who’s more likely to experience side effectsWhether eating style affects nausea and how Dr. Acosta coaches patients on nutrition while using these medicationsThe possibility of genetic testing before prescribing GLP-1sWhat we know about rarer side effects, from vision to hearing changes, if he thinks more side effects will emergeWhat “satiation” (feeling full) means and why it varies so much between peopleHow genetic risk and satiation scores could determine which obesity treatment works bestDr. Acosta's thoughts on obesity prevention, especially on renewed energy to take on the unhealthy food industryThe persistence of stigma—why “willpower” doesn’t tell the whole storyWhether the current obsession with obesity drugs distracts from prevention, nutrition, and community health Listen if you’ve ever wondered: Why GLP-1 drugs don’t work the same for everyoneWhat your genes have to do with weight loss, feeling full and side effectsHow soon doctors could use genetic tests to personalize obesity treatmentWhether prevention is being overshadowed by the pharma spotlightWhy it matters Obesity isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—and neither should its treatment be. Dr. Acosta’s research could mark a turning point in how we approach weight loss: scientifically, compassionately, and individually.  Dr. Acosta is a Consultant of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic, co-founder of Phenomix Sciences, as well as an Associate Professor of Medicine. His research focus is on gastrointestinal physiology and the complexity of food intake regulation as it relates to obesity. You can learn more about his work here. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match. You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or Support the show

    55 min
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4.7
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

"For the Nerds and the Nerd Nots"Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks—an independent, grassroots show driven by curiosity and a passion for breaking down complex health topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand insights. Dr. Eeks (ErinKate Stair, MD, MPH) works as a senior public health consultant in the realm of public health, epidemiology, and health communication. She's all about making science relatable and often uses a blue-collar sense of humor to drive the message home. On this podcast, Dr. Eeks talks with experts from around the world (doctors, researchers, public health pros, and more) to dive into the latest hot topics in health and research, all in a down-to-earth kind of way. She also includes people with compelling stories of healing and "characters" because life is too boring and short to leave out characters. ;) DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not health advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. If an episode is sponsored by a company she likes, she will say so in the show notes. Also, she has a MD but does not practice medicine. Public Health questions, she might answer, medical ones, she won't. ;) Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does. (At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-walls & on the NYC sidewalks.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded, and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for.  You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com. If you are interested in sponsoring an episode, write erin@bloomingwellness.com.  SIGN UP for her Newsletter HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/xnqmy06  Work with Me:  Blooming Wellness

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Eeks
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    239
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Causes or Cures
  • Show Website
    Causes or Cures

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