Critically Speaking

Therese Markow
  • 4.9 (72)
  • Science
  • Updated Weekly

On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.

  1. 4h ago

    Dr. Paul Schulz: Hot News About Preventing Alzheimer's

    Have you ever wondered what the purpose of staying up to date on your vaccines is? Well, new research is showing that not only does it help to prevent the disease the vaccine is protecting you from, but it may also reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other dementia related diseases.  In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Paul Schulz discuss the exciting discovery that influenza vaccines may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by up to 40%. Dr. Schulz's research suggests that high-dose vaccines (offered to those over the age of 65) are more effective, particularly in women. Additionally, other vaccines like shingles, pneumococcus, and Tdap also showed protective effects.    Key Takeaways: Every neurologist knows that when your Alzheimer's patient gets pneumonia, a UTI, bronchitis, a hip fracture, a hip replacement, or any inflammatory process in the body, it makes their Alzheimer's a lot worse. Over the age of 65, patients are typically given a 4x dose of the influenza vaccine for as long as it is available. Evidence shows that the regular dose reduces Alzheimer's by about 40%, while the high dose reduces it by about 15% more.  Other types of vaccines, including for shingles, pneumococcus, and Tdap, also show effectiveness in the reduction of Alzheimer's and related dementias.    "The conclusion was that compared to people with no influenza vaccines, which turns out to be very common, unfortunately, in the United States, three annual vaccines out of six years is associated with a 20% reduction in Alzheimer's risk for up to eight years that we know of so far." —  Dr. Paul Schulz   Connect with Dr. Paul Schulz: Professional Bio: https://med.uth.edu/neurosciences/dr-paul-e-schulz-md-2/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-schulz-199a9944/  Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MoJcqd4AAAAJ&hl=en    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  2. Sep 1

    Dr. Zaldy Tan: What if it's Dementia?

    Worried about what your forgetfulness really means and whether it's just aging or the start of something more serious? Listen in as memory expert Dr. Zaldy Tan breaks down the different types of dementia, how early detection really works, and what you can do now to protect your brain and plan for the future.   In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Zaldy Tan discuss his new book, "What to Remember When You Are Forgetting," which addresses cognitive decline and dementia. Dr. Tan discusses the main types of dementia, the importance of early diagnosis, and how dementia varies from age-related cognitive decline. They also dive into the steps that people can take now to help strengthen their minds and things to do to help assist those you love who you may suspect have dementia or have been diagnosed.      Key Takeaways: Currently, about 7.5 million people are diagnosed with dementia. That number is likely twice that, as about 50% with dementia are living with it unaware of the diagnosis until the late stages.  There are around 100 types of dementia - the most common ones are Alzheimer's Disease, vascular dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.  Memory and other cognitive functions do change as we get older. Divided attention and working memory do decline as we age, and that is a normal part of aging.  Different types of dementia are caused by different pathologies. As such, the treatment and prognosis will be different.  A dementia diagnosis does not always mean that you have to quit your job. It may mean that you have to talk to your employer about reasonable accommodations to make sure you are safe and able to complete your tasks.    "We shouldn't think of dementia as monolithic. Those days are gone. A precise and accurate diagnosis is really important." —  Dr. Zaldy Tan   Connect with Dr. Zaldy Tan: Professional Bio: https://researchers.cedars-sinai.edu/Zaldy.Tan  LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/zaldy-tan-5426a639b  Book: What to Remember When You Are Forgetting: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Zaldy-Tan/232701319    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  3. Aug 25

    Dr. Darren Linvill: Detecting Rampant Disinformation

    Have you ever wondered how trolls, bots, and paid influencers are quietly manipulating what you see online and why even smart, skeptical people fall for it? Today, disinformation expert Dr. Darren Linvill pulls back the curtain on the tactics that bad actors are using to try and shape our beliefs.    In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Darren Linvill discuss the various forms of digital deception and the strategies used by state actors to manipulate global discourse. Dr. Linvill distinguishes between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation and gives examples of each, including tactics used by different international organizations from Iran, China, Israel, North Korea, and others. He also discusses the psychological impact that this disinformation has on humanity.     Key Takeaways: Fraud is the oldest form of disinformation, and it's rampant across social media. It's a multi-billion-dollar industry.  The main way that AI is being used right now to disseminate false information, disinformation, whether it's fraud or political disinformation, is the scale at which this content is created.  Sometimes there is not enough information to attribute disinformation accounts to a specific person or group. Sometimes it can be traced either through the content being posted or similar information on other websites.  At the end of the day, people will believe what they want to believe, regardless of whether it is true or has been fact-checked as false.    "At the end of the day, all of us humans are emotional animals. And we are interpreting the world around us, including the information we find on social media, through an emotional lens, especially when it comes to the communities that we're a part of, and our emotional attachments to those communities and our emotional needs that we derive from those communities, that absolutely affects the lens through which we interpret information." —  Dr. Darren Linvill   Episode References:  Clemson University Media Forensics Hub: Spot the Troll - https://spotthetroll.org/    Connect with Dr. Darren Linvill: Professional Bio: https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/about/profiles/darrenl  Twitter: https://x.com/DarrenLinvill?lang=en   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-linvill-6673655b  Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gQl4PlQAAAAJ&hl=en    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  4. Aug 18

    Timothy Caulfield: The Certainty Illusion

    Drowning in wellness hype, viral "experts," and five-star opinions that feel more real than facts? In this episode, law and public health scholar Timothy Caulfield exposes the certainty illusion — how "scienceploitation", predatory journals, and weaponized opinions quietly shape what we believe about our health.   Today, Therese Markow and Timothy Caulfield discuss Tim's latest book, break down the misinformation drivers that are contributing to the delegitimization of scientific expertise, and the three illusions that are being used to distort public perception. From influencers and celebrities to predatory journals and politicians, it feels like "experts" are constantly bombarding us with information, but how do we know what is true? Listen in to find out more.    Key Takeaways: So many of the misconceptions about health and science are now closely tethered to political ideological positions.  Influencers are having a greater impact on beliefs around health than ever before. For example, the sale of Ivermectin spiked after a Joe Rogan conversation with Mel Gibson. Be aware of products and studies that are using scienceploitation and publishing in predatory journals. While they may look legitimate, they often do not have proper science behind the claim.  Most health halos- words like "organic" or "natural" or, now, "protein" do not necessarily make the food or product healthy. But it does often convince people to buy.    "Your personal identity, your personal community has just a tremendous impact. So if you can manipulate those opinions, you can manipulate people's perceptions, their beliefs, and maybe even their actions." —  Timothy Caulfield   Episode References:  The Certainty Illusion: What You Don't Know and Why It Matters: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735245886  Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Documentary: https://gem.cbc.ca/harder-better-faster-stronger  What is the manosphere? I went inside to find out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJzHZFv-Ezg    Connect with Timothy Caulfield: Professional Bio: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/law/research/health-law-institute/people/timothycaulfield.html  Threads: threads.net/@caulfieldtim  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/caulfieldtim.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caulfieldtim/  X: https://twitter.com/CaulfieldTim    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timothy.caulfield.792  Books: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/authors/255688/timothy-caulfield    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net     Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  5. Aug 11

    Dr. Aly Cohen: Killers in the Environment

    The last few decades have seen a continuing rise in really serious and often fatal health problems. The list is long: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, infertility, autoimmune diseases, and autism, just to name a few. While vulnerability to disease often has an underlying genetic predisposition, there have to be environmental triggers to set these diseases in motion. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Aly Cohen discuss just these topics and what we can look for on a daily basis, as well as the small changes that we can, individually, do to make our lives a little healthier.     Key Takeaways: It's estimated there are about 95,000 chemicals available on the US market for everything we use from cleaning products, makeup, and everything we use. The US has only banned 5 chemicals since 1976. European countries have banned around 1200, on average. There are resources out there to help you to vet the products you are using in your life, such as The Environmental Working Group and Skin Deep Database.   "The goal is less is more - use fewer products, the products that you use, if you want to use them, just vet them." —  Dr. Aly Cohen   Connect with Dr. Aly Cohen: Website: https://thesmarthuman.com/  TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSCeP0hyuTI  Show: https://thesmarthuman.com/podcast/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSmartHuman  Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574591840716 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb6NhglVIu6ruM19QNhpJDw  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aly-cohen-md-facr-0b570749/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmarthuman/  Book: https://thesmarthuman.com/dr-aly-cohen-and-dr-fred-vom-saals-new-book-available-now/    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  6. Aug 4

    Dr. Andrew Novick: Antidepressants and Mental Health

    Have you or someone you loved considered taking antidepressants for mental health, but had concerns? Listen in as Dr. Andrew Novick talks about the research and the science behind these drugs and other options for those struggling with MDD and other mental health concerns.    In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Andrew Novick discuss major depressive disorder (MDD) and its treatment options. Dr. Novick explains the key characteristics of MDD and discusses some of the many treatment options, which include psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacological interventions like SSRIs. He highlights the effectiveness of esketamine for treatment-resistant MDD, and also addresses the controversy surrounding SSRIs and the potential of new treatments like psilocybin, noting ongoing research and regulatory challenges.    Key Takeaways: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can begin in childhood, but can often show up as irritability rather than other traditional depressive symptoms that we would see in adults. It's also more common to see it manifest during puberty, rather than before. Treating MDD does not require starting with psychotherapy. Medication can help more immediately, especially because there is an obstacle to accessible therapy for a lot of people. It can also be a tool used in tandem with therapy.  While there are no blood tests or simple diagnostic tests to see if you have depression, like with an infectious disease model, there are some brain scans that can show signs of depression, especially across wide populations of individuals.  There is no one gene that is associated with MDD. However, through research, many different genes have been identified, often related to brain function and stress response.    "If depression goes untreated, the most awful consequence of that is potential suicide." —  Dr. Andrew Novick   Connect with Dr. Andrew Novick: Professional Bio: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/29109  ResearchGate:  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Novick  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annovick    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  7. Jul 28

    Dr. Justin Dubin: Men's Sexual Health Q&A

    From testosterone craze headlines to myths about prostate cancer, fertility, and aggression, men are getting a lot of confusing messages about their sexual health. Today, urologist and men's health expert Dr. Justin Dubin cuts through the noise with science-backed answers to the questions men are often too embarrassed to ask.   In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Justin Dubin discuss listener questions regarding men's sexual health. Dr. Dubin explains the nuances of testosterone levels, noting that normal ranges vary and can impact overall health. He highlights the importance of addressing low testosterone, which can lead to significant health issues, including all-cause mortality. He dives into the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, emphasizing the need for proper medical guidance. Additionally, Justin addresses the stigma around men's health, the role of direct-to-consumer testosterone sales, and the impact of prostate cancer treatments on sexual function.     Key Takeaways: Health is not just about living longer; it should also be about living better.  There are different forms of testosterone. The majority of it, about 98%, is bound to other proteins. Free testosterone is what can bind to your receptors. There is really good data suggesting that men with low testosterone die at a younger age; they have a higher all-cause mortality. It's not just a mood; it's not just a sex thing. It is an overall marker for your health. If you are interested in future fertility and you have low testosterone, do not take real testosterone replacement therapy; there are alternative options. Before you go on any medication, you should know the risks and benefits of what you are thinking of taking.   "If I can stop making men think with their penises and start making them think about their penises, I think we can get a lot more guys healthier, a lot more guys happier, and a lot more guys doing the things that they want to be able to do inside and outside the bedroom." —  Dr. Justin Dubin   Episode References: Guideline-Discordant Care Among Direct-to-Consumer Testosterone Therapy Platforms: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2799297    Connect with Dr. Justin Dubin: Professional Bio: https://baptisthealth.net/doctors/justin-dubin/5921802  Website: https://www.themanuppod.com/  Man Up Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FkEhH04XdxruNg1xxsEdo  YouTube: http://youtube.com/@themanuppod  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-dubin-m-d-9a9b7917/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindubinmd/?hl=en  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JustinDubinMD    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net     Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  8. Jul 21

    Dr. Allison Daminger: Cognitive Labor in the Household: Is it Equal?

    Do you ever feel exhausted by home life, even when the chores look "even"? This episode uncovers the hidden mental load running beneath every household and reveals how it quietly shapes stress, careers, and relationships.   Today, Therese Markow and  Dr. Allison Daminger discuss her research on cognitive labor, which reveals gender inequality in household decision-making. Allison interviewed 92 couples, and they discuss the results found between both queer and heterosexual couples throughout the study. These decisions were categorized into 10 domains, ranging from maintenance to health to childcare. Throughout the episode, Allison emphasizes the need for couples to recognize and address the imbalances, suggesting starting with low-hanging fruit and fostering a growth mindset to achieve a more equitable division of labor.     Key Takeaways: In different-sex households, cognitive labor is overwhelmingly shouldered by women, with roughly 80% of such homes being woman-led across domains like schedules, childcare coordination, finances, and home maintenance. Same-sex couples tend to divide cognitive labor more deliberately and flexibly, often discussing who does what and viewing roles as changeable rather than fixed by gender stereotypes. Unequal cognitive labor carries real costs - chronic exhaustion, career compromises, and relationship strain - making it crucial for couples to name this work, question "it just happened this way" narratives, and experiment with small, intentional rebalances in specific domains. Women's lives changed dramatically in the second half of the twentieth century, in a way that men's lives did not. However, there is now an emerging trend that seems to show more men feeling a pull toward the traditional household cognitive load often carried by women.   "One reason that my research has resonated with a lot of people is that it's given them language to explain something that they experience every day. People know that they're doing a lot, but until they recognize this as a form of work that is taxing, it can be easy to kind of downplay what you're contributing to your family, especially when it feels like you and your partner are sharing the physical work relatively equitably." —  Dr. Allison Daminger   Connect with Allison: Professional Bio: https://www.allisondaminger.com/about  Substack: https://allisondaminger.substack.com/    Website: https://www.allisondaminger.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisondaminger  Book: What's On Her Mind: The Mental Workload of Family Life - https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-s-on-her-mind-the-mental-workload-of-family-life-allison-daminger/585e2aa7eac0a0ea    Connect with Therese: Website:  www.criticallyspeaking.net Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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4.9
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.

Information

  • Creator
    Therese Markow
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Therese Markow
  • Show Website
    Critically Speaking

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