I Did My Own Research

Franziska Haydanek
  • 4.9 (49)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I Did My Own Research is a podcast hosted by OB-GYN and medical educator Dr. Fran, digging into what happens when medical misinformation goes viral—and what it takes to fight it. Each episode features conversations with doctors, healthcare professionals, and scientists who create content online, breaking down the myths they see every day, how they got pulled into content creation, and why having evidence-based voices on the internet has never mattered more. From trending health claims to behind-the-scenes creator stories, this podcast is about reclaiming “research,” one expert conversation at a time.

  1. 6D AGO

    with @JenHamilton: Labor Interventions, Birth Vibes & Social Media's Impact on Birthing

    In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with labor and delivery nurse, social media educator, and chicken swaddler Jen Hamilton to unpack how birth conversations have evolved online—and what’s getting lost in the noise. Together, they challenge the growing narrative that all medical intervention is inherently harmful, reframing it instead as a set of tools that can be thoughtfully used to support safer, more positive birth experiences. Jen shares her journey from ER nurse to one of the most recognizable voices in maternal health, explaining how witnessing patient misunderstandings and birth trauma shaped her approach to education, advocacy, and storytelling. The conversation dives into the power of communication in the delivery room, the impact of social media on both patients and providers, and how “birth vibes”—the emotional and environmental experience of care—often matter more than any checklist birth plan. Blending humor, real-world clinical insight, and candid behind-the-scenes stories, this episode explores informed consent, elective inductions, and the importance of meeting patients where they are. It’s a nuanced look at modern birth culture, emphasizing that empowerment isn’t about rejecting care—it’s about understanding your options and choosing what’s right for you. Birth Vibes is now available here! Jen Hamilton's social media: @_Jen_Hamilton_ Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    50 min

  2. APR 27

    with @ICUBoy_MedEd: How Misinformation Can Land You In The ICU.

    In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with triple board-certified intensivist and pulmonologist Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim to unpack what’s really happening at the intersection of medicine, misinformation, and social media. They explore how dismissing patients’ online research can backfire—and why listening first may be the most powerful tool clinicians have. From ICU misconceptions and vaccine hesitancy to the emotional pull of viral health content, Dr. Ibrahim shares what it’s like to confront misinformation at the bedside, where the stakes are highest. Together, they dive into the ethics of medical content creation, the challenge of making evidence-based medicine engaging, and the growing distrust in expertise. They also tackle the bigger picture: how systemic barriers—not individual failures—drive poor health outcomes, and why blaming doctors misses the mark. This conversation is a candid look at modern medicine in the digital age—and a call for clinicians to meet patients where they are, not where we wish they’d be. Dr. Ibrahim's social media: @ICUBoy_MedEd Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    37 min

  3. APR 20

    with @DrCerissaKey: Pinworms, AI & Parenting in the Age of Misinformation

    Dr. Fran is joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Cerissa Key to unpack the overwhelming world of pediatric and parenting misinformation—and how social media is both fueling and fighting it. From viral “wellness” trends to dangerous supplement misuse, they dive into why “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, and how even vitamins can cause real harm when misused. They explore the reality that parents often turn to the internet for guidance due to limited time in clinic visits—and how that gap is being filled by both credible experts and harmful misinformation. Dr. Key shares real patient stories that highlight the risks of unregulated supplements, emphasizing the importance of open, judgment-free communication between parents and pediatricians. The conversation also tackles vaccine hesitancy, the success—and unintended consequences—of modern medicine, and why preventative care is foundational in pediatrics. Plus, they get into the evolving challenges of parenting in the digital age, including AI, social media, and what kids are really exposed to today. With a mix of humor (yes, including pinworms) and practical insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating parenting, pediatrics, or health information online. Dr. Cerissa Key's social media: @DrCerissaKey Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    48 min

  4. APR 13

    With @Lucky.Sekhon: The Dangerous Rise of Fertility Misinformation Online

    Diminished ovarian reserve can feel deeply personal—and often deeply misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Fran is joined by reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lucky Sekhon to break down one of the most anxiety-provoking fertility topics online. Together, they unpack why egg count does not equal fertility, and how misinformation—especially around supplements, hormones, and “natural” fertility fixes—can lead patients further from their goals. They dive into the emotional toll of fertility testing, the dangers of unregulated supplements (including how some may actually work against conception), and why nuanced, evidence-based care matters more than ever in the age of social media. Dr. Sekhon also shares insights from her book The Lucky Egg, offering a realistic but hopeful perspective on fertility, IVF, and the importance of meeting patients where they are. This episode is both myth-busting and empowering—designed to help you better understand your body, your options, and how to navigate fertility information with clarity and confidence. Dr. Sekhon's social media: @Lucky.Sekhon Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    46 min

  5. APR 6

    with @ExamRoomNutrition: Why Everyone Thinks They’re a Nutrition Expert (and Why It’s Wrong)

    This episode of I Did My Own Research dives into the world of nutrition misinformation and why it’s everywhere. Dr. Fran is joined by Colleen Sloan, PA-C and registered dietitian behind Exam Room Nutrition, to break down how social media has blurred the lines between evidence-based guidance and viral diet trends. They discuss why “everyone eats” — and therefore everyone feels like an expert — and how that leads to oversimplified, one-size-fits-all advice that ignores nuance and personalization. Colleen shares her unique perspective working at the intersection of medicine and nutrition, including real patient stories that highlight how harmful misinformation can be, especially for kids and teens. Together, they unpack the difference between a registered dietitian and a “nutritionist,” the rise of fear-based messaging around foods like seed oils and fruit, and how privilege and access shape the way we talk about “healthy eating.” They also explore how extreme diet trends, influencer marketing, and algorithm-driven content are impacting patient behavior in real life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of nutrition advice online — and for clinicians who want to communicate more effectively with patients in a world full of misinformation. Colleen's social media: @ExamRoomNutrition Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    39 min

  6. MAR 30

    with @Beachgem10: Viral Medicine, Being an Introvert Online, & Childhood Safety Lessons

    In the first-ever in-person episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with pediatric emergency physician and viral educator Dr. Beachgem to talk about the real impact of medical misinformation—and what it’s like to fight it from both the ER and the internet. From building a platform during COVID to reaching millions with life-saving content, Dr. Beachgem shares how social media has transformed not only her career, but the way she practices medicine. Together, they dive into the emotional reality behind viral health topics—from vitamin K and vaccine hesitancy to the cases physicians can’t share but never forget. They explore the tension between education and engagement online, the ethics of “going viral,” and how fear-based content spreads faster than truth. Most importantly, this conversation highlights the human side of medicine: patients aren’t difficult—they’re scared, overwhelmed, and trying to make the best decisions they can with the information they have. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every comment, every click, and every ER visit is a person just looking for reassurance—and a physician trying to meet them there. Dr. Beachgem's social media: @TheBeachGem10 Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    36 min

  7. MAR 26

    with @ThePelvicDanceFloor: Kegels Myths & Why You Should Not Hover!

    This week on I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran is joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas (aka The Pelvic Dance Floor) to break down one of the most misunderstood areas of health online. From the myth that everyone should be doing Kegels to the reality that pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t one-size-fits-all, they unpack how viral “quick fixes” often miss the mark. Alicia explains why some people actually need to relax—not strengthen—their pelvic floor, and how individualized assessment is key. They also dive into the rise of social media education, the benefits (and limits) of at-home tools, and why even well-meaning advice from providers or the internet can lead to harm without proper context. If you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels,” this episode will change the way you think about pelvic health. Alicia's social media: @ThePelvicDanceFloor Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    32 min

  8. MAR 23

    with @TheBoobieDocs: on Mammogram Fear Mongering & Thermogram Scamming

    In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with Dr. Robin Roth, breast radiologist and creator of “The Boobie Docs,” to tackle the growing problem of medical misinformation on social media—especially around breast cancer screening. They break down myths about mammograms, thermography, and dense breast tissue, and discuss how financial incentives often fuel harmful disinformation online. Dr. Roth shares her journey into social media, the challenges of speaking out against misinformation, and why educating patients before they enter the exam room is more important than ever. Together, they explore how physicians can balance evidence-based medicine with an algorithm that rewards controversy—and why showing up online can truly save lives. Dr. Roth's social media: @TheBoobieDocs Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

    45 min
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4.9
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

I Did My Own Research is a podcast hosted by OB-GYN and medical educator Dr. Fran, digging into what happens when medical misinformation goes viral—and what it takes to fight it. Each episode features conversations with doctors, healthcare professionals, and scientists who create content online, breaking down the myths they see every day, how they got pulled into content creation, and why having evidence-based voices on the internet has never mattered more. From trending health claims to behind-the-scenes creator stories, this podcast is about reclaiming “research,” one expert conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Franziska Haydanek
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Franziska Haydanek
  • Show Website
    I Did My Own Research

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