Explore every episode of the podcast The Antisocial Doctors Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 19: Should We be Deprescribing More SSRIs? | 14 Aug 2026 | 01:05:45 | |
In this episode, we discuss the viral push to “de-prescribe” SSRIs. We outline common claims (overprescribing, lifelong use, “addiction,” inadequate withdrawal counseling, chemical-imbalance myths, and political/media narratives) and why these resonate given stigma, distrust of medicine and pharma, and negative personal stories. We review evidence-based SSRI use and typical treatment durations, note common side effects and limited long-term data, and fact check a frequently cited stat suggesting many long-term users don't need to be on meds at all. We review real “root causes” of anxiety and depression, compare effectiveness of SSRIs and psychotherapy, review lifestyle interventions and evidence for supplements, and highlight that most people with depression or anxiety receive no treatment. Sonia also shares a personal story from residency that highlights the role of bias, stigma, fear and importance of narrative in medicine as well as nuanced, compassionate counseling. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 18: Is Fibermaxxing Worth It? | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:36:06 | |
In this episode, we dive into why fiber is having a viral moment on social media and what can get lost when “maxing” any nutrient becomes the goal. Using real patient stories, we review the potential downsides of going from low to high fiber too fast, the confusion created by trendy products and marketing, and why “more” isn’t always better. We also preview how we think about fiber in real life—food-first, context-aware, and focused on what’s actually practical. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 17: Should We All Be Taking Creatine? | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:51:48 | |
In this episode, we talk about why creatine is suddenly everywhere on social media and why patients are asking about it for everything from brain fog and mood to menopause and dementia prevention. We tease what the evidence actually says (and doesn’t say), why context matters, and how to think about “for whom” and “for what” before adding any supplement. We also touch on common misconceptions, practical considerations that come up in real clinic visits and lab work, and why nuanced, shame-free conversations beat hot takes and miracle-claim marketing. If you’re curious about whether creatine belongs in your routine—or just tired of confusing wellness messaging—come listen. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 16: Why Is PCOS Now Called PMOS? | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:29:57 | |
In this episode, we talk about the viral name change from PCOS to PMOS and why it’s sparking so much conversation online. We share why this shift feels validating for so many people who’ve struggled for years to get clear answers, and we unpack the kinds of confusing, oversimplified claims that flood social media around this condition. We also explore why the name change matters beyond semantics, what concerns some patients have about it, and what we wish more people understood before falling into the “cure” and “root cause” rabbit holes. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 15: Do Fitness Tracking Watches & Rings Actually Make Us Healthier? | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:58:15 | |
In this episode, we explore the hype and reality behind wearables like Oura Rings, Apple Watches, Fitbits, and other fitness trackers, using real patient stories to frame the conversation. We share what the data can and can’t tell you, how accuracy varies across metrics, and why “more data” doesn’t always mean better health outcomes. We also discuss why these devices are so popular, the motivations and fears they tap into, and the potential downsides—like anxiety, perfectionism, and increased healthcare utilization. We close with how we think about these tools in clinic and how to decide whether a wearable is truly helping you. 00:00 Podcast mission 01:25 Patient stories 03:05 Wearables big claims 05:35 Why wearables took off 11:04 Nugget of truth 13:54 Accuracy and impact 14:58 Step counting science 18:24 Apple Heart Study 23:08 Heart rate variability 27:19 HRV Norms Myth 27:34 Wearables and Heart Health 30:34 Sleep Tracking Accuracy 32:30 Sleep Apnea Screening 34:40 Patient Case Sleep Apnea 37:21 Psychological Harms 40:04 Data Overload and OCD 43:27 Healthcare Utilization Risks 46:38 Trusting Symptoms Over Data 51:24 Costs and Hidden Tradeoffs 52:41 Talking to Patients 55:50 Wrap Up and Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 14: Can A Blood Test Really Detect 50+ Cancers? | 28 May 2026 | 00:51:45 | |
In this episode, we discuss the viral rise of multi-cancer early detection blood tests (MCEDs) that claim to screen for 50+ cancers with a single blood draw and promise peace of mind (i.e. Galleri & Cancerguard). We unpack why these tests are so compelling, what the marketing gets right (and what it leans on), and what it can feel like to navigate these conversations as patients and as primary care doctors. We also tease the key questions we think matter most—who might consider them, what happens after a “signal detected” result, and why this isn’t a simple yes/no situation in real life. 00:00 Podcast mission 01:13 Why this topic now 04:43 What these tests promise 05:50 Why it went viral 08:36 Marketing tactics 12:19 Cost and access 14:05 How the test works 18:01 Scary stats vs evidence 19:45 Does it detect cancer 21:04 Sensitivity specificity explained 23:32 Predictive value reality check 25:55 Explaining False Positives 26:41 Why It Cannot Replace Screening 28:12 Pathfinder Study Setup 31:24 Pathfinder Results Breakdown 32:40 Workup Cascade And Harms 36:00 Insurance And Downstream Costs 37:23 NHS Trial Early Signals 40:55 Guidelines And Shared Decisions 44:15 When Doctors Might Use It 49:23 Final Takeaways And Wrap 50:01 Podcast Medical Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 13: Are GLP-1s a Miracle, a Mistake, or Something More Complicated? | 14 May 2026 | 01:45:29 | |
In this episode, we dive into the GLP-1 conversation that’s everywhere—between “miracle drug” hype, scary side-effect stories, and the stigma that comes with seeking help. We share the kind of patient scenario we’re seeing constantly, talk about why these meds went viral, and explore what often gets lost in online discourse: nuance, individualized risk/benefit decisions, and real informed consent. We also tease what we consider when someone has health anxiety, a history of disordered eating, or is getting information (or prescriptions) through less-regulated channels. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 12: What's the Deal With Peptides? | 29 Apr 2026 | 01:02:23 | |
In this episode, we dig into peptides—why they’re suddenly everywhere, why people are trying them, and why the online conversation often feels worlds apart from the medical one. We zoom out from the hype to explore what peptides actually are, why some have become blockbuster therapies, and how a mix of optimization culture, mistrust of institutions, and access issues has fueled a booming gray market. We also explore the key questions we think everyone should be asking before trying anything that’s framed as “natural,” “risk-free,” or “not really a drug,” and we discuss what this trend can teach us about informed consent, patient autonomy, and where medicine may be headed next. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 11: How Much Protein Do We Really Need? | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:44:33 | |
In this episode, we dive into the current obsession with protein—why it’s everywhere, why people feel pressure to hit high daily targets, and how even official messaging is fueling the conversation. We review what protein actually does, who may benefit from prioritizing it, why “more” isn’t always better, and how real-life constraints and the modern food environment may complicate the the outcomes of "eat more protein" messaging. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 10: Lessons & Themes - What We've Learned So Far | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:40:02 | |
In this episode, we reflect on the biggest themes that kept showing up across our first batch of episodes and how researching health trends on social media has changed our own relationship with these platforms. We call out the recurring patterns we kept encountering, why certain messages spread so fast, and what gets lost when health information travels through algorithms. We also share how stepping back from doom scrolling has affected us personally—especially as working moms and professionals—and why “digital hygiene” may matter more than most of us realize. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 9: Should We Be Getting Full Body MRIs? | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:58:05 | |
In this episode, we dig into the viral trend of full-body MRIs and why so many people are drawn to them—especially in an era of rising health anxiety, overwhelming health messaging, and frustration with barriers in the healthcare system. We unpack the kinds of promises people are hearing online, why the “peace of mind” narrative is so compelling (and flawed), and what questions we think are worth asking before buying into any one-click health solution. We also reflect on what this trend reveals about gaps in communication and transparency in traditional medical care, and how we can do better supporting informed, values-based decisions. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 8: Is the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet Helpful? | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:03:28 | |
In this episode, we talk about why the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is trending—especially alongside new U.S. dietary guidelines—and what makes highly restrictive “inflammation” messaging so compelling. We tease apart the appeal of “natural” fixes versus “toxic medications,” the illusion of control many of us seek when diagnoses feel uncertain, and how social media can intensify guilt, shame, and anxiety around food. We also preview the difference between evidence-based anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and rigid elimination protocols, why nutrition research is complicated, and why restrictive approaches may carry real risks—especially for people with nutrient deficiencies or a history of disordered eating. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 7: Are We All In Perimenopause? | 12 Mar 2026 | 01:13:25 | |
In this episode we discuss why perimenopause has become a major social media trend, the truth behind it, and where messaging can slide from empowerment into fear. We explore why women’s symptoms are often dismissed, while also noting broader stressors affecting millennial women’s health. We define menopause and perimenopause, outline typical ages and durations, and discuss how these conditions are diagnosed. We highlight which symptoms are most helpful in distinguishing perimenopause from other conditions discuss the dangers of anchoring on perimenopause for nonspecific symptoms. Finally, we discuss what the perimenopause movement has taught us as doctors and as Millennial women. 01:49 Perimenopause Everywhere 03:08 The Viral Claim Explained 06:35 Why It Went Viral 07:50 Women’s Health Neglected 15:12 Millennial Women Unwell 21:00 Girl Power and Burnout 27:06 Nugget of Truth 32:08 Menopause vs Perimenopause Basics 34:22 Age Ranges and Reality Check 35:53 Don’t Anchor on One Diagnosis 36:49 Perimenopause Without Labs 38:51 The Big Three Symptoms 39:59 Lancet Study Reality Check 43:34 Estrogen Risks and Telehealth 46:10 Gatekeeping and Pellets 51:28 When Labs Help Patients 56:12 Clinician Lessons Learned 59:32 Baseline Health and Risk Factors 01:06:49 Niche Experts and Consumer Savvy 01:11:17 Wrap Up and Disclaimer 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 6: Is it Helpful to Know #WhatIEatInADay? | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:52:12 | |
In this episode we ask whether “#WhatIEatInADay” videos are actually helpful. We unpack the implicit health and identity claims these posts make, why they’ve become so viral, and how trends like mukbang fit into the broader landscape of food content online. We review what the research tells us about the accuracy of nutrition-related content and the consequences of consuming it. Finally, we share practical takeaways for listeners, parents, and clinicians, including how we bring these conversations into patient care and why screening for disordered eating matters. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 5: Should We All Be Switching to Clean Beauty? | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:46:29 | |
In this episode of the Antisocial Doctors Podcast, we talk about the viral “clean beauty” movement and why it has so many of us questioning what we put on our skin. We start with a real patient case that sparked this conversation, then dig into the bigger questions behind the trend—what people are afraid of, what’s actually known, and why the answers aren’t always straightforward. We also explore how social media and marketing can amplify anxiety, why “clean” can be a confusing label, and what it might look like to approach skincare choices with nuance instead of doom-scrolling. This is a curiosity-first conversation about risk, regulation, and how to keep perspective without shame or snark. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 4: Do I Need A Full Thyroid Panel? | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:07:46 | |
In this episode of the Antisocial Doctors Podcast, hosts Dr. Sonia Singh and Dr. Rebecca Berens delve into the intricacies of thyroid testing, discussing the basic and full thyroid panels commonly debated on social media. They explain the physiology of thyroid function, the roles of TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies, and the evidence-backed guidelines for thyroid testing. Through patient stories and expert commentary, they debunk misinformation, highlight the limitations of excess testing, and emphasize the importance of clear communication and follow-up in medical practice. This episode aims to clarify common misconceptions and advocate for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to thyroid health. 00:00 Welcome to the Antisocial Doctors Podcast 01:13 Introduction to Today's Topic: Thyroid Testing 03:27 Patient Story: A Journey with Thyroid Issues 06:20 Understanding the Full Thyroid Panel 16:54 The Complexity of Thyroid Testing 32:34 The Role of TSH in Thyroid Diagnosis 33:57 Thyroid Screening Basics 35:27 Understanding T3 Testing 36:45 Conversion Issues and Malnutrition 41:34 Reverse T3: A Misunderstood Test 45:03 Anti-TPO Antibodies and Hashimoto's 47:34 Patient Experiences and Misconceptions 01:03:00 The Role of Endocrinologists 01:05:43 Conclusion and Resources 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 2: Are Birth Control Pills Really Bad for You? | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:58:03 | |
A viral narrative suggests birth control pills are used as a band-aid and cause long-term harm. In this episode, we unpack where that belief comes from and what the evidence actually shows about risks, benefits, and informed decision-making. What we cover: 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 3: What's Wrong with Eating Clean? | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:37:16 | |
“Clean eating” is widely promoted as the key to health — but it has no clear definition. In this episode, we explore why this idea resonates, how it moralizes food choices, and what the research shows about its links to restriction, anxiety, and disordered eating. What we cover: 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Episode 1: Is Social Media Making Us Unwell? | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:28:14 | |
Most people now encounter health advice on social media — and many act on it. In this episode, we examine why people turn to these platforms, how algorithms shape what we see, and who is most vulnerable to anxiety and harm from online health content. What we cover: 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| A Brief Intro: Who Are We & Why Are We Antisocial? | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:12:05 | |
We’re Sonia Singh, MD (Internal Medicine) and Rebecca Berens, MD (Family Medicine) — direct primary care physicians, moms, and humans navigating health misinformation alongside our patients. In this episode, we share why we created this podcast, what “antisocial” actually means, and how our personal and clinical experiences shape our approach to health conversations online. What we cover: 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||
| Trailer: Introducing The Antisocial Doctors Podcast | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:01:30 | |
Enjoy this sneak peak of what's in store! The Anti-Social Doctors Podcast is the antidote to the algorithm - a salve for the anxiety, stress, guilt, shame, and confusion that comes from social media’s messaging around health. In each episode, Dr. Berens and Dr. Singh discuss a health-related topic trending on social media with curiosity, nuance, evidence, compassion, and humility. 📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: | |||