BS Free MD with Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh - Medicine, Life, Family, Physician, Doctor, Healthcare, Medical History

Latest Episodes:

491 — Sofia Karstens: The Scientist Who Warned About the Polio Vaccine (Rerun) Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a scientist discovers a serious safety concern, but the institutions responsible for protecting the public fail to act?

In this BS Free MD rerun, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh welcome Sofia Karstens for a revealing conversation about scientific integrity, medical accountability, and the courage it takes to challenge powerful institutions.

At the center of the discussion is Dr. Bernice Eddy, a government scientist whose research raised concerns about early polio vaccine safety. Her warnings preceded the infamous 1955 Cutter Incident, when improperly manufactured vaccines exposed children to live poliovirus.

Sofia explores Eddy's legacy, the subsequent discovery of SV40 contamination in some early polio vaccines, and the difficult questions these events raise about regulatory oversight, institutional pressure, and public trust.

The conversation also examines modern debates surrounding pharmaceutical testing, whistleblower protections, medical censorship, and the importance of independent scientific inquiry.

In this episode:

Dr. Bernice Eddy's research and the history of the Cutter Incident
SV40 contamination and its significance in vaccine safety history
The challenges scientists face when questioning established institutions
Pharmaceutical regulation, transparency, and accountability
How censorship and institutional pressure can undermine public trust
Why grassroots advocacy and local involvement matter

Why revisit this conversation?

Because the relationship between science, public health, and institutional accountability remains as relevant as ever. This discussion is a reminder that scientific progress depends on rigorous testing, open debate, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable findings.

Whether you're interested in medical history, public health policy, or the role of citizen advocacy, this episode offers plenty to think about.

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DISCLAIMER

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. Opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent their employers or affiliated organizations. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding personal medical decisions.

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490 — Fentanyl, Inc. with Ben Westhoff | Part 2 (Rerun) Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

In Part 2 of our conversation with investigative journalist and author Ben Westhoff, we continue exploring the hidden world of synthetic drugs and the global business behind the opioid crisis.

Ben shares how he created an online identity on the dark web and infiltrated a Chinese drug lab while posing as a drug dealer. We discuss the risks he faced, the realities of illicit drug manufacturing, and what his investigation revealed about the people and networks fueling the fentanyl crisis.

We also examine the ongoing “war on drugs,” lessons from other countries, and potential approaches to addressing the crisis.

Ben Westhoff is the author of Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic, an investigative look at the emergence of fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances around the world.

If you missed Part 1, be sure to listen to that episode first.

In this episode:

Ben’s undercover investigation into the dark web and illicit drug production
His experience infiltrating a Chinese drug lab
The global supply chain behind fentanyl and other synthetic drugs
The challenges and limitations of the war on drugs
What other countries are doing—and what lessons the U.S. might learn

Guest: Ben Westhoff, investigative journalist and author of Fentanyl, Inc.

Links:

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489 — Fentanyl, Inc.: Inside the Deadly Opioid Crisis with Ben Westhoff | Part 1 (Rerun) Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

An undercover investigation. A global drug trade. A deadly epidemic.

In this BS Free MD encore episode, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh revisit their eye-opening conversation with investigative journalist and Fentanyl, Inc. author Ben Westhoff, whose reporting exposed the hidden networks behind the rise of synthetic opioids.

Westhoff takes us inside his extraordinary investigation, which included creating an online identity on the dark web, posing as a drug dealer, and infiltrating a Chinese drug laboratory. His research reveals how rogue chemists, international suppliers, and illicit drug networks helped fuel the fentanyl crisis.

In Part 1, we explore the origins of fentanyl, the emergence of novel psychoactive substances, and the dangerous evolution of the opioid epidemic.

In This Episode:

How fentanyl became a major force in the opioid epidemic
Ben Westhoff's undercover investigation inside Chinese drug operations
The role of rogue chemists and synthetic drug manufacturers
How the dark web transformed illicit drug distribution
The global networks behind fentanyl and other emerging synthetic drugs
Why understanding the origins of the crisis matters

About Our Guest

Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist and author of Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic. His reporting has informed discussions with policymakers and government officials, and he has appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience and NPR.

Connect with Ben Westhoff:

Website: https://www.benwesthoff.com

Book: https://www.benwesthoff.com/fentanyl-inc

Listen to the Original Episode:

https://www.bsfreemd.com/podcast/episode/3af9f723/10-fentanyl-inc-with-ben-westhoff

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488 — Financial Health for Physicians with Dr. Brent Lacey Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

Financial health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet many physicians receive little formal education about managing money, building wealth, or planning for financial independence.

In this episode of BS Free MD, Dr. Brent Lacey joins the conversation to explore the importance of financial literacy in medicine and how physicians can make more informed decisions about their financial futures.

From managing student loan debt to budgeting, saving, and investing, this discussion highlights why financial education matters for healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers.

Topics Explored

Why financial literacy matters for physicians
The financial challenges of medical training and early career decisions
Developing healthy budgeting and spending habits
Managing debt while working toward long-term financial goals
The importance of saving, investing, and financial planning
Building financial confidence and independence

About the Guest

Dr. Brent Lacey is a physician and financial educator known for helping healthcare professionals improve their financial literacy and develop practical money-management skills.

His work emphasizes the connection between financial well-being, professional satisfaction, and making intentional decisions about money.

Connect with Dr. Brent Lacey

Website: https://www.thescopeofpractice.com/
Podcast: https://www.thescopeofpractice.com/the-scope-of-practice-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheScopeofPractice
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-lacey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescopeofpractice/

Dr. Lacey is also the founder of The Scope of Practice, a resource dedicated to physician finances and practice management.

Listen to BS Free MD

Catch more candid conversations about medicine, health, and life with Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh.

Website: https://www.bsfreemd.com/

Episode: https://www.bsfreemd.com/podcast/episode/22f16044/35-financial-health-with-dr-brent-lacey

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances. The opinions expressed by guests are their own.

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487 — Eat Sh*t and Live: Dr. Sabine Hazan on Gut Health and the Microbiome Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

What if some of the biggest answers to human health are hiding in our gut—and even in our poop?

Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh welcome Dr. Sabine Hazan, gastroenterologist, researcher, and microbiome expert, for a fascinating conversation about the trillions of microorganisms living inside us and their potential influence on our health.

From the science of stool and the gut microbiome to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), Dr. Hazan's work challenges conventional thinking about how we study disease, digestive health, and the complex relationship between bacteria and the human body.

In true BS Free MD fashion, this episode isn't afraid to get a little messy while exploring serious medical questions.

Topics Explored

The gut microbiome: Why the bacteria living in our digestive system matter.
The science of stool: What researchers can learn from studying human fecal samples.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT): How transferring gut microorganisms is being studied and used in specific medical settings.
Gut health and immunity: The complex relationship between intestinal microorganisms and immune function.
Microbiome research: How emerging discoveries may shape our understanding of disease and treatment.
Challenging conventional medicine: Why asking difficult questions remains essential to scientific progress.

About Our Guest: Dr. Sabine Hazan

Dr. Sabine Hazan is a gastroenterologist, clinical researcher, and founder of ProgenaBiome, a genetic sequencing research laboratory focused on the gut microbiome. Her work explores the relationship between intestinal microorganisms, disease, and human health.

Connect With BS Free MD

Website: https://www.bsfreemd.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSFreeMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreemd/

Listen to the episode: https://www.bsfreemd.com/podcast/episode/39162202/52-eat-sht-and-live-with-dr-hazan

Medical Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BS Free MD. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or pursuing treatments discussed on the show.

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486 — Near-Death Experiences, Consciousness & the Afterlife with Dr. Eben Alexander Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

What happens to consciousness when the brain shuts down? Can science explain near-death experiences, or is there more to human awareness than we understand?

Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh welcome Dr. Eben Alexander, a former Harvard Medical School faculty member, neurosurgeon, and bestselling author of Proof of Heaven, to explore the extraordinary experience that transformed his understanding of life, death, and consciousness.

After a rare bacterial brain infection left him in a seven-day coma, Dr. Alexander emerged with vivid memories of what he describes as a journey beyond physical reality. Once a firm believer that consciousness was produced entirely by the brain, he now challenges that assumption.

Together, they discuss quantum physics, spirituality, the mind-body connection, and how meditation may influence our understanding of consciousness and healing.

In This Episode

A Neurosurgeon's Near-Death Experience: How a life-threatening infection and coma changed Dr. Alexander's worldview.
Consciousness Beyond the Brain: Exploring whether awareness could exist independently of physical brain activity.
Science Meets Spirituality: The relationship between quantum physics, consciousness, and the limits of conventional neuroscience.
An Extraordinary Journey: Dr. Alexander's account of spiritual realms and an unexpected guardian angel.
Meditation and Healing: How mindfulness and binaural beats may support spiritual exploration and personal well-being.
Rethinking Life and Death: What near-death experiences might teach us about human connection, meaning, and existence.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Eben Alexander
03:15 – His background and career in neurosurgery
10:45 – The brain infection and seven-day coma
18:30 – Exploring the near-death experience
25:00 – The mysterious guardian angel
35:20 – Challenging traditional views of consciousness
42:00 – Quantum physics and the nature of awareness
50:45 – Meditation and binaural beats
1:00:15 – Listener questions about consciousness
1:15:30 – Final reflections

About Dr. Eben Alexander

Dr. Eben Alexander is an academic neurosurgeon, former Harvard Medical School faculty member, and New York Times bestselling author. Following his near-death experience in 2008, he began exploring the relationship between neuroscience, consciousness, and spirituality.

His books include Proof of Heaven, The Map of Heaven, and Living in a Mindful Universe.

Connect & Learn More

Dr. Eben Alexander: https://ebenalexander.com
His Near-Death Experience: https://ebenalexander.com/about/my-experience-in-coma/
Proof of Heaven: https://ebenalexander.com/books/proof-of-heaven/
BS Free MD: https://www.bsfreemd.com
Listen to Episode #278: https://www.bsfreemd.com/podcast/episode/e7f7455d/278-quantum-consciousness-and-near-death-experiences-with-dr-eben-alexander

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Have questions or feedback? Email doc@bsfreemd.com.

Stay BS Free!

Medical Disclaimer

Everything discussed on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or the practice of medicine. No physician-patient relationship is established. Opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent their employers or affiliates.

The discussion of near-death experiences, quantum consciousness, and spirituality includes personal interpretations and hypotheses that are not established scientific conclusions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical concerns.

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485 — The 4 F’s That Keep Life in Balance: Faith, Family, Finances & Fun Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

What actually matters when you strip away the noise?

In this early BS Free MD episode, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh break down the four priorities that have helped guide their marriage, careers, and life together: Faith, Family, Finances, and Fun.

From navigating the demands of medicine and raising a family to making smart financial decisions and remembering to actually enjoy life, May and Tim share why balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about knowing what deserves your attention.

In This Episode:

Why faith provides a foundation when life gets complicated
Making family a priority despite demanding medical careers
Why financial health matters to your overall well-being
The importance of intentionally making room for fun
How the 4 F’s can help bring perspective to work, relationships, and everyday life

It’s a classic BS Free MD conversation about building a life around what matters most—and a reminder that some principles hold up no matter how much life changes.

Connect with BS Free MD

Website: https://www.bsfreemd.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BSFreeMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreemd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bsfreemd/

X / Twitter: https://x.com/bsfreemd

Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of their employers or affiliated organizations. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns about your health or medical care.

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484 — Dr. Marcy Larson on Losing a Child: Grief, Healing, and Supporting Bereaved Parents Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

How do you navigate life after losing a child—and how can others offer meaningful support?

Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh welcome pediatrician Dr. Marcy Larson for a deeply personal conversation about the loss of her son, Andy. Marcy shares how grief affected her family, her ability to practice medicine, and her path toward helping other bereaved parents.

They explore why conversations about loss can feel so difficult, how well-intended words can miss the mark, and the importance of compassionate support. Marcy also shares the inspiration behind her podcast, Losing a Child: Always Andy’s Mom, where grieving parents find connection through shared experiences.

In This Episode

Marcy’s story of losing her son, Andy
How grief affected her life and medical practice
The challenges of talking openly about loss
Supporting grieving parents with greater understanding
Creating a podcast to help herself and others navigate grief

Connect with Dr. Marcy Larson

Connect with BS Free MD

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Email: doc@bsfreemd.com

Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of their employers or affiliates.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

483 — Calling BS on Medicine, Media & AI with Jenna McCarthy Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a humor writer starts questioning the stories she once took for granted? Bestselling author Jenna McCarthy joins Tim and May to talk about the shift in her writing during the COVID era, her collaboration with Dr. Pierre Kory on The War on Ivermectin, and the experiences that changed how she views medicine and media.

The conversation ranges from Jenna’s approach to skepticism and her coverage of the Lindsay Clancy case to a lively disagreement about artificial intelligence. She also shares what she has learned from writing for decades and offers simple advice to aspiring writers: start writing, and keep going.

In this episode:

How Jenna went from magazine columns and books to writing Jenna’s Side
How her collaboration with Dr. Pierre Kory began
Why she uses humor to address serious subjects
How headlines can shape public understanding of a case
Where Jenna and Tim disagree about AI’s future
Her advice for anyone who wants to write

About Jenna McCarthy
Jenna is a bestselling author, speaker, and columnist whose work has appeared in more than 60 publications. She co-authored The War on Ivermectin and The War on Chlorine Dioxide with Dr. Pierre Kory and contributes the Here’s a Thought series to the Independent Medical Alliance.

Connect with Jenna: Website · Jenna’s Side on Substack

The views and claims discussed in this episode are those of the speakers. This conversation is for discussion and entertainment and is not medical advice.

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482 — Road Tripping Through 15 States: Montreal, NYC, the US Open and More Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

Road Tripping Through 15 States: Montreal, NYC, the US Open and More

Tim and May take the podcast on the road as they return home from a 15-day adventure through 15 states and one Canadian province. In this episode of Dog Tails with No Cocktails, they recap the memorable destinations, unexpected surprises, great food and travel mishaps that defined their trip.

Their journey included Savannah, an Air Force base visit in South Carolina, historic Philadelphia and a drive around Montreal’s Formula 1 track. They also cycled along the St. Lawrence River, explored Old Montreal and sampled French pastries, poutine and plenty of maple syrup.

The trip continued through Vermont, the mountains and waterfalls of New Hampshire, Portland’s rocky coastline and Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. Tim and May share their favorite stops, compare regional food and explain how Hilton points helped cover several hotel stays.

They also recount the chaos of driving into Times Square, missing their Broadway show and navigating New York City during the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The experience was redeemed by a bucket-list day at the US Open, where they watched the women’s doubles final and both men’s semifinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

From lobster and lighthouses to tennis, traffic and historic landmarks, this episode is an unfiltered recap of an ambitious East Coast road trip—and the places they would happily visit again.

You’re right—those were missing. Add this to the end:

Learn more about BS Free MD:
https://www.bsfreemd.com/

Disclaimer:
The information presented in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.