The Body of Evidence

Latest Episodes:

133 – IVF, infertility and pineapples Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In vitro fertilisation is almost 50 years old but still a victim of misunderstandings and myths. Guest co-host Robyn Flynn returns to walk Dr. Chris Labos through the IVF process from beginning to baby and explains why she found it more painful than actually giving birth. Plus, what is the age cut off, why does obesity matter, and why is the pineapple a symbol of IVF?

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

Age of IVF as predictor of success

doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.036

Success rates in older women

doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.05.081

Surgical treatment of hydrosalpinx prior to IVF

doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002125.pub3.

How smoking affects outcomes

doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.073

How obesity affects outcomes

doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.008

Aspirin in IVF

doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004832.pub3

Acupuncture in IVF

doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006920.pub3

Heparin treatment in IVF

doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.005

132 – Ice baths, cold plunges and Wim Hof Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Ice baths, polar bear plunges and cold immersion promise a “treasure trove of benefits” according to wellness guru Wim Hof. On this episode, friend of the show Dr. Nick Tiller - author of The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science - and his British accent return to talk with Dr. Chris Labos. Both share near drowning experiences that should make you realize that even in a comedy podcast, cold plunges are no joke.

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

1) The American Heart Association position on ice baths

2) A video talking about deaths associated with the Wim Hof method https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu5CkkaHB1A

3) Nick Tiller’s article on ice baths in Skeptical Inquirer https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/why-are-we-still-ice-bathing/

131 – Can ‘sleepmaxxing’ help you sleep better? Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

From mouth taping to weighted blankets to blue light filters and melatonin. There’s no shortage of “hacks” that will help you max out your sleep in this latest TikTok trend. Pedro Mendes returns to help Dr. Chris Labos sort through what is true, what is fluff, and what is just exploiting people’s anxiety. Added bonus: we also learn which was the first show to air reruns on American network television.

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

1) Cochrane review on blue light filtering lenses

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013244.pub2/full

2) A systematic review on weighted blanket use

https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.037358

130 – Is Bill Gates committing genocide? How to debunk misinformation. Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Is Bill Gates really trying to decrease the world’s population by 15% using the covid vaccine? Was the gongshow that is Microsoft Office just a prelude to mass genocide? What would you do if a friend forwarded you a Ted Talk of Gates claiming exactly that? Would you assume it was a deep fake or edited to misrepresent what he said or is it even more complicated than that. Floris van Vugt joins to unravel the mystery of the billionaire’s bluster and tell us if indeed there are microchips in our vaccines.

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

● Initially emailed clip

● Actual TED talk

● How does better healthcare reduce population growth?

● George Bernard Shaw Anti-Vax Quote

129 – These puzzles can teach kids about critical thinking Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Critikid.com is a website dedicated NOT to criticizing children but rather to teaching them critical thinking using games, riddles and puzzles. Founder Stephanie Simoes joins Dr. Chris Labos as he tries to solve the riddle of the magical cookie that turns mice pink. And why does the internet think Stephanie is anti-road? Plus, what is her super-duper secret project about teaching kids that social media is a cesspool of misinformation?

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

Stephanie’s website: www.critikid.com
The answer to the poisoned wine riddle (the harder version of the mouse-cookie riddle): https://medium.com/i-math/a-king-1000-bottles-of-wine-10-prisoners-and-a-drop-of-poison-2dd1959a8dd2
The brand new social memdia simulator for kids (live soon): https://critikid.com/courses/social-media-simulator
Some fun puzzle books: https://www.amazon.com/aha-two-collection-Insight-Spectrum/dp/0883855518

128 – Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy a cure-all? Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

While it is proven to be lifesaving in carbon monoxide poisoning, is there any evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps with cerebral palsy, autism, long covid, migraines and many other conditions? Can HBOT be both a valid medical therapy and a pseudoscience? Guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to parse out fact from fiction. Bonus points if you know the one condition where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is strictly contra-indicated.

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Health Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html

Chris’ article on hyperbaric oxygen therapy: https://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/article560792.html

Recent child’s death

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/clinic-death-raises-questions-about-oxygen-therapy-2025a10003wa?ecd=wnl_tp10_daily_250216_MSCPEDIT_etid7230220&uac=207389HY&impID=7230220

Trauma

Bouachour G, Cronier P, Gouello JP, Toulemonde JL, Talha A, Alquier P. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of crush injuries: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Trauma. 1996 Aug;41(2):333-9. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199608000-00023. PMID: 8760546.

Burns

Brannen AL, Still J, Haynes M, Orlet H, Rosenblum F, Law E, Thompson WO. A randomized prospective trial of hyperbaric oxygen in a referral burn center population. Am Surg. 1997 Mar;63(3):205-8. PMID: 9036884.

Radiation injury

Lin ZC, Bennett MH, Hawkins GC, Azzopardi CP, Feldmeier J, Smee R, Milross C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Aug 15;8(8):CD005005. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub5. PMID: 37585677; PMCID: PMC10426260.

Chronic wounds:

Kranke P, Bennett MH, Martyn-St James M, Schnabel A, Debus SE, Weibel S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 24;2015(6):CD004123. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004123.pub4. PMID: 26106870; PMCID: PMC7055586.

Cerebral palsy

Collet JP, Vanasse M, Marois P, Amar M, Goldberg J, Lambert J, Lassonde M, Hardy P, Fortin J, Tremblay SD, Montgomery D, Lacroix J, Robinson A, Majnemer A. Hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy: a randomised multicentre trial. HBO-CP Research Group. Lancet. 2001 Feb 24;357(9256):582-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04054-x. PMID: 11558483.

127 - The reality of living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is more common than most people realize and with more far-reaching implications than it would initially seem. Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Dr. Chris Labos to talk about it's potential impact on fertility, cardiovascular health, and according to Robyn, that it's more painful than childbirth?!? We’re going to have to look into that one.

You can also check out Robyn’s podcast, Rebel Mom Boss https://open.spotify.com/show/4uMAsJS9ySR47iGYw8ExDo?si=bc68ddfcb0bd4f3f

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

1) Dutch Twin study about the role of genetics in PCOS:

10.1210/jc.2005-1494

2) Cochrane review on meds that improve fertility

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003053.pub6/full

3) RCT of diet to restore fertility

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/88/2/812/2845309?redirectedFrom=fulltext

4) Benefits of weight loss prior to fertility treatment

10.1210/jc.2016-1659

5) Letrozole vs. clomiphene for fertility treatment

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1313517

6) Metformin as a fertility treatment

10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11995

126 - Case Challenge: What role did drugs play in two mystery conditions? Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Intense abdominal pain and erratic behaviour. Both involving drugs. What's really going on? Dr. Aigul Zaripova, a familiar voice for our regular listeners, is back to try and stump Dr. Chris Labos with two Medscape case challenges. Will Chris cover himself in glory or will shame and humiliation await him at the end of the episode? Only one way to find out.

Part 1: Intense Abdominal Pain After a Night of Partying

https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/954084

Part 2: Recent Erratic Behaviour and a History of Cannabis Use in a Teenager

https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/1001391

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

You can see the entire archive of Medscape Case Challenges here:

https://reference.medscape.com/features/casechallenges

125 - The Monogamy Myth? Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Are animals actually monogamous? Do penguins really mate for life? Does any of this really matter? Returning guest Natalia Pasternak joins Dr. Chris Labos in this special Valentine’s Day episode to talk about monogamy. A look at love and sex in the animal kingdom and a reminder that none of this gives you permission to cheat on your spouse or significant other. Just because animals are jerks, doesn’t meant mean you have to be one too.

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause- cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

1) Natalia’s original article in Portuguese: https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/a-hora-da-ciencia/post/2024/07/recatado-e-do-lar.ghtml?giftId=343c01cf90f30a3&utm_source=Copiarlink&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=compartilharmateria

2) The book with the inappropriate title that Natalia mentions: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59228221-bitch

3) Additional info on the Lilicon conference in Edmonton this summer: https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025

124 - Why was Red Dye No. 3 banned in the US? Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Why did the FDA ban the use of Red Dye No. 3 and why is it still available in Canada? Guest co-host Pedro joins Dr. Chris Labos to explain and discuss how we should think about food colourings in general. Does the fact that can cause cancer in rats mean anything for human health? And what about the alleged ADHD link? Also, there’s a Winnie the Pooh reference at the end.

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE

Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com

Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD

Editor: Robyn Flynn

Theme music: “Fall of the Ocean Queen“ by Joseph Hackl

Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos

Chris’ book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer

Obviously, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

The FDA announcement

https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/fdc-red-no-3