How to Spot Pseudoscience: When “Research” Is Used to Sell You Something (Part 1)

Wellness influencers and companies often cite “studies” to support their claims. But not all research is created equal, and not everything labeled as a study should be trusted. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Josh Davis, a medical research educator who teaches medical students how to critically evaluate scientific literature. This is Part 1 of our discussion, where we focus on the systems behind research and why they matter when you are trying to decide what to trust. We break down how predatory journals, lack of true peer review, publication bias, and funding pressures can all influence what gets published and promoted. More importantly, we discuss how these issues are often leveraged in marketing to give products and treatments a sense of legitimacy they may not deserve. This is not about dismissing research. It is about understanding how to interpret it so you can separate meaningful evidence from material that is being used to sell you something. If you have ever seen a product backed by “studies” and wondered whether that actually means anything, this episode will give you a clearer framework for evaluating those claims. Read the full blog that inspired this episode: https://thewholehumanhealthandwellbeing.com/how-to-spot-pseudoscience-5-hidden-reasons-research-cant-always-be-trusted/