The Antisocial Doctors Podcast

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.00:00 Podcast Intro01:24 Why Creatine Now03:48 Viral Claims Breakdown05:46 Why It Went Viral09:07 Creatine Basics Explained10:43 How To Take Creatine12:34 Muscle Benefits Evidence15:33 Menopause And Bone Health18:13 Cognition And Dementia Data21:33 Sleep Deprivation Studies25:56 Creatine for Depression28:30 Why Evidence Stays Weak31:04 Side Effects and Labs34:15 Supplement Quality Risks35:09 Hype and Hidden Harms38:10 Personal Takeaways41:01 Clinical Bottom Line43:40 Talking to Patients45:52 Practice Changes and Trust49:26 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast intro01:20 Episode topic reveal02:02 Patient diagnosis delays03:38 Sonia personal story07:16 Social media claims09:36 Why it went viral15:28 Nugget of truth17:51 Backlash and concerns22:11 Defining and diagnosing22:33 Rotterdam criteria30:09 Ruling out other causes32:54 PCOS subtypes explained41:34 Biomarkers and testing46:19 CRP Inflammation Confusion48:13 Metabolic Biomarkers Breakdown49:21 Vitamin D Iron Testing Debate52:38 Guidelines and Sleep Apnea Risk54:49 Birth Control Not a Band Aid01:01:15 Fertility Timing and REI Referral01:03:38 Lifestyle Basics Fiber Exercise Sleep01:08:50 Medications Metformin to GLP1s01:16:18 Weight Stigma Habits Over Pounds01:20:34 Who Should Manage PCOS Care01:24:32 How to Talk to Patients01:27:35 Resources Wrap Up Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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 mission01:25 Patient stories03:05 Wearables big claims05:35 Why wearables took off11:04 Nugget of truth13:54 Accuracy and impact14:58 Step counting science18:24 Apple Heart Study23:08 Heart rate variability27:19 HRV Norms Myth27:34 Wearables and Heart Health30:34 Sleep Tracking Accuracy32:30 Sleep Apnea Screening34:40 Patient Case Sleep Apnea37:21 Psychological Harms40:04 Data Overload and OCD43:27 Healthcare Utilization Risks46:38 Trusting Symptoms Over Data51:24 Costs and Hidden Tradeoffs52:41 Talking to Patients55:50 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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 mission01:13 Why this topic now04:43 What these tests promise05:50 Why it went viral08:36 Marketing tactics12:19 Cost and access14:05 How the test works18:01 Scary stats vs evidence19:45 Does it detect cancer21:04 Sensitivity specificity explained23:32 Predictive value reality check25:55 Explaining False Positives26:41 Why It Cannot Replace Screening28:12 Pathfinder Study Setup31:24 Pathfinder Results Breakdown32:40 Workup Cascade And Harms36:00 Insurance And Downstream Costs37:23 NHS Trial Early Signals40:55 Guidelines And Shared Decisions44:15 When Doctors Might Use It49:23 Final Takeaways And Wrap50:01 Podcast Medical Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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. 00:00 Podcast intro and mission01:18 Patient story GLP-1 dilemma03:23 Social media claims and stigma06:29 Why GLP-1s went viral12:06 Nugget of truth and nuance13:51 What GLP-1 drugs are17:57 Benefits beyond diabetes23:57 Fatty liver and metabolism28:37 Is weight loss a benefit34:22 Weight Stigma in Care35:53 When to Discuss Weight37:46 Is Weight Loss a Benefit39:05 BMI vs Metabolic Health40:21 GLP-1 Weight Loss Data43:31 Long-Term Outcomes Matter44:53 Weight Cycling Risks47:58 Other Potential Benefits48:51 Common Side Effects49:59 Muscle and Bone Loss52:44 Cancer and Eye Concerns56:13 Mental Health Signals59:21 Telehealth Misuse Risks01:02:45 Cost and Sustainability01:05:23 Alternatives Like Metformin01:06:29 Long-Term Treatment Reality01:09:37 Undereating Risks01:10:04 Early Intervention Debate01:11:12 Biology Over Willpower01:11:58 Environment Versus Meds01:13:58 Weight Cycling Reality01:15:31 Compounded GLP-1 Dangers01:21:05 Informed Consent Lessons01:22:42 Stigma and Patient Fears01:27:08 Food Noise Explained01:31:40 Fatphobia and Epigenetics01:35:05 How We Counsel Patients01:43:01 Resources and Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast intro01:18 Meet the hosts01:21 Peptides topic setup02:01 Patient longevity story03:39 Why peptides hype05:11 Natural fallacy talk06:50 What is a peptide08:19 Peptide drugs history10:47 Why peptides booming12:06 Legal gray areas13:55 Why it went viral14:50 Optimization culture16:35 Distrust and marketing20:14 K shaped economy angle24:37 Nugget of truth26:44 Peptides are drugs28:56 Gray market risks31:30 Evidence categories32:49 FDA approved examples33:22 Immune booster peptide34:14 Growth Hormone Peptides35:00 Side Effects Reality Check36:49 Statins Versus Hype37:54 Retatrutide Triple Agonist38:59 Wolverine Stack Breakdown39:31 BPC 157 Claims40:35 TB 500 No Human Data43:17 Regulation Versus Wild West45:11 Why Patients Take Risks46:42 Doctoring With Empathy50:26 Informed Consent Gaps52:55 Framing Changes Decisions55:39 Peptides Future Outlook58:26 Fund Studies Faster01:00:05 Wrap Up And Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast Mission Intro01:19 Why Protein Is Everywhere03:09 The Viral Protein Claim04:24 How Protein Became Trendy07:36 Optimization Culture and Inequality10:45 New US Protein Guidelines12:53 Protein Basics and Sarcopenia15:02 Who Needs More Protein16:10 How Much Americans Eat Now18:54 Evidence Based Targets by Group20:12 Lean Mass Caveat for Obesity22:25 Why Protein Targets Creep Up23:42 Who Actually Benefits24:23 More Protein Without Training26:39 Social Media Protein Hype28:18 Plant Proteins Explained29:57 Guidelines Graphic Critique31:35 Protein Products and Marketing33:39 When Supplements Make Sense36:09 Barriers Beyond Willpower37:33 Practical Takeaways and Trends42:12 Resources and Wrap Up42:48 Medical Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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. 00:00 Podcast Mission01:13 ChatGPT Name Idea01:52 Season One Takeaways02:52 Doctors Feel It Too05:03 Medicine Left Gaps07:21 Healthcare System Limits09:31 Health Beyond Biology11:19 Luxury Wellness Costs14:18 Clean Eating Language16:44 Desire For Control19:16 One Simple Diagnosis20:30 Personal Choice Vs Systems21:27 Buy Now Health Fixes21:48 Fear Disguised Education24:00 Clean Living Morality25:55 Shame Blame Trap26:53 Missing Context Online27:52 Algorithms Over Truth31:46 Wellness Radicalization Pipeline32:52 Quitting Social Media36:43 Digital Hygiene Takeaways38:18 Medical Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast Mission Intro01:25 Why This Episode02:27 Full Body MRI Claims05:03 Why It Went Viral10:41 When Screening Helps16:26 Whole Body MRI Limits21:29 How Tests Prove Value26:23 What Studies Actually Show30:10 Verification Harms30:44 False Negatives Explained31:46 Informed Consent Debate34:04 When Findings Spiral39:07 Outcomes Over Findings40:29 MRI Risks And Limits43:57 Company Study Breakdown49:22 Doctor Patient Takeaways52:26 Better Results Communication54:33 Resources And Red Flags56:19 Final Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast mission01:21 Why this topic now01:47 Patient story behind AIP02:41 What AIP claims04:11 Why it goes viral08:10 Natural vs toxic trap11:07 Diet and inflammation evidence16:30 Anti-inflammatory pattern basics19:16 AIP elimination and reintro24:22 Sensitivities vs blanket bans27:40 AIP research so far31:28 Diet Autoimmunity Evidence32:24 Nutrient Deficiency Risks34:23 Adherence and Disorder Risk40:00 Gluten Dairy Reality Check42:46 Patient Case and Placebo50:13 Clinician Counseling Approach53:19 Big Picture Nutrition Mindset59:01 Don’t Delay Medical Care01:01:24 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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 Everywhere03:08 The Viral Claim Explained06:35 Why It Went Viral07:50 Women’s Health Neglected15:12 Millennial Women Unwell21:00 Girl Power and Burnout27:06 Nugget of Truth32:08 Menopause vs Perimenopause Basics34:22 Age Ranges and Reality Check35:53 Don’t Anchor on One Diagnosis36:49 Perimenopause Without Labs38:51 The Big Three Symptoms39:59 Lancet Study Reality Check43:34 Estrogen Risks and Telehealth46:10 Gatekeeping and Pellets51:28 When Labs Help Patients56:12 Clinician Lessons Learned59:32 Baseline Health and Risk Factors01:06:49 Niche Experts and Consumer Savvy01:11:17 Wrap Up and Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast mission01:10 Welcome and setup01:56 This week's claim03:51 Why it's viral05:49 Loneliness and mukbang08:09 Normalcy and confusion10:33 Nugget of truth12:57 Newborn mom example17:53 Research on accuracy23:20 Eating disorder impacts26:41 Algorithms and Kids28:14 Mukbang and Eating Triggers30:11 Content Beats Screen Time35:19 Can Food Content Be Safe41:07 Takeaways and Guardrails46:08 Talking to Patients50:27 Podcast Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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.00:00 Podcast mission01:14 Rash case study02:54 Clean beauty claims04:12 Why it went viral06:51 Nugget of truth09:32 EDCs explained11:11 Expert debate13:42 Parabens tradeoffs15:53 Regulation gaps17:34 Clean is marketing19:15 Ingredient apps pitfalls21:41 Natural not safer23:46 Research on clean beauty25:01 Clean Beauty Is Marketing25:58 Risk Versus Benefit Basics27:34 Fear Based Beauty Culture29:23 Kids Skincare And Puberty30:47 Is Clean Worth Paying For33:26 System Level Solutions34:53 Clean Living And Moral Panic37:27 Algorithms And Extremes40:01 Doctor Takeaways And Regulation43:05 How To Counsel Patients44:37 Wrap Up And Disclaimer📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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 Podcast01:13 Introduction to Today's Topic: Thyroid Testing03:27 Patient Story: A Journey with Thyroid Issues06:20 Understanding the Full Thyroid Panel16:54 The Complexity of Thyroid Testing32:34 The Role of TSH in Thyroid Diagnosis33:57 Thyroid Screening Basics35:27 Understanding T3 Testing36:45 Conversion Issues and Malnutrition41:34 Reverse T3: A Misunderstood Test45:03 Anti-TPO Antibodies and Hashimoto's47:34 Patient Experiences and Misconceptions01:03:00 The Role of Endocrinologists01:05:43 Conclusion and Resources📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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: • Why distrust around birth control is growing • Evidence-based uses beyond contraception • Real vs exaggerated risks • Fertility, mood, weight, and cancer context📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

“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: • Why “clean” vs “dirty” food framing is harmful • Processed foods and real-world nutrition • Research on clean eating and restraint • Why women are especially affected📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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: • Why social media is a primary health source • Engagement vs accuracy in algorithms • Health anxiety and “cyberchondria” • Safer ways to engage with health content📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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: • Our backgrounds and clinical perspectives • Why social media health trends feel so powerful • What’s missing from most debunking content • How this podcast is structured📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

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: 👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com