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Causes or Cures
Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks. It is an independent, grassroots podcast rooted in curiosity and passion that tries to break down tough, trending health topics into digestible bits. Dr. Eeks has an MD, MPH and is a West Point graduate who works in the field of public health and health communications as a consultant & federal contractor. She is passionate about how science is communicated and has a penchant for using a blue-collar sense of humor as a health communications tool. On this podcast, she features experts in their field (doctors, scientific researchers, public health experts, public figures and folks with compelling personal stories) with the goal of discussing hot topics in health and scientific research in a down-to-earth kinda way. (Sometimes they will discuss stranger stuff too, mainly because life is short and it's fun to do.) DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not any kind of health advice. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does.(At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-wall bars.) Some people are experts, some people are interesting or intriguing to talk to, and some people are both. The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for. **You can contact Dr. Eeks through her blog, bloomingwellness.com. (Keep in mind that there are some blogs on there that are advertisement only. She does not review them, they are usually awful, but they help fund Barnaby's treat habit.) Finally, THANK YOU for listening, subscribing, sharing and supporting the show through the Support the Show Link! It helps keep the podcast independent and up and running. :)
Causes or Cures
The Misinformation Massacre: Is Public Health Targeting the Wrong Enemy?
*Bonus Episode for Subscribers*
In this episode of Causes or Cures, we dive into the "War on Misinformation" and unravel its complexities. Is misinformation truly an "infodemic," like a virus infecting our brains? Is the militaristic approach missing the mark? We explore how misinformation is policed online, the rise of fact-checkers, and some of the biggest misinformation scandals, including the opioid epidemic and the tobacco industry's attempts to define "sound science" while squelching the truth about second-hand smoke as a carcinogen.
Could our obsession with debunking and banning misinformation be a costly, unwinnable war? If we cannot agree on a definition of "misinformation," is this a wise public health battle to pursue, especially given the historical shortage of funding and staff? What roles should fact-checkers, tech companies, and governments play in policing knowledge, particularly in America, a country that deeply values personal liberties? Dr. Eeks also shares personal anecdotes, including her perspective on religious information and how nuns served as her fact-checkers growing up.
We also highlight the blurred lines between truth and deception in health and geopolitics. From covert anti-vaccine propaganda campaigns to the false statistics that fueled the opioid crisis, we ask: Can any one entity be trusted to define what’s true? Additionally, we will review expert insights from a previous podcast guest to better understand what’s truly at stake in this ongoing battle.
Subscribe and tune in for a deep dive into how misinformation has become a defining issue of our time and what it means for the future of public health and freedom of thought.
*Disclaimer: This podcast consists entirely of my own thoughts and does not reflect the views of anyone or any organization I work with or consult for.
*New* SUBSCRIBE for ALL Bonus Episodes!
You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com.
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