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Maintenance Phase

Debunking the junk science behind health fads, wellness scams and nonsensical nutrition advice.

Episodes

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: The Food Pyramid

In the 1990s, the Food Pyramid was one of the most recognizable symbols in nutrition education. But where did it come from? Why was it created by the agriculture department? And why did it tell us to eat a whole loaf of bread every day?
posted by Gin and Broadband on Nov 22, 2022 at 6:56 AM - 4 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: Zombie Statistics Spectacular!

Debunking some of the most widely repeated myths about fat and health. Here's Mike's new video! Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and moreThanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase) [more inside]
posted by bq on Apr 19, 2022 at 2:31 PM - 1 comment

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma"

How a liberal journalist entrenched a libertarian fantasy. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase)
posted by bq on Apr 5, 2022 at 9:30 PM - 2 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: "Super Size Me"

Aubrey thought she could swear less in this week's episode. She was wrong. Support the show!(https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase)
posted by bq on Feb 15, 2022 at 8:56 AM - 11 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: "Illness Influencer" Belle Gibson

In 2015, Belle Gibson was an Australian "eco-preneur" with a vegetarian cookbook, a blockbuster wellness app and a terminal cancer diagnosis. Today, she's one of the most hated figures in the country.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and more https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase
posted by bq on Feb 1, 2022 at 9:45 AM - 8 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: Diet Book Deep Dive: The Karl Lagerfeld Diet

Who's that Bond villain stroking a cat and yelling at beloved public figures? It's Karl Lagerfeld! This week, Mike and Aubrey go in on fashion's favorite turbo troll and his fancy, joyless diet. This episode serves four. https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase
posted by bq on Jan 20, 2022 at 5:01 PM - 3 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: Fat Camps

How America's oldest fat camp — and the inspiration for Disney's "Heavyweights" — became the symbol of a health intervention that enjoys worldwide popularity despite no evidence that it improves anyone's health. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase) [more inside]
posted by bq on Jan 4, 2022 at 8:31 AM - 10 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: The "Sleep Loss Epidemic"

Matthew Walker’s "Why We Sleep" was one of the most popular and acclaimed wellness books of 2017. There’s just one problem: Much of it isn’t true. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/maintenancephase
posted by bq on Dec 15, 2021 at 5:26 PM - 11 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: Vibrators

It's a sexual health episode! This week, Mike and Aubrey dive into the hotly debated medical history of vibrators and ask: who fact-checks the fact-checkers? Support the show
posted by bq on Nov 30, 2021 at 9:09 AM - 5 comments

Podcast: Maintenance Phase: Is Being Fat Bad For You?

For nearly four decades, Americans have heard a simple story about health, longevity and obesity. This week, we learn it’s a little more complicated.  Thanks to Katherine Flegal, Paul Campos, Jeff Hunger and Jason Salemi for helping us research and fact-check this episode!
posted by bq on Nov 17, 2021 at 3:01 PM - 12 comments