On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.
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Markow Podcasts
Making kindness cool and the world better than yesterday, join us for conversations that shift perspectives toward a more conscious and compassionate collective. The host, Dr. Jeremy Goldberg, is a ferocious never-giver-upper, an empathy-collecting, anti-quitting word wizard, and a connoisseur and collector of fine silver linings. He is also a recovering scientist turned life coach and spoken word poet who speaks fluent burrito. Find him on Instagram @LongDistanceLoveBombs or at www.longdist ...
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In this episode, Therese Markow, Dr. Jerald Kay, and Dr. Joel Yager discuss the various forms of ambition: lack of ambition, mismatched ambition, Machiavellian ambition, and how to deal with malignant narcissists. Key Takeaways: There are biological underpinnings to ambition, but much of what we know about ambition is built on repeated interactions…
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Sophie Lucido Johnson: KIN: Families of the Future
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42:44In this episode, Therese Markow and Sophie Lucido Johnson discuss the evolution of family and the concept of "kin" in Sophie's book "Kin: The Future of Family." They explore the isolation and loneliness in modern society, emphasizing the importance of chosen family networks, or "pods," for emotional and physical well-being. She highlights the benef…
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Dr. Tami Rowen: Menopause, Mysteries, and Hormones
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39:47In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Tami Rowen discuss menopause, perimenopause, and hormone therapy. She explains that menopause is defined as one year without a period, while perimenopause can last up to 10 years with symptoms like mood changes and menstrual irregularities. Dr. Rowen discusses the changes in FSH levels and how to understand w…
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Dr. Robert Klitzman: Anti-Obesity Drugs - What We Don't Know About Them
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33:50In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Robert Klitzman discuss the implications of new anti-obesity drugs, initially designed for type 2 diabetes but now used for weight loss. These drugs are expensive and may not be fully covered by insurance. They discuss how the drugs work and explain why they may be more effective for some than others. Dr. Kli…
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Dr. Kevin Spencer: Magic Tricks - New Therapy for Autism
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37:39In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kevin Spencer discuss the innovative use of magic tricks as therapy for children with autism. Kevin found that teaching magic helped children with autism improve social skills, communication, and self-esteem. He developed the Hocus Focus program for schools and the Magic Therapy program for hospitals, both us…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Tami Rowen discuss the controversy surrounding the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and its potential link to autism. She emphasizes that the evidence is largely anecdotal and not supported by robust scientific studies. Dr. Rowen highlights a study published in Environmental Health in 2025 that found a weak as…
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Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson: Shame-Sex Attraction: Conversion Therapy Survivors
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55:07In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Lucas F.W. Wilson discuss his book, Shame-Sex Attraction, which explores the experiences of conversion therapy survivors. Lucas explains that conversion therapy aims to change sexual orientation or gender identity, despite its ineffectiveness and harmful nature. He traces the history of conversion practices f…
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Dr. Joe Pierre: False - Suicide by False Beliefs
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34:28In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joe Pierre discuss the phenomenon of false beliefs, as explored in his book, False. Joe explains the distinction between clinical delusions and delusion-like beliefs, emphasizing the continuum of belief conviction and the role of motivated reasoning. He highlights the impact of political affiliation on belief…
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Dr. Teresa Lynch: Gender Stereotypes in Video Games
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56:15In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Teresa Lynch discuss the portrayal of women in video games and its impact on gender stereotypes. Teresa explains her research on gender stereotypes in media, influenced by her personal gaming experiences. She highlights the evolution of female character representation, noting a shift from sexualized to more d…
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Jill Dixon: Rising Food Insecurity in America
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34:57In this episode, Therese Markow and Jill Dixon discuss the rising food insecurity in the U.S., highlighting the critical role of food banks. Jill explains that food banks coordinate efforts across 200+ food banks and thousands of food pantries. The Food Depot in Northern New Mexico serves 43,000 people annually, distributing 10 million pounds of fo…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Irin Carmon discuss Irin's new book, "Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America." 80% of maternal deaths in the United States are due to completely preventable reasons. She highlights the three pillars of reproductive justice: the right not to have a child, the right to have a child, and the r…
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Dr. James Michael Thomas: What's Critical Race Theory?
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29:08In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Michael Thomas discuss Critical Race Theory (CRT). Dr. Thomas explains CRT as a framework for understanding persistent racism post-Civil Rights Era, emphasizing its structural presence in law, education, and urban planning. He highlights the misconceptions around CRT, noting it's often misrepresented in…
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Anya Prince: Dangers of DTC Genetic Testing
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38:12In this episode, Therese Markow and Law Professor Anya Prince discuss the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. DTC testing, which began in the 1990s and grew significantly by the 2010s, allows individuals to purchase genetic tests without a doctor's prescription. By 2021, 100 million people globally used DTC testing. Companies…
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Dr. Dorothy Leidner: AI Romance - Boyfriends, Girlfriends
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40:24In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Dorothy Leidner discuss the growing trend of personal relationships with AI, including AI-generated therapists and romantic partners. Dr. Leidner highlights the history of AI in therapy, noting the shift from rule-based systems in the 60s to generative models today. She emphasizes the potential dangers, such …
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230: Nikki Weaver - Can you speak your truth and survive it?
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1:15:07Nikki Weaver teaches writing, yoga, and self-expression to women in prisons. She is the founder of On The Inside, an organization that builds a creative connection for incarcerated women, both individually and collectively, by telling stories, igniting hearts, and sparking dialogue. They aim to spread creative connections for women on the inside an…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and P.E. Moskowitz discuss P.E.'s new book, Breaking Awake, which explores their lifelong struggle with trauma and mental health. They recount their near-death experience in Charlottesville in 2017 and their subsequent journey of self-discovery. P.E. critiques the reliance on SSRIs and other medications for mental he…
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Dr. Amaal Starling: Migraine News and New Treatment
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41:51In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Amaal Starling discuss the prevalence and impact of migraines, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Dr. Starling highlights the genetic and hormonal factors and discusses the different subtypes of migraines. They delve into the importance of talking to your doctor or seeing a headache specialis…
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229: Blake Kasemeier - Is art anything you can get away with?
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1:00:15Blake Kasemeier tells stories, mostly with words, and also makes videos you've probably watched on your phone before. He is a multifaceted content creator, writer, and poet, and in this chat, we dive into authenticity in art, the journey of content creation, and the importance of perspective. Blake shares his experiences navigating vulnerability in…
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Richard Kirk: Necropolitics and inequality
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32:07In this episode, Therese Markow and Richard Kirk discuss the rise of inequality and homelessness, highlighting the lack of access to healthcare and resources for marginalized populations. They delve into the myth of trickle-down wealth and the downsides of gentrification. Richard also discusses the impact of large projects, such as stadiums, which …
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Dr. Molly Hales: Children Use Antiaging Creams!!
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33:46In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Molly Hales discuss the growing trend of young children using anti-aging skincare products, influenced by social media and influencers. Dr. Hales highlights the concerns about the rise in young patients with skin reactions to these products. These young users often apply multiple products with potentially irr…
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228: Kendra Adachi - What's our birth story?
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42:47In this conversation, we share our intimate journey through pregnancy and childbirth, discussing the emotional and physical challenges we faced and reflecting on the support from family, the decisions made during labor, and the transition from a home birth to a hospital setting. Kendra Adachi is walking a path of deep service to awaken a remembra…
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Dr. Eve Espey: End to Reproductive Rights
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27:56In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Eve Espey discuss the impact of the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade. Dr. Espey explains that 41 states have abortion bans, with 12 states imposing total bans and 28 states restricting based on gestational duration. She highlights the increased maternal mortality and health risks due to these rest…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Emily Callaci discuss the Wages for Housework movement, highlighting the 1970s campaign demanding payment for unpaid labor in the home or "housework". Dr. Callaci explains the movement's relevance today, noting that women's unpaid work has significant economic consequences. The conversation explores the histo…
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Dr. Peter Liang: Rise in Colon Cancers in the Young
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40:31In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Peter Liang discuss the rise in colorectal cancer among younger people, those below the age of 50. While colorectal cancer is a slow-growing cancer, it is still the third most common cancer for both men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Due to the trend of decreasin…
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Dr. Joshua Woolley: Psychedelic Treatments for Mental Health
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52:36In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joshua Woolley discuss his transition from neurology to psychiatry and his current focus on psychedelic drug therapies. He explains the mechanisms and effects of psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD, highlighting their potential to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Dr. Woolley describes con…
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In this episode, Therese Markow interviews Dr. Shaina Stacy about her studies on cancer risks in children depending upon the body mass index (BMI) of their mothers before and during pregnancy. Dr. Stacy explains how she obtained a sample of nearly 2 million mother-child pairs in the state of Pennsylvania, the largest sample size ever for such a stu…
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Dr. Cheryl Hawkes: Maternal Obesity Harms Fetal Brain Development
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31:17In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Cheryl Hawkes discuss the increasing scientific evidence that maternal obesity affects the developing fetal brain. While many of the effects manifest early, in infant temperament and childhood cognitive (IQ) decrements, other effects do not show up until years later, in adult psychiatric and neurodegenerative…
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Dr. Diane Tober: Egg Donation Can Exploit Donors
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46:11In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Diane Tober discuss the global egg donation industry, highlighting its lack of regulations and exploitative nature. Dr. Tober details some of her research on egg donors, revealing severe risks and some life-threatening complications that can affect 10-12% of donors. They discuss how donors are often uninforme…
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Kim Mutcherson: Millions of Frozen Embryos!
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54:48In this episode, Therese Markow and Kim Mutcherson discuss the legal and ethical implications of the increasing number of frozen embryos and the complications of assisted reproductive technologies. With an estimated over 1 million frozen embryos in the United States, this is a complex topic, particularly around state laws, embryo disposition, the f…
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Dr. Chris Beyrer: Cuts to USAID Harm the Health and Prosperity of US Citizens
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40:57The opinions expressed by Dr. Beyrer are his own and not those of his employer. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Chris Beyrer discuss the importance of USAID, highlighting its role in global health and development, particularly through programs like PEPFAR, which has saved 25 million lives and prevented millions of HIV infections. Dr. Beyrer…
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227: Janne Robinson - How do you cultivate truth beyond reason?
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1:16:30Janne Robinson is a poet, author, coach, and the founder of Your Truth is Your Medicine, a year-long program that has supported over 1,000 people in creating authentic belonging across every area of their lives: career, relationships, family, place, voice, and self. For over a decade, Janne has guided people in building lives and businesses rooted …
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Dr. Adam Berinsky: Political Rumors and Misinformation
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53:05In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Adam Berinsky discuss political rumors and misinformation. Dr. Berinsky defines rumors as unsubstantiated claims without evidence, emphasizing their social transmission. He identifies two factors influencing rumor belief: conspiratorial thinking and partisan polarization. Berinsky's research reveals that whil…
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226: Amy Young - How do you cultivate trust beyond reason?
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1:16:55Amy Young is a speaker, intuitive, and coach who helps women unravel old narratives, reclaim their power, and rise into the most authentic, unstoppable version of themselves. Known for her fierce honesty and depth-meets-humor style, Amy draws on her connection with the Divine Feminine to guide transformational breakthroughs. She is the creator of I…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Alcock discuss what near-death experiences are and the increase in them in recent years due to improvements in medical technology. While near-death experiences (NDEs) have been known about for a long time, we, as a scientific community, are starting to understand more about what they mean for neurologic…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Deborah Lang discuss the rise of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, and its causes. Dr. Lang explains that skin cancers are derived from different skin cells: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both linked to UV exposure, and melanoma, which can be UV-independent and linked to genetic suscepti…
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Dr. Anice Lowen: Bird Flu - Should We Worry?
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18:36In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Anice Lowen discuss the bird flu outbreak, highlighting the virus's spread from birds to dairy cattle and recorded cases of human infection. Dr. Lowen explains the differences between influenza A and influenza B viruses, talks about which type causes pandemics, and what we can do to try to prevent future pand…
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Dr. Joshua Weitz: Asymptomatic COVID-19 Spreaders
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32:23In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Joshua Weitz discuss his book "Asymptomatic: The Silent Spread of COVID-19 and the Future of Pandemics" and his work in understanding the risk of COVID spread from as early as spring of 2020. He highlights the double-edged sword of asymptomatic infections, discusses what governments could do to help mitigate …
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Dr. Ajit Nirmal: Arms Race Against Cancer
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18:31When we hear the term tumor or cancer, the image that often comes to mind is a bunch of bad cells next to normal ones, and growing. Like many things, it's just not that simple. How do the normal cells turn bad? Can our immune systems detect the cancer cell and kill it? Why does some initially successful chemotherapy stop working? Why does cancer sp…
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jodi Gilman discuss the implications of cannabis use on health and safety. Dr. Gilman explains that THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting areas involved in emotion, memory, and decision-making. Cannabis use can lead to long-term brain alteratio…
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Dr. Robert Meade: Health Dangers from Rising Heat
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22:23In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Robert Meade, an expert in thermal physiology, discuss the dangers posed to human health by the rising heat. Dr Meade explains that extreme heat is a combination of air temperature and humidity, which can strain the body's ability to regulate temperature. He notes that older adults and women may be more vulne…
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Dr. Brandon Sparks: Incels - Involuntary Celibacy
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30:45In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Brandon Sparks discuss the phenomenon of involuntary celibacy (incels). Dr. Sparks, an applied forensic psychologist, explains that incels are men experiencing long-term involuntary celibacy, often due to social exclusion and bullying during adolescence. Incels, primarily aged 18-30, are less likely to be in …
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In this episode, Therese Markow discusses the impact of budgetary cuts on scientific research and the Nations Report Card from the Department of Education. She explains what the funding from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation supports, and argues how cutting overhead costs to 15% shuts down scientific progress. She al…
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We all believe in something, from Santa Claus, to the global shape of the earth, to babies needing to be taken care of for survival. While some of our beliefs are intuitive or have evidence, many are not. Sometimes the evidence that we believe to be true is faulty. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. James Alcock discuss how these beliefs are b…
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Dr. Loretta Mayer: Contraceptive Rat Control
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29:23In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Loretta Mayer discuss the growing problem of urban rat populations, exacerbated by climate change and the ineffectiveness of traditional poisoning methods. Dr. Mayer discusses the non-lethal contraceptive method for rats and mice, developed from her research on reproductive physiology, and successful field te…
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Charles Piller: Alzheimer's Treatments Slow in Coming
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41:14In this episode, Therese Markow and Charles Piller discuss the slow progress of Alzheimer's treatments. Based on his research and findings as an investigative journalist, as well as his newest book, Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance, and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's, they discuss the complexity of the disease, msiconduct in the research, and t…
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Dr. Paul Offit: Hidden Dangers of Measles
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24:56In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Paul Offit discuss the MMR vaccine, the history of it, and the current decay of measles herd immunity today. Many parents are refusing to vaccinate their children, referencing politicians, actors, and social activists who lack correct information regarding the vaccine. Even if an unvaccinated child recovers f…
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225: Jason Markow (TEKST) - What's the difference between courage and stupidity?
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43:47Jason Markow (known around the web as '@TEKSTartist') has been slinging designs from his southern California studio since 2011. His techniques often combine digital and traditional mediums to create visual representations of powerful quotes. His work hangs in the homes and offices of Jason Mraz, Chuck Palahniuk, Alexis Ohanian, Gary Vaynerchuk, and…
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Dr. Jamie Lo, MD: Marijuana and the Fetal Brain
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25:49In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Jamie Lo discuss the complex topic of marijuana and the fetal brain. Dr. Lo explains some of the findings from a study of over 3 million pregnant individuals in California, why pregnant individuals may choose to use marijuana, the links between THC exposure in the fetal brain and long-term neurodevelopmental …
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In this episode, Therese Markow and Natalie Wexler discuss the poor reading skills of American students, as evidenced by NAEP test results. Natalie highlights the ineffectiveness of current reading programs and the focus on skills over content. She also talks about the discrepancies between students of different backgrounds, and how The Matthew Eff…
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Dr. Amy Cooter: Militias in the United States Today
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25:51In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Amy Cooter discuss the complexities and variations within militia groups in the United States, citing examples of constitutional militias, millenarian militias, and border militias noting their varying beliefs and tendencies. Dr. Cooter also highlights how the role of nostalgia and protecting the Second Amend…
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