Best Brendan McCarthy Podcasts (2025)

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Why I Practice Medicine Differently 21:16

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3h ago21:16

21:16

In this episode, I open up about my personal journey into medicine, how my son’s health crisis during medical school shaped the doctor I am today, and why I believe in practicing medicine with time, care, and accountability. As a licensed naturopathic medical doctor and primary care provider, I share how I balance conventional treatments with holis…

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Season Six: Rob Lightner of East Brother Beer Co. and Tam Tavern 22:18

13h ago22:18

22:18

Send us a text Rob Lightner, one of the co-founders of East Brother Beer Co., joins us to talk beer, and their two brand new locations: Tam Tavern in Mill Valley and a taproom at the Metreon in SF.By Jeff Burkhart Kevin Blum Rob Lightner

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Episode 181: The Cheap Seats Written by David S. Rosenthal 41:29

14m ago41:29

41:29

Episode 181: The Cheap Seats Written by David S. Rosenthal This month on Dead Pilots Society we have The Cheap Seats by David S. Rosenthal, a veteran television writer whose credits include Spin City, Gilmore Girls, The Middle, and Jane the Virgin. The script centers on a close-knit group of emotionally and intellectually stunted friends whose worl…

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From Self-Silencing to Healing: Women's Health, Stress & Weight Gain 28:35

1h ago28:35

28:35

In this powerful series finale, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, shares a personal story about the humble beginnings of his practice—and then dives deep into a critical but often overlooked topic in medicine: self-silencing in women and how it profoundly impacts health. In this episode, you'll learn: How emotion…

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Steve Mascord on the question of the French connection to Super League 51:00

11h ago51:00

51:00

Independent international Rugby League reporting raconteur, Steve Mascord, gives us the lowdown on which way the pendulum is currently swinging for French involvement in Super League. Who's on which side? Where does the NRL fit in (is 'NRL Europe' a thing)? How does it all play into the discussion of the future size of the competition - 10 teams? 1…

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The Silent Stress That’s Harming Women’s Health 29:47

19d ago29:47

29:47

Why do so many women struggle with autoimmune issues, fertility challenges, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain—despite following medical advice? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, NMD, explores the overlooked connection between self-silencing—the habit of suppressing your voice, needs, and emotions—and women’s health. Drawing on years of p…

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Episode 180: Gracie Glassmeyer Interview 1:06:00

21d ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Episode 180: Gracie Glassmeyer Interview This after-show episode dives deeper into Here She Lies with its creator, Gracie Glassmeyer. If you heard the table read of this dark, twisty pilot, you probably have questions—like why Seth can’t leave his house, or why Talia has been spying on Amber’s stepmom. Gracie shares the answers, along with her uniq…

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The Hidden Link Between Self-Silencing and Fertility 18:42

26d ago18:42

18:42

In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, explores how self-silencing—the cultural pressure for women to suppress their voices and needs—can directly affect fertility. Dr. McCarthy discusses: The emotional toll of self-silencing on women’s identity and value How chronic stress impacts o…

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Episode 179: Here She Lies Written by Gracie Glassmeyer 54:38

29d ago54:38

54:38

Episode 179: Here She Lies Written by Gracie Glassmeyer Welcome to Dead Pilots Society, the podcast that takes comedy pilots from A-list writers that were sold and developed at networks and streamers but never produced, and gives them the table reads they never got to have. This episode features a pilot from Gracie Glassmeyer. Gracie has written fo…

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Self-Silencing in Women: The Hidden Link to Stress, Hormones & Heart Health 28:33

1M ago28:33

28:33

Why do so many women struggle with stress-related health issues without ever speaking up? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy continues his series on self-silencing in women—a powerful yet often overlooked cultural and psychological pattern. Dr. McCarthy breaks down: What “self-silencing” really means and how it shows up in everyday life The four…

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Season Six: Nikki Wood and Mimi Towle of Marin Magazine 27:43

22d ago27:43

27:43

Send us a text Nikki Wood and Mimi Towle of Marin Magazine join us to talk Best of Marin, parties and publishingBy Jeff Burkhart Kevin Blum Mimi Towle Nikki Wood

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Self-Silencing, Stress & Autoimmunity in Women 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explores how self-silencing behaviors—putting others first, suppressing your own needs, and avoiding conflict—can contribute to chronic stress and trigger autoimmune conditions in women. From the science of immune misfires to the cultural pressures women face, Dr. McCarthy shares how deep, patient-centered care…

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The Hidden Cost of Self-Silencing: How It Impacts Women’s Health 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

Welcome to the first episode in a five-part series on self-silencing and its profound effect on women’s health. I’m Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, and in this episode, I break down how self-silencing — the learned suppression of one’s needs, emotions, and voice — directly influences weight gain, hormone disrup…

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Build a $250,000 Brand with Joe McCarthy 59:19

1M ago59:19

59:19

Joe McCarthy shares his journey from sustainable farming to digital marketing success, revealing how investing in his personal brand helped him build a thriving business with over 400,000 followers. • Moving to a new environment forces growth and networking opportunities • Most successful influencers invest in their initial growth before scaling or…

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Episode 178: Chris Marcil & Sam Johnson Interview (Blessed and Highly Favored, NewsRadio, Beavis and Butt-Head) 1:02:22

2M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Episode 178: Chris Marcil & Sam Johnson Interview (Blessed and Highly Favored, NewsRadio, Beavis and Butt-Head) In this after-show interview, Andrew sits down with longtime writing partners Chris Marcil and Sam Johnson. Friends and collaborators, Marcil and Johnson share some incredible stories from their decades in the business. They talk about ho…

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Men & Fertility: What No One Tells You About Showing Up for Her 24:38

2M ago24:38

24:38

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the role men play in fertility and women’s health. Too often, the fertility journey places the burden entirely on women, physically, emotionally, and medically. Dr. McCarthy unpacks why that’s both inaccurate and damaging, and shares what true masculinity looks like during this chapter: support, presence, and…

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Episode 177: Blessed and Highly Favored by Chris Marcil & Sam Johnson - Live from the Elysian Theater 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

Episode 177: Blessed and Highly Favored by Chris Marcil & Sam Johnson - Live from the Elysian Theater We have such a great dead pilot for you this month. It's called Blessed and Highly Favored. It’s a hilarious comedy about a rookie pastor struggling to keep her progressive Baptist church afloat while dealing with megachurch competition, financial …

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Male Fertility & Emotional Avoidance: Why Men Need to Show Up 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, Dr. McCarthy opens up about the psychological hurdles men face when it comes to reproductive health, how avoidance can create deep relationship wounds, and why it's critical for male partners to step into fertility conversations with courage and compassion. He breaks down: ✔️ The em…

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Understanding PMS: A Guide for Men on Hormones, Relationships & Self-Silencing 27:05

2M ago27:05

27:05

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! PMS isn’t just a hormone issue—it affects relationships too. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy breaks down how hormone shifts impact emotions, communication, and connection. It’s a message for men who want to understand what’s really going on—and how to show up better. 💡 Topics: Why PMS can trigger rela…

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Why Your Doctor Says You're "Fine" (When You're Actually Not) | Testosterone Q&A Pt. 2 27:25

3M ago27:25

27:25

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today he continues answering your most pressing questions about testosterone and hormone therapy in Part 2 of our Testosterone Q&A series. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy dives into: Why your labs can look "normal" while you still feel terrible The difference between DHEA and actual testosterone thera…

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Season Six: Chris McCarthy, the "Mac" in Mac's 19 Broadway 16:14

2M ago16:14

16:14

Send us a text We welcome longtime bartender, Chris McCarthy to the show. 43 years in the industry and now the re-owner of 19 Broadway in Fairfax.By Jeff Burkhart Kevin Blum Chris McCarthy

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Testosterone in Women: FSH, Hair Loss & Real Questions Answered 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, I’ll be responding to your questions and comments. As always, thank you for being part of this community. Your questions fuel these episodes — and I’m honored to keep showing up for you. 🧪 Have questions about your labs? Drop them in the comments — I may cover them in the next episo…

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Unlucky 13. The Rugby League ban in Vichy France with Melissa McMahon 48:51

2M ago48:51

48:51

The banning of Rugby League in Vichy France continues to intrigue and appal 85 years on. Melissa McMahon, author of Unlucky 13: Amateurism as a weapon of war in Vichy France, joins the pod to discuss how it all went down, the key characters involved and the political and cultural context. There is simply no sporting story quite like it. Drop us a l…

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Episode 176: Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President) and Anne Sundell (writer and comedian) Interview 1:13:16

2M ago1:13:16

1:13:16

Episode 176: Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President) and Anne Sundell (writer and comedian) Interview In this month’s after-show interview, Andrew chats with Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President) and Anne Sundell (writer and comedian) about their pilot How to Get Over Bryan Byers. The pair share the real-life inspiration behind the show — yes, …

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What We’re Learning About TRT and Breast Cancer Risk 23:12

3M ago23:12

23:12

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, he dives deep into the powerful potential, and the necessary precautions, of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in women. He shares why this once-taboo treatment is gaining traction, how it may reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 50%, and why lab testing and clinical nuanc…

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Episode 175: How To Get Over Bryan Byers Written by Ilana Peña & Anne Sundell 54:11

3M ago54:11

54:11

Episode 175: How To Get Over Bryan Byers Written by Ilana Peña & Anne Sundell (Recorded Live at the Elysian Theater) This month on Dead Pilots Society, we’re bringing you How To Get Over Bryan Byers, a hilarious comedy pilot from Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President) and Anne Sundell (writer and comedian). The show follows two former enemies, An…

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Why I Always Run Labs Before Hormone Therapy: The Real Risks of Skipping FSH 21:12

3M ago21:12

21:12

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this deeply personal episode, he shares why lab work—especially testing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)—is non-negotiable in hormone replacement therapy. This is not about gatekeeping. It’s about understanding. It’s about caring. Dr. McCarthy recounts a formative memory of meeting a woman who …

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Why Perimenopausal Hormone Labs Do Matter — Debunking Dangerous Myths 30:27

3M ago30:27

30:27

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down common misconceptions about hormone testing and treatment during perimenopause — including why many influencers and physicians get it wrong. From the misuse of expensive boutique tests like the Dutch test, to the dangers of suppressive hormone therapie…

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Poverty to Prosperity | Brandon Bluenotes 1:15:39

3M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

When Brandon's grandmother's card declined at the grocery store and another man stepped in to pay for their food, something shifted inside him. "From that day on, I will make sure no other man ever allows or has to make sure that me and my family eat," he recalls with unmistakable conviction. This watershed moment launched a journey from barbershop…

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From Broke to Banking: The Digital Money Blueprint 1:33:34

4M ago1:33:34

1:33:34

You're not making at least $3,000 a month and you're just sitting in your mama's house feeling broke and disgusted? It's because you won't get rid of your pride. In this riveting conversation with Smartphone Billionaire, we dive deep into the mindset and tactics that can transform anyone's financial situation—regardless of where they're starting. W…

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Should You Get HRT Without Lab Work? Why I Always Test First 18:15

4M ago18:15

18:15

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Can you start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or bioidentical hormones without lab testing? Technically—yes. But should you? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, shares his medical perspective on why skipping labs could put your health at risk. Res…

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Season Six: Brendan Moylan, award winning brewer, award winning distiller 23:51

4M ago23:51

23:51

Send us a text Legendary restaurateur, Brendan Moylan (Marin Brew Co., Noonan's, Moylan's Brewery and Restaurant) joins us to talk about transitioning from brewing to distillingBy Jeff Burkhart Kevin Blum Brendan Moylan

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Episode 174: Austen Earl Interview (Letters to Beyoncé, Up All Night, The Millers, Happy Together) 47:34

4M ago47:34

47:34

Episode 174: Austen Earl Interview (Letters to Beyoncé, Up All Night, The Millers, Happy Together) In this after-show interview, Andrew talks with writer/producer Austen Earl about his pilot Letters to Beyoncé, inspired by his own mom. Austen shares how he went from a tiny town in Vermont to a Hollywood writing career—with a surprising assist from …

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Testosterone in Women: Dosing, Labs & What Most Doctors Miss 27:03

4M ago27:03

27:03

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! This episode takes you deep into the real-world practice of prescribing testosterone therapy for women. This is not a high-level overview—this is a nuts and bolts breakdown: ✅ Who it's for ✅ How it's dosed ✅ What labs to run ✅ What delivery methods are safest ✅ Why it's often done wrong—and how to g…

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Episode 173: Letters to Beyoncé written by Austen Earl (Up All Night, The Millers, Happy Together) 53:44

4M ago53:44

53:44

Episode 173: Letters to Beyoncé written by Austin Earl (Up All Night, The Millers, Happy Together) In this episode of Dead Pilots Society, we bring you a heartfelt and hilarious pilot from Austen Earl (Up All Night, The Millers, Happy Together, About My Father). The script, Letters to Beyoncé, tells the story of a middle-aged schoolteacher in rural…

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The Truth About Testosterone in Women: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling You 21:50

4M ago21:50

21:50

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in hormone health: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for women. You may have heard horror stories—or glowing reviews. But what’s the truth? Dr. McCarthy discusses: - Why testosterone matters for women’s health - …

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Testosterone Therapy for Women: Breaking the Stigma 17:38

4M ago17:38

17:38

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today’s episode is all about testosterone therapy in women—a topic that’s often misunderstood, highly debated, and rarely taught in depth. I’m sharing what I’ve learned over my years of clinical experience, how I approach testosterone use in women safely, and why the conversation around it needs to …

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PRL BOOK CLUB - Melanesia: Travels in Black Oceania by Hamish McDonald 44:27

4M ago44:27

44:27

It's a real treat to have the OG of Australian journalists with a penchant for foreign affairs named Hamish McDonald, Hamish McDonald on the pod to discuss his fascinating new book Melanesia: Travels in Black Oceania. This is a brilliant mix of travelogue, history and political analysis of a under analysed and misunderstood region. The books journe…

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Progesterone Delivery Methods Explained: How It Actually Works in Your Body 30:47

5M ago30:47

30:47

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Explore how progesterone travels through the body depending on the method of delivery—oral, transdermal, or injection. Dr. McCarthy explains why certain forms may not be effective for all patients and discusses how the body metabolizes progesterone, influencing its therapeutic impact. This episode i…

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Answering Your Hormone Questions: Progesterone Reactions, MTHFR, Estrogen Detox & More 33:35

5M ago33:35

33:35

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today’s episode is all about answering YOUR submitted questions — real concerns from real women — about hormone therapy, reverse responses to progesterone, MTHFR, estrogen detoxification, and more. This episode is packed with insights to help you better understand your body and your options. Dr. Bre…

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Barfly Podcast: Sean Saylor of Sausalito's Saylor's Landing and Saylor's Restaurant and Bar 16:23

5M ago16:23

16:23

Send us a text We welcome Sean Saylor, former owner of Saylor's Restaurant and Bar in Sausalito to discuss why a quarter century of owning his own restaurant was enough for him.By Jeff Burkhart Kevin Blum Sean Saylor

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Episode 172: Lauren Herstik Interview (American Vandal, Pearson) 1:10:44

5M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

In this after-show episode of Dead Pilot Society, we're joined by writer Lauren Herstik, who brought us Camp Friends — a pilot that's had more lives (and deaths) than most scripts could dream of. This one has everything: clown camp trauma, projectile vomit over a salad bar, surrealist puberty freakouts, and a long, winding journey through the chaot…

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Progesterone, Testosterone & HRT Questions You’re Afraid to Ask 42:12

5M ago42:12

42:12

Welcome to the podcast! In this deeply personal Q&A episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center—responds to your most powerful and vulnerable questions about hormone replacement therapy, including: - Why some women reverse-respond to progesterone - What to do when testosterone creams trigger migraines - How to safel…

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Episode 171: Camp Friends Written by Lauren Herstik (American Vandal, Pearson) 44:42

5M ago44:42

44:42

This month, we have a fantastic dead pilot, Camp Friends, written by Lauren Herstik. You may know Lauren as a writer on American Vandal and Pearson. Camp Friends is about best friends who spend every summer at Camp Wigeon. This is their CIT (counselor-in-training) year, the last before becoming counselors, and the last chance to have the best summe…

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When Progesterone Backfires: Understanding Reverse Responders 16:14

5M ago16:14

16:14

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Welcome to Part 3. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy dives deep into the complex world of reverse responders—women who experience increased anxiety or worsened symptoms from progesterone instead of the calming effects it typically provides. If you’ve felt forgotten or unsupported in your hormone journey…

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When Progesterone Backfires: The Hidden Link Between Hormones, Anxiety & Trauma 16:43

6M ago16:43

16:43

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! While progesterone is often prescribed for its calming and hormone-balancing effects, some women experience the exact opposite—increased anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. This phenomenon, known as reverse responding, is more common than many realize. In this episode we explore: The neu…

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Why Progesterone Doesn’t Work for Everyone 18:02

6M ago18:02

18:02

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today he addresses a topic many women have been waiting to hear more about: why some people don't tolerate progesterone well. Often overlooked in both conventional and alternative medicine, "reverse responders" experience heightened anxiety, insomnia, or mood shifts when taking progesterone — a reac…

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Barfly Podcast: Erin Hines, Bitter Girl Bitters, Mijo and Guesthouse 19:49

5M ago19:49

19:49

Send us a text We catch up with multitasker extraordinaire, Erin Hines, Beverage Director at both Guesthouse and Mijo in Marin, and the proprietor of Bitter Girl BittersBy Jeff Burkhart Kevin Blum Erin Hines

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PRL 31 March 2025 - The Art of Commentary with Quentin Hull 54:36

5M ago54:36

54:36

ABC commentary doyen, Quentin Hull, joins the pod to discuss the art of commentary. This curious artform is a soundtrack to so many of our lives. Let's get under the hood to better understand how good Rugby League commentary is made, the ins and outs of radio commentary, how TV commentary differs, and the challenges of switching between sports. Plu…

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Migraine Series Q&A 30:36

6M ago30:36

30:36

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we're wrapping up our migraine series by answering your most frequently asked questions. Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, dives deep into the science behind progesterone, its effects on the brain, and why some people experience negative reactions.…