In 1999, an FDA food investigator found traces of mercury in America’s favorite sweetener. But when she presented her findings, she was told to stop her research. The incident rang alarm bells — was the FDA covering up threats to public health? More recently, the agency’s sources of funding and their role in the Opioid Crisis have drawn suspicion and critici ... Show More
Jan 28
The FBI's Movie Star Target: Who Killed Jean Seberg?
After starring in the French New Wave classic Breathless and the American blockbuster Airport, Jean Seberg had the world’s eyes on her. But in the late 1960s, one organization watched her even more closely: the FBI. Seeing Jean’s political affiliations, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoov ... Show More
54m 15s
Aug 2025
The FDA Boss on the Agency’s MAHA Makeover
Dr. Marty Makary has criticized the Food and Drug Administration for being "captured" by Big Food and Big Pharma. Now, the surgeon and former professor is in charge. In an interview with host Jessica Mendoza, the new FDA head talks about food dyes, AI, vaccines and the big change ... Show More
21m 7s
Oct 2023
The FDA: A Spoonful of Safety Makes The Medicine Go Down
On this week's episode of the pod, we are talking about a drug that's been available for decades but is suddenly being pulled from shelves: phenylephrine (something you've probably reached for when you've been congested). We bring on an expert, Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, a Professor of ... Show More
52m 15s