Fluoride and its presence in public water has become a hot-button issue in the United States. More and more communities and government officials are rethinking whether the benefits fluoride provides our teeth outweigh its potential health risks. But history shows fluoride is no stranger to controversy or conspiracy theories.
Over the years, the naturally- ... Show More
Yesterday
The Superman Curse and the Death of George Reeves
In the 1950s, Adventures of Superman dominated TV screens thanks to its star George Reeves. However, while the world loved him as Superman, George reportedly felt trapped in the role. According to the Hollywood rumor mill, the resulting depression drove him to die by suicide. But ... Show More
45m 39s
Apr 22
The Colorado Cannibal: Alfred Packer
A man stumbles out of the Colorado wilderness in 1873. After his traveling party ran out of food in the dead of winter, he’s the only survivor. Except he looks surprisingly well-fed. Alfred Packer’s story of what became of his companions changes not once, but twice. In the end, w ... Show More
39m 30s
Jun 2025
Ep 178 Fluoride 1: The real tooth fairy
Is it just us, or does it seem like every other week there’s a new headline about some state or town banning water fluoridation? As it turns out, this has been going on for decades, basically since fluoride was first introduced. Why are some people opposed to fluoride? Is there a ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2025
Are we sure about fluoride?
Florida just became the second state to ban fluoride from its water system, which has made some public health experts pretty angry. Just how risky is fluoride really, and why is it so hard for us to get on the same page? Guest: Emily Oster, professor of economics at Brown Univers ... Show More
29m 24s
Jun 2025
Ep 179 Fluoride 2: Fighting tooth and nail
In last week’s episode, we traced the history of fluoridation (and the anti-fluoridation movement) to its roots in the early 20th century, but we left you wondering whether there’s anything to back up the health claims that anti-fluoridationists make. Today, we get deep into the ... Show More
1h 3m
May 2025
The Metabolic Effects of Fluoride
Dr. Ben Bikman opens this lecture with a comprehensive overview of fluoride’s history in public health, highlighting its original role in preventing dental cavities. However, he shifts the focus to its lesser-known systemic effects, particularly on metabolic health.
Ben emphasize ... Show More
19m 6s