Parenthetical Science

In which we discuss the (relatively rickety) foundation of homeopathy, colic (whatever that is), and a few other things. And then we make an exciting announcement ;-)

In this highly-anticipated episode, we chat with Dr. Melisa Holmes, an OB/GYN and one of the co-founders of Girlology/Guyology about talking to kids about puberty/sex and the terrifying fact that only 13 states in the US require sex ed curricula to be "medically accurate." For reals. She offers some great tips for parents having these discussions and blows us away when we put her on the spot and demand that she create the ideal sex ed curriculum. OK, But Why?: Our favorite lifestyle brand, Goop, has recently started tagging their posts with labels like "Just for Fun" and "Ancient Modality," to let you know that they're telling you stuff that almost certainly isn't true to get you to buy something that almost certainly doesn't work and might possibly kill you. And people keep shopping there. Strange world. Find Melisa and Girlology/Guyology here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Buy the books 

We talk to nutrition and fitness writer James Fell about food fads, "performance-enhancing" supplements, nutritional considerations for teen athletes, and how to...you know, make good decisions about what to eat. OK, But Why? 79 Members of Congress just voted to make it easier for people to purchase milk contaminated with Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, and other potentially lethal diseases THAT WE'VE BEEN PREVENTING FOR OVER 2 CENTURIES!!! We're not saying you shouldn't vote for them, but maybe think about it. (Here's a list.)

In yet another episode of our internationally-recognized podcast, Dr. Dave Stukus joins us to discuss all things allergy: the complexities of allergy testing, the truth about food allergies, the lies about honey, and the most effective treatments for allergy sufferers. Dave is a pediatric allergy and asthma specialist at Nationwide Children's and the newly-appointed social media guru for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAAAAAAI. AAI. AI.). He was recently inducted--during this episode--into the Fellowship of Science Communicators, which includes such legendary voices as Carl Sagan, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, the teacher from Magic School Bus, and the shill that made that Science Moms documentary--now available on Netflix. OK, But Why?: Chad tries (and fails) to sell Natalie a "homeopathy first aid kit" featuring "remedies" that, while they don't claim to treat any medical conditions, claim to treat medical conditions as serious as hemorrhage, sepsis, eye trauma, heat stroke, tetanus, a

We talked to J.R. Becker, an attorney/drummer/children's author about his Annabelle and Aiden series of books created to teach children about the fantastic but totally true stories of how we got here and what happens next. Yes...a children's book about death, written from a positive and life-affirming perspective. OK, But Why?: Chad tries to sell Natalie some highly concentrated water with some pretty impressive health claims, but [SPOILER] she politely declines. This segment is pHenomenal. Here's where to find J.R. and buy his books: "What Happens When We Die?" Kickstarter Annabelle and Aiden website Facebook

It's National Infant Immunization Week, so we talked to Dr. Nathan Boonstra and Karen Ernst from the Voices for Vaccines podcast, VaxTalk. We talk about their vaccine advocacy efforts, as well as what you can do to encourage those around you to vaccinate their kids...because, yes, herd immunity is a real thing. OK, But Why? And then we go over the best way to choose a tattoo, whether it's geometric or not (is it?)--just ask Ashley to use her psychic/reiki/artistic skills to create one that suits your aura. Because, science. (Seriously, y'all - click on the link to the video and watch this one for yourselves. You're welcome, or we're sorry, in advance.) Thanks so much to our patrons (as always). If you'd like to support our podcast as well, you can do so on Patreon. Alternatively (or additionally), if you like what we are doing, you can leave us a 5-star rating/review on iTunes. That would be rad, too. And thanks again to the band Eyelids for letting us use their song as our intro/outro. Find u

In which we talk to Dr. Layla Katiraee, a molecular geneticist, science communicator, and star of the Science Moms documentary (shameless plug for Nat's film) about genetic testing. Big thanks to our friends and listeners for providing the questions that drove this conversation!  In our "OK, But Why?" segment, we talk about a product that could tell you exactly which essential oils your body needs! (Spoiler alert: we think you should save your money.) How to find Layla: Twitter | SciMoms Thanks so much to our patrons (as always). If you'd like to support our podcast as well, you can do so on Patreon. Alternatively (or additionally), if you like what we are doing, you can leave us a 5-star rating/review on iTunes. That would be rad, too. And thanks again to the band Eyelids for letting us use their song as our intro/outro. Find us here: Website | Patreon | Twitter | Facebook

In which we talk to Dr. Grant Ritchey, a science-minded dentist who co-hosts the Prism Podcast, about a variety of dental topics, including nurdles and wobbly temporal bones (along with dental procedures, fluoride, flossing, and all the boring stuff). In our "OK, But Why?" segment, we evaluate the practicality of the Amazon.com baby registry allegedly provided by a couple of Kardashians...whatever those are. (There was a lot to talk about, and that's why this one went long.) How to find Grant: Twitter | Prism Podcast Thanks so much to our patrons (as always). If you'd like to support our podcast as well, you can do so on Patreon. Alternatively (or additionally), if you like what we are doing, you can leave us a 5-star rating/review on iTunes. That would be rad, too. And thanks again to the band Eyelids for letting us use their song as our intro/outro. Find us here: Website | Patreon | Twitter | Facebook

In which Chad, Natalie, and Dr. Clay Jones discuss the science behind pediatric chiropractic treatments (mostly how there isn't any), the true nature of subluxations, and the harm that can come from the anti-science culture that permeates [most] chiropractic offices. And fish tacos. Clay is a pediatrician who co-hosts the Prism Podcast and writes for Science-Based Medicine. How to find Clay: Twitter | Prism Podcast | Science-Based Medicine  Thanks so much to our patrons (as always). If you'd like to support our podcast as well, you can do so on Patreon. Alternatively (or additionally), if you like what we are doing, you can leave us a 5-star rating/review on iTunes. That would be rad, too. Thanks to the band Eyelids for letting us use their song as our intro/outro. Find us here: Website | Patreon | Twitter | Facebook

Ep. 002: In which Chad, Natalie, and Amy Tuteur (The Skeptical OB) discuss childbirth.  "Ok, But Why?" Segment: David Stephan and the "wellness" circuit. (Please don't choose garlic over real medicine. Ever. Take this one piece of advice from this podcast.) Parenthetically Speaking Segment: All the love for our friends from The League of Nerds. Thank you to our super rad Patrons: BT, Nathan, Reasonable Risk Podcast, Aya, Daniel, Wayward Willis Podcast, Max, Pam, Dan, Carolina, Craig If you want to be like the people mentioned above, head over to patreon.com/ParSciPod Music credit: Eyelids ("Bound to Let You Down") Our links: Our website: parentheticalscience.com Twitter: @ParSciPod Facebook: fb.com/ParSciPod Email: parentheticalscience@gmail.com

Ep. 001: In which Natalie and Chad discuss the origins of this podcast. "Ok, But Why" Segment: Stonyfield Yogurt, you know what you did.  Our links: Our website: parentheticalscience.com Twitter: @ParSciPod Facebook: fb.com/ParSciPod Email: parentheticalscience@gmail.com Support us on Patreon!: Patreon.com/ParSciPod Thanks to current patrons: BT, Nathan, Michael, Aya, Daniel, Wayward Willis Podcast, Max, Pam, Carolina Music credit: Eyelids' "Bound to Let You Down" (www.musicofeyelids.com)

Do you wanna science now? Music credit: Eyelids, "Bound to Let You Down" (musicofeyelids.com) Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/parscipod