Lunch and Learn with Dr. Berry

So, let's talk about the vaccine-autism debate—because it's time to put this myth to an end. Are vaccines really linked to autism diagnosis? Tune in to this episode to find out! Are you still hearing claims that vaccines cause autism? Are you wondering why, in 2025, this debate is still making headlines? With measles outbreaks on the rise and public figures reigniting vaccine fears, it's time to set the record straight once and for all. Because here's the truth—the connection between vaccines and autism was debunked decades ago, yet misinformation continues to spread. A dangerous situation we're in right now—the more people buy into the myth, the more lives unnecessarily put at risk. Science is clear—vaccines do NOT cause autism, but misinformation continues to do real harm. That's why in this episode, we're breaking down the origins of the vaccine-autism myth and how a single fraudulent study in 1998 fueled decades of fear. Why you need to check this episode: Learn the origins of the vaccine-autism myth and how it continues to mislead people today; Understand the truth about vaccines, and why people who believe vaccines are linked to autism are standing in dog poop; and Recognize the dangers of misinformation along with the importance of getting vaccinated  “The thing is: I love truth. And because I love truth, I love you, I love my Lunch and Learn community, I'm not going here to tell you a lie just so I can be 10x more popular. That's crazy to me. That is silly to me. I don't want to sit in dog poop. I don't want to stand in dog poop. My goal is to take everyone and help everyone get their foot out of the dog poop. If you don't get nothing else—get your foot out of the dog poop.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “As a physician, as a healthcare content creator, my job is to keep on talking, because I know, eventually, I may just reach you. Eventually, I may reach that one person needed to hear someone say, ‘Hey, get out of the dog poop. You are standing in dog poop. Please get out. Your foundation is faulty. It's based on lies. Please get out. Red pill [or] blue pill—please, take the one that's going to help you seek the truth because if you actually want to seek the truth.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “It's up to content creators like myself, and physicians like myself, and educators like myself, and the epidemiologists, infectious disease, and whoever will listen. It's up to us to continue to scream from the rooftops when we see something like ‘RFK and the CDC want to do more vaccine research on autism'. We got to say, ‘Guys, that is a waste of time. Don't put no credence to that whatsoever… Here are your answers. Keep it moving. Let's focus on something else. Let's try to cure some cancer or something.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “There is no relation between vaccines and autism. We have multiple studies already showing that… There are multiple reasons why the increased prevalence of autism has occurred… What you need to do is just protect yourself and get vaccinated. What you need to do is take your foot out of the dog poop. Your foundation is shaky. Your foundation was based on lies—lies that have occurred 27 years ago… And if you don't listen to anyone, listen to some healthcare provider near you that can actually speak some sense.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Resources: Last week's episode (Measles Outbreaks in Texas & New Mexico – Are We Prepared?) My TikTok video (“President Disinformation ready to send RFK Jr. out on another dummy mission over a question we have already answered about Autism Rates”) Vaccines and Autism” by Paul A. Offit, MD A population-based study of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and autism” by Madsen, K.M. et. al.:

So, let's talk about the reasons why measles is back and why we're blaming misinformation and disinformation for it… Should we be concerned? Do we need to get vaccinated ASAP? Tune in to this episode to find out! A disease we've eradicated in this country in the year 2000 has now come back, and it's definitely worse than before. Yes, I'm talking about the measles disease and its recent outbreaks here in the United States. In this year alone, with just three months in, it has already claimed its first two deaths—both of whom are kids. Innocent children who never had a choice; just kids who had to go through the consequences of their parents' decisions. And with no treatment for it still and a lot of anti-vaxxers spreading false claims, what happens next? More outbreaks, more travel bans, more ER visits, and more preventable deaths. It's devastating, but it's the truth. But then again, it's preventable. Lives could be saved and people could prevent being sick—BUT if and only if we start acting today. So, if you want to know how you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and others, join me in this podcast episode. Together, let's fight to spread the truth and combat the killer—mis- and disinformation. Why you need to check this episode: Learn why measles outbreaks keep happening, and why they're only getting worse; Understand how misinformation and disinformation impact vaccine hesitancy, putting lives at risk and leading to avoidable deaths; Recognize the real-life consequences of skipping vaccines—for yourself, your family, and your community; and Discover a list of things you can do to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick and ultimately dying due to measles. “You know what really works very well against people getting the measles [disease]? Getting vaccinated… Vaccination remains the cornerstone of preventing measles…not any supplement or mineral or any random thing you want to put in your body.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: "A disease that we got rid of, essentially, in 2000, that we don't necessarily have a treatment for in 2025, has now claimed its first two deaths in over a decade. And unfortunately, the only thing we have to blame is misinformation and disinformation.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “People always say this: The lie travels much faster than the truth.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “My biggest issue with those who are very vocal with their stances [is] when sh*t hits the fan, those same people are silent, are absent. In fact…when you look across your timeline, no one's championing being anti-vaxx. All of a sudden, it's not cool to be anti-vaxx, because you have a current outbreak. [But] the second this outbreak dies down, you'll see those same people start picking their cameras back up… But every time we have an outbreak like such, those people tend to run away and they're silent.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “You're taking this [vaccine] not because the government wants to overpower you or inject you with some GPS-related medication—which is some of the craziest stuff I hear from these anti-vaxxers. It's because, for the greater good, people need to be protected.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “I want you guys to make your own informed decisions because this is what happens: when it hits the fan, those same people who told you ‘don't do this' ‘don't do that' are nowhere to be found, and the only people who are still around to be found are the ones who have to risk their selves, their family, to take care of you.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Resources: CDC Health Advisory (“Expanding Measles Outbreak in the United States and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season") News Article from the American Hospital Association (“CDC issues advisory on measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico”)

So, let's talk about Autism in Black's 5th Annual Conference and why this one is a little bit more special than the others… If you are a Black autistic individual, a parent, caregiver, or educator to one, or an ally looking to provide better support for Black autistic individuals, this episode—and conference—are FOR YOU. For so long, the Black autism community has struggled with access to resources, culturally responsive care, and finding safe spaces to learn and grow. Imagine having to fight every step of the way to ensure your child receives the support they need—the struggle is real and it leaves families feeling isolated and unheard. But that's exactly why we made sure that this year's conference will be more special than ever. From IEP advocacy to mental health and Black fatherhood, this conference will break barriers, empower families, build community, and push for actionable change. So, if you're ready to make that happen, join me and my wife, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, as we take action towards transforming the future for the Black autism community.

So, let's talk about HKU5—a coronavirus variant that's just one mutation away from potentially infecting humans. Should we be worried? Could this be the next pandemic threat? Tune in to this episode to find out! We've seen how fast viruses can spread once they make the jump to humans, and with scientists discovering HKU5, this topic has sparked significant concern in the scientific community and even spooked the financial markets—causing unnecessary panic, financial market fluctuations, and public uncertainty. But should we really be alarmed? Or is this another case of fear outpacing the facts? In this episode, we'll answer all that as we discuss everything you need to know about HKU5. From its potential to mutate, why experts are concerned, to whether or not it could trigger another pandemic—we'll cover all that in today's podcast. So, if you want to know whether or not this could be the next global health crisis, tune in to this episode as we separate fear from reality and prepare without the panic. Why you need to check this episode: Learn about the characteristics of the HKU5 virus and how it compares to other coronaviruses like MERS-CoV; Discover why HKU5 has the scientists' attention and why financial markets have reacted to this news; Understand the role of mutations in virus transmission and know whether this strain poses a real threat to humans; and Differentiate scientific caution from media-driven panic, and learn what we can do to stay prepared and informed of HKU5's risks. “So, there are some things we know and some things we don't know about this HKU5 variant. What I can tell you right now [is] no, we're not headed to a new pandemic, [and] yes, I do think it was an overreaction, especially from these financial markets to sell off and almost mini-crash just because they hear of a new coronavirus—a very big overreaction [that] did not need to occur, especially when you're inclined to actually read the data…So again, should you be worried? No, but definitely be prepared for any news to come.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “This hasn't happened yet, [but] theoretically, from a lab perspective…these mutations are possible that can now make this HKU5 variant that primarily affects bats, cattle, and sheep to now jump to human cells…It has not happened yet, but there is a concern there.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “No one wants to be caught off-guard to a new variant, to a new virus—because we saw what happened when we were caught off-guard with the first one.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “We're still dealing with the coronavirus now, we're still dealing with variants now, [and] people are still dying now, even though you're not seeing it on your TV. It's off the TV—they made sure of that…So, you're not going to get the necessary fanfare…but trust me, we're still seeing these patients in the hospital [and] people are still dying in the hospital from it.”– Dr. Berry Pierre “As we continue to move in this post-pandemic world, understand that we can do some things better than what we did the first go around. We can educate better. We can learn better. We can try to break down any misconceptions better. We can do a lot of things better, especially for those who are fortunate enough to still be alive after the pandemic.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Resources: The Article that Dr. Berry Read Watch Our Previous Episodes Discussing the Coronavirus Below: Answering YouTube's Pressing Covid-19 Questions Why Covid-19 and the Flu are NOT the Same Thing Are COVID Cases Rising Again What is Long COVID Doctor Reacts to Monkeypox Vs Covid-19 Debate Doctor Reacts to Covid-19, Omicron Variant, & School Shutdowns What is the Covid-19 Omicron BA.5 variant 4 Million Cases Later with COVID-19 (coronavirus update)

So, let's talk about the common causes of low libido and what you can do to reignite your passion and improve your sex life… Are you or your partner struggling with low libido, wondering why your sex drive isn't what it used to be? You're not alone. In fact, 70% of adults will experience low libido at some point in their lives. However, despite how common it is, this topic remains taboo, leaving many to struggle in silence and confusion. But it doesn't have to be this way. Low libido doesn't have to be a lifelong struggle, and it's not something that's just “in your head”. That's why in this episode, we're going to talk about low libido—the common causes, and more importantly, what you can do about it. So, if you want to say goodbye to a low sex drive, make sure you tune in to this episode and learn how you can reignite your passion and improve your sex life. Why you need to check this episode: Discover the emotional and relationship impact of a decreased sex drive; Understand the key factors/common causes that contribute to low libido; > Recognize the importance of a great doctor-patient relationship and how it leads to open communication; and Learn what you can do to address low libido and improve your sexual health. “Yes, low libido is real. No, it doesn't have to only be due to [your] partner. No, it's not [your] fault. And yes, there are things that we can do to try to help get you on that journey of improving your status.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “It (low libido) is not your fault. It's not your partner's fault. It just kind of happens.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “You need professional help [to] get that back in line because there is no solution to your low libido if we don't treat the [underlying] problem. I don't want to tell you that there's a magical pill that you can take and then your libido's great, especially when I think about my men…There isn't a magical pill that I can give you and boom—your low libido is up…It's a matter of identifying what's the problem when dealing with this low libido—what's the real issue and then hitting it on head first.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “This (low libido) used to be an old person thing. This used to be a thing that we would expect some years to go by before you start experiencing it. But that's no longer the case. A lot of young people—my 20s and my 30s—are experiencing these same issues [and] these same effects.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Resources: Blog Post: https://www.drberrypierre.com/unveiling-the-hidden-causes-of-low-libido-and-discovering-effective-solutions/

So, let's talk about why The Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit is a must-attend summit this 2025… Imagine discovering that resources for you or your child are scarce, conversations about your lived experiences are nearly non-existent, and no one is talking about the challenges you face daily—let alone solutions on how to overcome them. For many Black autistic men and fathers, this isn't just a challenge—it's their daily reality. And as you know, my wife and I have been working to change that narrative by starting Autism in Black Inc. Following the success of the Black Autistic Girls and Women's Summit, we knew it was time to center the discussion on Black boys, their fathers, and men. That's why in this episode, I'll let you in on the details of the first-ever Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit happening on March 8th. A free, one-day virtual event—this summit is designed to empower, educate, and connect. So, if you're a Black autistic man or a father to a Black autistic boy, make sure to tune in to learn about the summit, its purpose, and how you can be part of this groundbreaking movement for change. Why you need to check this episode: Understand the challenges Black boys, men, and fathers face in autism diagnosis and support, and how such disparities impact their life; Recognize the importance of amplifying Black boys, men, and fathers' voices in autism advocacy, creating spaces where they are seen, heard, and supported; and Discover how the Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit is creating change, and how you can be part of it. “We just talked to the women; we just talked to the girls. [Now], let's talk to the fathers…to the men out here, and let them know that they are seen, they are heard, and that there's an avenue to have a conversation.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “I wanted to see different vantage points, different conversations, that don't typically get had, or if they do, it's maybe one out of 20 sessions.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Whenever I'm doing an event like this…I'm always thinking about the next…So, while I live in the moment and I can understand the excitement…I'm trying to figure out how to take the idea of this type of summit and make sure we extend it to grow in four to five years. For me, it's all about the long game…It's been so long that the conversation hasn't been centered around the Black autistic community…We don't sign up for these things just to do it one year, and then try something different next year.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “As an organization, the Autism in Black, we're excited to be the ones who are willing to put our necks out there and say, ‘You know what? This conversation isn't happening enough and we're about to do something about it.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Resources: Join Us In This Groundbreaking Event Dedicated To Addressing The Unique Needs And Experiences Of Black Boys, Men, and Their Fathers! Get Your FREE Tickets For “The 2025 Black Boys, Men, And Fathers Summit” NOW: http://www.autisminblack.org/menssummit2025

So, let's talk about microplastics—what they are, where they're found, and whether they actually pose a health risk… Microplastics are everywhere—from the air we breathe, the water we drink, to the food we eat. To add to this, they have also been detected in human bodies, raising questions about their prevalence and potential impact on our health. With growing concerns flooding timelines and news cycles, are microplastics really as harmful as what the news and articles are trying to say? If you want to learn the answers, join me in this episode as I separate fear from reality and equip you with easy-to-do steps to reduce your exposure without unnecessary panic. Whether you're concerned about your health or just trying to cut through the noise, this is episode will tell you what microplastics are, where they come from, and if they're really as dangerous as the headlines claim them to be. Why you need to check this episode: Learn where microplastics come from and how they enter our bodies; Understand the current research on microplastics' potential health risks; and Recognize why completely avoiding microplastics might be impossible—but there are things you can do to reduce exposure. “There are not too many things you can do to avoid these microplastics, but understand that we're going to keep an eye on it. We're going to make sure that it doesn't become the problem that it possibly can be.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “You might be trying to figure out: ‘Can I avoid this?' First of all, the answer is no, and I hate to say it…[But] I didn't want the cliffhanger of people thinking that somehow, someway, they're going to somehow avoid exposure to microplastics…It's less than five (5) millimeters [and] it's found in the air and water. How would you do that? It's found in certain foods. How would you do that?” – Dr. Berry Pierre “They [dangers] are perceived right now. There are no overt human-related known issues that are due specifically to microplastics...yet. There aren't any human-related issues that we see at this time. Most of the discussion associated with microplastics are what they see in the lab that they extrapolate would happen if it happened to us in that severe degree.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “I just want to get you guys off the ledge of fear of these microplastics. We're not at that point yet, despite what all of these news and articles may try to act like it is. But always be concerned that if it is there, we'll let you know about it—at least here in the Lunch and Learn Community.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let's talk about the importance of gut health and how a healthy gut is essential to a healthy and happy life… Imagine having to plan your day around where the nearest bathroom is, just in case you got to go quickly… With over a hundred trillion microbiota present in the human gut, our unique combination of these microorganisms plays a crucial role in our overall health. From nutrient absorption to immune response and hormone regulation, so many aspects of our lives are being affected by our gut health. Unfortunately, though, many of us fail to recognize the signs of an unhealthy gut until they become severe. Even I was giving gut health a side-eye before—and gut health wasn't emphasized as much when I was still in medical school. But now that I know better, I'm bringing you this episode to share why you should take your gut health seriously and be proactive on respecting it. Whether you're dealing with GI issues or simply want to enhance your wellness journey, this episode will help you learn why shouldn't underestimate the power of a healthy gut. So, if you want to take control of your health from the inside out, tune in now and learn how small changes can make a big impact—both on your gut and your overall life! Why you need to check this episode: Learn the importance of gut health and how it impacts various bodily functions; Recognize the common signs of an unhealthy gut and their systemic implications; Discover lifestyle factors that can impact gut health; Get practical tips for maintaining a balanced gut along with recommendations on probiotics and dietary changes that can support gut health; and Understand personal anecdotes and insights from patients who have struggled with chronic gastrointestinal issues, illustrating the profound impact that gut health can have on one's life. “I'm just here to let you know that yes, it [gut health] is important. It is not just a buzzword. It is not just a thing that people are doing to try to make some money. It can cause a lot of problems when it is out of whack.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “I don't want y'all to play our digestive system like it's on the back burner and that we don't really need to focus on it. It is an important system that causes a lot of problems, a lot of stress and anxiety, depression—everything under the sun—for people when it is off the tract.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “Don't let [anyone] tell you that having a good GI system and having great, efficient gut health is not important…because that [only] means they've never experienced a bad GI system, especially for an extended period of time. Never let someone tell you that that's not a factor when we're thinking about the gut health.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “If you don't keep that balance, guess what? Not only is the GI tract affected; your cardiac issues are affected…your kidneys are affected, your sugars. All things can be a problem if the GI tract isn't aligned.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “If you don't get nothing today on today's episode, you are going to respect the GI tract; that's what I want you to do. Respect the GI tract if you don't get nothing from today's episode.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Mentions: Blog Post (A Guide to Nurturing Your Gut Health) Dr. Berry Pierre's Amazon Supplement Store Physician's Choice Probiotics

So, let's talk about burnout—its signs and stages, and how to cope when you can't just leave work and quit… Do you notice yourself detaching from work, procrastinating, and taking longer to complete tasks? Do you dread the fact that you have to go to work and struggle with chronic stress a lot? If yes, you may be experiencing burnout—a serious issue affecting individuals across all professions. More than just feeling tired, it is a chronic phenomenon that affects not only you who is burnt out, but also those around you—your friends, your loved ones, and even your job. Yes, if left unaddressed, not only can it ruin your relationships—it can also cause you to lose your job. As harsh as it may sound, people who aren't burnt out don't want to work with someone who is burnt out. From the challenges of feeling stuck, the importance of taking action, and how having the right mindset can lead to meaningful change—this episode covers my writing journey and what I hope you'll do after reading a self-help book like mine. This is why it's crucial to recognize the signs that arise, take action, and seek help ASAP. If you don't know where to start, take the first step by joining me in this episode as I discuss the five stages of burnout, how to recognize the warning signs, and practical strategies to combat it before it takes over your life. Why you need to check this episode: Discover the signs and symptoms that usually indicate you're on the path to burnout; Get to know the five stages of burnout and understand how it progresses and impacts your life; Learn about effective prevention and management strategies you can start today to address burnout; and Recognize the importance of seeking help and taking action when dealing with burnout. “I can assure you—the people who aren't burnt out don't want to work with people who are burnt out…They'll find a way to get rid of you; they'll find a way to get you out of there if you allow it. So, understand that it is extremely important that if you get to stage five, you may need to seek some professional help; and whatever mental roadblocks you have of seeking professional help, you better get rid of it or the job will get rid of you.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Notable Quotes: “If we don't do a great job—I don't even say a good job—recognizing the symptoms [and] recognizing how it can affect not only the person who's being burnt out but everyone around them, [like] their family members and their loved ones, we will continue to run into these problems.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “[Burnout] is not just a mental thing; it's not something that's only in your head. Your body reacts to you being in an environment that you don't really want to be in…The body will have physical reactions to a situation or to an environment that's really causing harm to you—even if you think the only harm it's causing you is from an emotional standpoint.” – Dr. Berry Pierre “If we don't recognize our signs and symptoms, if we don't recognize we may be burnt out, we won't recognize when it's time to get some help.” – Dr. Berry Pierre Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com  to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify Mentions: Blog Post about Burnout Assessment Tool