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For this episode, I sit down with TYP regular David Gillespie to unpack his provocative piece - The Statin Delusion. We talk about how modern medicine increasingly treats health as a deficiency of medication, why Australia leads the world in statin prescriptions, and how shifting cholesterol goalposts have medicalised the "worried well." Gillespo challenges the assumed life-saving power of statins in healthy people, explains the surprisingly small benefits, and walks through the real metabolic, muscular, cognitive, and diabetes-related risks. It's a blunt conversation about fear, pharma, guidelines, and whether prevention has quietly become harm. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Worthy of the bile that has been tossed its way...or an unpretentious fun adventure that is unfairly maligned? You mean to say you've been INTERVIEWING me?
There's a vaccine given to new-born bubs to protect them against Hepatitis B because if they are unvaccinated and happen to get Hep. B when they're young, it often leads to life-long health problems and in too many instances, liver cancer. Well with that in mind, there's been recent conversations about a potential link between this particular vaccine and Autism and under the guidance(?) of RFK, it seems that moving forward the advice for American parents will be to avoid the Hep. B vaccine. Not a mandate but nonetheless, a recommendation. As always with Gillespo (and Tiff), we also cover other stuff and had a particularly fun moment. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This was a fun - if somewhat combative episode of TYP - where Gillespo and I didn’t see eye to eye on everything (shocker) but definitely had fun exploring the pros and cons, benefits and threats, knowns, and unknowns of Al. Especially as we move into a version of humanity that will be (already is?) intertwined with a rapidly evolving form of intelligence that has zero empathy, never gets tired, doesn't 'feel’ anything and doesn't need food, rest, sleep or emotional support. I'm equally scared and excited. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to Gillespo, us blokes are producing less and less swimmers, fertility levels are plummeting and in the not-too-distant future, couples ability to be able to produce offspring could be dependant on some kind of medical intervention. It's a good thing l'm a hundred years past my use-by date. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For years, "Stage 3" toddler milk has been the food industry's most brilliant, cynical, and profitable loophole. It was a legal way to hook parents on a brand, all while selling them a sugary, unnecessary product. Now, that loophole is snapping shut. In Australia, it just destroyed a 30-year regulatory agreement. And in the US, it's the target of a new fraud lawsuit that's smarter, sharper, and far more dangerous than the "ultra-processed" cases that have already failed. The industry's celebrated loophole isn't just becoming its noose; it's the key that could unlock the industry's entire playbook of deception. *Copy thanks to Gillespo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To be honest, I felt a little unqualified (and I am) to have this chat exploring the potential relationship between women who do or don't breastfeed, and how that might affect their chances of being affected by breast cancer. Nonetheless, it was an important and fascinating conversation which was prompted by some very recent research. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
A throwaway New Series Adventure or a moving lesson in the human races extinction list? We tackle the thorny subject of extinction, of museums, and of conservation in this surprisingly touching book.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
The maddest, most contentious, most laughter filled Strictly yet! How can the fag end of Hartnell provoke so many potent opinions?
This time around, we chat about Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) - say that ten times fast. The TGA has just approved TES for treating things like mental health (anxiety, depression, addiction), physical pain, motor learning issues, stroke recovery and fatigue. We also talk about carrots, Tiff's anger issues, and David's lack of respect for my research skills. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This was a fascinating conversation about some medical news (controversy?) currently doing the rounds about pregnant women supplementing with folate and a potential link to gestational diabetes and (in other news...) pregnant women using paracetamol for pain management and a potential link to Autism (according a certain President). I'm sure you know what I'm talking about but before you dive in, let me remind you that two dudes (and Tiff) chatting on a podcast about this stuff on no level qualifies as medical advice. Interesting though.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
What has happened to our favourite lines? Fisher rewrites a rewrite and then rewrites Tom Baker's rewrite! But with charming prose, glorious backstory and some brilliant new jokes. A piece of sunshine.
This episode revealed to the world that Tiff has a history of dating psychopaths. Fortunately, it seems to be a phase she's now moved through but nonetheless, our resident Rain Man (Gillespo) was able to provide Tiff with some insights into (1) why she may have done that and (2) how to avoid it happening in the future. We also covered a range of weird and interesting, but unrelated topics. You know when you get a bunch of random things from the fridge, throw them all together and make a meal that nobody has ever made before? Well, this show was a conversational version of that meal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Gillespo describes boys and men as the four-wheel drive (4WD) version of humans. It was kind of an insult-compliment combo. It'll make sense when you listen. This was a comfortable and very informal ramble but I think you'll enjoy it. Among others things, we spoke about similarities and dissimilarities between the males and females of the species as they move from childhood to adolescence - looking through a biological, cognitive, cultural, social, and behavioural lens. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you suffer from migraines, or you know someone who does, please listen to this episode (or get them to). I don't want to spoil the show, so I'm going to opt for "less is more" but the I think the information, insight, and science that Gillespo downloads in this chat could - for some people - be life-changing. The only story l'll share here is that Gillespo's wife - who experienced multiple debilitating migraines every month over the course of her entire life - made one simple change (no drugs) in 2014, and since that time, has not had one single migraine (zero!) in eleven years. Obviously, people can respond differently to the same 'treatment' but there is also some amazing recent research (which we discuss) from The British Medical Journal which aligns with Gillespo's hypothesis. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Joe is kind of impressed...and irritated. Gareth is keeping his two star rating. Dan was really getting into this...and then the murder began. And David, hosting this week, finds the whole thing a bit of a chore...
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
A stunning latter day New Adventure that is written with mature prose, compelling characters and a surprising plot that defies all your expectations of the range.
This was a fun episode exploring everything from the new more 'affordable’ addictions, the changing habits (pun intended) of addicted Aussies, the science of starting a cult, Epstein Island, the death of cigarettes, how to hijack a young brain, Gillespo's new book and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Blokes can become a dad at any age" is the story most of us have been told. And while it's kind-of true, it's only part of the story. And who better to pull back the metaphoric curtain on the truth about ageing swimmers than our resident researcher, feather-ruffler and award-winning author, David Gillespie. Also (at no extra cost) we chat about the science behind fish oils and their alleged health benefits. It appears we may have been somewhat mislead so when it comes to their magical powers. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This was one of my favourite chats with David and Tiff. It was super interesting and the great man's giant intellect and expansive knowledge never ceases to amaze me. We spoke about starting a cult, the psychotic nature of business and religion, the controversial storyline twist in the new Toy Story film (no. 5), the likelihood of Universal Basic Income (UBI) becoming a reality in Australia, the (potential) impending Al-driven unemployment crisis and I recommend my all-time favourite book on cults. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You probably won't be surprised when I tell you that the incidence and diagnosis of ADHD has increased a bazillion percent over the last two decades (well about 1,100 percent in Australia, to be more accurate). According to Gillespo, it's got something to do with our 'dopamine set point' and also marketing people who are strategically trying to hijack our brain and attention, and what better way to do that than with the thing many of you are currently holding in your hand? Some of the info and insights that David shared in this chat are absolute revelations. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood - 'once called the disease of Kings' because only rich people got it - and over the last decade or two, new cases have exploded across all social, cultural and financial demographics (so not just rich people). Historically, it was believed that gout was caused by eating too much red meat, seafood and dairy but of course, Gillespo is here to dispel that thinking and talk about the real culprit. Sugar, of course.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gillespo and the old-bodgey lifter of heavy things opened the protein door and had some fun exploring the science, the stories, the misinformation, the assumptions and the challenges for people eating certain types of diets. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of TYP, Gillespo and I talk about the myriad of factors and variables that influence a couple’s chances for making a baby, declining birth rates, plummeting sperm and testosterone levels and the ever-diminishing chances of becoming a parent. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
According to David Gillespie (and some very reliable research studies), good old-fashioned Paracetamol (Panamax, Panadol, Tylenol) can create the interesting 'side effect' of making people temporarily less empathetic or as DG suggests, “temporary psychopaths!” We also chat about why (and how) Al might soon make 'The You Project' (or at least, the host) redundant. As always this was super interesting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
No more Meg! But plenty of death! A bus queue mown down! Will Joe & David survive their experience with the asshole of Death?
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Meg under fire! Barney attacked! Ransome dribbling coffee! That shot or Channing through the door! The stunning double Scobie cliffhanger! This story has it all.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Meg in action! Don't think I'll have that dirty old box in my house! The Doctor nude! Blood all over the windscreen! Dummies springing to life! Is this a kids show anymore?
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Join David & I as we explore the re-imagined Doctor Who for the 70s. The ‘We Stan Meg Seeley' fan club starts here.
Of course Gillespo has written an article (on Substack) about the world's most controversial, talked-about and in-demand drug. So of course we chat about the magic product(?) that tells your brain you're full (so you eat less), slows down digestion (so you stay full longer) and lowers blood sugar levels (helps diabetics manage insulin). We should probably also mention the potential side-effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and bloating, loss of appetite, fatigue, burping and acid reflux. Oh, and muscle loss, but who needs muscle?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gillespo's back talking about his tuba career (it was short-lived), his reluctant piano years, his total lack of musical aptitude (and tone-deafness) and he throws some shade at the validity of the 'ten thousand hours of practice makes perfect' theory (to be honest, l'm with him). We also talk about an amazing molecule (Molecule of the Year in 1992) that can blow sh*t up (literally), treat numerous cardiovascular issues (like angina) and is also used (broadly) to help blokes get an... ahem. you know. Enjoy the chat. Erection. Couldn't help m'self.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well, this chat was a steep learning curve for the old bogan from Latrobe Valley. In this episode, Gillespo and I discuss the fascinating and complex history of the birth control pill - how a scientific breakthrough, a feminist movement, and a social revolution collided to change the world. But we also explore the unintended consequences, particularly for teenage girls. While the pill has empowered millions, emerging research suggests it may also pose serious risks to mental health, brain development, and long-term reproductive well-being. We dive into the hidden costs of hormonal contraception, why teenage brains are uniquely vulnerable, and whether the medicalisation of puberty is doing more harm than good. Are we too quick to prescribe the pill for acne, cramps, and irregular periods? And what alternatives should young women consider? This conversation is about science, ethics, and the delicate balance between freedom and risk. Whether you're a parent, a doctor, or someone who has taken the pill yourself, this chat might make you think differently about a drug that has shaped modern society. It’s an eye-opening discussion about empowerment, hormones, and the truth behind the tiny tablet that changed everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Imagine growing up in the Gillespie household; no chemicals, no processed food, no seed oils, lots of cow, chook and fish in the fridge, probably some weird kind of filtered water, and definitely not a gram of sugar in sight. This was a fun chat where the feather ruffler and I put the Australian Healthy Eating Guidelines under the microscope and also took a run at a few other controversial topics. Enjoy.substack.com/@davidgillespie147423See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Bzzzzzz! It's one of Gareth and Dan's all time favourites but what will the book club think as they head to Marpling (geddit?) and face time travellers, bombs and mutant evil wasps?
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Join Joe, David, Paul & Steven as we face murderous reptiles, the menacing Malus, terrifying Tractators, deadly Daleks, cursed Kamelion & toxic Spectrox! But who will suceed?
Who knew! Regularly eating eggs supports a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death (no, not a typo). New research from a Monash University-led team has found that a daily egg (instead of one a week) is associated with a 29 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death in relatively healthy older adults. Gillespo loves this sh*t and as he so often does, he took to the nutritional dinosaurs with a verbal baseball bat over the revelation that not only won't daily eggs kill you, they're (statistically) likely to make you live longer. And in other breaking news, he's also a fan of adding (not removing) salt from our diet ('course he is). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Captain Kill-Joy is back telling us what we can't eat and why. To be honest, he makes some pretty valid arguments and along the way, tells us what crackers (dry biscuits) are terrible and what are okay-ish (I say ‘ish'), why Coco Pops (with 24% sugar) get an astounding government-sanctioned 4 Health Stars (WTAF?), why not all calories are equal and why Gillespo suggests that inverting the health rating system (eating all the one-star foods) might not be the worst plan. Enjoy. https://dgillespie.substack.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sounds like a boring and not-relevant-for-most topic but it was a surprisingly interesting and relevant-for-many conversation. Did you know that some widely-used magnesium supplements contain up to forty times (40X) the RDI (recommended daily intake) of vitamin B6? Even more ridiculous when you consider that most people don't even know these products contain any B6 because they're actually trying to supplement their magnesium! And what are the potential consequences of overdosing on B6? Oh, only muscle weakness, nerve damage, numbness, tingling, nausea, loss of balance, peripheral pain, vision damage and more. Guess who just checked and (subsequently) chucked his magnesium tabs in the bin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Join Joe, Dan, Gareth and David as we head to the depths of season 22 where the Doctor barely features, violence runs amok and nobody gets a happy ending...
TYP's resident antagonist David Gillespie is back ruffling feathers, asking the uncomfortable questions, challenging the status quo and this time, the conversation focuses on our government's amazing ability to find money to buy submarines and bail out banks but not to fund social programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This chat with Gillespo was recorded on New Year's Day and not surprisingly, the conversation took a few turns with perhaps the most interesting (and relevant for many of us) topic being that of our capacity (or lack thereof) to be able to focus, control our attention and keep our mind where we need it to be for efficiency, productivity and (in broad terms) successful outcomes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you think of a psychopath, you probably imagine someone like serial killer Ivan Milat. But according to David Gillespie, it's more likely to be your boss or your grandma. Five to 10 per cent of the population qualify as psychopathic, and the rate can be as high as 20 per cent among corporate leaders and politicians. So how do you spot them? What do you do if you have to work for or with them, or better yet, date them? Grab a cup of tea and get ready to go ‘OH MY GOD’... THE END BITS Your host is Mia Freedman. With thanks to special guest David Gillespie Find Taming Toxic People: The Science of Identifying and Dealing with Psychopaths at apple.co/mamamia This podcast was produced by Elissa Ratliff CONTACT US Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gillespo hits the ground running in this chat and we cover a vast amount of conversational territory in a relatively short time. While we talk about stimulants (Red Bull anyone?), screen addiction, the massive increase in teenage anxiety and my very periodic (and shameful) use of a cognitive enhancer, the thing that'll blow your metaphoric socks off is our discussion about the recent research linking seed oils (oils like sunflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, canola, rice bran and soybean) with an increased risk of colon cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever been love-bombed by a romantic partner only to have them go cold as soon as they’ve snagged you? Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who made you feel crazy because of their ability to seem SO great in front of the neighbours but be SO different behind closed doors? What about a boss who steals your ideas, your thunder and your inspiration…Or a parent who always made your life about them? According to our guest today, chances are you’ve been tussling with a Narcissist. Narcissism is a word that has well and truly entered the zeitgeist but how well do we really understand it? What are the red flags? What do we DO if we realise we’re in a relationship with one? Margi Bowden is a counsellor and coach and, importantly, a Narcissism expert and she has ALL the answers for you. You can learn more about Margi’s work by following her on Instagram Listen to our episode with Patric Gagne about life as a sociopath here Listen to our episode with David Gillespie about psychopaths here THE END BITS: Listen to more No Filter interviews here and follow us on Instagram here. Discover more Mamamia podcasts here. Feedback: podcast@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will get back to you ASAP. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. CREDITS: Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Naima Brown Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culturesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Hamster With a Blunt Penknife - a Doctor Who Commentary podcast
Prepare yourselves for five people to discuss three books - one they generally like, one they generally didn't and one...well press play.
Does sugar really cause ADHD? The answer might surprise you. In this Episode of TYP, our resident exposer of bullsh*t, revealer of truth and all-round killjoy (David Gillespie) takes us on another rollicking ride into the world of nutritional deception, misinformation and dubious health tick endorsements by dubious organisations recommending junk food masquerading as nutrition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gillespo's back chatting about the new Al (a fake old lady, who's super chatty) designed to keep scammers on the phone, wasting their time and reducing their capacity to scam actual people (f**k those scammers). We also talk about Bunnings getting 'in trouble' for using face-scanning technology without the consent of their customers, the potential nefarious applications of such technology, me being filmed while I buy my groceries, the idea that 'being busy' might be good for people with ADHD, Tiff's love affair with her new decibel-increasing exhaust system (for her motorbike) and lots more. Enjoy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
(*Read the following synopsis in a cheesey radio voice for optimal effect)... Are all politicians psychopaths? Can ice baths 'treat' addiction? Has Gillespo ever ridden a motor bike? Why are Aussies becoming more distrusting? Is honesty a dying quality? Is it prudent to assume that people could be lying? All this (and more) in today's riveting instalment of (make your internal voice cheesier and a bit echo-ey.. the You (you, you) Project (project, project).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our resident kill-joy, status quo challenger and cage-rattler is back rattling, challenging and killing. As he does. This time we learn why fish might not be the super-food we were led to believe, why David's family hasn't consumed tap water in fifteen years, why the same protein bar is being sold (marketed, labelled) as two different bars (one for men, one for women), how the health star rating system for food products works, the celebrity who almost died from mercury poisoning and finally, we chat about the terrifying relationship between seed oils and macular degeneration. Enjoy (if you can - lol). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If only the title of today's episode was some kind of metaphor, fairytale or joke. Sadly, it isn't. Want it or not, aware of it or not, if you have a relatively late model car, there's a very high chance that much of what you're doing when you're behind the wheel, is being recorded. As Gillespo says "Henry Ford would be horrified. His Model T, once a symbol of freedom, has morphed into a rolling surveillance device, tracking our every move and eavesdropping on our conversations. Some cars (Tesla, for eg.) are even turning into rolling CCTV cameras, capturing our every move, every grimace, every nose-pick." Good grief. What's next?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.