In today’s episode, Dr. Allan Bacon joins us for an unfiltered and evidence-based dive into the confusing (and very often manipulative) world of health and fitness content on major podcasts and social media.

We get real about why misinformation spreads so easily, how podcast hosts become accomplices to pseudoscience, and the responsibility we all have to demand better sources and explanations.

We also unpack hot-button issues around menopause, cortisol, and hormone replacement therapy - with an emphasis on autonomy, nuance, and critical thinking. Dr. Bacon calls out and corrects the fear-mongering tactics used to prey on women, especially around menopause and midlife changes, and shares what the actual research says.

If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or duped by conflicting health advice—this conversation is for you.

“Being duped is not a character flaw. It just means you were trying to take care of yourself with the best information you had at the time.”

- Dr. Allan Bacon

“You are part of the problem - and that’s good news. Because it means you’re also part of the solution.”

- Dr. Allan Bacon

This week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:

• Viral podcast content often thrives on sensationalism, not accuracy
• How algorithms reward controversy
• Hosts of large podcasts have a responsibility to vet and challenge misinformation, not just give it a platform
• It's OK to change your mind as science evolves; that’s how credible professionals grow
• Why the SWAN study is important, empowering, and widely misrepresented
• The facts about cortisol and its role in the human body
• How misleading "cycle syncing" advice rob women of autonomy, training consistency, and progress
• Why women don't need separate training rules
• Empathy and accountability aren’t mutually exclusive, you can validate someone’s struggle and hold them to a higher standard
• Why anti-man rhetoric in the menopause space harms women, shuts out allies and stifles productive, evidence-based dialogue

Connect with Dr. Allan Bacon:

• Dr. Allan Bacon on Instagram
• https://mauiathletics.com
• Maui Athletics Blog

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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