About this episode
What if everything you've heard about vaccines is wrong? Or maybe just wildly misunderstood? Dr. John, a Canadian internist who works at a major teaching hospital, joins us to cut through the noise and explain what's really happening with vaccine misinformation. From the fascinating origins of vaccines (did you know the word comes from "vacca" meaning cow?) to the most persistent myths circulating today, Dr. John provides clear, evidence-based explanations that make complex immunology accessible. We dive deep into why Andrew Wakefield's infamous autism study was retracted, how the "turbo cancer" conspiracy theory defies basic science, and why giving Hepatitis B vaccines to infants makes perfect sense despite what critics claim. The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore how anti-vaccine narratives exploit normal death rates to create fear, why RFK Jr.'s definition of autism is wildly inaccurate, and how the difference between long and short incubation viruses explains why some vaccines seem more effective than others. Dr. John even explains how the "died suddenly" narrative falls apart when you apply simple analytical methods to the data. Most powerfully, we confront the common argument of "what did people do before vaccines?" with the stark reality: they died, often in massive numbers. This eye-opening discussion reveals how herd immunity protects the most vulnerable among us and why maintaining high vaccination rates matters for everyone, not just those receiving the vaccine. Whether you're curious about vaccine science, concerned about misinformation, or just want to understand how to evaluate health claims critically, this episode provides the tools to separate fact from fiction in an increasingly confusing information landscape. Follow Dr. John on social media @dr.john.l on TikTok and @dr.john.lx on Instagram for more science-based insights that cut through the noise. Support the show You can find us on social media here: Rob Tiktok Rob Instagram Liam Tiktok Liam Instagram