I Saw It on TikTok: How Algorithms Are Fueling Anti-Intellectualism

Send us Fan MailIn honour of Women’s History Month, we unpack endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), menopause and why women’s pain is still dismissed, delayed, and under-researched. We look into funding failures, the gender bias built into medicine, and why women’s health is still treated like a footnote.Key sources:Endometriosis affects ~10% of women/AFAB globally — WHO. WHO: Endometriosis facts including prevalence and symptomsUK data: Diagnosis ~8 yrs 10 mo; GP visits & dismissal stats — Endometriosis UK. Endometriosis UK report on diagnosis delays + GP visit statsWomen’s health gets ~6% of total health funding — WEF & BCG report. Women’s health funding gap report (WEF/BCG)Endometriosis research funding ~ $28m globally — Impact Global Health. Global endometriosis R&D funding overviewStructural underfunding of women’s health research — Nature Reviews Bioengineering. Editorial: Funding research on women’s healthSupport the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailWeight loss drugs are changing what’s medically possible, but are they changing what we expect from bodies too? In this episode, we unpack obesity, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, and the tension between public health and fatphobia. We discuss whether these medications address a global health crisis, or if they are just reshaping weight stigma with better branding. Enjoyed the episode? Please leave a like, comment or subscribe :) Key sources:World Health Organization (2024). Obesity and Overweight.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweightRyan et al. (2023). Weight stigma experienced by patients with obesity in healthcare settings: A qualitative evidence synthesis. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.13606Heitmann (2025). The Impact of Novel Medications for Obesity on Weight Stigma and Societal Attitudes: A Narrative Review.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11799028/McWhorter, K. L. (2020). Obesity Acceptance: Body Positivity and Clinical Risk Factors. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/73236 Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we unpack how TikTokers, WhatsApp aunty group chats, and everyone in between use social media for health advice. We explore how misinformation, overconfidence, and anti-intellectualism are turning opinions into “facts.” From TikTok doctors to vaccine myths, we ask when influencers replaced experts, why trust in science is collapsing, and who is actually paying the price.Key sources:1. Pew Research Center (2024). Social Media Fact Sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/ 2. WHO (2022). Infodemics and misinformation negatively affect people’s health behaviours. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/01-09-2022-infodemics-and-misinformation-negatively-affect-people-s-health-behaviours–new-who-review-finds 3. Pure UJ et al. (2022). WhatsApp users and COVID misinformation in Africa.4. JMIR Infodemiology (2025). Health misinformation response in Malaysia.5. Kureyama N et al. (2023). Cancer misinformation on Twitter in Japan. Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailInvoluntary celibates, sketchy algorithms and gender wars. In this episode, we break down the world of incels and dig into why some men get sucked in, and how communities can stop the radicalisation. These networks give a fake sense of community, endorse misogyny and link to serious mental health issues like depression and suicidal thoughts.  Sources: 1. Predicting Harm Among Incels – UK Home Office, 2023: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/predicting-harm-among-incels-involuntary-celibates/predicting-harm-among-incels-involuntary-celibates-the-roles-of-mental-health-ideological-belief-and-social-networking-accessible 2. The Manosphere: ISD Report, 2022: https://www.isdglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Manosphere-ISD-External-August2022.pdf Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailWhen the U.S. froze global health aid, chaos followed — layoffs, stalled programs, and a whole lot of political drama. But was the U.S. lowkey justified in pulling out? 👀 In this episode, we unpack America’s messy breakup with global health. Expect debate, a crash course on global health funding, and a few hot takes on aid, power, and who really benefits when the money stops flowing.Key Sources:Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/reevaluating-and-realigning-united-states-foreign-aid/ USAID cuts are already hitting countries around the world. Here are 20 projects that have closed - https://apnews.com/article/usaid-cuts-hunger-sickness-288b1d3f80d85ad749a6d758a778a5b2 10 Things to Know About U.S. Funding for Global Health - https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-u-s-funding-for-global-health/ Are the World's Largest Donors Cutting Their Bilateral Aid to Africa? - https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2024/10/africa-development-aid-oecd-china?lang=en Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this - https://theconversation.com/africa-relies-too-heavily-on-foreign-aid-for-health-4-ways-to-fix-this-249886 Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailAI isn’t your therapist, your saviour, or your shortcut to a healthier world. So why is Big Tech selling it like it is? In this episode, we ask the messy, uncomfortable questions: Who pays the price for innovation? What happens when Big Tech plants massive data centres in countries facing drought? And is AI a lifesaving tool… or just the newest form of digital colonisation?Key sources:Your ChatGPT privacy questions answered. A guide for students (and everyone else) using ChatGPT –  https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/chatgpt-privacy/ Reimagining Global Health through Artificial Intelligence: The Roadmap to AI Maturity – https://www.broadbandcommission.org/publication/reimagining-global-health-through-artificial-intelligence/ Obermeyer et al., 2019, “Dissecting racial bias in an algorithm used to manage the health of populations.” – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31649194/ A bottle of water per email: the hidden environmental costs of using AI chatbots – https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/09/18/energy-ai-use-electricity-water-data-centers/ Protesters halt new data center – https://www.dw.com/en/protesters-halt-new-data-center/video-71397452 ChatGPT and large language models: what's the risk? https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/chatgpt-and-large-language-models-whats-the-risk Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailFeeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or struggling to adopt healthy habits, even when you’re “doing all the right things”? You’re not alone, Globies. Season 4 starts with a reality check: wellness isn’t just yoga mats and green juice. We’re digging into burnout, daily routines, and the hidden forces that shape your health, like your postcode. We’re mixing vibes with verified research, sass with stats, and giving you the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to live a healthy lifestyle in 2025.News: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-05-2025-seventy-eighth-world-health-assembly---daily-update--24-may-2025Key sources:Making health habitual: the psychology of ‘habit-formation’ and general practice: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3505409/#:~:text=HABIT%20FORMATION%20AND%20HEALTH&text=Decades%20of%20psychological%20research%20consistently,(that%20is%2C%20habitually).NHS Digital (2022). Health Survey for England 2021: Health-related behaviours, adult health status and wellbeing. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2021Greater London Authority (2021). London Green Space Access Map and Data. https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/public-open-space-londonHabit formation and change. Simple decisions, complex habits.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3505409/Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailGLOBIESS!!! Our previous episode got so juicy that we decided we need a PART II!!! What is the impact of religious leaders on global health? In this episode, we explore how religious leaders historically provided healthcare, especially in underserved areas. We discuss how religious beliefs influence mental well-being, citing examples from various faiths like Buddhism and Christianity.  We address a breath of controversies and ethical considerations, emphasizing the need for balance between religious beliefs and healthcare practices.Now, on to you. Is there a way to bridge the gap between religion and health to improve the future of global health? How has your faith improved your wellbeing? Tell us your thoughts.Sources:In the news: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/apr/17/nestle-adds-sugar-to-infant-milk-sold-in-poorer-countries-report-finds Additional Resources:1. Ahmed, S. M. et al. (2011). The health workforce crisis in Bangladesh: shortage, inappropriate skill-mix and inequitable distribution. Human Resources for Health, 9(1), 3.2. World Health Organisation. (2004). [WHO: Faith-based organizations play a significant role in the fight against HIV/AIDS](https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2004/pr45/en/).3. Strawbridge, W. J. et al. (1997). Frequent attendance at religious services and mortality over 28 years. American Journal of Public Health, 87(6), 957-961.Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailWe've got some divine tea for you globies!!! In this episode, we shed some light on the BBC documentary that pulls back the curtain on T.B. Joshua, founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations and a figure who's been both revered and reviled. From alleged miracles to shocking revelations of abuse, we're uncovering the truth about how religious leaders shape our well-being. We’ll analyse real-life accounts and dissect the mechanisms through which religious leaders influence diet, exercise, and even medical care-seeking behaviours. Now onto you- should individuals seek healthcare solutions in religious miracles? Tell us your thoughts.In the news:Morse, S. S., Mazet, J. A., Woolhouse, M., Parrish, C. R., Carroll, D., Karesh, W. B., ... & Daszak, P. (2012). Prediction and prevention of the next pandemic zoonosis. The Lancet, 380(9857), 1956-1965.Case study:BBC News. (2023). "Unmasking T.B. Joshua." Retrieved from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZZVQxjXWCg]Additional resources:Smith, K. F., Goldberg, M., Rosenthal, S., Carlson, L., Chen, J., Chen, C., ... & Zambrana-Torrelio, C. (2014). Global rise in human infectious disease outbreaks. Journal of The Royal Society Interface, 11(101), 20140950.Ahmadi, K., Ghazinour, M., & Sadeghi, M. (2020). The role of religious leaders in promoting health and preventing addiction: A qualitative study. Journal of Religion and Health, 59(3), 1429-1440.Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...

Send us Fan MailHappy New Year Globies!!! As we kickstart 2024, we continue striving towards health equity for all!  This time round, we dive into the world of "I, Daniel Blake", a  film that pulls back the curtain on the tangled mess of bureaucracy and societal struggles. We tackle the film's portrayal of poverty in Europe and discuss how it shaped our views on welfare systems and digitalisation. Andddd wait until you hear our hilarious game segment where we dish out "global health-related awards" to the characters. Spoiler alert: we've got some quirky categories! Let's keep those meaningful conversations rolling! 🌍💬 And remember, banter is the best medicine... well, that and actual medicine!Support the showFollow us on our socials so you don’t miss anything!Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whi_podcast/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@whi_podcast?_t=8cw9TYkj5XG&_r=1Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/whi_podcast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHIpodcast LinkedIn ...