Chickenpox scars on your nose. Shingles burning along a nerve.

Varicella is not a cute childhood phase. In this episode of Funny Medicine Podcast, pediatrician Dr Yvy and medical researcher Julz break down varicella zoster virus, chickenpox, and shingles, from first itchy spots to long term nerve pain. You get real talk on vaccines, side effects, complications, and why public health experts still worry about this virus.

You hear:

• What varicella zoster virus does in the body

• Why kids often bounce back while adults face higher risk

• How herd immunity works for chickenpox and why coverage matters

• Real numbers on hospital stays and lives lost before and after the vaccine

• Why varicella in pregnancy, newborns, and immunocompromised patients hits harder

• How shingles shows up years later with burning nerve pain

• Home care tips to keep kids more comfortable

• When to call a doctor fast

We also talk about vaccine myths, social media fear, US school requirements, and recent outbreaks in under vaccinated communities. Expect science, sarcasm, and honest talk from a pediatrician on the front lines and a medical researcher who reads the papers so you do not have to.

New here? Subscribe for weekly episodes with science based health, dark humor, millennial parent chaos, and no fearmongering.

Watch on YouTube, listen on your favorite podcast app, and share this episode with someone who still calls chickenpox a “harmless childhood bug.”

Funny Medicine Podcast: Two Miami moms, one pediatrician, one medical researcher, both obsessed with better health information and lower nonsense levels.

Listen or watch

• Full video on YouTube, every Tuesday

• Audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc. Support the show

• Subscribe and turn on notifications • Drop a comment with your questions or stories

• Share this with a friend in healthcare, new parents, or anyone due for screening

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👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday.

Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

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Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

#funnymedicinepodcast varicella, chickenpox, chicken pox, shingles, herpes zoster, varicella zoster virus, VZV, chickenpox scars, shingles pain, vaccine, vaccine safety, vaccine myths, vaccine hesitancy, anti vax misinformation, pediatrician, medical podcast, funny medical podcast, science podcast, women in medicine, millennial moms, public health, herd immunity, immunization, autism myths, CDC, WHO, Paul Offit, COVID pandemic, hand foot and mouth, congenital varicella, ICU, hospital pediatrics

HBV is a liver infection, not a “stomach bug.” We break down what HBV is, how it spreads, who is at risk, why newborn vaccination matters, and how modern antivirals keep people safer long term. We also address common claims about autism, MS, and “toxins,” using clear evidence and real clinic experience.

What you’ll learn:

• HBV basics, DNA virus, routes of spread, birth, blood, sex, needles, tattoos, razors

• Why infant vaccination drives liver cancer down across populations

• Acute vs chronic infection, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, long-term monitoring

• Adult screening updates, who should test, who should vaccinate

• Antivirals in use today, tenofovir, entecavir, goals of care

• Misinformation playbook, how to spot misread studies and cherry-picked lines

Listen or watch

• Full video on YouTube, every Tuesday

• Audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc. Support the show

• Subscribe and turn on notifications

• Drop a comment with your questions or stories

• Share this with a friend in healthcare, new parents, or anyone due for screening

Chapters

00:00 Welcome back

01:00 Why talk about Hepatitis B now

03:00 HBV 101, risks and outcomes

08:30 Newborn dose, public health wins

14:00 Healthcare exposure, needles, salon and spa risks

23:00 Who is high risk and why

28:00 Chronic HBV, cancer risk, long game

29:30 Vaccine safety, what evidence shows

36:30 New claims about “neurotoxins,” how to evaluate them

43:00 Treatments today and what research is exploring

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod

TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Sources listed on video version of this episode on YouTube.

#funnymedicinepodcast Hepatitis B, HBV, Hepatitis B vaccine, newborn vaccine, birth dose, perinatal transmission, liver cancer prevention, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, antiviral therapy, tenofovir, entecavir, vaccine myths, vaccine facts, evidence based medicine, pediatrician explains, public health, screening guidelines, adult vaccination, immunization schedule, tattoo and piercing safety, needlestick injury, misinformation, science communication

https://linktr.ee/funnymedicine

🎙️ New Patreon Exclusive! 🎙️

Ever wondered why some robots, dolls, or even humans can evoke a sense of unease or discomfort? It's all about the Uncanny Valley Effect, a phenomenon that has fascinated scientists, psychologists, and designers for decades.

In this video, we'll delve into the psychological and neurological explanations behind this creepy sensation, exploring how our brains process human-like features and why we find certain simulations or replicas unsettling. From robotics to computer graphics, we'll examine the implications of the Uncanny Valley on various industries and how it's shaping the future of human-AI interaction. So, buckle up and get ready to face the uncanny! Don't forget to like and subscribe!

#FunnyMedicinePodcast #UncannyValley #HalloweenVibes #CreepyCGI #HumanRobotInteraction #Podcast

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Halloween Recap

00:28 Exploring the Uncanny Valley Effect

01:41 Black Mirror and Real-World Examples

03:50 Philosophical and Ethical Implications

07:53 Origins of the Uncanny Valley Effect

13:44 Psychological Theories Behind the Uncanny Valley

21:58 Evolutionary Biology and AI

23:11 The Uncanny Valley Effect in Media

25:08 Examples of the Uncanny Valley Effect

33:45 Impact on Mental Health and Ethics

38:11 Future of Human-Robot Interaction

39:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE SEEK A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU ARE SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.

Sources listed in video version of this episode on YouTube.

#medicalpodcast #medicaldoctor #funnypodcastchannel #sciencepodcast #science #youtube #healthcarepodcast #healthpodcast #weirdmedicine #medicine #educationalcomedy podcast on youtube medical doctor funny podcast channel health science podcast family medicine podcast science podcasts on youtube funny healthcare videos watch full podcast on youtube try something new podcast best podcast for medical students doctor interview podcast comedy podcast channel podcast interesting facts goth makeup psychology evolutionary psychology #FunnyMedicinePodcast #UncannyValley #HalloweenVibes #CreepyCGI #HumanRobotInteraction #Podcast

Vampires are fake. Porphyria is real. We break down the science behind the so-called “vampire disease,” in plain English, with Halloween vibes and zero fluff.

What you’ll learn

• What porphyria is, how heme is made, and why enzyme problems cause symptoms

• Acute vs cutaneous types, including AIP, HCP, VP, PCT, EPP, XLP, and CEP

• Classic symptoms you should know: severe abdominal pain, nerve changes, painful photosensitivity, dark or red urine

• Common triggers to avoid: unsafe drugs, fasting or low carb intake, alcohol, infections, hormonal changes

• How doctors test for it: urine ALA and PBG during attacks, porphyrins in blood or stool, genetic testing

• Treatments that work: IV hemin for attacks, givosiran for prevention in acute hepatic porphyria, phlebotomy and low-dose hydroxychloroquine for PCT, afamelanotide for EPP

• Living with porphyria, sunlight precautions, diet tips, and when to seek urgent care

• Halloween tie-ins and myths vs facts

Who this episode helps

• Patients with unexplained abdominal attacks or light-triggered skin pain

• Caregivers who want clear guidance they can use today

• Anyone who loves medical stories that separate legend from real biology

Listen, subscribe, and share so more people hear accurate information on rare diseases. Comment with your questions. We read them.

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Sources listed in video version of this episode on YouTube.

A rare psychiatric syndrome where a person believes they are dead or do not exist. In this episode we explain Cotard's syndrome in plain language. Clear history. Real symptoms. What doctors look for. How treatment works. Why awareness matters during spooky season.

What you will learn

• What Cotard's syndrome is, also called the walking corpse delusion.

• Key symptoms, nihilistic delusions, self neglect, food refusal, suicide risk.

• History, Jules Cotard’s 1880 case and modern case patterns.

• Links with severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and neurological disease.

• Brain findings, right hemisphere involvement, disrupted self networks, SPECT and PET patterns.

• Treatment, antidepressants, antipsychotics, ECT, supportive care, recovery outlook.

• Recent cases and research, including post-infection reports and imaging before and after treatment.

• How to help, warning signs, when to seek urgent care.

Why watch

• Evidence based, no hype.

• Easy to follow, built for listeners without a medical background.

• Great fit for October themes without fear mongering.

Support the show:

Subscribe on YouTube.

Follow Funny Medicine Podcast on Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Patreon.

New episodes every week.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome, why this topic

00:30 What Cotard's syndrome means

02:30 History and first cases

04:30 Symptoms and risks

07:00 Causes and brain science

10:00 Who is affected

12:00 Diagnosis and treatment

15:00 Cases, imaging, recovery

18:00 Final takeaways and resources

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Three diseases that sound ancient but aren’t gone.

In this episode of Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down what the TDaP vaccine actually protects you from, and why skipping it isn’t a good idea. From lockjaw and “whooping cough” to the real science behind herd immunity, we explain why staying up to date on your vaccines matters more than ever.

This episode is packed with straight facts, sarcasm, and stories that make public health make sense. Whether you’re a parent, healthcare worker, or someone who hasn’t had a booster since high school, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and learn:

• What TDaP covers and how it works

• The truth behind tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis

• How herd immunity protects communities

• Why misinformation spreads faster than facts

• Why staying vaccinated protects more than just you We make medical history funny, science simple, and misinformation uncomfortable.

🩺 New episodes weekly

Follow the Funny Medicine Podcast on:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Threads | Instagram | TikTok

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod

TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Sources listed on video version of this episode on YouTube.

Polio is not gone. Here is what you need to know, why it still matters, and how to stay protected. In this episode of Funny Medicine, Evie and Julie break down polio in plain English. We cover the history, the science, and what recent headlines mean for your family. We focus on medical facts, not politics.

What you will learn

• What polio is, how it spreads, and who is at risk

• Symptoms, paralysis rates, and why breathing muscles are the danger

• How vaccines from Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin cut cases by more than 99 percent worldwide

• Iron lung history, and why only a handful of people still use one

• Where polio persists today, and why eradication is close but not finished

• 2022 New York case and London wastewater findings, explained

• Florida polio news and the end of state vaccine mandates, what this means for you

• How to check your vaccine records and keep your family protected

00:00 Intro and merch

01:02 What polio is

03:15 How it spreads

05:10 Symptoms and paralysis

08:20 Iron lungs, the hard truth

10:05 Salk vs Sabin, what changed

13:40 Global progress and setbacks

16:30 New York and London updates

19:05 Florida policy news

21:10 What you can do today

23:00 Closing notes

Funny Medicine is hosted by Yvy and Julie. Two moms in science who translate complex health topics into clear, practical takeaways. New episodes every week.

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod

TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. Sources

#funnymedicinepodcast polio, poliomyelitis, polio symptoms, polio vaccine, Jonas Salk, Albert Sabin, iron lung, vaccine-derived poliovirus, cVDPV, inactivated polio vaccine, oral polio vaccine, Salk vs Sabin, New York polio case, London wastewater polio, Florida vaccine policy, vaccine safety, eradication, public health, medical history, science podcast, Funny Medicine Podcast

Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses of the cell,” but what happens when they stop working? In this episode of the Funny Medicine Podcast, we break down mitochondrial disorders, explain why they are so complex and rare, and bust myths spreading on social media about so-called mitochondrial challenges.

You’ll learn:

• What mitochondrial disorders are and how they affect the body

• Why these conditions are inherited through maternal DNA • The real symptoms and daily struggles patients face

• Why diagnosing and managing mitochondrial disease is so difficult

• The truth about myths linking vaccines to mitochondrial disorders

• The latest science, including mitochondrial donation techniques

Our goal is to replace pseudoscience with facts. By explaining these genetic disorders clearly, we show why credible information and ongoing research matter more than viral misinformation. Whether you are a student, healthcare professional, or curious listener, this episode gives you a better understanding of the science of mitochondria and the future of treatment.

Listen now, learn the science, and stay subscribed for more weekly episodes on medicine, science, and health.

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Sources listed in video version of this episode on YouTube.

#funnymedicinepodcast mitochondrial disorders, mitochondria explained, genetic disorders podcast, mitochondrial disease symptoms, mitochondrial donation, maternal inheritance, pseudoscience myths, medical misinformation, science podcast, vaccine myths, mitochondrial research, Funny Medicine Podcast

Juice cleanse hype meets real science. We break down detox diet claims, Master Cleanse history, celery juice, and the cucumber salad trend. Learn what helps, what harms, and what to do instead.

What you get:

What a juice cleanse is and how programs run Master Cleanse origins and celebrity buzz

Detox myths versus real biology, liver and kidneys handle detox

Short term weight loss versus rebound weight gain

Risks, low protein, blood sugar swings, food safety, kidney stone risk, electrolyte issues

Trends, cucumber salad TikTok, celery juice mornings, “detox” teas

Safer moves, whole foods, fiber, protein, hydration, sustainable habits

Why watch:

Save money on cleanse kits

Protect health with evidence based choices

Spot marketing tactics that shape wellness fads

Use simple swaps that raise nutrition today

🔔 Subscribe:

https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Sources listed in video version of this episode on YouTube.

#FunnyMedicinePodcast juice cleanse, detox diet, Master Cleanse, celery juice, cucumber salad TikTok, detox myths, weight loss, gut microbiome, liver detox myth, kidney stone risk, oxalate, unpasteurized juice safety, electrolyte imbalance, science based nutrition, Funny Medicine podcast, Evy and Julie 📱 Follow us everywhere Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

Ever felt like you "know" a celebrity, streamer, or fictional character? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into parasocial relationships: the one-sided bonds we form with people who may never know we exist.

We explore where the idea came from in the 1950s with psychologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, how it's evolved with social media, and why our brains are wired to feel connected to people on screens.

You'll learn about:

• What parasocial relationships are (and how they differ from being a fan)

• Why we get attached to creators, celebrities, and characters

• The benefits: companionship, inspiration, identity, stigma reduction

• The risks: obsession, isolation, and when things cross the line

• Modern twists: stan culture, influencer marketing, AI companions, VTubers

• Myth-busting common misconceptions It's a funny, honest conversation about something most of us experience without realizing it.

📱 Follow us everywhere

Instagram & Threads: @funnymedicinepodcast

Twitter/X: @FunnyMedPod

TikTok: @funnymedicinepodcast

🔔 Subscribe: https://bit.ly/FunnyMedicineSubscribe

🎧 Listen: https://funnymedicinepod.link

👍 Like & Share if you learned something new

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Hit SUBSCRIBE and ring the bell!

THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE.

Sources:

Horton & Wohl (1956) - Original parasocial interaction study Harvard Health (2023) - Parasocial relationships and loneliness gaps TIME Magazine (2023) - In defense of parasocial relationships Lamarche et al. (2024) - Parasocial relationships fulfill emotional needs Lam et al. (2022) - YouTube parasocial relationships reduce mental health stigma Zajonc (1968) - Mere exposure effect and familiarity Coyne et al. (2018) - Meta-analysis of prosocial media effects Mares & Pan (2013) - Sesame Street learning across 15 countries Schiappa et al. (2005) - Parasocial contact hypothesis Risks: Cohen (2004) - Parasocial breakups and attachment styles U.S. Surgeon General (2023) - Loneliness epidemic advisory Joseph et al. (2023) - VTubers and social support Maeda et al. (2024) - AI companions public perceptions Hartmann (2008) - Parasocial interaction encyclopedia entry

#FunnyMedicinePodcast parasocial relationships, parasocial interaction, celebrity culture, influencer culture, fandom, stan culture, social media psychology, mental health, loneliness, attachment, YouTube creators, Twitch streamers, TikTok creators, VTuber, AI companion, media effects