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Philosopher Megan Dean joins us to explore the complex ethics of food restrictions, from hospital feeding tubes to revealing how deeply our identity and relationships are intertwined with what and how we eat.

In this episode we discuss

• Case of mushroom attempted mushroom poisoning - Ask Polly: My In-Laws are careless about my deadly food allergy! 
• Smuggled Doughnuts and Forbidden Fried Chicken: Addressing Tensions around Family and Food Restrictions in Hospitals by Megan A. Dean, Laura Guidry-Grimes
• The Culinary Mind - Center for the Philosophy of Food

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

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Chris and Jane kick off 2025 discussing their recent publication in the British Medical Bulletin titled "Obesity: Ethical Issues" and exploring how conversations about weight stigma have evolved in recent years.

• Jane shares her experience appearing on ABC Radio National's "God Forbid" program where the topic shifted from "thinness and morality" to focusing entirely on obesity
• Even as medical institutions acknowledge weight stigma is harmful, they continue to pathologize bodies outside narrow parameters
• Public health messaging has evolved from fear-based "toxic fat" campaigns to more positive approaches focused on movement and wellbeing
• Wonder drug narratives around Ozempic and other weight loss medications often ignore long-term risks including cardiac, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric impacts
• Challenging the pathologization of diverse body types remains more difficult than addressing overt stigma
• Chris teases an upcoming bioethics book project that will include interesting research tidbits

Let us know if you want us to discuss any particular topics - email us at [email protected] or find us on Bluesky @undisciplinary.bsky.social

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

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This episode discusses weight stigma as a systemic issue deeply rooted in healthcare practices, often leading to misdiagnosis and mistreatment of individuals based on their body size. Dr. Patty Thille highlights the dangers of medicalization and pharmaceuticalization - especially the popularity of drugs like Ozempic - in addressing obesity and encourages a more holistic approach to health that considers broader societal contexts. 

• Weight stigma as both a personal and systemic issue 
• The impact of bias in healthcare settings 
• Personal experiences leading to critical perspectives on healthcare 
• Medicalization redefines societal problems into medical concerns 
• Pharmaceuticalization shifts focus to drug interventions 
• Ethical implications of funding in medical guidelines 
• The need for a broader understanding of well-being and health 
• Encouraging holistic, weight-neutral approaches to healthcare

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

Send us a text

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

Send us a text

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Ever found yourself secretly despising a beloved Christmas classic or questioning the charm of a holiday favorite as you share it with the next generation? Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of 2024, starting with a comedic dissection of Christmas music and films. We take a cheeky swipe at Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time," while debating the timelessness of "Christmas in New York" and "Carol of the Bells." Our scrutiny doesn't stop there; "Love Actually" gets a modern reevaluation, showing the inevitable cracks that appear when viewed through today's lens. Meanwhile, "Home Alone" brings a nostalgic warmth, offering a chance to bond over slapstick humor with our kids.

As we wrap up, we shine a spotlight on some of the year's most compelling reads and cultural gems. "The Sunbird" by Sarah Haddad emerges as a must-read, a novel so exquisitely written that every word resonates deeply. It's a self-published triumph that's capturing hearts and getting the recognition it deserves. This episode balances the light-hearted and the thoughtful, providing both a trip down memory lane and a glimpse into the year's standout stories. Join us for a conversation that is as varied as 2024 itself, filled with humor, heart, and a little bit of holiday sarcasm.

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

Send us a text

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This episode explores the complexities of grief during festive seasons, focusing on the interplay between love, loss, and holiday traditions. Insights from bell hooks highlight the importance of love as an action, while discussions on technology's impact on mourning encourage listeners to consider their relationships with grief and community.

• Discussing the emotional landscape of holiday traditions
• The contrast of summer festivities in Australia with feelings of grief
• Exploring the concept of death bots and digital mourning
• bell hooks' perspective on love as a verb
• The role of societal rituals in processing loss
• Examining issues of empathy in global conflicts
• Encouraging solidarity through small, actionable steps

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

Send us a text

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Is "cheeky" the most overused word in our everyday vocabulary? We kick things off with a humorous exploration of this label being slapped on everything from muesli bars to sports drinks. As we chuckle through language missteps, we also tackle an advertisement from the Victorian Cancer Council that boldly claims "one in two is too many." This prompts a serious reflection on the effectiveness of such messaging in cancer awareness and the potential for these tactics to oversimplify complex issues. 

Switching gears, we dive into the evolving landscape of breast cancer advocacy, spotlighting Andrea Smith’s push for visibility for those living with long-term metastatic breast cancer. Our conversation then takes a critical turn as we dissect a controversial UK government proposal advocating weight loss injections to reduce obesity-related unemployment. By unpacking the assumptions and socio-economic factors tied into this initiative, we raise questions about the erosion of public trust in health policies. Join us for this lively mix of humor, skepticism, and truth-seeking.

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

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Is solidarity in healthcare a double-edged sword? That’s the intriguing question we explore with our returning guest, Pete West-Oram. In this episode, we dissect how solidarity can both unite and divide, especially when misinformation—what Pete candidly refers to as "bullshit"—pervades public discourse. With a focus on healthcare ethics, we discuss the destabilizing power of dishonest communication and its impact on societal issues like the genocide in Gaza, where language is often wielded to distort reality.

The conversation broadens to consider global solidarity in times of geopolitical conflict, spotlighting the contrasting international reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine versus the ongoing situation in Palestine. We question the biases in media narratives and political responses, illustrating how they can obscure true solidarity efforts. Despite media noise and leadership failures, Pete and I champion the grassroots movements and community solidarity that emerged during crises like COVID-19, urging for more substantial support from authorities to sustain these efforts.

We then turn to the essential role of transparent communication in healthcare, drawing insights from Harry Frankfurt’s "On Bullshit." With emphasis on the importance of clarity, we consider how misinformation and epistemic injustices, as discussed by Miranda Fricker, can lead to issues like vaccine hesitancy. By highlighting examples such as the UK's NHS and the impactful work of the Patient Information Forum, we stress the necessity of accessible health information. Whether it’s through multilingual resources or straightforward language, the goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed health decisions, fostering trust and combating confusion.

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

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What if the key to equitable healthcare lies in the power of solidarity? Join us as we explore this profound question with Dr. Peter West-Oram, a senior lecturer in bioethics, who offers a nuanced perspective on the intersections of history, ethics, and politics in healthcare. Through his expertise, we tackle the pressing issues of systemic racism laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the philosophical underpinnings of global health justice. Dr. West-Oram sheds light on the social determinants of health and the complex web of responsibilities shouldered by governments and corporations in combating systemic inequality.

Embark on a reflective journey through Dr. West-Oram's academic career, from his early fascination with political and moral philosophy to his impactful work in bioethics. We revisit his 2017 paper on the ramifications of repealing Obamacare, where he argues for a healthcare system that enhances freedom through solidarity. Together, we ponder shared global challenges such as climate change and pandemics, urging collective action that champions our common humanity.

Our conversation navigates the delicate balance between personal liberty and societal cooperation, questioning the narratives that often skew public perception against socialized healthcare. From the ethics of mandatory treatments to the emotive rhetoric surrounding healthcare reform, Dr. West-Oram challenges us to rethink the narratives that shape public opinion and underscores the importance of solidarity in achieving equitable healthcare outcomes. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that dares to challenge preconceived notions and advocate for a more just distribution of healthcare resources.

 Sounds

• Circus jingle loop by SergeyShred -- https://freesound.org/s/741150/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]

Send us a text

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What if the key to safer medicines lies in the blood of an ancient, alien-looking creature? Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of horseshoe crabs with our special guest, Richard Gorman. Rich's journey from human geography to animal ethics opens up a riveting discussion about the ethical implications of using animals in healthcare and the pivotal role horseshoe crabs play in pharmaceuticals. You'll be surprised to learn how these ancient creatures, often overlooked, are indispensable to the safety of vaccines and injectable medicines.

We take a deep dive into the ethics surrounding the collection of horseshoe crab blood, comparing it to laboratory animal practices and fishery management. Rich helps us navigate the complexities of managing horseshoe crabs as a wild species and addresses the public's lack of awareness about animal-derived products in medicine. From their unique biology to the cultural perceptions that shape our interactions with them, we explore the many layers of horseshoe crabs' significance in global health.

Finally, we examine the broader ethical and regulatory frameworks, discussing the "Three Rs" principle and the consequences of synthetic alternatives. Rich shares his insights on the hidden but crucial process of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) tests and the challenges of balancing economic interests with conservation efforts. Reflecting on the importance of these incredible creatures, we encourage listeners to think more deeply about our reliance on them and the ethical dimensions involved. This episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking, shedding light on the often-overlooked more-than-human world.

Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]