Rephonic
Artwork for Ask Doctor Dawn
Pancreatic Cancer
Glp-1 Drugs
Vitamin D
Microbiome
Alzheimer's Disease
Covid-19
Chronic Pain
Immunotherapy
Cancer Treatment
Diabetes
H5N1
Microplastics
Osteoporosis
Breastfeeding
Pain Management
Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group
International Breastfeeding Month
Measles
Hormone Therapy
Mental Health

Answers to your medical questions and health topics in the news.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes142Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessAlternative HealthMedicine

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Artwork for Ask Doctor Dawn

Latest Episodes

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-16-2026:

* Dr. Dawn dissects a June 2026 JAMA Internal Medicine paper that claimed simultaneous flu and COVID vaccination in veterans reduced cardiac events, arguing the retrospective natural-experiment design... more

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-09-2026:

* Researchers refined a technique to reverse skin cell aging by about 30 years while preserving cellular identity. Exposing adult fibroblasts to Yamanaka factors—stopping before full reversion to plur... more

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-02-2026:

* Dr. Dawn devotes the first half of the show to a nuanced defense of GLP-1 receptor agonists, arguing the polarized debate treats obesity as a moral failure rather than a physiological one. She recou... more

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 6-25-2026:

* Dr. Dawn devotes the show's opening to ivermectin for COVID. She walks through critical thinking principles—considering the source, cross-verification, and recognizing self-interested claims—before ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Mira Achilles
Administrative assistant and guest contributor who asks listener questions
KSQD studio guest
Episode: Medications to Stop After 60, ADHD Management Strategies, Ice Bath Risks, and Vasovagal Syncope Prevention
Dr. Paul Godin
An intensivist at Dominican Hospital, colleague of Dr. Dawn, offers insights on healthcare market failures
Episode: Healthcare Market Failures and Private Equity, Hepatitis B Vaccine Politics, Research Proving Insurance Saves Lives, and Holiday Microbiome Tips
Cindy Jackonette
A friend of Donna Hutchinson, who died of pancreatic cancer, co-founder of a fundraising event for pancreatic cancer support.
Episode: Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser, Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines, and Midwest Cancer Cluster Investigation
Dr. Michael Alexander
Medical Oncology Director of the Solary Cancer Center at Dominican Hospital, retired oncologist.
Dominican Hospital
Episode: Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser, Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines, and Midwest Cancer Cluster Investigation
Katherine Rockwood
Registered Nurse and long-term advocate for breastfeeding
Watsonville Community Hospital
Episode: International Breastfeeding Month: Benefits for Babies and Mothers with Nurses Katherine Rockwood and Jess Stevens
Jess Stevens
Registered Nurse and major milk donor
Watsonville Community Hospital
Episode: International Breastfeeding Month: Benefits for Babies and Mothers with Nurses Katherine Rockwood and Jess Stevens
Michael Alexander
Medical oncologist and board member of the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group
Dignity Medical Oncology
Episode: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Special: Local Experts and Survivors Share Stories of Innovation, Research, and Hope
Joel Primack
Distinguished professor emeritus and pancreatic cancer survivor
UCSC
Episode: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Special: Local Experts and Survivors Share Stories of Innovation, Research, and Hope

Host

Dr. Dawn Motyka
Host of Ask Doctor Dawn, medical expert providing explanations and context

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 140 ratings
  • ♥️

    ♥️♥️♥️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    i-laz
    Japan2 years ago
  • Always great!

    I have been listening since 2008

    Podchaser
    5
    rosenbaum.lisa
    3 years ago
  • Always fantastic!

    Current info along with references

    Podcast Addict
    5
    LLR
    4 years ago
  • As a total medical info junkie I never miss an episode and learn a ton of useful information. Maybe too much microbiome talk. Still one of my fav podcasts.

    Podcast Addict
    mtnlover2012
    4 years ago
  • As a total medical info junkie I never miss an episode and learn a ton of useful information. Maybe too much microbiome talk. Still one of my fav podcasts.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    mtnlover2012
    4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some episodes prompts questions about vaccines or controversial topics, but feedback remains generally positive.
Audiences value evidence-based discussion and caller interactions.
Listeners praise Dr. Dawn for depth and accessible explanations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Yamanaka Skin Cell Rejuvenation, Vaping Cancer Mechanisms, Lp(a) Gene-Silencing Therapies, and Vitamin K2 for Liver Cancer Prevention
Q: I'm recovering from a large non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and am interested in Campo Medicine (Goshajinkigan, Yoku Kansan) for nerve pain and regeneration. Could you shed light on its viability and who I should consult?
There are established traditional medicine practitioners who can advise on herbal approaches, such as an Oriental Medicine Doctor (OMD) and clinics in Santa Cruz. It's best to see experienced clinicians who can integrate knowledge of herbal formulas with your medical history, and to use a qualified clinic where they can guide you safely, potentially along with conventional treatment.
Mosquitoes Learning to Like DEET, Liver as Pigeon Compass, Counterclockwise Walking Preference, and Neuropathy Treatment After Chemotherapy
Q: What is the current evidence about fluoride-free toothpaste like nanohydroxyapatite and potential mouth irritation?
The guest and host discuss that irritation could be due to flavoring or other paste ingredients, and suggest re-challenging with the same toothpaste to confirm a link, while recommending trying a different brand without microhydroxyapatite and considering overall product formulations.
Low Platelet Workup, Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough, Intermittent Fasting, and San Francisco TB Outbreak
Q: Do you believe intermittent fasting can be a benefit if applied correctly?
Yes; when done carefully, it can be beneficial, but for older individuals or those at risk of muscle loss, it's important to monitor protein intake, use resistance training, and avoid overly long fasts that could lead to muscle catabolism.
Andes Hantavirus Cruise Ship Outbreak, Brain Health Supplements Evaluated, Testosterone for Older Men, and PCOS Renamed to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome
Q: What are the pros and cons of taking supplements and testosterone injections for someone around 77 years old, and what would you recommend?
The host asks about supplements and testosterone for an older patient; the doctor explains that injections can be effective for preserving muscle mass but carry higher risks like shrinking testicles and elevated SHBG, which reduce active testosterone. He suggests patch/gel routes to better mimic natural physiology, emphasizes evaluating morning testosterone levels, and prioritizes maintaining muscle mass through exercise and adequate protein, with cautious use of supplements such as curcumin and CoQ10 when appropriate, while stressing the importance of choosing high-quality products and confirming manufacturers' quality controls.
Measles Outbreak Warning, Quest Lab Cholesterol Flagging Problems, EKG Interpretation, Full-Body MRI Scans, and Seed Oil Controversies
Q: What about a measles outbreak and immune status in older adults?
Older adults may have waning immunity for measles if they only had one vaccine or natural infection long ago; checking immune titers can help determine current protection, especially during an outbreak, and vaccination history should guide decisions.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Professions
Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ask Doctor Dawn

What is Ask Doctor Dawn about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A medically oriented, listener-driven show delivers accessible explanations on health topics and current medical news. Episodes frequently tackle doctor-patient questions in real time, cover cutting-edge research (from AI in emergency care to vaccines and novel therapies), and translate complex studies into practical guidance for everyday health decisions. The format blends clinician expertise with caller input, policy discussions, and occasional guestless segments, creating a practical resource for people seeking evidence-based, non-dogmatic health information with an emphasis on prevention and healthy living. The show's strengths include a clear, patient-centered approach, willingness to critique emerging research, and a broad range of to... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Ask Doctor Dawn?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Ask Doctor Dawn:

1. Hidden Brain
2. TED Radio Hour
3. The Pulse
4. Radiolab
5. The Moth

How many episodes of Ask Doctor Dawn are there?

Ask Doctor Dawn launched 20 years ago and published 142 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Ask Doctor Dawn?

Recent guests on Ask Doctor Dawn include:

1. Mira Achilles
2. Dr. Paul Godin
3. Cindy Jackonette
4. Dr. Michael Alexander
5. Katherine Rockwood
6. Jess Stevens
7. Michael Alexander
8. Joel Primack

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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