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Critically Speaking

Therese Markow
Mental Health
Public Health
Pregnancy
Conspiracy Theories
Genocide
Social Media
Cannabis
Covid-19
Maternal Health
Menopause
Racism
Maternal Obesity
Misinformation
Vaccines
Parenting
Breast Cancer
Hormone Therapy
Osteoporosis
Ambition
Education Reform

On each episode of Critically Speaking, your host, Dr. Therese Markow, interviews foremost experts in a range of fields. We discuss, in everyday language that we all can understand, fundamental issues that impact our health, our society, and our planet. Join our weekly journey where we separate fact from fantasy for topics both current and controversial.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes207Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceSociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

Peptides are being sold online as miracle fixes for energy, healing, and longevity—but what if the science behind them is shaky, or even dangerous?

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Leigh Baxt pull back the curtain on the peptide craze, revea... more

Dr. Kate Mangino exposes the hidden burden of cognitive and emotional labor at home and explains how "benevolent sexism" and unequal household roles quietly push women to the breaking point.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Kate Mangino disc... more

Our cities are anything but concrete jungles. Listen in as Therese Markow and Dr. Dan Werb reveal the hidden world of synanthropes - the wild animals that not only live alongside us, but thrive because of us.

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr.... more

In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Boris Konrad discuss the striking impact of memorization on functional changes and connectivity in the brain. Dr. Konrad is a neuroscientist as well as an international Memory Champion. He not only studies brai... more

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Recent Guests

Daniel Werb
Award-winning epidemiologist and author of Our Wild Familiars; expert on urban wildlife and public health
University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation; University of California, San Diego
Episode: Dr. Dan Werb: Animals in the City
Boris Konrad
Neuroscientist and memory champion
Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior, Netherlands
Episode: Dr. Boris Konrad: Increase Your Memory
Dr. Stephanie Grach
Physician researching long COVID and related conditions
Mayo Clinic
Episode: Dr. Stephanie Grach: Long COVID
Natalie Wexler
Education writer and author; Expert on literacy and knowledge-building in education
Author of The Knowledge Gap; The Writing Revolution
Episode: Natalie Wexler: ChatGPT Can Rot Your Brain
Ru Marshall
Author of American Trickster, The Hidden Lives of Carlos Castaneda
Author/Researcher
Episode: Ru Marshall: American Trickster - Carlos Castaneda
Patrick Wyman
Historian and author of Lost Worlds
Author, Historian
Episode: Patrick Wyman: Lost Worlds
Jeanne Marrazzo
Distinguished Infectious Disease Expert; former NIAID director applicant
Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA)
Episode: Jeanne Marrazzo, MD: NIH-NIAID Lawsuit
Chelsea Polis
Principal research scientist at the Guttmacher Institute; epidemiologist specializing in reproductive and sexual health
Guttmacher Institute
Episode: Dr. Chelsea Polis: Women's Reproductive Rights on the Move
Keith McCormick
Chiropractor and author of The Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis and Great Bones
Author, chiropractor
Episode: Osteoporosis and You

Host

Therese Markow
Host of the show, introducing and guiding the interview

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 83 ratings
  • One of the Best Podcasts for Curious Minds

    I really enjoy Critically Speaking! Dr. Therese Markow does such a great job breaking down topics in a way that’s easy to follow but still super informative. Her guests are from various fields and the conversations are always thoughtful and enlightening. I always walk away feeling like I learned something useful about a new topic. Definitely give it a listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    erodz0
    United States8 months ago
  • Mix of critical analysis and engaging storytelling

    This podcast consistently brings insightful discussions on trending and thought-provoking topics. The Therese presents complex issues in an accessible way, encouraging listeners to consider multiple perspectives. Each episode is well-produced and features guests who offer valuable expertise and real-world context.

    Overall, it’s a reliable source for informative and enriching content that stimulates curiosity and critical thinking.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PodcastListener—2
    United States9 months ago
  • Fantastic for Anyone with a Curious Mind

    I have been listening to Critically Speaking for years at this point and, genuinely, I get so excited to hear each new epsiode that comes out. On a recent road trip (that ended up being 16 hours instead of the predicted 10), my best friend and I were trying to decide what to listen to and as soon as Teri's show came up as an option, we both immediately agreed and spent the next couple hours listening to her show - our favorites from the drive were her episodes on childhood literacy and education... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ChelseaShea24
    United States9 months ago
  • Keep me coming back!

    "Critically Speaking" is such an engaging and thought-provoking podcast. Each episode dives into fascinating topics with depth and clarity, while still being easy to follow. The host does a great job asking the right questions and bringing out valuable insights from guests. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys learning and wants content that makes you think!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scrappyashley
    United States9 months ago
  • Informative and Engaging

    The topics are always engaging and well-presented. Always a valuable listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    minjichin
    Philippines9 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise accessible science with clear explanations.
Many reviews highlight thought-provoking topics and practical takeaways.
Long-time listeners value the depth and variety of topics.
The show makes complex topics feel approachable and engaging.
Guest quality and host questioning are consistently strong.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#119
Hong Kong/Science
Apple Podcasts
#171
Philippines/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Dr. Stephanie Grach: Long COVID
Q: Is there a blood test that can diagnose long COVID?
Currently no; there are promising immune and inflammatory markers, but no single validated blood test exists, so diagnosis remains clinical and phenotype-based.
Dr. Stephanie Grach: Long COVID
Q: What are some of the most common symptoms of long COVID that patients report?
Common symptoms include fatigue, post-exertional malaise, brain fog, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, palpitations, dizziness, pain, headaches, and sensory changes, with more than 200 potential symptoms across multiple organ systems.
Dr. Stephanie Grach: Long COVID
Q: So how did you first become interested in medicine and especially complex chronic diseases?
Dr. Grach explains a long-standing interest in biology and medicine, early exposure through shadowing in public health, and a pivot toward complex chronic conditions after experiences in internal medicine and fibromyalgia clinics that highlighted the need for deeper inquiry beyond simple anxiety labels.
Dr. Boris Konrad: Increase Your Memory
Q: What kind of training did participants receive, and how long did it last?
Participants underwent a day-long workshop to learn the memory palace (method of loci) technique, followed by about 30 minutes of daily practice for six weeks, using an online platform to track progress.
Dr. Boris Konrad: Increase Your Memory
Q: What is a memory athlete or memory champ, and how do you achieve that status?
A memory athlete is defined by participation in memory competitions, typically requiring extensive preparation and mastery of mnemonic techniques, with top performers ranked globally. The pathway involves deliberate practice and learning specific strategies, then competing to demonstrate memory skills.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Critically Speaking

What is Critically Speaking about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show consistently features expert guests spanning science, medicine, education, history, and policy, with conversations that translate complex topics into accessible, real-world insights. Across episodes, it tracks how new research informs public health, learning, technology, and societal issues, often highlighting practical takeaways for individuals and organizations. Noteworthy are the appearances by clinicians, researchers, and authors who bridge academia and public discussion, plus a clear emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based perspectives. Listeners who enjoy rigorous yet approachable analysis of timely topics—ranging from longevity and aging to AI in education and public health policy—will likely find this program comp... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Critically Speaking?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Critically Speaking:

1. This American Life
2. The Daily
3. unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
4. The New Yorker Radio Hour
5. The Dr Vonda Show

How many episodes of Critically Speaking are there?

Critically Speaking launched 7 years ago and published 207 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 Critically Speaking?

Recent guests on Critically Speaking include:

1. Daniel Werb
2. Boris Konrad
3. Dr. Stephanie Grach
4. Natalie Wexler
5. Ru Marshall
6. Patrick Wyman
7. Jeanne Marrazzo
8. Chelsea Polis

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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