Few figures in modern medicine have generated as much controversy as Dr. Andrew Wakefield.
A former physician and researcher who published more than 150 scientific papers, Wakefield lost his career, fellowships, and medical license while pursuing questions surrounding childhood vaccines, intestinal inflammation, and neurological injury in children.
In this episode, Wakefield shares how parents first brought him stories they believed no one was willing to hear, what happened when his research collided with powerful institutions, and how he went from physician to filmmaker and author after years of public scrutiny and professional consequences.
We discuss autism, chronic illness, scientific dissent, censorship, media narratives, pharmaceutical liability, public trust, and the responsibilities that come with asking difficult questions. We also discuss his upcoming novel The Bequest(releasing June 26, 2026), and the deeply personal question that helped inspire it: what happens to children with autism when their parents are gone?
Whether you agree with him, disagree with him, or simply want to understand one of the most polarizing figures in modern medicine, this conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear the story directly from the man at the center of it.
Welcome to Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman, the live video podcast where captivating conversations happen behind the chair. As a master hairstylist, Tab combines his passion for cutting hair with his love for deep, thought-provoking discussions. Step into a one-of-a-kind experience as Tab chats with fascinating guests while giving them a haircut, creating a relaxed and intimate setting for candid conversations. With no topic off limits, we dive deep into the hairdressing experience and beyond, exploring the stories, struggles, and triumphs that make us who we are.
Subscribe for more conversations like this.
Comment or leave a review. It goes a long way.
FIND DR. ANDREW WAKEFIELD
Website: WakefieldMediaGroup.com
Instagram: @AndrewJWakefield
X: @DrAndyWakefield
ORDER HIS NOVEL HERE
Book: TheBequest.co
Email: [email protected]
FOLLOW TAB SALSMAN
Instagram: @tabcutshair
Podcast Instagram: @splittinghairspod
YouTube: @SplittingHairsPod