Heart disease kills more Americans each year than cancer and accidental deaths combined, yet the drug most often prescribed to fight it — statins — remains widely misunderstood and, for many patients, a hard sell. In this episode, Josh and his mom break down what statins actually do: how they block the liver's HMG-CoA reductase enzyme to slow cholesterol production, clear LDL particles from the bloodstream, and even help stabilize arterial plaque before it ruptures. Along the way, they cover the basic biology that makes it all make sense — how cholesterol moves through the body via lipoproteins like LDL and HDL, why the brain makes and holds onto its own separate supply of cholesterol for years at a time, and why particle count (ApoB), not just cholesterol concentration, may be the more meaningful number to watch.The conversation also tackles the questions patients ask most: do statins cause memory loss, diabetes, or cataracts? What are the real risks of muscle pain and rare side effects like rhabdomyolysis, and who's most at risk for them? And what's changed in 2026, with new dyslipidemia guidelines lowering the recommended screening age to 30 and pushing for more aggressive, lifelong LDL targets? Equal parts science lesson and family conversation, this episode aims to cut through decades of statin stigma with a clear look at the evidence.

Peptides are suddenly everywhere — from wellness clinics to TikTok feeds — and they’re being marketed as the next frontier of fat loss, anti-aging, muscle growth, healing, and “optimization.” But what actually are they… and how much of the hype is backed by science?In this episode, we unpack the exploding peptide craze: how compounds once limited to underground bodybuilding circles became mainstream through influencers, biohackers, and the massive success of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. We break down the difference between FDA-approved peptides and the growing gray market of experimental injections being sold online as “research grade.”You’ll hear how peptides work inside the body, why some have revolutionized medicine, and why others remain largely untested in humans despite bold promises surrounding longevity, recovery, cognition, and performance.We also dive into the risks that often get left out of the conversation — counterfeit products, contamination, unknown dosing, immune reactions, and the reality that many of these compounds are being used without meaningful safety data.From insulin to semaglutide… from BPC-157 to TB-500… this episode explores where peptide science is legitimate, where it’s speculative, and how social media helped turn experimental biology into a booming wellness trend.Are peptides the future of medicine — or the latest health craze moving faster than the evidence?

What if tiny “typos” in your DNA could help explain why one medication works perfectly for you… while someone else gets side effects or no benefit at all?In this episode, we dive into the world of single-nucleotide polymorphisms — or SNPs — the incredibly common genetic variations that make each of us biologically unique. We unpack how these microscopic changes in DNA influence everything from physical traits to disease risk and even the future of personalized medicine.From the Human Genome Project to modern pharmacogenomics, we explore how scientists identify SNPs, why they matter, and how they may soon help clinicians predict which treatments are most effective for individual patients. We’ll also look at real-world examples involving asthma medications, breast cancer risk prediction, and the growing promise of precision medicine.If you’ve ever wondered how genetics could shape the future of healthcare — or what makes your body respond differently than someone else’s — this episode is for you.

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because you usually don’t feel it happening. There’s no pain, no warning—until suddenly there’s a fracture from something as simple as a minor fall or even bending the wrong way. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on inside your bones in plain language: how your body is constantly breaking down and rebuilding bone, why that balance shifts with age (especially after menopause), and how nutrition plays a much bigger role than most people realize. We’ll talk about calcium—but also why calcium alone isn’t enough. Vitamin D, protein, magnesium, and overall diet quality all matter. We’ll also cover how smoking, excess alcohol, low physical activity, and even too much caffeine can quietly weaken bones over time.On the treatment side, we’ll walk through the medications available today in a way that actually makes sense. From common first-line drugs like bisphosphonates—which slow down bone breakdown—to newer injectable options that either block bone loss or actually help build new bone, we’ll explain how they work, who they’re for, and what people should realistically expect. We’ll also address common fears about side effects, hormone therapy, and long-term treatment. Most importantly, we’ll emphasize that osteoporosis is not inevitable—and it’s not untreatable. With the right combination of screening, smart nutrition, lifestyle changes, and when appropriate, medication, bone health can be protected at nearly any stage of life.

Every winter, cases of “stomach flu” surge across the U.S.—but what’s really behind the waves of vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden illness that shut down schools, cruise ships, and households? In this episode, we break down infectious gastroenteritis and foodborne illness, with a special focus on norovirus—the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. We explore why these illnesses spread so rapidly in colder months, how a tiny virus can trigger violent vomiting through gut-brain signaling, and why outbreaks continue despite modern sanitation and widespread awareness .Beyond the symptoms, we examine the real risks people often underestimate: dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, fainting, kidney injury, and serious complications in young children, older adults, and pregnant people. This episode also clears up common myths—why the “stomach flu” isn’t influenza, why hand sanitizer doesn’t reliably kill norovirus, and why food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis are so often confused. We finish with practical, evidence-based guidance on treatment, recovery, prevention, and food safety—so you know when to rest at home, when to seek medical care, and how to reduce your risk the next time a winter outbreak hits

Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000—but in 2025, that status is now under real threat. With the highest number of U.S. measles cases reported in more than three decades, including major outbreaks in Texas and hospitalizations and deaths nationwide, this episode unpacks how one of the most contagious viruses known to humanity is making a dangerous comeback. We explore what measles is, how it spreads so efficiently, what infection actually looks like in the body, and why even small drops in vaccination rates can allow explosive outbreaks to occur again.This episode also tackles the bigger picture: vaccine hesitancy, persistent myths about the MMR vaccine, and why modern medicine—not sanitation alone—was responsible for dramatically reducing measles deaths in the first place. We walk through real risks, complications, and prevention strategies, including who can and cannot be vaccinated, how post-exposure protection works, and why community immunity matters even for those who never get sick themselves. Whether you’re trying to understand the science, the public-health stakes, or the misinformation surrounding measles, this conversation aims to bring clarity, evidence, and context to a disease many assumed was already in the past.

Are antidepressants really just about serotonin? In this episode, we dig into the science, the myths, and the messy truth behind SSRIs — the world’s most prescribed mental health medications.In this episode of Your Mom on Drugs, we explore how Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) became the cornerstone of modern mental health treatment. From their scientific origins in the 1980s to their widespread use today for depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD, we break down how these drugs work, what makes them effective, and why serotonin alone doesn’t tell the whole story.Drawing on clinical research and patient experience, we compare SSRIs to psychotherapy, exercise, and other antidepressant classes, unpacking when each approach works best — and when it doesn’t. We also tackle common myths: whether SSRIs are addictive, personality-changing, or “quick fixes.” By the end, you’ll understand how these medications fit into a bigger picture of brain health, emotional healing, and holistic recovery.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating and tightly regulated world of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States. From the initial research and development phases to the final quality control and packaging of medications, we explore how pharmaceutical companies ensure that every pill, capsule, or injection contains exactly what the label says—nothing more, nothing less. We’ll unpack how Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and New Drug Applications (NDAs) are crucial for drug safety, and revisit pivotal moments in U.S. history, like the tragic sulfanilamide disaster, that shaped modern drug laws and FDA oversight.We also shine a light on the lesser-known but vital role of compounding pharmacies. Whether tailoring a dose for a child, reformulating a drug for someone with allergies, or responding to shortages, compounders offer personalized solutions outside the mass-manufacturing model. But these benefits come with risks—especially in the case of sterile compounding, where contamination can have deadly consequences. We examine the difference between 503A and 503B compounding facilities, discuss notorious cases like the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak, and explore how some pharmacies operate in regulatory gray zones. Tune in for a grounded, eye-opening conversation with my mom about the complex ecosystem behind the medications we often take for granted.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of adaptogens—a class of herbs, roots, and mushrooms long celebrated in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and now rising stars in the Western wellness scene. Marketed as natural tools to help the body “adapt” to stress, boost energy, and restore balance, adaptogens like ashwagandha, ginseng, and rhodiola have become staples in teas, capsules, and Instagram ads alike. But do they actually work? We dive into the origins of adaptogens, the science behind how they’re supposed to support the body’s stress response (particularly via the HPA axis), and why they’ve become a $10 billion industry—with all the buzz and baggage that entails.From ancient healing rituals to modern supplement shelves, we break down the myths, mechanisms, and market trends behind adaptogens. We look at which herbs show the most promising effects, which claims are backed by data (and which aren’t), and what to watch out for in terms of side effects and drug interactions. Whether you’re a health skeptic, a supplement fan, or someone just trying to stay sane in a stressful world, this episode brings a grounded, evidence-based look at what adaptogens can—and can’t—do for your body and mind.

This episode tackles the nuanced debate surrounding vaping, weighing its potential benefits against its risks. While vaping is often portrayed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, skepticism remains due to the presence of harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol and the addictive nature of nicotine. The episode explores the complexities of research on vaping-related health risks, such as cardiovascular disease, and discusses how unrealistic lab conditions may sometimes overstate its dangers. Additionally, we delve into the reduced harm perspective, highlighting comparisons with smoking, which contains more toxins and carcinogens. The narrative balances harm reduction strategies like nicotine pouches and snus with the ongoing challenges of nicotine addiction and youth exposure.The episode also emphasizes the declining popularity of vaping among U.S. high school students, dropping from 27.5% in 2019 to 19.6% in 2024. Despite this, the conversation underscores the importance of thoughtful regulation to deter youth addiction while supporting smokers transitioning away from cigarettes. Drawing on expert insights, the discussion highlights misconceptions around vaping, including its supposed role as a smoking cessation aid, while advocating for evidence-based strategies like behavioral counseling and FDA-approved cessation tools. Tune in for a balanced exploration of vaping’s evolving role in public health.