Live from AABHL! Talking about antinatalism, psychedelics at work, and reflexive bioethics

**Below is AI Generated**

Is clinging to "Happy New Year" wishes well into January a charming tradition or a sign of time slipping by? We dive into this seasonal conundrum before taking a hard look at the world of gym culture, where the quest for health often morphs into a pursuit of the perfect body. Our discussion unpacks an eye-opening critique of high-intensity interval training, challenging the notion that exercise should be a grueling endeavor rather than a source of joy. Join us as we unravel the complexities of fitness fads and refocus the lens on well-being and personal fulfillment.

Meanwhile, the classroom becomes a battleground for morality as we dissect the effectiveness of mandatory ethics courses in higher education. With insights from our teaching experiences, we debate whether these courses spark true moral development or merely check a box. And as we navigate the intricate dance between public health and politics, we confront the tension between evidence-based messaging and the political landscape that shapes it, especially amidst crises. Listen in as we confront the ideals and the practical realities of public health, presenting an honest examination of its place in our society.

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we explore the intricate layers of the Israeli-Gaza conflict with the help of Tamara Kayali Browne and Zohar Lederman. Their unique insights as a Palestinian bioethicist and an Israeli emergency medicine physician with a bioethics background guide us through the turbulence of war, politics, and the ethics of healthcare under fire. 

The moral maze of warfare challenges us to confront harrowing bioethical dilemmas, from the deliberate targeting of medical facilities to the withholding of life-sustaining resources. The experiences of vulnerable populations, like pregnant women and healthcare workers, underscore the intersection of human rights and public health, demanding a critical look at our ethical responsibilities. Our dialogue traverses the potential biases in global conflict coverage, urging healthcare professionals and academics to rise above the fray and champion human rights in their spheres of influence.

**the above was generated by AI with some editing from CM**

Resources discussed:

• Washington post article on evacuation and babies left in ICU
• Zohar's article "Together we lived, and alone you died: Loneliness and solidarity in Gaza" 
• We also discussed an article by Zohar that is under-review. A link will be provided when it is published. 

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

**The below is AI generated**

Ever been cornered at a family feast by Aunt Marge, who can't help but comment on your third helping of pavlova? We've all been there. Join Chris and Jane as we stir up a candid conversation about the holidays and the unwanted side dish of fatphobia they bring. From the cultural anthems like Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" that bind us, to the personal and societal pressures on body image that divide us, we're unpacking the complexities of festive food politics. We reflect on our nation's identity and how holiday cheer often comes with a side helping of guilt, especially when young, impressionable ears are at the table.

Imagine sitting across from someone who, between bites of turkey, preaches about their latest diet. Awkward? Absolutely. That’s why we're navigating the choppy waters of body and food judgments with care. Sharing tales from Southeast Asia, we tackle the cultural variances in body image perceptions and the art of respecting diverse dietary choices without imposing our own. Our discussion isn't just about the food on our plates, but also the deeper societal norms cooking in the background of our health and financial conversations. And yes, we're going to touch on those public health campaigns that often leave a sour taste during the sweet holiday season.

Now, onto the myths that just won't go cold—like the idea that a shiver in an ice bath will shed the pounds. We're chilling out with Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz's enlightening thread debunking this frosty fallacy. And if that's not enough, we're slicing into the debate on office cake culture with the same scrutiny as a controversial Jerusalem Post article that – believe it or not – linked conflict to weight loss. By the end of our chat, you'll be seeing Christmas metaphors in a new light, peering beyond the festive facade to the sometimes harsh truths they obscure. So, grab your mug of mulled wine, and let's cut through the holiday hullabaloo together.

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

**Below is AI Generated**
Eager to explore the complex world of reproductive choices? Buckle up as we journey through this invigorating discussion with Elinor Pryce, a formidable scholar from the University of Adelaide. With her, we grapple with the nuances of pro-natalism and anti-natalist policies in Australia, and their intricate interplay with immigration and environmental concerns. Elinor’s insights illuminate the need for a comprehensive approach that respects diversity, while also addressing population growth and sustainable development.

Riding on the wave of our enriching dialogue with Elinor, we steer towards the ethical dimensions of eugenics and population control. The entanglement of pronatalism, antinatalism, and societal beliefs is unravelled, stimulating a profound reflection on our own values and ideologies. Philosophers are often the unsung heroes in this narrative, as they challenge detrimental ideologies and encourage a deeper examination of ingrained beliefs when proposing remedies. It's a fascinating discourse that breathes life into the conversations happening in conferences and bioethical circles.

We then discuss the place of psychedelics in the workplace with Dr Cynthia Forlini (Deakin Health Ethics) and consider potential harms as well as general awkwardness of doing mind altering drugs with colleagues.

Finally, we dissect reflexivity and standpoint theory in bioethics with Dr Supriya Subramani (Sydney Health Ethics), Prof Jonathan Ives (Bristol) and A/Prof Mikey Dunn (National University of Singapore). Our discussion traverses the tightrope between maintaining argumentation standards and adapting them to context, bringing to light the friction between social scientific and philosophical methodologies in bioethics. With an eye on the real-world impact, we stress the importance of reflexivity, where personal biases and prejudices come to the fore. We believe that the bioethical debates are enriched by this diversity of perspectives. So tune in for an episode that is sure to leave you contemplating long after it ends – a fascinating exploration of reproductive choices, eugenics, and bioethics like never before.

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

**The below is AI generated**

What would it feel like to constantly plan for something as life-changing as pregnancy, but feel ill-equipped to prepare for it? What if we told you that your health decisions pre-conception could impact not just your child, but generations to come? In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into the complexities of pregnancy planning and the repercussions of insufficient preparation. We're dissecting a recent study that found a shocking disparity between the women who plan their pregnancies and those who take active steps to prepare for them. The concept of 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease' and its unique focus on women forms a critical part of our discussion. We particularly emphasize on the crucial yet often overlooked role of paternal health and the need for interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance overall reproductive health.

As the conversation proceeds, we shift focus to explore the unique health challenges faced by overweight women preparing for pregnancy. It's no secret that societal discourse around women's bodies is riddled with negativity, but how does this impact a woman's ability to prepare for pregnancy? How do these biases and pressures complicate weight management during pregnancy? We delve into these dilemmas, shedding light on issues often swept under the rug. This episode is an earnest attempt to delve deeper into the societal pressures, health dilemmas, and the critical need for empathic and comprehensive healthcare for all women, regardless of their body size. So, brace yourself as we navigate this complex terrain in our latest episode.

Here is the article Chris refers to:  

1. Situating the Father: Strengthening Interdisciplinary Collaborations between Sociology, History and the Emerging POHaD Paradigm

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

Ever grappled with the understanding of how your personal narrative could shape historical perspectives? This episode takes you on a journey through the untold stories of infertility, alongside Dr Sianan Healy, a historian at La Trobe University. She walks us through her personal experiences with infertility, which have been the bedrock of her research. She also highlights the importance of individual narratives in examining the complexities of infertility.

The conversation goes deeper as we explore Sianan's ground-breaking research paper - 'Broken Bodies, Oral Histories of Infertility After Women's Liberation Movement.' Through her research, we understand the emotional depth of personal stories and the challenges of interpreting them. As we navigate the changing dynamics of women's agency in the IVF industry, we also examine the profound impacts of the IVF process on women's mental and physical health. We also scrutinize the silence around miscarriage and how it negatively affects women's health.

Finally, this episode underscores the urgent need for improved women's health education. We discuss the societal devaluation of motherhood and the complexities of reproductive identity, and their lasting impacts on women's sense of self. Tune in to this poignant conversation as we unravel the complexities of infertility, miscarriage, and women's health. It's more than just a discussion; it's an invitation to contribute to the narrative that shapes our understanding of these crucial issues.

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

We take a moment to honor the memory of two profound contributors to the bioethics community, the late Dr Henry Kilham and Professor Miles Little. Their significant impacts on the ethical and medical landscapes, particularly in Australia, have shaped the ways we navigate difficult conversations. We also mark that is has been a year since Courtney's death. 

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, we consider the immense burdens borne by medical professionals in these conflict zones. With the Australian government's refusal to support a ceasefire, we discuss the implications this has on the ground. Here, the concept of 'grievable bodies' and 'grievable lives' comes to the fore.  Stay tuned for our next episode on infertility, releasing later this week.

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

Ready for an enlightening journey through the intricate world of 19th-century popular phrenology? Prepare to be captivated as we chat with historian, writer, and heritage consultant, Dr. Alexandra Roginski. Together, we unravel the mysteries of this once-beloved, now discredited science and the profound impact it had on our understanding of the human mind. Along the way, we'll unearth fascinating tales from Australia's phrenology scene, ethical quandaries of modern tech applications, and the puzzling case of Russian 'fat heads'.

As we traverse the history of this intriguing science, we'll explore the complexities of medical pluralism and the gender challenges prevalent in 19th-century medical practices. From the peculiarities of skull shapes to the commodification of Aboriginal remains, Dr. Roginski guides us through a riveting narrative of early cerebral localization. Together, we discover how this now discredited, but once popular, science intersected with ethno-ethnography and anthropology, causing ripples that would change our view of the mind forever.

In the final stretch of our journey, we discuss the rise and pitfalls of the wellness culture, the ethical implications surrounding the commercial use of AI and fMRI machines, and the power dynamics within wellness and spiritual practices. Uncover how wellness gurus pivot from one dodgy dealing to another, the sensationalism surrounding the 'fallen guru', and the dangers of misreading the situations we walk into. Listening to this episode promises to leave you with a newfound perspective, not just on the history of phrenology and wellness culture, but on the human mind itself. So, why wait? Tune in and let's embark on this mind-boggling journey together!

**The above was produced via AI**

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

[FYI the below is an AI generated program description - lol]

Wondering how industry funding could potentially sway the direction of research? Stroll with us into the labyrinth of the University of Sydney's new Centre of Excellence in Gambling Research, partly supported by companies from the world of wagering. Listen as we peel back the layers of this complex relationship, shining a light on the possible implications, bias, and the ambiguity of the "social license" that these companies might be seeking.

Strap in as we pivot towards the stormy seas of research ethics and accountability. Our focus narrows on the intriguing case of Professor Smyth, weathering allegations of bullying and intimidation. We question the environments that incubate such conduct and the ripple effects on co-authors and fellow researchers when misconduct accusations surface. How does the return of grant funding fit into this turbulent picture, you ask? Join us, as we probe beneath the surface.

Lastly, we steer towards the intriguing world of personalized healthcare and celebrity influence on health narratives. Ponder with us on the costs, risks, and potential for over-diagnosis of full-body scans, and the paradox of quality data access. Together, we'll examine the yawning gap between those who can afford such treatments and those who cannot. We'll also question the impact of celebrities as health influencers, and the potential fallout of their messages. So, buckle up and prepare for an absorbing discussion on these vital issues!

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

Prepare yourself for an enlightening exploration as we traverse the complex intersections of weight stigma, obesity, and the pharmaceutical industry with our distinguished guest, Dr. Patty Thille, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Manitoba.  Dr. Thille shares her unique insights into the insidious presence of weight stigma in healthcare, offering a fascinating narrative that spans from her formative years in women's studies to her current research at the crossroads of healthcare and social sciences.

We shine a light on the far-reaching implications of weight stigma in influential sectors such as healthcare, education, and legal systems. Uncover the disturbing realities of how this stigma can result in status loss, discrimination, and, at times, misdiagnoses within healthcare.

We discuss medicalization and pharmaceuticalization of weight,  examine the historical perception of weight as a social problem, and dissect the rhetoric surrounding the modern 'obesity epidemic'. This paradigm shift has cleared the way for pharmaceuticals to position themselves as the magic bullet for weight issues. As we navigate this complex landscape, we reflect on the potential repercussions of this pharmaceutical-centric approach.

In the last leg of our journey, we discuss Canadian and Australian obesity strategies, highlighting their shortcomings in addressing social factors while overemphasizing lifestyle changes. The role of financial conflicts of interest between pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals in shaping obesity guidelines is another area we delve into. Our conversations extend to the marketing strategies of weight loss drugs and their potential implications on public health. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your understanding deepened, as we unravel the intricate tapestry of weight stigma and obesity in healthcare with Dr. Patty Thille. Join us in this thought-provoking episode.

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" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com