The Dose

CBC

A weekly look at the health news that matters to you. Dr. Brian Goldman brings you the best science from top experts in plain language. He cuts through the BS and confusion to give you a dose of smart advice that you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes every Thursday.

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21 episodes
weekly
Avg 27 min
English

Episodes 21

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Thursday · 20 min
Psychiatric labels — why some people want one!
Social media is filled with people discussing their mental health symptoms, often encouraging others to consider getting a diagnostic label as well. Dr. Gail Beck, a child psychiatrist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, says experts like her are seeing more young patients seeking a diagnosis, while others are asking about neurodivergence. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="
August 13 · 47 min
The Dose Summer Special 2026: Beyond the Hype
The Dose is currently on a summer break, but we wanted to feature some of our favourite shows while we’re away. This week, we've put together two episodes where we explore the science behind two popular wellness trends, including: What's the real evidence on injectable peptides and What do we know so far about psilocybin as a medical treatment? Have a listen. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1
July 16 · 51 min
The Dose Summer Special 2026: Figuring Out Food
This week, we’re revisiting two episodes that tackle big questions about weight management and nutrition: How healthy is eating one meal a day? And, how should you adapt your diet while taking GLP-1 drugs? We explore what the evidence says about these popular approaches and what they mean for your health. For more episodes of this podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dose/id1498259551 " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click this link.</a>
June 18 · 26 min
How might a social media ban affect my child's mental health?
Canada's Bill C-34 aims to restrict social media access for people under the age of 16. Supporters say it could help reduce rising rates of depression, anxiety and social isolation. But Dr. Shimi Kang, a psychiatrist and clinical associate professor at UBC, says the proposed restrictions need more clarity, noting that social media can also help marginalized young people find support. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-
June 11 · 26 min
How can I stay healthy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Toronto and Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but what does that mean for public health? Dr. Michelle Murti, medical officer of health for Toronto Public Health, says her team has planned for everything from infectious diseases to heat to food safety, and will be ready when the games kick off. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" re
June 4 · 24 min
What do I need to know about the Ebola virus?
An Ebola outbreak coursing through the Democratic Republic of Congo has experts worried it might rival the worst outbreak in history. Dr. Joanne Liu was president of Doctors Without Borders during that deadly 2014 outbreak in West Africa. As countries like Canada suspend travel from Congo, Liu says border closures don't help mitigate the spread of disease — only treating Ebola can.  For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/
May 28 · 27 min
What are the latest tick-borne diseases in Canada?
As ticks and tick-borne diseases rise across Canada due to warmer weather, experts are warning about two invasive species: the lone star and Asian longhorned ticks. Entomologist Jade Savage, creator and director of the <a href="https://etick.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eTick monitoring platform</a>, says authorities are closely tracking them. In the meantime, she gives practical steps we can take to reduce the risk of tick bites. For our episode on anaplasm
May 21 · 26 min
Should I be worried about my red eyes?
From seasonal allergies to infections, red eyes can have many causes. University of Calgary ophthalmologist Dr. Helen Chung talks about what’s behind eye redness, when drops can help, and when it’s time to see a doctor. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lnk.to/dose-transcripts.</a> Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the nex
May 14 · 22 min
Why do I need to know about Legionnaires' disease?
Toronto and Hamilton are experiencing outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Infectious diseases physician Dr. Isaac Bogoch says it spreads through natural, as well as artificial water systems, like cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing, so it's important that buildings are up to code. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="noo
May 7 · 24 min
What do I need to know about hantavirus?
Three people have died after a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, and several others are seriously ill. While hantaviruses are typically carried by rodents and rarely infect humans, health officials are investigating the cases. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Zain Chagla explains what you need to know about hantavirus and how to avoid infection.  For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-liste
April 30 · 24 min
What should I know about ibogaine?
Psychedelics are a hot topic, and a drug called ibogaine is receiving attention after a recent shoutout from U.S. President Donald Trump. University of Calgary psychedelics researcher Leah Mayo explains what ibogaine is, and why limited high-quality research has her hesitant to recommend it. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lnk.to/dose-
April 23 · 26 min
What can erectile dysfunction say about men’s health?
Erectile dysfunction is commonly thought of as a sexual health issue, but experts say the condition can reveal a lot about men's health. Dr. Dean Elterman, a urologist at the University Health Network in Toronto, says ED can be connected to a host of other health problems including diabetes and heart disease. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_b
April 16 · 24 min
What can a full-body MRI actually tell me about my health?
Some private clinics in Canada are offering whole-body MRIs that can run thousands of dollars. They claim these scans can detect a range of issues, and can find cancers in the early stages. Dr. Iain Kirkpatrick, the head of radiology at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, explains what a whole-body MRI can - and can’t - tell you about your health. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel
April 9 · 24 min
Why are young women more likely to tear their ACL and what can they do about it?
Young female athletes are considerably more likely to tear their anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACLs, than young men. Dr. Marie-Lyne Nault is an orthopedic surgeon and researcher specializing in pediatric sports medicine in Montreal. She explains why the risk is higher, and how women and teens can significantly reduce the risk of a tear. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="
April 2 · 24 min
What do I need to know about meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially lethal bacterial infection. Two young people died in a recent outbreak in the U.K. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch explains what you need to know about this disease and how to protect yourself. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lnk.to/dose-transcripts</a>. Transcripts of each epi
March 26 · 24 min
What do we know so far about psilocybin as a medical treatment?
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, shows promise for treating depression and other mental health conditions. Dr. Joshua Rosenblat, a psychiatrist and researcher at the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, explains the latest research and its potential for future treatments—though it's still illegal in Canada.
March 19 · 22 min
What's the real evidence on injectable peptides?
Wellness influencers on social media are touting injectable peptides as a new wonder drug, claiming compounds like BPC-157 can improve muscle strength, boost recovery times and even increase longevity. But University of Alberta health misinformation expert Tim Caulfield says the evidence doesn’t support the hype, and warns people against injecting unregulated substances. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-tra
March 12 · 24 min
How should I tailor my diet while taking GLP-1 drugs?
A recent survey found roughly three million Canadians are taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The drugs can reduce appetite and cravings, and could also affect the body’s fat and muscle stores. Jennifer Brown, director of program innovation at Obesity Canada and a registered dietitian, says people on GLP-1 drugs may need to be more intentional about what they eat — from protein and micronutrients to fibre and fluids. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit:&
March 5 · 27 min
What's the latest stem cell research?
Researchers in Canada and around the world are exploring ways stem cells could help treat conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's and heart disease, but the hype sometimes outpaces the science. Neurosurgeon and researcher Dr. Sheila Singh of McMaster University and King’s College London explains what stem cells can—and can’t—do, including why they’re no miracle cure for aging. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-tran
February 26 · 24 min
What should people who’ve never smoked know about lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Canada, and a growing number of never-smokers are getting diagnosed. Dr. Nicole Ezer, director of McGill University Health Centre's lung cancer screening centre, explains why this is happening and how workplace and environmental exposures may be contributing. For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-dose-transcripts-listen-1.6732281" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lnk.to

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