Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Navigating Chronic Pain and Pseudoscientific Treatments: A Deep Dive

The podcast episode features a conversation centered around the challenges and misconceptions in treating chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and ADHD. Topics covered include the shortcomings of mainstream medicine, supply issues of necessary medications, and the appeal of pseudoscientific treatments. Discussions extend to alternative therapies like EMDR for PTSD, their scientific validity, and potential psychological benefits. The episode critiques pseudoscientific grifts in wellness industries, emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medical approaches, and shares personal anecdotes to underline the significance of comprehensive, scientifically grounded care. The conversation concludes by advocating for skepticism over cynicism and the ethical duty of clinicians to empower patients with accurate information.

00:00 Introduction and Patient Case Study
00:05 Challenges with Fibromyalgia and ADHD
00:31 Alternative Medicine and Root Causes
01:43 Mainstream Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine
03:08 Exploring EMDR Therapy
03:54 The Purple Hat Metaphor
05:15 Debate on EMDR's Effectiveness
08:05 Neuroimaging and Mental Health Diagnosis
11:54 Critique of Alternative Pain Models
16:55 Red Flags in Evaluating Therapies
19:08 Personal Story and Motivation
22:14 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Navigating Mental Health and Chronic Illness: Cutting Through Pseudoscience with Dr. Jonathan Stea

In this episode, clinical psychologist and science communicator Dr. Jonathan Stea joins the show to discuss the intersection of chronic illness and mental health. As an advocate against pseudoscience, Dr. Stea offers insights on identifying and avoiding predatory wellness trends while finding effective, evidence-based treatments. Highlighting the multifaceted reasons why people turn to alternative therapies, Dr. Stea emphasizes the importance of accurate information and ethical healthcare practices. The conversation addresses the proliferation of pseudoscientific diagnoses and the complex factors contributing to misinformation in the wellness industry.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating the Maze of Mental Health and Wellness
00:20 Meet Dr. Jonathan Stea: Separating Fact from Fiction
00:46 The Rise of Alternative Therapies
04:26 Understanding the Appeal of Pseudoscience
05:57 The Cognitive and Social Factors at Play
10:58 The Allure of Integrative and Functional Medicine
18:24 The Harmful Impact of Pseudoscience
19:57 Common Pseudoscientific Practices in Mental Health
21:47 The Danger of Fake Diagnoses
23:57 Conclusion: The Need for Evidence-Based Understanding

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Unmasking Medical Misinformation with Scott Carney

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of health, wellness, and medical misinformation with Scott Carney, a medical anthropologist and investigative journalist. Scott shares his journey from academia to mainstream journalism, exposing fraudulent practices in the wellness industry. The conversation navigates the challenges of differentiating evidence-based medicine from pseudoscientific claims, the rise of wellness gurus exploiting vulnerable populations, and the complex nature of health solutions in the digital age. Scott reveals the manipulative tactics of influencers like Mark Hyman and products like AG1, highlighting the psychological and financial pitfalls of believing in unproven therapies. The discussion also addresses the broader implications of this trend, including the erosion of trust in legitimate authorities and the increasing difficulty of finding reliable health information online. Scott advocates for critical thinking, skepticism, and staying informed to avoid falling prey to health scams.

00:00 Introduction to Scott Carney
01:00 Scott Carney's Background and Career
02:04 The Wellness Industry and Evidence-Based Medicine
03:59 Challenges in Evaluating Medical Claims
04:52 Historical Medical Practices and Modern Misconceptions
07:11 The Internet's Role in Health Misinformation
12:57 Functional Medicine and Its Pitfalls
19:44 The Business of Health Influencers
22:42 Case Study: Athletic Greens (AG1)
31:48 The Future of Health Information and Skepticism
39:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Click here for the YouTube channel

International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers.

Support the show

When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...