Episode 204: ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ and Belle Gibson / Measles

Today, after a brief discussion of shows Ali and Asif have been watching lately – including ‘One Day’ and ‘Adolescence’ (as well as shows they bailed on… ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The White Lotus’) – they discuss ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ and Belle Gibson (7:43). They go over Belle Gibson’s rise from Instagram “Wellness Warrior” to being exposed as faking having brain cancer. They then discuss the Netflix TV show based on Belle Gibson’s story ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’. They discuss how the show weaves in Belle’s story with the fictionalized character of Milla who is closely based on Jessica Ainscough, a prominent Australian influencer who billed herself as Wellness Warrior who did in fact have cancer. They then give their thoughts on the show including Kaityn Dever’s amazing performance.

Then, based on the recent outbreaks in North America, Ali asks Asif about Measles (26:48). Asif talks about what it is and how it is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. Asif then talks about who is at risk of contracting measles including the unvaccinated, children under age 1 year and the immunocompromised. Asif goes over the symptoms and the potential fatal complications. He then goes over how it is treated. Then Ali asks Asif about the reasons for declining vaccination rates.

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

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Show Notes:

• Unmasking Belle Gibson: The real story of the infamous wellness scammer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fahOX8VBXCc
• The Cancer Scams That Foreshadowed MAHA: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-cancer-scams-that-foreshadowed-maha
• The Search for Instagram’s Worse Con Artist: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81987249
• The rise and fall of the wellness warriors: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(18)30207-9/abstract
• A play-by-play of how measles outbreaks can spiral out of control: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/measles-second-opinion-march-2025-1.7476500
• Ask an expert: Why are we seeing measles outbreaks across Canada and who should get vaccinated? https://www.dal.ca/news/2025/03/27/measles-outbreak-expert.html
• Measles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448068/
• Measles vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-12-measles-vaccine.html