Hello,

This chat, I wouldn't say it's a dip my toes in the democratic waters sort of chat. It's more of a what's on my mind sort of chat. Our worldly concerns, something to be concerned about to ask me! I pray in my "own way" that we together as a "global community" do better as we go, future generations, they depend on us!

The picture, I got bored one even years ago so I scribbled it down on a piece of A4 paper.

Regards Dion,

Peace to you and all "including all our future loved ones as yet to come 👉🌍✌️👈

Delicate Times We Live In In A Defund This Hoax That Sort Of Way

AI Proves Social Media Is Destroying Us | Karel Cast 25-112

AI just confirmed what we already feared: social media is toxic by design. Platforms aren’t about connection — they’re echo chambers of rage, built to make us hate-scroll, click ads, and consume endless misinformation.

Even more shocking? Scientists tested a social media network made entirely of bots. They tried fixes like chronological feeds, flagging, and more. The results were horrifying — rage, division, and chaos spread no matter what. Add to that Russia’s ongoing disinformation war (with MAGA as their prime audience), and the dangers of these platforms become crystal clear.

Meanwhile, many liberals feel trapped in a USA they don’t recognize, but remain docile instead of revolting. Why? Have people given up hope for change?

Plus, it’s Pet Peeve Day — let’s talk about the little things that drive us crazy.

🔥 Join me on today’s episode of The Karel Cast as we dig into the AI experiments, the broken promise of social media, and why America feels so stuck.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and support the show at patreon.com/reallykarel.

#AISocialMedia, #SocialMediaToxic, #Misinformation, #EchoChamber, #RussiaDisinformation, #MAGA, #PoliticalCommentary, #UnfilteredTruth, #KarelCast, #DigitalAddiction, #HateScrolling, #OnlineRage, #AlgorithmBias, #AIExperiment, #SocialMediaCrisis, #PetPeeves, #PoliticalDivide, #WakeUpCall, #TechAndSociety, #LikeAndSubscribe

AI Proves Social Media Is Destroying Us | Karel Cast 25-112

In August 2024, unrest swept across the UK after the tragic killings in Southport, fuelled by online misinformation and weaponised fears about migration. In Bristol, the tension erupted in Castle Park and outside the Mercure Hotel, where asylum seekers were housed. The police presence was thin. The danger was real. And yet, what happened next was extraordinary, ordinary Bristolians put their bodies on the line to defend their neighbours.

We Don’t Do That Here is a one-hour audio documentary from Bristol's community radio stations - BCfm and Ujima, weaving together multiple in-depth interviews with those who lived it: refugees inside the hotel with their children, activists and local residents on the streets, police officers, youth workers, charity leaders, journalists, and community broadcasters. Their voices reveal the fear of that week, the courage of those who stood in solidarity, and the deep divisions that surfaced under pressure.

The programme also investigates the powerful role of media and misinformation, such as how a single false claim spiralled into riots, how national outlets inflamed stereotypes, and how community radio and grassroots networks became lifelines of truth. Listeners hear not just about what happened, but why, and what it tells us about Britain in an age of polarisation.

Above all, this is a story of resilience. From smiles through hotel windows to grandmothers holding banners, from grassroots charities to city-wide counter-protests, Bristol’s communities demonstrated that hate would not go unchallenged. This documentary asks: what does it take to keep a city safe, welcoming, and united, and what can the rest of the country learn?

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors:
Muneera Pilgrim – Creative and Broadcaster
Roger Ball – Academic Researcher
Anonymous – Afghan Asylum Seeker
Jim (Not real name) - Bristol Anti-Fascists
Serena Sergeant – Avon & Somserset Police
Desmond Brown – Growing Futures CIC
Olivia Lamont Bishop – Borderlands Bristol
Maya Mate-Kole – Mwanzo Project

Producers: Marcus Smith & Miranda Rae
Sound Design: George Colwey
Photo Credit: Simon Holliday
Funding: Bristol City Council

We Don't Do That Here

What Would Butch & Sundance Say about the Trouble We're In?

Pregnancy pain is common, often dismissed, and rarely easy to manage. At the same time, recent headlines have stirred anxiety by suggesting that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy may be linked to autism. These claims spread quickly online, leaving many parents-to-be with more questions than answers.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, host Lauren Lavin talks with Dr. Julie Vignato, assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing and a leading researcher on pain in pregnancy. Dr. Vignato brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mother, helping us unpack what the science actually says, where misinformation creeps in, and how healthcare providers and public health communicators can share clearer messages.

Topics discussed include:

-Why pregnancy pain is too often under-treated and misunderstood
-What the evidence shows about acetaminophen and NSAIDs during pregnancy
-How a large Swedish “sibling study” helps rule out Tylenol as a cause of autism
-The role of maternal guilt, stigma, and communication in shaping these conversations
-Practical advice for both pregnant people and healthcare providers navigating pain management
-How to identify trustworthy evidence and avoid misinformation online


Resources mentioned in this episode:

-Swedish sibling study on acetaminophen and autism: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406 
-Cochrane Library – Plain language reviews: https://www.cochrane.org/evidence 
-Dr. Vignato’s study on OTC pain relievers during pregnancy: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406 


A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-tylenol-pain-in-pregnancy/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #pregnancy #autism #pain #painmanagement #healthcare #acetaminophen #NSAIDs #maternalhealth #evidence #misinformation

Tylenol & Pain in Pregnancy - Following the Evidence with Dr. Julie Vignato

Trust in traditional public health systems is eroding. At the same time, health misinformation - and disinformation - is spreading faster than ever, reshaping how Canadians view and interpret  science and health care.

The 2025 Health and Media Annual Tracking Survey, commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), found that 43% of Canadians are highly susceptible to health misinformation. The impact of this is significant with 37% having acted on online medical advice because they couldn’t access a family doctor, and nearly one in four experiencing negative health outcomes as a result.

The damage isn’t limited to physical health. Misinformation is also driving stress and fear — with 43% of Canadians reporting anxiety or mental distress linked to the spread of false or misleading health information.

The first of a series on the topic, in this episode of Santis Health’s podcast, Santis senior advisor Avis Favaro sits down with Dr. Brendan Carr, Senior Vice President, Management Consulting, and Dr. Joss Reimer, physician and former president of the CMA. Together, they unpack what’s driving the decline in trust in institutions and traditional sources of health information, the role of misinformation, disinformation and what can be done to rebuild confidence in science and care delivery.

This episode is for decision-makers who see trust not as lost, but as something we can rebuild — paving the way for stronger relationships and healthier communities.

--

Avis Favaro, Senior Advisor, Santis Health
Avis Favaro is an acclaimed medical journalist with decades of experience. As a Senior Advisor at Santis Health, Avis leverages her extensive background in uncovering and reporting on stories that matter to Canadians. Avis leads Santis' media and presentation training programming. 

Dr. Brendan Carr, Senior Vice President, National Practice Lead, Management Consulting, Santis Health
Dr. Brendan Carr is a distinguished health system leader who served as the President & CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, William Osler Health System, and Island Health in British Columbia. He brings an array of expertise in strategic health system leadership and governance with a focus on improving outcomes and rethinking the delivery of care. Dr. Carr’s vast experience in enacting positive improvements and large scale initiatives make him uniquely-suited to providing guidance to Santis clients in the areas of stakeholder engagement, transformation, and strategic implementation.

Dr. Joss Reimer, Past President, Canadian Medical Association & Chief Medical Officer, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Dr. Joss Reimer is past president of the Canadian Medical Association and chief medical officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She is an expert in public health, health communications, health equity and immunizations. She was also the medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce and spent nine years as director of population health at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Reimer practices maternity care and has received awards such as Humanitarian of the Year by Doctors Manitoba and holds the King Charles III Coronation and Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals.   She completed her medical training at the University of Manitoba and McMaster University and holds a master’s in public health focused on health communication.


Trust in Science:  Confronting Misinformation, Rebuilding Confidence

When a mumps outbreak hits a small progressive school in Berkeley, California, parents who once agreed on everything find themselves suddenly divided. Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, uses humor and heart to explore the messy intersection of personal choice, public health, and community trust.

In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, we talk with Kathleen Johnson, Director of Outreach and Education at Riverside Theatre and the director of Eureka Day in Iowa City. Kathleen shares how the production connects with real-world public health issues—especially vaccine hesitancy and communication across different beliefs—and why theater can sometimes say what data alone can’t.

From PTA politics to social media comment sections, this conversation dives into how we navigate disagreement, how empathy shapes public dialogue, and what it means to keep communities healthy and connected.

Show link: https://riversidetheatre.org/eurekaday/

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-when-public-health-takes-the-stage/

Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu

You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

#publichealth #riverside #theatre #iowacity #vaccines #healthcare #outbreaks #community #personalchoice #evidence #misinformation #politics

Eureka Day: Public Health Takes the Stage

This video is the first in my three-part mini-series for Menopause Awareness Month, where I’m tackling some of the most common — and most confusing — questions about hormones in midlife. 
In this first episode, we’re diving into whether we should take estrogen replacement in perimenopause: 
✨ When to consider it 
✨ Why we have symptoms some days not others 
✨ What form of estradiol replacement is appropriate for perimenopause 
✨ What the latest science reveals about its role in easing symptoms and supporting long-term health.
 There’s a lot of fear and misinformation out there, and my goal is simple: to bring clarity over confusion, so you can make informed, confident decisions about your body. Watch this first part now, and stay tuned for the next two episodes in the series: 
1️⃣ Progesterone After Hysterectomy 
2️⃣ Testosterone for Women in Menopause If you find this helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend — because the more we talk about menopause, the less mysterious it becomes. 
✨ Learn more about our programs: 
🔹 Health & Hormone Optimization Consultations → https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/on-hormone-consultations/ 
🔹 Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) → https://completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/on-mht-including-pellets/

Should I Take Estrogen in Perimenopause?

Explore the psychology of misinformation: how fake news and political rumors exploit cognitive bias and media manipulation—and simple steps to spot the truth.

Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Adam Berinsky, author and the Mitsui Professor of Political Science at MIT.

Our Proud Sponsor - 

Signos—Offers the world’s first FDA-cleared AI-driven app and CGM for weight management and wellness that turns data into lasting habits for better health. Visit www.Signos.com and use promo code HHTR to get $10 off select plans.


Public Perception: The Psychology Behind Public Acceptance of Misinformation & Political Rumors with Adam Berinsky PhD

A new survey reveals that Americans across the political spectrum are increasingly concerned about the rise of misinformation. In fact, a strong majority of California residents believe misinformation is more widespread now than during the last presidential election.

How can we separate fact from fiction? Tune in to hear Jason Alderman, Managing Director of Smart News, share insights on cutting through the noise to find the truth.
www.smartnews.com

Moments with Marianne Radio Show airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate!  https://www.kmet1490am.com 

For more show information visit: https://www.mariannepestana.com/


Navigating Today's Information Storm with Jason Alderman

Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio with Lisa Cypers Kamen brings to the airwaves a fresh talk radio approach promoting happiness, well-being and global human flourishing by presenting a diverse and proactive collection of the greatest thinkers and doers who have devoted their lives to creating a better world in which to live.


In a single moment your life can change!  “Moments with Marianne” is a transformative hour that covers an endless array of topics with the ‘best of the best.’ Her guest are leaders in their fields, ranging from inspirational authors, top industry leaders, business and spiritual entrepreneurs.  Each guest is gifted, and a true visionary!  A recognized leader in her own work, and while teaching others to develop, refocus, and grow; Marianne will bring the best guest, and sometimes a special surprise.  Don’t miss this – you never know just which ‘moment’ will change your life forever.

Community Radio for Bristol.

BCfm promotes community cohesion and well-being by providing an engaging and challenging audio experience. We use a mix of talk and music shows to inform, educate and entertain.

There are 60+ weekly shows broadcasting 24 hours a day in different languages, including Polish, Somali, Arabic and Spanish.

#LoveBristol #LoveBCfm

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is a top-ranked school of public health, meeting the public health challenges of the 21st century through education, research, outreach, and community engagement.

The best progressive talk right here, on demand. Always Progressive, Always On!

From the Burgundy Chairs is a podcast for health system leaders created by Santis Health. Bringing you insight, understanding, and thoughtful discussion on the issues affecting Canada’s health system, From the Burgundy Chairs will take you beyond the immediacy of the daily news cycle to untangle some of the health sector’s most intractable problems.

Meet Dr. Susan, a renowned Board-Certified Gynecologist and Certified Menopause Practitioner through the Menopause Society (former NAMS), focused on hormone optimization, sexual wellness, and longevity. She's the pioneering force behind the Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, TX, and the best-selling author of "Sexually Woke." Tune into her engaging podcast, "Empowering Midlife Wellness," for insightful conversations. Boasting numerous accolades, including the Texas Super Doctor award and being consistently rated among Houston's top gynecologists, Dr. Susan combines her medical expertise with her passion as an ICF-certified life and leadership coach. Outside the clinic, she's a fitness enthusiast, marathon runner, Ironman triathlete, and mother of three young adults. Join her YouTube channel for empowering wellness strategies designed for midlife and beyond.

Content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical or mental health condition, and before undertaking any diet, dietary supplement, exercise, or other health program.

New tracks tagged #misinformation