The Doc Talk Podcast

34. Season 2 Finale: All Your GLP-1 Questions Answered

Episode Overview In this season finale, Dr. Shaz and Dr. Sheila answer your most pressing questions about GLP-1 medications and peptides from safety and side effects to menopause, mental health, and the exciting frontier of emerging research. Whether you're brand new to the Ozempic conversation or already on a GLP-1 and hitting a plateau, this episode covers it all. We Cover: GLP-1 Basics * What GLP-1 stands for and how it works as a natural gut hormone * Why these medications are so much more powerful than your body's own GLP-1 * Why GLP-1s are having a cultural moment right now — and what the science actually says * Peptides explained: what they are, how they differ from approved GLP-1 medications, and why the regulatory and safety picture is more complex Your Questions Answered:  We collected your incredible questions from safety to duration, microdosing, what happens if you plateau and the potential benefits of these medications beyond weight loss.   This episode marks the end of an incredible season. Thank you so much for listening, for sending in your questions, and for trusting us with your health conversations. We'll see you in Season 3. This season is brought to you by FIGS: scrubs, compression socks, work bags, and loungewear for healthcare workers and beyond. Use code FIGSDOCTALK at wearfigs.com [https://wearfigs.com/] for 20% off your first order. Connect With Us:  Follow us on social: @thedoctalkpod [https://www.instagram.com/thedoctalkpod/] Like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen Disclaimer: The Doc Talk is for general informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your personal healthcare provider. Shaz and Sheila are doctors, but they are not your doctor.

33. Who’s Lying About Your Health?

In this episode, we’re tackling a question that feels increasingly common and increasingly urgent: If you don’t have a family doctor and you’re getting your health advice online, how do you know who to trust? With nearly nine in ten Canadians turning to the internet for health information, this isn’t surprising. Access to care is limited for many, and people are looking for answers wherever they can find them. But what we’re seeing in clinic and in the ER is that misinformation is no longer harmless. It’s changing decisions and, in some cases, causing real harm. We walk through some of the myths we’re actually hearing from patients right now, from vaginal steaming and detoxes to high-dose vitamin D, “natural” cancer cures, and ongoing fears around vaccines and fertility. These conversations aren’t theoretical. They’re showing up in delayed diagnoses, complications from supplements, and patients stopping medications that were protecting them from serious outcomes. This episode isn’t about shaming people for going online. It’s about understanding why they’re there in the first place, and giving you practical tools to navigate that space more safely. We talk about the red flags to watch for, what credible information actually looks like, and why confidence and popularity don’t equal accuracy. At its core, this is bigger than individual choices. Health misinformation is a public health issue. It affects trust, access, and outcomes, especially for communities already facing barriers to care. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to believe, this episode is for you.  Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.  Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod [https://www.instagram.com/thedoctalkpod/?hl=en] and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Pitt – Season 2 Finale: What It Got Right…and What It Missed

In this special episode, we take a deeper look at the Season 2 finale of The Pitt. Rather than a full recap, we focus on the major medical storyline and the bigger themes the episode tries to tackle, including what it gets right, what it doesn’t, and what it reflects about real-life medicine. We break down the case of preeclampsia progressing to eclampsia, discuss the realities of neonatal resuscitation, and explore the portrayal of burnout in healthcare, and why it deserves a more direct conversation. We also reflect on key character arcs and what they reveal about the emotional cost of working in emergency medicine. In this episode, we discuss: * Preeclampsia and eclampsia: recognition, escalation, and management * HELLP syndrome and maternal risk * Resuscitative hysterotomy (perimortem C-section): when and why it’s done * Neonatal resuscitation (NRP): key steps and where the show missed the mark * Physician health: Dr. Al’s seizure disorder and implications for practice * Burnout in healthcare: what it actually looks like and why it’s more than “just being tired” * Character reflections: Robby, Whittaker, Mohan, Javadi, and Mel & Santos A note on burnout and mental health in healthcare Burnout, moral injury, and mental health struggles are common in medicine, particularly in high-intensity environments like emergency departments. These experiences are not a personal failure; they are often the result of systemic pressures combined with emotionally demanding work. If you are a healthcare worker and you are struggling, you are not alone - and support is available. Mental Health & Suicide Support Resources (Healthcare Workers) Canada * Talk Suicide Canada Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential) * Canadian Medical Association Physician Wellness Hub Resources for physicians and learners, including mental health supports and crisis tools * Canadian Nurses Association Wellness Resources Mental health and resilience resources for nurses and healthcare teams * Provincial Physician Health Programs (PHPs) Confidential support services available in every province (e.g., Alberta Physician & Family Support Program) United States * National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 (24/7) * Physician Support Line 1-888-409-0141 (free, confidential peer support by physicians, daily) Global  * International Academy of Physician Associate Educators Wellness Resources * Many hospitals and health systems offer confidential Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) If you’re in immediate distress Please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line in your region. Follow us on social media at @thedoctalkpod [https://www.instagram.com/thedoctalkpod/] and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

32. HPV Positive — Now What?

HPV is common. Cancer is not inevitable.  In this episode, we break down Human Papillomavirus (HPV), what it actually means if your test is positive, and how vaccination and screening can prevent most HPV-related cancers. About 75–80% of sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point. Most infections clear on their own. But certain high-risk strains can persist and increase cancer risk over time. In Canada, approximately 1,550 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and about 400 die annually (Canadian Cancer Society). Almost all cases are linked to HPV and are largely preventable. In this episode, we cover: * What HPV is (and isn’t) * What happens after a positive test * Who should get the vaccine and whether it’s ever too late * Changes to cervical cancer screening in Canada We also clear up common myths and explain how to move from panic to prevention. If you’ve ever received an HPV-positive result and worried, this one’s for you.  Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com [https://www.wearfigs.com/].  Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.  Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod [https://www.instagram.com/thedoctalkpod/?hl=en] and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.

31. What Should You Actually Feed Your Kids?

Feeding kids has become one of the most overwhelming parts of parenting. In this episode, we cut through the noise on starting solids, picky eating, supplements, and the growing confusion around sugar and ultra-processed foods.  We’re joined by Registered Dietitian Nita Sharda (Happy Healthy Eaters [https://www.instagram.com/happyhealthyeaters/]) to break down what the evidence actually says and how to apply it in real life. What we cover: * Baby-led weaning vs spoon-feeding What it is, what the evidence shows, and how to approach it safely * Starting solids Nutritional priorities in early feeding and practical first food guidance Safe introduction of common allergens including peanut, egg and dairy * Iron and vitamin D When supplementation is needed vs food-based approaches Signs kids may not be meeting requirements * Picky eating What’s developmentally normal vs concerning Strategies to reduce mealtime stress and support variety How to think about “enough” intake and growth * Nutrition misinformation Common myths circulating online and how to identify credible sources * Added sugar What the evidence says about timing and amounts in childhood * Ultra-processed foods What they are, why they matter and how to approach them realistically Guest: Nita Sharda, Registered Dietitian and co-founder of Happy Healthy Eaters, shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support family nutrition. Connect with Nita: Instagram: @nita_sharda [https://www.instagram.com/nita_sharda/] Instagram: @happyhealthyeaters [https://www.instagram.com/happyhealthyeaters/] Thank you to our sponsor, FIGS. If you work in health care (or love someone who does), you know how important comfort and function are. Use code FIGSDOCTALK for 20% off your first order at wearfigs.com [https://www.wearfigs.com/].  Disclaimer A reminder that The Doc Talk is for general information purposes only. This podcast is not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor. While we are doctors, we are not your doctor. Always speak to your own healthcare provider for questions related to your personal health needs.  Follow us on social media @thedoctalkpod [https://www.instagram.com/thedoctalkpod/?hl=en] and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts.