Maintenance Phase
Episodes
Raw Milk
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Once widely banned, raw milk consumption is on the rise and states are repealing their bans. No one’s happier about that than the far right. How did...
The Food Babe
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One blogger bravely pushes back against Starbucks, Subway and basic scientific facts.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonWatch Aubrey's docu...
Seed Oils
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why are you, as a man, afraid of sunflowers.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonWatch Aubrey's documentaryBuy Aubrey's bookListen to Mi...
Herbalife
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re talking about our first diet MLM and IT’S A REAL DOOZY!Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonWatch Aubrey's documentaryBuy Aubrey&ap...
Ultra-Processed Foods
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone agrees that processed foods are bad for you. When it comes to defining what they actually are, however, there is considerably less agreement....
BONUS: MAHA's First 90 Days
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From our Patreon feed, we're catching up with RFK Jr. and his cadre of "Make America Healthy Again" influencers.Support us:Hear bonus e...
The Bulletproof Diet
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Meet the tech bro on a noble quest to double his lifespan, improve his productivity and irritate his waitress. Support us:Hear bonus episodes on Pat...
Blue Zones
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The places where humans live the longest are explained by traditional lifestyles, widespread incest or systematic fraud, there is no fourth option.Tha...
BONUS: What's New With RFK Jr.?
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Because we live in hell, here is last month's bonus episode about RFK Jr.'s presidential campaign with a new intro about what he could do at...
Richard Simmons Isn't Missing
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The internet gets weird investigating the "disappearance" of America's gay best friend. Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonWatch ...
Growing Up Richard Simmons
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Before building his fitness empire, America’s most bedazzled fitness guru was a guy named Milton from New Orleans. Support us:Hear bonus episodes o...
The Myers-Briggs Personality Test
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How a mother, a daughter and a crackpot Swiss psychologist gave us the world's most popular Buzzfeed quiz.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on Patre...
BONUS: Breaking Down The Latest Anti-Trans Victory Lap
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We went a little easy on the Cass Report in our last main feed episode, so we're back to [Mortal Kombat voice] FINISH HIM!!!This was supposed to ...
"Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria" Part 2: Panic! At The Endocrinologist.
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to Jules Gill-Peterson (jgillpeterson.com) and Julia Serano (patreon.com/juliaserano) for help researching this episode and Evan Urquhart, Park...
"Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria" Part 1: The Cooties Theory of Transgender Identity
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to Jules Gill-Peterson (jgillpeterson.com) and Julia Serano (patreon.com/juliaserano) for help researching this episode and Evan Urquhart and P...
Jamie Oliver
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the 2000s, Jamie Oliver made a big splash with his work reforming kids’ meals in the UK and US. Was his work wicked slammin’, or just proper ru...
COVID Conspiracies
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What was missing from America's pandemic response? According to the internet, a sunshine vitamin, a malaria treatment and a whole lot of horse pa...
Ozempic
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ozempic is being hailed as “the end of the Obesity Epidemic.” This week, Mike and Aubrey dig through the sensational claims. But will they make it...
"Soy Boys"
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How a plant-based pejorative went from an alt-right burn to a core concern of mainstream Republicans.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate o...
RFK Jr. and The Mainstreaming Of The Anti-Vaxx Movement
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a 75 minute answer to a 5 word question: Is there mercury in vaccines? Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Mainte...
RFK Jr. and The Rise of the Anti-Vaxx Movement
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A political candidate has some questions and we have some extremely obvious answers.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maint...
Pilates
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Somehow an episode about an old-timey fitness influencer ended up being one of our most wholesome ever. We're as surprised as you are.Support us:...
Brittany Dawn
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How a fitness influencer went from small-time scammer to one of the Internet’s leading villains. Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on ...
BONUS: The Conservative Diet Books of Yore
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking a much-needed break this week so to tide you over here is one of our bonus episodes! Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate...
Oprah v. Beef Part 2: Apocalypse Cow
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The closing argument of our two-part Oprahsode starts in a Texas courtroom, wanders through some British slaughterhouses and ends with an emu. Suppo...
Oprah v. Beef Part 1: The Rise of "Veggie Libel"
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On April 16, 1996, Oprah Winfrey did a show about mad cow disease. Six weeks later, a couple of Texas cattlemen had a cow (sorry). Support us:Hear bon...
The 10,000 Steps Myth
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're digging into the weird history of an omnipresent fitness goal. Episode comes free with a happy meal.Support us:Hear bonus episo...
The Trouble with Sugar
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're tackling three big ideas about sugar: It causes hyperactivity in kids, it's as addictive as cocaine and it raises blood suga...
"Forks Over Knives": Is a Vegetarian Diet Better For You?
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A viral documentary says a "whole foods plant-based diet" will prevent heart disease and cure cancer. But once we look into the MEAT of the ...
The Instagram Fiber Feud
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Aubrey tells Mike about the diet that took over New York City (and its bathrooms).Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Mainten...
Doctors Have a New Plan for Fat Kids
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last month the American Academy of Pediatrics released a new set of guidelines for "childhood obesity." We have some comments. Support us:He...
Elizabeth Taylor's "Elizabeth Takes Off"
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
History should make you feel weird and so, apparently, should diet books. Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Pha...
“Glorifying Obesity” And Other Myths About Fat People
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're talking about Aubrey's new book, "'You Just Need To Lose Weight' and 19 Other Myths About Fat People." ...
Workplace Wellness
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Charging disabled people more for health care is illegal. But what about ... charging non-disabled people less?Support us:Hear bonus episodes on Patre...
The Food Pyramid
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the 1990s, the Food Pyramid was one of the most recognizable symbols in nutrition education. But where did it come from? Why was it created by the ...
Bonus: Mike's New Podcast!
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Aubrey introduce Mike's new show, If Books Could Kill! Find it on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google and wherever else you get your podcas...
The Daily Harvest Food Poisoning Scandal
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Herpes is basically living the dream” — Aubrey Gordon.Support us: Subscribe on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase shirts, stickers a...
Mini-Sode: The Dr. Oz Campaign
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pennsylvania listeners check your registration here!Mike and Aubrey break down the policies and promises of Dr. Oz's Senate campaign in Pennsylva...
Paul Bragg & The Rise of Apple Cider Vinegar
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Health claims about apple cider vinegar are everywhere. But are they true? This week, we hop into the wayback machine for the story of America's ...
The French Paradox
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How an early-'90s newsmagazine show convinced a generation of Americans to start drinking red wine. For the antioxidants! Special thanks to Susan...
Goop
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do we even need to write a description? It's the Goopisode! Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shi...
BONUS: Moon Juice Taste Test
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is running late so here's something to tide you over! Last year, we did an episode on Gwyneth-adjacent influencer Amanda...
The Scarsdale Diet Murder feat. Sarah Marshall
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 1982 a murder captured America's imagination. Forty years later, two podcasts joined forces to talk about it. Hear more from Sarah at You&apos...
“French Women Don't Get Fat”
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A dieting book or a how-to guide for an eating disorder? Pourquoi pas les deux ?Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenan...
Pete Evans Part 2: COVID & Consequences
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Celebrity chef Pete Evans has activated his last almond with the Seven Network."Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGe...
Pete Evans Part 1: The Paleo Way
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How a beloved TV chef became one of Australia's most polarizing public figures. Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Mai...
The Worm Wars
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 1998, a researcher rolled out an innovative approach to education. And in 2015, Methodology Twitter had a big fight about it. Support us:Hear bonu...
Calorie Menu Labeling
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This year, the UK implemented a law requiring chain restaurants to list calorie counts on their menus. Where did these policies come from? What impact...
The Trouble With Calories
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Weight loss is as simple as “calories in, calories out,” right? Or — gasp — could the reply guys be wrong!? This week, we dig in on the surpri...
Diet Book Deep Dive: “How To Take 20 Pounds Off Your Man”
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Mike and Aubrey take on a manual for creep behavior masquerading as a diet book. Along the way, we cover shopping guides, journalism salari...
Zombie Statistics Spectacular!
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Debunking some of the most widely repeated myths about fat and health. Here's Mike's new video! Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDo...
Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma"
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How a liberal journalist entrenched a libertarian fantasy. Thanks to Sarah Taber for helping us with the research for this episode!Support us:Hear bon...
Bonus: Fad Diets
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week's show is still in the oven so we're releasing one of our first Patreon bonus episodes. We asked our listeners for the wildest and...
Jordan Peterson Part 2: The Moscow Diaries
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2019, Jordan Peterson disappeared from public life. One year later, he re-emerged with a diagnosis, a story and no self-reflection whatsoever.Thank...
Jordan Peterson Part 1: The Carnivore Diet
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Oops all meat: How a '50s bodybuilder, a Grateful Dead roadie and an unreadable professor accidentally launched one of America's wildest fad...
"Super Size Me"
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Aubrey thought she could swear less in this week’s episode. She was wrong. Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance ...
"Illness Influencer" Belle Gibson
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2015, Belle Gibson was an Australian "eco-preneur" with a vegetarian cookbook, a blockbuster wellness app and a terminal cancer diagnosis...
Diet Book Deep Dive: The Karl Lagerfeld Diet
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who’s that Bond villain stroking a cat and yelling at beloved public figures? It’s Karl Lagerfeld! This week, Mike and Aubrey go in on fashion’s...
Fat Camps
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How America's oldest fat camp — and the inspiration for Disney’s "Heavyweights" — became the symbol of a health intervention that...
The "Sleep Loss Epidemic"
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Walker's "Why We Sleep" was one of the most popular and acclaimed wellness books of 2017. There's just one problem: Much o...
Vibrators
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's a sexual health episode! This week, Mike and Aubrey dive into the hotly debated medical history of vibrators and ask: who fact-checks the fa...
Is Being Fat Bad For You?
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For nearly four decades, Americans have heard a simple story about health, longevity and obesity. This week, we learn it's a little more complica...
Diet Book Deep Dive: Angela Lansbury's "Positive Moves"
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At the height of her "Murder She Wrote" fame, Angela Lansbury released a home workout video full of synth music, peach jumpsuits and ~sensua...
Rachel Hollis Part 2: Girl, Start Apologizing
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the sequel (sorry) to our first installment, we take a deep dive into Rachel's wildly problematic books and deeply weird downfall. Along the w...
Rachel Hollis Part 1: Hashtag Relatable
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Girl, stop reinforcing the status quo.Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and moreVideos...
Marianne Williamson
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Last year, spiritual leader Marianne Williamson made headlines when she ran for president. But 10 years earlier, she wrote a bestselling book that p...
The Great Protein Fiasco
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How Nestlé executives, global health institutions and a very racist white lady seeded a series of nutritional misconceptions we're still living ...
The Obesity Epidemic
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Over the last 30 years, fatness has been defined as a risk factor for disease, then a disease in itself, then a global epidemic. What caused this rapi...
The Body Mass Index
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The BMI is EVERYWHERE. But is it scientific or scientif-ish? While many Americans think of the body mass index as an objective measure of health, its ...
School Lunches, P-Hacking and the Original "Pizzagate"
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're diving into one of the biggest-ever scandals in nutrition research. For nearly two decades, Brian Wansink's Food and Brand L...
The Keto Diet
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
So long, root vegetables! This week, we dive into the strange and surprising history of the 100-year-old ketogenic diet. Along the way, we encounter a...
Oprah Winfrey & "John of God"
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Special guest Kimberly Springer joins us to talk about an infamous, dangerous faith healer and his two — two! — appearances on Oprah's talk s...
Oprah Winfrey & The “Wagon of Fat”
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have weird feelings about Oprah? So do we, and so does our guest! Kimberly Springer, co-editor of "Stories of Oprah: The Oprahfication of ...
Celery Juice
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have viruses? Cysts? Cancer? Are you tired sometimes? According to Instagram, the problem might be a lack of liquefied vegetables! This week,...
The Wellness to QAnon Pipeline
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Special guest Mike Rothschild tells us how the road to wellness can be an on-ramp to a conspiracy theory. Along the way we debunk oil pulling, explore...
Diet Book Deep Dive: Ed McMahon’s “Slimming Down”
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week is our first Diet Book Deep Dive, where we dig into some of the worst and wildest weight loss advice we can find. First up: Tonight Show...
Olestra
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In 1996, Proctor & Gamble launched an artificial fat substitute that promised all of the taste but none of the calories. There was just one prob...
Eating Disorders
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fat people have them too! This week, special guest Erin Harrop tells us about one of America's most under-diagnosed and misunderstood problems. A...
Weight Watchers
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Get your flex point calculators and food scales! This week, Mike and Aubrey are talking about one of America's most iconic diet programs: Weight ...
The Master Cleanse
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are your moods too stable? Is your face free of cold sores? Get your lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper ready, because this week we're ...
Dr. Oz
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're dissecting "America's Doctor." How did a smart, hardworking surgeon become one of TV's leading purveyors of j...
Snake Oil
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The world of dieting and wellness is full of so-called snake oil salesmen—but what IS snake oil? This week, we take a wild ride through the history ...
The Biggest Loser
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week we dissect the content and impact of one of America's most harmful TV experiments. Support us: Subscribe on PatreonDonate on PayPa...
Halo Top Ice Cream
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
WE’RE BACK! A new diet ice cream is taking your grocery store by storm. But what even is it? This week, Mike and Aubrey talk biohacking, dieting for...
Anti-Fat Bias
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate the release of her new book, Aubrey takes Mike on a tour through the statistics and debates surrounding weight bias. Anyone interested in...
The Twinkie Defense
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Twinkie Defense has become a shorthand for disingenuous legal defense strategies. But was it disingenuous? (Yes, but not in the way you think!)Tha...
Moon Juice
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What's that Gwyneth Paltrow's drinking? It's MOON JUICE! This week, we're talking adaptogens, brain dust, hot sex milk and the wel...
Snackwell's Cookies
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
They hit the market in 1992. Three years later, they were the best-selling cookie in America. This week, Mike and Aubrey dive into the low-fat craze o...
Fen Phen & Redux
27 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Fen-Phen & Redux were "the next miracle drugs" in the '90s, claiming to help people lose dramatic amounts of weight in just three m...
The President's Physical Fitness Test
20 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The shuttle run! The flexed arm hang! The v-sit reach! These terms are seared into the memories of an entire generation of American schoolchildren. Bu...
What's Our Deal?
11 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Maintenance Phase! In our first episode, we tell our origin stories and talk about some of the basic ideas behind the show. Here's whe...