In Moderation

• Earwax, Cockroaches, and Other Things That Go Bump In Your Canal

  Have you ever wondered why your ears hurt on airplanes, what causes that annoying ringing, or why Q-tips aren't actually recommended for cleaning your ears? Wonder no more! This episode features a professional audiologist (who happens to be a Twitch streamer known as Average Girl Games) diving deep into the fascinating world of ear health and hearing. From the intricate anatomy of our ears to practical advice on protecting your hearing, this conversation is packed with surprising insights that might change how you think about those two appendages on the sides of your head.Did you know your ear contains the smallest bone in your entire body? Or that high-frequency hearing loss happens first because of how your auditory nerve is organized? We explore why human ears have their distinctive shape, how sound travels through your ear, and why those bumps and ridges actually serve important acoustic purposes. Plus, get practical tips for preventing ear pain during flights, managing tinnitus (that annoying ringing), and proper ear protection techniques.The conversation takes some humorous turns too, from debates about pronunciation (is it "tinnitus" or "tinnitus"?) to strange objects audiologists have found in people's ears. Whether you're concerned about your hearing health or just curious about human biology, this episode offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education from a genuine expert.Listen now to gain a new appreciation for these often-overlooked but incredibly sophisticated organs, and learn how to protect your hearing for decades to come. Your future self will thank you! Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• The Science Behind Autopsies: More Than Dead Bodies in Basements

  Ever wondered what really happens when a forensic pathologist investigates death? Forget everything TV shows have taught you about dark basements and creepy examiners. The reality involves bright laboratories, extensive medical training, and meticulous scientific procedures designed to uncover truth.In this candid conversation, forensic autopsy technician Julia pulls back the curtain on a profession shrouded in mystery. With five years of hands-on experience and advanced degrees in forensic science and pathogenesis, she reveals the systematic approach to examining the deceased—from external documentation and X-rays to the careful examination of internal organs. The process isn't just about determining how someone died; it's about preserving dignity, identifying potentially genetic conditions that might affect surviving family members, and providing closure for those left behind.Julia tackles controversial topics head-on, including the debate between medical examiner versus coroner systems, the challenges of maintaining professional integrity when facing pressure from law enforcement, and the severe national shortage of qualified forensic pathologists. With only about 500 practicing nationwide, this critical field struggles to meet demand while maintaining rigorous standards. She shares surprising insights about health too—like how skinny people can have severely clogged arteries while larger individuals might have pristine cardiovascular systems.Throughout our conversation, Julia's passion for education shines through. Whether explaining why "cardiac arrest" is a useless cause of death, describing her experience with organophosphate poisoning from a case, or revealing how forensic professionals use humor to cope with daily exposure to mortality, she demystifies a field that touches us all yet remains poorly understood. Follow Julia on social media @MyForensicPath as she works toward medical school and continues advocating for truth in death investigation. Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• When Your Coach Is Actually A Robot With A Six Pack

  Ever wonder if your fitness coach is actually a sophisticated AI program pretending to be human? In this eye-opening conversation, we pull back the curtain on the growing problem of influencers using artificial intelligence to sell "personalized" fitness plans to hundreds or even thousands of clients simultaneously.Mike from "Mike Needs a Plan" joins us to share disturbing industry insights, including how a prominent fitness celebrity (described as "the Paul McCartney of our industry") was caught sending generic, recycled workout plans to clients who had specifically requested customized programs. We discuss the ethics of AI coaching, the reasonable client load for dedicated coaches, and how to spot red flags that suggest you might be paying premium prices for automated guidance.The conversation takes fascinating detours into the absurdity of current health priorities - politicians removing red food dye while loosening regulations on forever chemicals in our water supply. We explore how disability systems create impossible "brick walls" where people lose benefits faster than they can earn income, and share practical advice about what food banks actually need (hint: it's not just canned goods).For anyone trying to get back into fitness after a break, Mike offers refreshing perspectives on taking a more measured approach rather than diving into six-day-a-week routines. His moderate method has yielded better results without making the gym his entire personality.Whether you're navigating the confusing world of fitness advice, concerned about environmental policies, or simply trying to build healthier habits, this episode delivers straight talk with just enough humor to make the hard truths digestible. Join us for a conversation that might just save you from being scammed by a robot masquerading as your next fitness guru. Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• Cheap Eats: From Struggle Meals to Survival Dinners

  Ever wondered what people eat when money is tight or cooking enthusiasm is at an all-time low? This episode dives deep into the fascinating world of "struggle meals" - those budget-friendly dishes that keep us alive when times get tough.From the humble can of chili (which gets our highest rating, especially when topped with avocado) to questionably "budget-friendly" dishes that require sautéing ginger and making a roux, we rate them all with brutal honesty and plenty of laughs. We discover that not all struggle meals are created equal - some are genuinely brilliant combinations of affordable staples, while others are elaborate recipes masquerading as simple solutions.The humble egg on rice earns high marks for its simplicity and satisfying nature, while canned tuna emerges as the protein hero of budget cooking, making multiple appearances throughout our list. We debate whether frozen meals deserve their place in the struggle meal pantheon (they do) and share our surprisingly passionate opinions about frozen pizza brands.What makes these meals so compelling isn't just their affordability - it's their ability to provide comfort during challenging times. Many represent culinary ingenuity at its finest: creating something delicious from whatever limited ingredients are on hand. These aren't just meals of last resort; they're cultural touchstones that connect us through shared experiences of making do with less.What's your go-to meal when your wallet is thin or your energy is low? Share your favorite struggle meals with us - we promise not to judge if they involve copious amounts of instant noodles or questionable combinations of pantry staples! Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• Transforming America's Favorite Foods into Healthier Meals

  The comfort foods we grew up with don't deserve their bad reputation. From cereal and hamburgers to mac and cheese and fried chicken, America's favorite dishes can actually be part of a balanced diet with some thoughtful modifications.Breakfast becomes a nutritional powerhouse when you add fresh fruit to cereal, use high-protein milk, or mix in fiber-rich options. Even the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich – which University of Michigan researchers found adds more years to your life than almost any other food – proves that comfort and nutrition can coexist.Those classic hamburgers? They're already a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats – the problems come from preparation methods and proportions. By choosing leaner beef, whole grain buns, and generous vegetables, you transform fast food into real nutrition. The same goes for pizza, chili, and spaghetti with meatballs. These aren't inherently "bad" foods; they just need some rebalancing.The air fryer revolution has breathed new life into fried favorites. Chicken coated in cornflakes and air-fried delivers that satisfying crunch without excessive oil. Homemade french fries get crispy exteriors and soft interiors without deep-frying. Even simple swaps like mixing Greek yogurt with mayonnaise in potato salad maintain the creamy texture while improving the nutritional profile.American cuisine doesn't need to be abandoned for health – it just needs thoughtful modifications. Try our tuna mac and peas recipe with protein-enhanced pasta for a quick meal that satisfies comfort food cravings while delivering balanced nutrition. What American classic will you reimagine tonight? Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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