Burnt Truths

For decades, science has warned us about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified both UV radiation and indoor tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens, the same category as tobacco smoke. Yet millions of people continue to tan every year. In this episode of Burnt Truths , we explore why. Through the powerful stories of melanoma surviv...

Before there was the “Hot Girl Summer,” there was Coco Chanel's accidental tan that changed beauty forever. In this first episode of Burnt Truths: Uncovering the Shady Side of Getting Sun-Kissed , we trace the cultural evolution of tanning, from a symbol of labor and lower status to the ultimate marker of leisure, wealth, and desirability. Featuring insights from Nana Regueiro, author of “ A...

Step into the glowing blue booths of the 2000s. From mall salons to reality TV, we explore the founding story of tanning beds, how they became a pop culture phenomenon, and why the glow was never just skin deep.  Plus, hear firsthand from an ex–tanning bed user about how these habits form and how hard they can be to break. Featuring insights from Leah Adams ( @theleahalexis ), a melanoma survivor,...

Welcome to Burnt Truths — a spin-off series of The Ultraviolet Tide podcast, presented by Low Ultraviolet. I’m Erica Feggeler, and for the next 7 episodes, we’re uncovering the shady side of getting sun-kissed. Coming June 1st, 2026. Our most listened-to episode of the Ultraviolet Tide podcast ever, The History of Tanning (ep.13) , sparked thousands of listeners to ask the same question: Why do we...