Your Mom on Drugs

Peptides are suddenly everywhere — from wellness clinics to TikTok feeds — and they’re being marketed as the next frontier of fat loss, anti-aging, muscle growth, healing, and “optimization.” But what actually are they… and how much of the hype is backed by science? In this episode, we unpack the exploding peptide craze: how compounds once limited to underground bodybuilding circles became mainstr...

What if tiny “typos” in your DNA could help explain why one medication works perfectly for you… while someone else gets side effects or no benefit at all? In this episode, we dive into the world of single-nucleotide polymorphisms — or SNPs — the incredibly common genetic variations that make each of us biologically unique. We unpack how these microscopic changes in DNA influence everything from ph...

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because you usually don’t feel it happening. There’s no pain, no warning—until suddenly there’s a fracture from something as simple as a minor fall or even bending the wrong way. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on inside your bones in plain language: how your body is constantly breaking down and rebuilding bone, why that balance sh...

Every winter, cases of “stomach flu” surge across the U.S.—but what’s really behind the waves of vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden illness that shut down schools, cruise ships, and households? In this episode, we break down infectious gastroenteritis and foodborne illness, with a special focus on norovirus—the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. We explore why these illne...

Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000—but in 2025, that status is now under real threat. With the highest number of U.S. measles cases reported in more than three decades, including major outbreaks in Texas and hospitalizations and deaths nationwide, this episode unpacks how one of the most contagious viruses known to humanity is making a dangerous comeback. We explore w...

Are antidepressants really just about serotonin? In this episode, we dig into the science, the myths, and the messy truth behind SSRIs — the world’s most prescribed mental health medications. In this episode of Your Mom on Drugs , we explore how Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) became the cornerstone of modern mental health treatment. From their scientific origins in the 1980s to th...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the fascinating and tightly regulated world of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States. From the initial research and development phases to the final quality control and packaging of medications, we explore how pharmaceutical companies ensure that every pill, capsule, or injection contains exactly what the label says—nothing more, nothing less. W...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of adaptogens —a class of herbs, roots, and mushrooms long celebrated in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and now rising stars in the Western wellness scene. Marketed as natural tools to help the body “adapt” to stress, boost energy, and restore balance, adaptogens like ashwagandha, ginseng, and rhodiola...

This episode tackles the nuanced debate surrounding vaping, weighing its potential benefits against its risks. While vaping is often portrayed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, skepticism remains due to the presence of harmful chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol and the addictive nature of nicotine. The episode explores the complexities of research on vaping-related health risks, such as...

In this episode, we unpack Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of blacklegged ticks. Often underdiagnosed due to its diverse symptoms, Lyme disease can present as flu-like symptoms, rashes, or more severe complications like arthritis, facial palsy, and heart issues if left untreated....

In this episode, we uncover the essential role of preservatives in everyday life, from extending the shelf life of foods to maintaining the stability of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. We explore the science behind these natural and synthetic compounds, discussing their functions, benefits, and the challenges they address, such as preventing bacterial growth, delaying rancidity, and en...

In this episode, we delve into the world of CBD, a compound derived from the cannabis plant that has garnered widespread attention for its potential health benefits. From its legal history and regulatory landscape to its current uses, we explore how CBD works in the body and its role in managing conditions such as treatment-resistant epilepsy, for which it is FDA-approved. Despite its popularity,...

In this episode, we tackle the burning questions around heartburn and indigestion, two of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. Learn how these conditions arise, from acid reflux and weakened esophageal barriers to triggers like stress, obesity, and certain foods. We’ll also break down the symptoms, including the classic burning sensation in the chest, bloating, and belching, and explore wh...

In this episode, we explore the growing popularity and science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®), medications initially developed for type 2 diabetes that have become game-changers in weight loss management. We’ll examine how these drugs work to regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and promote fat loss while discussing their effectiveness compared to traditio...

In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common yet often misunderstood respiratory virus. Once primarily associated with serious infections in young children, RSV has emerged as a significant health concern for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions. We’ll explore the virus’s history, transmission, symptoms, and its seasonal patterns, w...

Got shingles? This week’s podcast dives into everything you need to know about Herpes Zoster—better known as shingles. We’ll break down how this painful condition is caused by the same virus that gave you chickenpox as a kid and why it can sneak back into your life later. With over a million cases in the U.S. every year, we’ll explore the symptoms, from that telltale rash to nerve pain that could...

Allergies The body’s reaction to something that is normally harmless (Patient Education – Allergies); exaggerated immune response to benign antigens – it is the immune response, not the antigen, that is harmful to the host (Chap 65: Hypersensitivity (Allergies) In: Review of medical microbiology and immunology); hypersensitivity reactions occur due to external (non-self) antigens; auto-immune resp...

Brrrrr it's cold outside, common cold that is! Josh and Jennifer, the mom on drugs, tackle a brisk topic as they delve into the world of the virus and why these pesky bugs tend to come around this time of year! Intro 1 billion cases occur in United States annually One of top five illnesses in U.S. Adults: 2-3 colds/year; children: 6 or more/year Colds may occur at any time of year but more common...

In this episode we've got our eyes set on pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis)!We explore the following topics How to research scienticific and medical papers The types of scientific evidence and which types are stronger than others https://amedd.libguides.com/c.php?g=476751&p=3259492 Overview of pink eye The different ways you can get it Treatments for it

In this episode we explore the wonderful world of sunscreen! We explore chemical versus mineral sunscreens, how SPF is calculated, how often it should be applied and so much more. It's summer right now so it's a perfect episode to learn about the marvels of this cancer preventing cream!

In our first episode we talk about what a migraine is, how it's different from a typical headache and what you can do to treat it and alleviate symptoms!