This week, I’m diving into one of the weirdest modern medical questions: what actually makes a “top doctor” in the age of TikTok? After an Allure article exposed the rise, and sometimes fall, of social-media-famous plastic surgeons, I have thoughts. Many thoughts. Mostly about ethics, entertainment, and why the operating room should never be a live-streaming studio. Then we shift into something much more fun: a full mystery case. A patient with double vision, oscillopsia, lower-extremity weakness, and a history of gastric bypass walks into my exam room… and everything looks normal except the motility. So what do you do when both eyes refuse to abduct and the MRI shows a thalamic signal? You follow the clues to a diagnosis most clinicians never see coming. Takeaways: Why plastic surgery thrives on social media and where ethical lines are getting dangerously blurry. The subtle difference between educating the public… and turning patient care into spectacle. How a patient with bilateral abduction deficits and upbeat nystagmus led to a surprising diagnosis. Why thiamine deficiency after bariatric surgery can masquerade as a neurologic emergency. The importance of physicians setting their own social media guidelines before someone else does it for them. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on m

This week, Kristin and I dive into aphantasia, anendophasia, and why apparently my wife’s brain works more like a slideshow than a podcast. I’m learning things about her that I wish I didn’t know, and she’s learning that most people don’t think in GIFs. We also talk about what happens when meditation goes wrong, how brains get rewired after trauma, and why sometimes “turning your brain off” might actually mean “floating into the void.” Then we flip open the med student bible for a crash course in aphasia, before spiraling into phantom limb pain and Charles Bonnet syndrome. Takeaways: Aphasia vs. Dysarthria: The difference between not knowing what to say and just not being able to say it. Meditation Meltdowns: Why Kristin’s version of “mindfulness” ends in existential dread. Inner Voice or Image Stream?: The fascinating brain split you didn’t know existed. Phantom Senses: From missing limbs to hallucinated kids on porches (yep, that happened). Broken Boca: What happens when the language centers revolt. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with you

This week I ran into something online that made my ophthalmologist brain short-circuit: a brand-new CDC statement about autism and vaccines that… let’s just say does not follow how science actually works. So I’m breaking down the logic, the frustration, and why “prove it’s not true” is one of the worst arguments in medicine. Then, because I can only rant for so long before needing to retreat into eyeball science, I walk through two new “Signs & Symptoms” differentials, light sensitivity and anisocoria. Plus, I got strep throat on a cross-country flight, which I do not recommend at age 40. Takeaways: Why the CDC’s new autism/vaccine phrasing misunderstands the entire concept of scientific evidence. How to think about light sensitivity like an ophthalmologist (hint: start with the cornea). A simple trick for figuring out which pupil is the abnormal one in anisocoria and why it matters. Why strep throat hits like a freight train once you’re over 35, especially in the middle of a business trip. A reminder that neuro-ophthalmologists are magical creatures who can diagnose a Horner syndrome with nothing but a dark room, a penlight, and an unreasonable amount of patience. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation

This week on Glauc Talk, Kristin and I unpack the bizarre ways people twist “correlation vs. causation” and why apparently every high school should have a mandatory class on basic biostats. We talk about protestors, parenting, penis decisions (you’ll see), and somehow end up designing the world’s most chaotic public health curriculum. Then we pivot to something a little closer to home, physician side gigs. From telemedicine to expert witness work to content creation, we break down which ones sound fulfilling, which sound terrible, and which involve denying insurance claims (hint: don’t do that). And finally, because we can’t resist a good textbook roulette, we dive into gout, from the legendary “can’t stand a bedsheet on your toe” pain to the glamorous world of uric acid and Allopurinol. It’s educational, mildly gross, and exactly the kind of medicine talk you didn’t know you needed. Takeaways: Correlation ≠ Causation : A lesson humanity still hasn’t mastered. Side Gig Showdown: From expert witness work to locum tenens, we rate physician side hustles from dream job to “please no.” YouTube Reality Check: What happens when algorithms destroy your income overnight. Medical Math, Simplified: The high school course we’d make every student take. The Gout Deep Dive: Crystals, pain, and why you should never put a sheet on someone’s big toe. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and pre

This week, I’m doing something different. No eyeball emergencies, no angry rants about healthcare, just gratitude. In this Thanksgiving special, I’m giving thanks to the people who shaped me: my high school English teacher who believed in my writing, the German teacher who let me hide pencils in my hair, the residency mentor who saw the future ophthalmologist before I did, and, of course, Lady Glaucomflecken, for saving my life and still occasionally letting me win arguments. It’s a trip through memory, laughter, and a few truly terrible cafeteria meals. Takeaways: How one sarcastic high school teacher helped launch Dr. Glaucomflecken’s comedy career. Why reading Pride and Prejudice didn’t stick, but satire did. The German teacher who taught Will the power of laughter (and great comedic timing). The med school mentor who predicted his future in ophthalmology before he did. A heartfelt thank-you to Lady G, the real hero behind every punchline (and heartbeat). To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

This week, Kristin and I dig into my long-overdue skin check, a gift from my mom (because nothing says “happy birthday” like preventative medicine). We talk about awkward gown moments, dermatologists who multitask like superheroes, and why apparently I’m not famous in derm circles. Then we get a little more serious about why it takes forever to get a doctor’s appointment, how the physician shortage is affecting care, and what it really looks like behind the scenes when you’re trying to squeeze emergency patients into a full clinic. And because no episode is complete without chaos, we end with heart anatomy roulette, everything from ejection fraction to pericardial tamponade to “who decided to name it heart block?” Takeaways: What happens when your doctor wields liquid nitrogen like John Wick. Why Kristin wears SPF indoors and Will’s toothpaste-based sunscreen hack gone wrong. What happens when patients can’t get in anywhere and how ophthalmologists end up triaging headaches. The chaotic cardiology review that covers everything from ejection fraction to pericardial tamponade. The CPR conversation that turns unexpectedly sentimental (and slightly morbid). — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for

In this episode, I’m breaking down what a week of ophthalmology call actually looks like, why retinal detachments aren’t the emergency you think they are, and how one cartoon wolf ended up being my latest ocular diagnosis. Plus, in the latest installment of my “Signs and Symptoms” series, we’re talking eyelash loss, bleeding eyes (aka hyphema), and the fine line between “put your pants on now” and “you can wait till morning." Takeaways: Why not every “retinal detachment” is a middle-of-the-night emergency. The eye condition that might explain why a cartoon wolf’s eyes bulge out of his head. What eyelash loss can really mean and when it’s time to worry about eyelid cancer. How trauma, herpes, and tumors can all lead to blood in the eye (and why that’s a big deal). The three-step ophthalmologist plan for every hyphema: couch, drops, and call us. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you

Kristin and I start off by talking about puzzles, rainy vacations, and why Scotland might be the best place on earth, mostly because they have giant defibrillator kiosks just sitting out in public. Then, somehow, that conversation spirals into an in-depth analysis of Kristin’s many fears (spiders, the ocean, nouns too close to her face: you name it). We also dive back into our favorite recurring segment: “Pick a Random Page From the Medical Book and Hope It’s Not Biochemistry.” Spoiler: it is biochemistry. We try to remember what the endoplasmic reticulum actually does, argue about the word “moiety,” and eventually land in a conversation about plant reproductive organs. Takeaways: Fear Factor: Flanary Edition. We build the definitive list of Kristin’s greatest fears. Why America needs to step up its public AED game. What do they have in common? They all terrify Kristin. A chaotic attempt to explain the endoplasmic reticulum without Googling (we failed). When a conversation about cell biology somehow ends in botany. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an e

I’m trying something new: differentials. Each episode, I’ll pick one ocular sign and one ocular symptom, and walk you through everything that could cause them. This week: the mysterious “abnormal red reflex” and the all-too-common “my eyes are burning.” From cataracts and retinoblastoma to blepharitis and bad makeup glue, I’m breaking down the real possibilities, one red, irritated eyeball at a time. It’s part med school, part comedy, and yes, you might just become an honorary ophthalmologist by the end of it. Takeaways: Why an “abnormal red reflex” might mean anything from cataract to retinoblastoma. The simplest test pediatricians use to spot dangerous eye conditions early. How blepharitis and clogged oil glands cause that all-too-familiar burning sensation. The surprising eye problems linked to makeup, contact lenses, and preservatives. Why ophthalmologists love differentials and how this new series might just teach you to think like one. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use co

This week, Kristin and I sit down with Wendy Bryan Lazar, the founder of I Heart Guts, the company making plush organs so lovable you almost forget they’re based on, you know, actual human guts. We dive into how she turned her background in design and a deep love of anatomy into a wildly successful brand that celebrates the weird, wonderful world inside us. We talk about the real challenges of bringing humor to healthcare, the joy of making science accessible (and huggable), and how one person’s creative spark can make millions of people laugh at their livers. Takeaways: How a love of anatomy turned into one of the most unique brands in science art. Why humor might be medicine’s best marketing tool. How Wendy bridges the gap between art, science, and empathy. The surprising ways I Heart Guts supports education, patients, and healthcare pros. Want more Wendy Bryan Lazar: https://www.instagram.com/iheartguts/ https://www.tiktok.com/@iheartguts https://www.facebook.com/iheartguts — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Bl

From ophthalmology to testicle jokes, this episode covers a lot. I’m talking about why physicians should be allowed to own hospitals, the internet debate over vision therapy, and the truth about whether your eyes can actually pop out if you sneeze too hard. Plus, I share the one time an ophthalmologist asked a patient to drop his pants and why professional athletes might be missing out by skipping regular eye exams. Takeaways: Why physician-owned hospitals might actually provide better and cheaper care. The truth about “vision therapy” and why evidence-based medicine still matters. What really happens if you sneeze with your eyes open (and no, they don’t explode). How Lyme disease and screen time can both affect your vision in unexpected ways. Why getting your eyes checked could change your game, literally, if you’re a pro athlete. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to l

So… I turned 40. And like any doctor staring down middle age, I celebrated by talking about colonoscopy prep. This week, Kristin and I unpack everything that happens to your body when you hit your forties, from dry eyes and presbyopia to statins and perimenopause. (Don’t worry, it’s still funny.) We talk about getting old, staying healthy, and why I’m way too excited to film my own colonoscopy. Then things take a turn for the scientific. We dive into the pituitary gland, why I called it the “testicles of the brain,” and how hormones control everything from stress to growth. It’s nerdy, it’s mildly horrifying, and it ends with Kristin explaining why my “cosmic homeostasis” theory probably isn’t real science. Takeaways: Forty Feels Weird: A doctor’s honest reflection on aging, purpose, and “good fruit.” Colonoscopy Countdown: Why I’m actually excited for mine (and how I plan to turn it into content). Presbyopia Panic: Kristin’s war with contacts and my unsolicited ophthalmology advice. The Pituitary Deep Dive : Hormones, feedback loops, and why I shouldn’t have called them “pitu balls.” Cosmic Homeostasis: My new theory on how the universe balances good luck, bad luck… and testicles. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywareh

I went to Disney World and ended up diagnosing cartoon characters. From Mike Wazowski’s lack of depth perception to Goofy’s questionable eye anatomy and Winnie the Pooh’s all pupil, no iris situation, I’m breaking down which Disney characters would absolutely fail a vision test. Plus, a quick dive into a real breakthrough from Stanford that might help restore sight lost to macular degeneration. It’s ophthalmology meets Disney meets mild existential crisis. What more could you want? Takeaways: Why Mike Wazowski’s single eye means he’s missing half the picture. The serious ocular condition Goofy might secretly have (and why glasses won’t fix it). Why Edna Mode needs cataract surgery yesterday. How Pixar’s signature huge eyes would actually mean extreme myopia. The surprising Disney character who might have the healthiest eyes of them all. To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demod

This week, Kristin and I dive into two real-world CPR stories. One that’ll make your blood boil (looking at you, Hofstra bar exam), and another that’ll make you want to hug a comedian in Spokane. We talk about what happens when bystanders freeze, how quick thinking saves lives, and why everyone should know at least something about CPR. Then I drag Kristin into a round of “Doctor Strange or Just Strange” where she has to guess if bizarre medical facts are from Marvel or real life. And finally, we end up knee-deep in hemoglobin. From carbon monoxide poisoning to hyperbaric chambers to… Kristen’s existential crisis about why it’s called alpha and beta, this one’s got everything. Takeaways: The Bar Exam Horror Story: When doing CPR isn’t optional… and the crowd gets it wrong. Stand-Up Saves Lives : The Spokane comedy show that turned into a medical emergency and a miracle. Co-Survivorship Matters: Why everyone affected by a cardiac arrest deserves support, not just the patient. Doctor Strange or Just Strange? : From leeches to living chickens, the medical world is somehow stranger than Marvel. Hemoglobin Deep Dive : Oxygen, carbon monoxide, and one very long tangent about evolution, naming conventions, and why Kristen can’t stop asking “but why?” — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational im

Can you really “train” your eyes to work better or is vision therapy mostly hype? In this episode, I’m breaking down the three main types of vision therapy, what the science says about each, and how to tell when it’s actually helpful versus when it’s just expensive pseudoscience. We’ll talk convergence insufficiency (the one real winner), why eye exercises don’t fix dyslexia or myopia, and how to ask the right questions before spending a dime. Takeaways: What “vision therapy” actually means and why ophthalmologists don’t usually do it. The big myth about eye exercises curing learning disabilities and dyslexia. Why vision therapy won’t reverse nearsightedness (no matter what social media says). The rare situation where vision therapy does work and what it looks like. How to protect yourself (and your wallet) from unproven treatments dressed up as science. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you

What happens when your med school doesn’t like your TikToks? This week, we talk to Dr. Kumail Hussain, a physician who went viral for his medical content… and got in serious trouble for it. We dig into the story that followed: professionalism hearings, probation, and the ripple effects that followed him into residency. But this isn’t just about one doctor’s social media misstep, it’s about what medicine still fears. Free expression. Humanity. The idea that doctors might have personalities outside the hospital. We talk about how far is too far when it comes to posting, how institutions are catching up (or not), and why the next generation of doctors will need to understand the internet as well as they understand anatomy. Takeaways: How one med student’s videos became a case study in “professionalism.” What happens when old-school institutions meet new-school creators. Why no one can agree on what it actually means. How online presence can shape, or sink, a medical career. Why the next generation of doctors must be allowed to show up as humans. — Want more Kumail Hussain?: Snack Store: https://snackd.shop/ https://www.instagram.com/thekumailh/ https://www.youtube.com/@thekumailh https://www.tiktok.com/@thekumailh https://www.facebook.com/thekumailhussain1 To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatom

I’m back with part two of my “life lessons at 40” and yes, it’s even more random than part one. From safety glasses and social media boundaries to testicle self-exams (yes, really), I’m sharing the wisdom I’ve collected over four decades. Plus, a neuro-ophthalmology curveball: a patient with mismatched pupils and a mystery diagnosis that turns out to be a Horner syndrome. Takeaways: Why you should always wear safety glasses, even if you swear you were “careful.” How public speaking can change your career (and why everyone should try it). The scam emails sliding into your inbox pretending to be famous podcasters. Why making content at work is a one-way ticket to regret. Horner syndrome 101: when a droopy lid and tiny pupil tell a big story. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you kn

We’re back with a follow-up to the “no inner monologue” chaos, but this time, we’re going deeper. Kristin and I unpack what it actually feels like when your brain disconnects, how trauma can flip your reality switch, and why dissociation might just be your mind’s weirdest defense mechanism. Then we shift gears into something truly wild: the microscopic villains that can give you cancer. Yep, your high school biology class never warned you about this lineup of viruses, parasites, and bacteria with major overachiever energy. And of course, we can’t resist taking a detour into herpes (because why not?) and what it’s like to realize your body might be hosting more guests than you invited. Takeaways: Mind on Autopilot – How dissociation protects you when reality’s too much to handle. Microbe Madness – The shocking list of infections that can cause cancer. Parasites with a Dark Side – Some don’t just invade… they rewrite your cells. Herpes Facts You Didn’t Ask For – But can’t stop thinking about. Survival Mode Explained – Why your brain sometimes hits the eject button. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A fr

I just turned 40 and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Some about eyeballs, some about life, and a few the hard way (looking at you, hot tub corneal ulcer). In this special two-part birthday series, I’m sharing the lessons, advice, and random pearls I’ve picked up over four decades from why you should never argue with trolls online to how flossing can save your sanity. It’s a mix of serious, silly, and surprisingly heartfelt. And yes… we’re talking Chiefs football too. Takeaways: Why hot tubs and contact lenses are a match made in ophthalmic horror. The social media rule I wish I’d followed sooner: never argue with strangers online. How flossing and CPR training made it onto my top 40 life lessons. Why posting after midnight is a terrible idea (and what happened when I did). The simple parenting hack that lets you really hear your kids — no eavesdropping required. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tars

Some episodes wander. This one sprints from childhood trauma (aka the Presidential Fitness Test pull-up requirement) to the ethics of free speech on social media, to guts literally spilling outside the body in a crash course on gastroschisis and omphalocele. Kristin and I also talk about why doctors get in trouble online, how to avoid losing your job with one bad post, and the weird dynamic of being expected to comment on every news story. Oh and did I mention I went on a podcast where they gave me nitrous oxide and then grilled me about eyeballs? Spoiler: turns out laughing gas doesn’t shut me up about ophthalmology. It’s equal parts silly, nerdy, and serious: political violence, embryology, dental confessions, and the eternal truth that flossing beats cavities every time. Takeaways: The Pull-Up Curse – Why the Presidential Fitness Test scarred an entire generation. Free Speech ≠ Free Consequences – How social media can cost you more than followers. Political Violence Isn’t the Answer – A reminder we apparently still need to say out loud. Ventral Wall Defects 101 – Gastroschisis vs. Omphalocele, explained with minimal gagging. Laughing Gas Confessions – What happens when you podcast under nitrous oxide. — To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live  We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information g