It's our birthday, ask us anything!

how are you guys? are y'all doing okay in light of everything that has been going on? i love you guys! (and would love to see an episode about alcohol, being gluten-free, and talking to parents/setting boundaries about your eating and lifestyle habits <3

I don't know if it's too late but I just found out about a book called Potatoes Not Prozac by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons. Sounds hokey to me but reviews say it is "life-changing." Would love your insight!

What are ya’ll actually hopeful for? Something that is grounding in this chaos?

Can you do an episode on ARFID? A thing that was unknown in the 80s but my goodness if it had been known that I had it, my life would have been v different

Can Aubrey share her favorite bean recipes? Every time I listen to MP I have the strongest cravings for beans

Would y’all ever watch anime? Currently air in Japan and available on Crunchyroll is “Plus-sized Misadventures in Love!” And it as much a glimpse into the horrifyingly fatphobic elements of Japanese society as it is about fat joy or the “Debu Love” (fat love) that flashes on the transition screen to and from commercial breaks.

Mainly because I think this would be a bonkers ride most people aren't aware of - the infertility influencer space is WILD and full of diet and supplement disinformation

Colostrum supplements for adults? People talk about it the way they talk about the Paleo diet "return to x."

I keep getting marketed dishwasher tablets that supposedly dont disrupt the gut lining or microbiome. And cleaning sprays that don't destroy lung tissue... I would love to see an episode laying out the fiction and facts on products or chemicals that do and don't have a serious effect on our health, as a lot of the "clean" products ads and "info" seem like fear mongering to me...

How about an episode on libido boosting effects of testosterone in post-menopausal women? The NYT featured a very enthusiastic story on this topic and it would be interesting to hear a more evidence based discussion on this topic rather than a primarily anecdotal account. This is the NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/magazine/testosterone-women-health-sex-libido-menopause.html

Omg I’m so tranfixed and horrified by Joe Dispenza. Would LOVE an episode on him. The actual recorded meditations he sells for like $25/pop are absolutely batshit bananas.

I’d love a Noom episode!!

Happy birthday! Can you do an episode on bariatric surgery? If you have already, I can’t find it

Are you familiar with Rosie Beeme? She’s a former HAES influencer and has gone full-anti fat even though she’s still 290. I used to really like her and her witchy plus size fashion. I’ve been hate following her recently, she’s showing that she never understood the point of fat acceptance and I’m going crazy being unable to talk to anyone about it.

Not a question nor a suggestion, I just wanted to say I've listened to every episode of the podcast (public + patreon) in less than a month and it's my favourite podcast to date, all topics combined! You have accompanied me in the making of two entire costumes for drag and burlesque, and one Miss Piggy puppet! I will now have to be more reasonable and listen to it at a normal rhythm! Thank you so much for debunking so many fads with such precision. As we see way too evidently rn, diet and wellness culture are intrinsically political, and I appreciate your willingness to dive deep each time, even with topics that can stir up a lot of hurt. As a person that was brought up in the fatphobic dumpster fire that is France, I cannot understate how necessary everything you do in the podcast is. It gives me very needed tools to confront (with various levels of gentleness depending on the situation and person) friends, family and strangers when I go back there (not that things are peachy in Canada where I now reside, but I do feel a big difference). Also, the ease and humour between you is such a balm in those fucked-up times. Thank you.

Favorite recipe?

Are there some factual errors in your episodes you'd like to correct? How do you deal with it when you figure out a thing you've said in an episode turns out to be incorrect?

what's your line in the rubicon for moving out of the US?

Can you make an episode about sodium? Love your episodes!!!

When is the party?

Why hasn’t there been the salad episode? What does it include? On a separate note, what topics did you want to be episodes but really don’t have much “discourse”, it’s just plain bad? The worm episode is pretty good.

I saw a headline about an NIH article that said kids that grow up obese end up having smaller dicks. Do with that nonsense what you will.

What media do y’all listen to/consume? Podcasts, tv shows, news? Love your show and IBCK 💜💜💜

Not a question, a name: Joe Dispenza. They are being mentioned in therapy world & it's concerning!

I want a full episode about that whack book deep nutrition from the seed oils episode and i am prepared to do ANYTHING to get it. Just create a new membership tier and take my life savings.

I just saw an article in new scientist about "diet acid content" (DAL), advising low-PRAL (potential renal acid load) foods. The thing reads like bunk! Have you heard about this? What's the story here?

A little late here but I can’t find anyone else requesting this. Can you guys look into insulin resistant starches? I’ve been seeing videos about cooking and reheating starches (potatoes, rice) to affect the way your body processes the glucose but it’s giving body hacking. What’s your take? Additionally, I’d like to thank you for this space—MP has given me the confidence stick up for myself in the doctors office. I am finally getting care for the scoliosis and chronic pain my doctors blamed on being fat my entire life.

I would love a peanut allergy episode. I’m pregnant for the first time and one of my irrational fears is having a child with a debilitating peanut allergy. Now, I am reading all these studies that say avoiding peanuts while young actually can exacerbate allergic reactions later in life and that early exposure to nuts in general is a way to avoid this particular allergy. Set the record straight!! #SavePeanuts!

i just saw a commercial for a weight loss drug (zepbound) and they used the phrase “person with obesity”. wtf is that and what is this new landscape of diet/wellness hell?

Omfg I’m reading Russ Harris books for work, and I desperately need a maintenance phase x if books could kill crossover. AFAIK, actual ACT therapy is generally very good and well respected, but these mfing books have my entire fave hurting from screaming and grimacing. I hate this man. He just recommended taking the stairs and parking farther away from the grocery store. I’m listening to the audiobook while I drive, and he gave a *literally* mile-long list of examples to define the word “context.” I don’t know how I’m going to look my coworkers in the eye. Is a brand new job and I’m terrified of what I’ve gotten myself into. Except!! ACT actually does have some solid research support!?!?????!??

This is a question about episode access! I’m considering deleting my Spotify because of the current controversies. Would you guys ever consider uploading your mainstream episode on Patreon? Potentially as a free tier for the public?

I’d like to hear y’all’s opinion on where we’re at with microplastics. I think we all agree on vibes that they can’t be good for us, but the science is so new that it seems ripe for grifting. I recently listened to a podcast that had an IMO pretty dubious “expert” that spent the episode blaming microplastics for everything from infertility to cancer to simply just feeling sick and sluggish. It felt like she was suggesting that changing out products and blah blah blah would cure all ailments. Also coincidentally, she has a “shop” section on her website where you can buy products she recommends for living a low-tox lifestyle. DONT WORRY THOUGH, she ALWAYS discloses affiliate links 🙄🙄🙄. Oh and don’t forget. ITS FOR THE CHILDREN.

Where do (each of) you get your sense of humor? I enjoy both of you so much, and especially together!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I don’t think it’s a a question so much as a, can we remember to chat about Bill Mahr and Scott Galloway being awful to fat people (on the basis of “facts”) in this years terrible takes?

I'd love to hear you look into the research behind impact of COVID on levels of aggression. I've heard loads stuff saying the actual virus changed our brains and loads stuff that suggest into the collective trama of it all. Part me actually wondees are we really all more aggressive or are we just looking at it more. Anyway would love to here you too go full methodology queens on this one. Thanks for such an amazing show it always lifts me up when life getting a bit much.

There have been a few Star Trek (the next generation) references on your show over the years …. Are one or both of you fans!? Asking since my other fave pod is Star Trek: The Next Conversation (5 stars). And as a side note, it really pisses me off that in your trans episodes one of those awful anti-trans people compared trans kids to an episode of Star Trek. Like sorry, Ma’am…. Star Trek is a show about acceptance and a better world … do not use it as a comparison for your hate-filled trash.

Could you do a "where are they now" episode? I'm not as interested in people to be honest - you've covered Paleo Pete and we all know what RFK is up to, but some of the stories like the daily harvest food poisoning or the fiber feud I would love an update on!

Does Maintenance Phase have an end date/goal in mind? Will you make episodes forever? Pretty please!!! This question mainly comes from my anxiety around potentially losing this podcast one day. It’s truly changed my life and I listen to it on repeat. It’s ruined my ability to listen to other ones lol. Thank you for what you’ve built and continue to build!!!!

Thoughts on girl dinner? I feel like I can already hear valid criticisms in Aubrey's voice in my head, but I'd love to hear it recorded instead haha

Is there any part of your mindsets that have changed since starting the show? Or do you feel like your research has mostly confirmed your suspicions?

Have you watched the John Candy documentary “I like me”? While it was a really lovely celebration of his work, there was also a lot of content that showed the egregious fatphobia he had to deal with in the media. I’d love to hear your take on how you thought it was handled within the documentary.

Not a question but I have nowhere else to get this fact out of my brain: both Aubrey & Peter are children of Pams (CoPs) and it makes me wonder if Mike has a Pam fetish.

As a Dane from Copenhagen I’m always very curious, when Michael mentions the time he lived here! I’d love some more lore in general from the both of you Also, what’s your favourite good faith news media? Love the podcast!!

A friend is taking creatine for post menopause bone density reasons. Seems dubious. Thoughts?

How is the national guard doing in Portland??? I hope the protesters are still showing up, Frog costume and all

No questions, but want to pile on and say YOU ALL HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE SO MUCH! This is one of my favorite podcasts of all time. You got me started my journey to unlearn all the fatphobic bullshit this society has fed me. You two are amazing researchers and amazing at grasping nuance in all the ways that the pundits do not. I come back to your episodes over and over again and look forward to every new episode. So excited to take a little dive through the archives.

I'd love to know your process on how you go about your research. It's so had to tell you knows their shit and who is full of shit these days.

What's up with people's aversion to processed (homogenized and pasteurized) milk? I read someone say that "lactose intolerant" people are actually just pasteurization intolerant.

Happy Birthday?

I don’t have a question. Just a note: I came across you guys just before you released the Pete Evans episode. Total happenstance as an article about you popped up on my feed. You have changed my life, and changed my relationship to so many others around me. Through the Aubrey/Michael portal I found You’re Wrong About, 5-4, and so many others I’d class as part of your broader community. You guys have been a guiding light to me in an often maddening world. I am far from the only one that feels this way. PS Worm Wars is by far my favourite episode and have never understood why Michael sometimes dunks on it!

What are the red flags of a dodgy study? And any tips on how to tell if the social media influencer/educator is full of it? I spend a lot of time in the neurodivergent corner of the internet and I’ve seen this trend of influencers/ educators making posts about a “new study” or “psychology says…” and then go on to say something that sounds like BS. I’m just the average doomscroller so I can’t say for sure. And who are your favourite follows? Any recs?

Not sure if it's a question for this AMA or for a full episode, but I'd love to hear about the actual state of the research on both gluten and nightshade sensitivities. Obviously folks can eat what they want and whatever makes them feel good (and especially whatever helps them avoid feeling terrible!), but I hear a lot of 'facts' stated as gospel, and your reflections on these would be welcome.

Is filtered water bollocks?

The identity politics behind urban & rural identities. There are some health studies done about it too, not sure how accurate/true they are! OR anything about PCOS. My sister and I have been dealing with it since puberty, we have very different symptoms and it's frustrating that it seems like it's not fully understood and not alot of options for treatment.

It’s probably too late to ask this, but someone just commented it in a food group I’m in… could we get a Halloween episode on Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell?

what is the most recent health & wellness grift (or even just silly thing that isn't a full grift) that you each fell for? Mine was buying a dumb vegetable chopper device thinking it would empower me to eat more salads (lol, it certainly did not-- who wants to wash a whole extra chopping device?!)

Two ideas: 1)I would love to know where youtwo like to get your daily news and updates from about the world! Are there certain people or organizations or you like to follow for news or reflections about ongoing events? (especially with our societal infastructure for unbiased media is just rapidly degrading...). Id also love to know whoyou guys listen tofor fun and escapism, cause we all need some.balance. 2) An in depth episode about food allergies and all the scams around food intolerance testing would be swell! I just tried to look into it with a doctor and never felt so confused about what tests are actually worthwhile, and where is the science on this in general.

I just watched fit for tv and I don’t know how else to tell you Aubrey , but you are so smart and gorgeous and confident and just everything. You are serving facts and emotional insight and empathy . You are so well spoken and thoughtful. I want for you and michael all the happiness and I just so appreciate your opinions and insight on such complicated and personal topics. ♥️♥️

How did you two meet??

You two are the highlight of my podcast life!

Would be very interested in an episode on intermittent fasting.

Would love to get your opinion on the “lead in protein powder” consumer reports article

1. What tv shows did you grow up watching? 2. Did you go to any of the Lord of the Rings midnight showings? 3. Can you talk about your sleep routines again please ?

How is Aubrey coping with living in a warzone?

Can you discuss your research process? And do you think there’s a “healthy” or “right” way to use AI?

Happy Birthday!!! I finally watched Aubrey's doc, Your Fat Friend. For all my fellow Canadian babes; it's free on CBC Gem! Loved it, and I love the pod! You both keep me entertained and educated on my way to work.

I just want to hear Mike, Aubrey, Peter & Sarah Marshall all on a bonus episode, tbh.

has anyone checked on mike given the bari weiss/cbs news?

2 things: * Maintenance Phase was part of healing my relationships with food and my body before I believed that was a thing I could do. I grew up with poisonous diet rhetoric, and even though I knew it was all wrong and *hurting me*, doing the research myself only ever added to my food anxieties. In retrospect, your humor, insight, and commitment to accuracy were all necessary to making this information accessible to me. Thanks for all you do. * Q for Aubrey: got any bad jokes you've been waiting to tell but haven't had the opportunity? (...sorry Michael)

Please please please talk about this garbage new obesity measurement- https://www.boston.com/news/health/2025/10/15/mgb-study-indicates-dramatic-increase-in-percentage-of-u-s-adults-who-meet-new-definition-of-obesity/?p1=hp_primary

Aubrey, what got you into writing? Also not really a question but I just wanted to tell Aubrey that her book has finally made it to the national library in Norway and I'm super exited to read it!

Mike should start another podcast called “Off Mike” and it’s just Mike getting kinda tipsy and talking about what his life is like “off mic”. This is a great idea. You’re welcome.

What is Michael’s deal with electrolytes? (Asking as a runner with chronically cramping calves) ❤️ Happy Birthday Maintainers ❤️ weee love you! ⭐️

I would love to know if there's any of your previous older episodes that you've thought about revisiting. It would be cool to go back and fact check yourselves or go through some of the topics that have had updates!

Can you do an episode on My 600 lb Life?

Can you do an episode on colostrum I am just grossed out by all the pod-bros who are like yeah it changed my life 🏋️‍♀️🤢

Does eating sugar cause diabetes? I keep seeing "Sugar does not cause diabetes, but it is a risk factor for diabetes so you should avoid it." I'm like . . . which is it??? It's like they're saying it's not causation but it is correlation so you don't want to be correlated with it? Make it make sense.

Aubrey and Michael, are you friends with Peter and/or the 5-4 podcasters? It makes me happy to pretend that you all have a group chat together 😂

Favorite good news story over the past 5 years? Someone that changed their life or a policy or a mindset or whatever after listening to you and reached out to say thanks?

Would you please define "fat?" At times you two will look talk about a person and say, "She's not fat," "he's fat" or "I would describe her as skinny fat." Not in a judgmental way, but a descriptive way. Is there, for you, a clear line of separation?

Ok being nosy... I listen to a lot of pods, and so many are constantly asking for subscribers and have tons of ads. You guys don't do any of that. How do you fund your lives? Are there so many subscribers that it's 100% supporting you both? Which is super awesome if that's true! (and kind of related, is that true for If Books Could Kill?! lmao)

As others have said, recipe and cookbook recommendations please! I would love to know Aubrey's favorite way to cook beans. I love just hearing you two talk about things that bring you joy when the world is going to shit.

Can you guys do a bonus episode where you just talk about your favorite recipe recommendations? Everything you talk about cooking sounds phenomenal and I want to make it

Thank you both so much for your tireless work on this show! It has made me a better person and brings me so much happiness every time an episode is released. What is the most significant thing you each have learned from the other through making the podcast? What is your favorite thing about the other person?

Has an episode/topic ever changed your behavior?

Can't believe I've been here for five years what the hell y'all.

I’m late to the party but I’m curious about your thoughts about the lady in the UK making a thing about walking like a dog on all fours? It’s supposed to be physically transformative in some way…? Lol. Alexia Craft is her name. WTF!

With so many slightly icky people in the Health and Wellbeing workd, I'd be really interested to know what cook books/recipes you both recommend? Particularly for folks trying to improve their relationship with food

What crossover episode or guest host have you been dying to do??

Hey so.. another question 😅 Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of fatphobic comments regarding the right - like calling Trump “obese” or calling out his “cankles”, or saying a lot of the community is riding around in Walmart (yikes) etc from a lot of left podcasts (i.e the I’ve Had It podcast). It always makes me feel real gross and I just wondered how you guys feel about it and if you could touch on the use of fatphobic comments in political spaces? Thanks!

I love you guys so much you are my favorite podcast ever. And you have gotten me through so much and made me so much smarter. That being said whennnn is the Noom episode gonna come out?😫😫

I love this podcast and it’s helped me change around some of my own misconceptions around food from growing up in a diet household! Aubrey has quite an extensive diet book collection and I’m building my own wacky cookbook collection (a whole book dedicated to mac and cheese recipes, cheese cookbook, Costco recipes, and my all time favorite an aphrodisiac cookbook). Where is your favorite place to find these books? Secondhand bookstores to see what’s there? Ordering specific books online?

What do you think MP listeners would consider your hottest take (on literally anything)?

I think you’ve touched on this a bit in an episode maybe, but have you ever thought about diving into serving sizes/recommended serving sizes and where they come from? As someone who was once very into WW, I remember being blown away by how tiny most serving sizes are for packaged foods and such. Happy Birthday to the best podcast!

Could you tell us your five favourite episodes, one for each year? We love you so much, Maintenance Phase is such a joy and actually helps my clients <3 I still listen to Aubrey's breakdown laughter over the gay frogs almost daily.

Is there subjects (regarding health, nutrition, wellness…) that you changed your mind about this last decade?

Would you both ever consider allowing us, the listeners, to choose the episode topic?

1. As an extremely tangential follow-up to the Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar episode, is there anything you would like to discuss about Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau apparently confirming their romance? I feel like there could be a wellness angle there, but I also understand if you don’t feel comfortable commenting on this relationship. 2. I would be interested in a MP take on the radioactive shrimp news stories from this summer. 3. I would really love a salads episode, or a bonus episode with 2-3 topics you considered researching and didn’t find enough substance for (I say this as a fan of the worm wars episode).

I have a family member who has a difficult, outdoor, manual-labor type job. He was told when he was young to drink salt water to replenish his body with salt after he sweat it out all day. So he drinks salt water. Literally adds table salt to his tap water and drinks it. Is there any science to this? Does this have a different effect than drinking ocean salt water? I was so weirded out when I learned this was something he has done for YEARS!

Can we have a maintenance phase books could kill crossover where peter talks to aubrey about some weird health thing and aubrey talks to Peter about some shitty non health related book? Michael can just referee or something idk

Michael, if Aubrey were a bicycle, what kind would she be? Aubrey, if Michael were on a reality show, which contestant would he be? Michael, what is Aubrey’s soundboard alter ego? Aubrey, what niche celebrity reference would Michael definitely not get? Both of you, happy birthday! Thanks for being. - Naomi and Ben

Happy birthday! WNBPA President and WNBA legend Nneka Ogwumike just shouted out Maintenance Phase as one of her most listened podcasts on Sue Bird's podcast, which feels like a gift for Aubrey !https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dIdlMmsaTKURLH8BGxiZR?si=PdIaupDmQAeoi2LV-WlDvQ

We've had the documentary on Yr Fat Friend, so when do we get one on The Village Homosexual?

Hi Aubrey and Michael! No questions just wanted to say your podcast changed my life and the lives of many around me!! My fat bestie and I bond over every single episode sharing long voice memos back and forth. Ive used stuff I learned from you in replies to my fatphobic parents, in discussions with my grandma about my weight, in fighting for my right to get a proper desk chair at the office! I’ve found local fat support groups because Ive learned to love myself and be gentle with my self-talk about my body. Ive cried, laughed, yelled and cussed while listening to your podcasts. My chosen family sister learned how to talk about fatness and ‘fitness’ with her daughter because of you. My coworkers now know the word fatphobia. Im organising local events just for fat people, to find community. It’s not easy out there and I sure as shit have loads to learn, and lots of negative selftalk to fix. And you both, your podcast and your books/articles, have been an invaluable resource. Thank you so so much and congratulations on five years of silly taglines! You are the best!! 😘

Lots of q’s because my gf loves yall even more than I do: 1. How did ya’ll meet? 2. Who is your favorite grifter? 3. If you each started your own grift what would it be? 4. What is a personal belief they had that got debunked through the show? 5. Biggest positive and negative they’ve each experienced in their personal or professional lives due to the show’s success? 6. A grift you wish was real? 7. Favorite/worst episode to do? 8. What is Aubrey’s current fave reality show? 9. How’s Mike doing generally, the poor man has been falling apart? 10. What are your sun/moon/rising signs?

Have you guys been watching the Rugby World Cup and the (almost entirely) lovely reaction to all the bodies of these women at the top of their field!? Loving Sarah Bern! Although did come with the classic maggots telling to England team they were all going to get diabetes for eating cards before an 80 minute world cup rugby match 😂 Would look looove to hear youse's thoughts!

How'd you guys meet?

Aubrey, what's your favorite thing to grow in your garden/do you have any fun gardening stories to share?

Doesn't Aubrey have a dog? I want to hear stories about your pets

Which health conspiracy theory do you wish was true the most?

Have y’all seen the “Conspiracy Theories with Jesse Ventura?” Vaccines to kill 90% of the population, forced sterility, more Covid Conspiracies baked in. Really gnarly stuff; I’d love to hear an episode on that!

You've both talked about the importance of approaching others with curiosity. As a recovering reply-guy, I am trying to adopt a more curious mind-set. Was this something you also had to consciously think about and if so, how did you get better at it? (but also, why is everyone else wrong all the damn time ;) )

HOW MANY JOBS, MIKE?

Can you please share a little bit about where you go for information when investigating some of the alternative health medicines you have looked at? I have PCOS and am constantly being recommended different supplements and vitamins but find it hard to know where to look for accurate info about them. 😊 thanks!

What are your self care routines in this terrible and scary time as activists?

For Aubrey: What resources and supports would you recommend for fat folks working to overcome internalized fat phobia and love themselves? The answer might just be "therapy," but I'm curious if there are other resources you recommend.

Mike, what are 5 reasons Aubrey is the best co-host ever? And Aubrey, what are 5 reasons Mike is the best co-host ever?

How often do you two get to hang out together in person? Your chemistry as friends and colleagues is so palpable, and it's incredible that your bond is so strong when you've spent most of your relationship countless miles apart. I think I speak for many listeners when I say that we've all developed such a special parasocial bond with you two over the last 5 years. And as an aside, I just want to personally thank you as a therapist who treats eating disorders and body image--your podcast has been a lifesaver of a resources for so many of my clients. I can't express how wonderful it is to be able to recommend media that is so informative, thorough, and enjoyable to listen to.

Serious Question: Are there any topics you've stated to research but stopped because there wasn't enough substance to do a full episode? Any you haven't done because it's too upsetting? Less serious: What are your top 5 favorite sound effects? If you were to add 5 more sound effects to your board, what would you choose?

Hypothetical Question: You're given the ability to snap your fingers and have a cream pie magically appear and drop on someone. But you each only have a total of 5 pies and they have to be someone you've discussed before. Who would you offer the Anita Bryant special to?

Happy birthday! Which 5 episodes are you most proud of?

What are some topics that you've only covered once that you'd love to cover again because there's more to say and you still have personal interest? Conversely, what are topics that, even if there is more to say, you never ever ever want to touch them again? Also, point of clarification, is there an episode coming, or an episode I missed, where the "fluoride is a neurotoxin" claim was actually discussed? If yes, which one, and if no, will that ever be discussed? Lastly, thanks for making this show - it's been really helpful in my media retraining from growing up in a conservative household. It's also nice just having two excellent queer role models :) You both rock!

Happy Show Birthday! I just want to know what's up with Bari Weiss becoming EIC at CBS. Like, wtf???

Congratulations!! What health books would you recommend (since there are sooo many not to recommend…)? And for Mike: if you’re ever in Germany and passing through Bonn, would love to have a coffee with you! And thank you both for informing me, making me laugh and stripping me of old, false narratives.🙌🏼

I don’t remember the episode, but at one point Aubrey described a shrimp poached in coconut milk recipe. It sounds so good, Aubrey please share the shrimp recipe!!!!!!?????!!! Thank you both for making my life more informed and funnier, this is my favorite podcast ever

How has Health and Wellness changed since you started this Podcast? What posibilities/connections were possible because of the success of the podcast? What parts of Podcast-Making do you like most/least? I am also very interested to hear Aubrey talk about her experience with the biggest-looser-documentary. Congratulations on 5 years! I hope you are so proud of what you achieved! Moni (she/her)

How do you pick the subjects you talk about? And how do you make sure you don’t steal each other’s ideas?

Congrats!! As for questions: What are your favorite fictional characters? Whether for good depictions of themes, or just ones you love!

For Mike: as a fellow whack skeleton-haver: any advice for addressing medical folks about it? I'm curious in particular how you address the questions about how much pain/discomfort/etc it causes you. I always say that I have no way of knowing because I've always been like this. That doesn't seem to ever be helpful. I know it limits my breathing, but I'm so experienced at hiding it that I forget to notice it. Extra context: now with two whack skeleton kids, I'm looking for ways to address modern surgery possibilities (not possible for me, as the new methods were only available once I was fully grown, whereas the surgery needs to be done while still growing).

Whats your morning routine?

I really appreciate the in depth research and disclaimers you make I just wanted to ask if in your history of making this show (or maybe just your history of being a journalist)- do you feel that the way you research has changed at all? I’m just curious if the field of disinformation surrounding wellness (and everything else) has had you second guessing how to get to the heart of the issue and if that’s changed at all in the past few years. Also thanks again for making this show- I never thought I’d forgive myself for being fat, but you’ve taught me to love myself for it. Big fat love to both of you always.

can you do a shallow hal style dissection of the terrible anti-fat bias in the movie click? big joel touched on it in his video on how terrible click is but i want a full and thorough take down from yall bc i fucking hate adam sandler :D

Would you consider ever talking about how hideously fatphobic/obsessed with thinness David Letterman was? And the fat phobia of liberal media, particularly NPR. I had to stop listening to wait wait don’t tell me because it was just a matter of time before they dropped a terrible fat joke.

Do the people you cover on the show ever contact you and have beef?

Will Sarah Marshall be on anytime soon?

And a fast question for Mike & Aubrey: Favorite/Least Favorite episodes you've done? (Worm wars isn't allowed on the list lol.)

Question for Aubrey, do you have tips for dating for fat folks? I know you've talked about relationships (both good and bad) in your books before... but I would love to just hear like your Top Three Pieces of Advice. You're very well-spoken on these issues!

I have been absolutely dying to hear your thoughts on "Leaky Gut Syndrome" and microbiome stuff. I know you guys would do the real deep dive that this topic needs!

i personally claim both of you (plus sarah) as hometown heroes 💪 and was once very excited to read in an interview that aubrey shouted out reel m’ inn’s chicken (very good stuff) as i’ve spent many an evening there playing bad pool. i’d love to hear your guy’s PNW favorites

Have you heard The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station by CMAT? We've never had a music review section on MP but this feels like a good one to throw in during a mail bag episode.

What are your predictions for the next 5 years in terms of diet culture and wellness grifting?

thank you so much for making this show, it has changed my life ❤️

In the ultra processed episode, Michael mentioned a personal food rule he has: no foods that never go bad; because food is supposed to go bad: if it doesn't, it means there might be too many conversatives in it. What are other personal food rules you both have?

Did you do an episode about whole30? or would you do one? it's the one fad I actually experienced, and I didn't like it at all

My question is how has MP and Audrey's other work contributed to raised awareness and changing attitudes around fatness? I know MP and Audrey's books have made me face my own internalised fat phobia, understand where it comes from, and try to do better. I've apologised profusely to my fat friends (although they have all assured me that they never felt like I was ever negative about their weight) and this has prompted them to open up about their own experiences of fat phobia and their own feelings about their bodies. As a woman in the UK in her 50s, my experience is that its been something everyone I know tend to avoid talking about as we all feel uncomfortable about it. If it is spoken about at all, its either in the context of the toxic positivity of 'body positivity' or in the context of how much the 'laziness' of fat people is costing the NHS. This has stopped my fat friends from being able to speak about the nuances of their own experiences.

Aubrey I just finished Laura Lippman’s Murder Takes a Vacation. The main character is fat and talks to her thin best friend about nit saying, “I have to diet” in front of her, In the acknowledgements, Lippman shouts you out by name in helping her address anti-fat bias in her work. As you both celebrate 5 years what are some palpable wins like this that you are most proud of? (Things are shit, let’s focus on some positive impacts your joint work have created)

Aubrey, I am fascinated by the diet book collection and I have so many burning questions about it. Are there any books you are looking for that are hard to find (should we keep an eye out at the thrift store??) Do you have criteria, or how do you decide what books make it into the collection? How do you store them all? As a frequent thrifter, I love to collect oddities. I tried to collect exercise VHS tapes for awhile, but got a bit overwhelmed. (Most of them are digitized now on Youtube, which is helpful and fun!) Could be a fun bonus ep for the future! <3

Are people in “western society” fatter on average than we were 75 years ago, as general media seems to indicate. What could be the contributing factors? I feel like I’ve heard that yo-yo dieting funucks the metabolism and we end up larger than if we had just ate intuitively. Did I make this up or is it real? Can we reset our bodies after damaging ourselves with all the crazy diets. For me I don’t think there is a diet trend that I didn’t try, I’m sad for the version of myself that couldn’t love me how I was. These days I appreciate my body and eat food and move my body out of appreciation and for fun, thank you for helping me get to this point.

What diet book deep dive are you planning on doing next, and can it be Nourishing Traditions? (Raw milk, fermentation, sprouted grains, eugenics and a killer meatloaf recipe) A more fun question if you prefer: what’s your favorite weird food or flavor combination?

Have you seen Gwyneth’s Glee episodes? And why haven’t they been mentioned in an episode so far??

Michael, are you banned from Pret a Manger for radically mispronuncing it?

Aubrey, what's the best bean in your opinion?

What are your favourite snacks?

Will you do a Europe/UK healthcare themed episode?

When will we get a MP/IBCK mashup episode?

Mike- can you please talk about your time living in Berlin? I would really like to move from the US to Berlin but I am scared to do it alone!! What’s it like coming back to US? What would you do differently?

What's your favorite mobile game?

A, hopefully, kinda fun one. Favorite comfort meal?

Aubrey, what do you think of Taylor Frankie Paul as the 2026 bachelorette?!?

How many "ultra-processed" food ingriedient names can you two pronounce?

Will you start another, more generalized podcast called “The Aubs and Hobbes Variety Hour” y/n?

Are there regular podcast illuminati meetings with Sarah and Peter where you guys strategize on how best to keep us sane for the next month? It’s working.

Soooooo grateful for this podcast. I’ve unlearned so much of my fatphobia And biases with your help. My life is so much better without it!!! Questions: What does your research process look like for these episodes? How do you know when you’re “done” researching? Couldn’t it just go on forever?! Where does your income come from? Just Patreon subscribers? Is it enough to be sustainable? Did you ever consider putting ads on the podcast?

Mike, what percentage of the last 5 years would you say you've been really sick with some random illness?

Aubrey, if I understand the story right you were anonymously writing Your Fat Friend and now you're, um, very very nonymous. I'm curious about what it has been like for you to start using your real name, identity, etc publically. If we had time magic would you change that choice or not really? Pros and cons?

What books, podcasts, tv or movies are you all enjoying outside of homework for shows/work? Mainly what do you consume for fun, if anything? Have either of you fallen into the Sarah J Maas/romantacy rabbit hole, or is that mostly straight ladies?

First off, congratulations! Hearing the theme music of this show calms my nervous system, because I know I’m going to enjoy what’s coming next. Simple question for you both: what’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

What is/are the gayest pop culture thing(s) you’re into?

I’m having a really tough time finding sources of reliable information. Where would you recommend starting, as someone whose job isn’t research and doesn’t have time to read 4 articles on every issue?

Happy birthday!!!! You two have been instrumental in keeping me on the level since your inception (just imagine a sad isolated trans person trying to build a fire very poorly in their covid isolation cabin. And while cold AF still laughing their ever-loving ass off to Halo Top.) My question is soooo self-serving, sorry: will you two possibly journey to Canada?? Vancouver Island? Victoria? Please?? I’ll travel to Vancouver if I have to, but if you come here I’ll find you venues and put you up. ❤️ Just know you have such a huge following here.

Happy birthday! Silly question: what's the hill you'll die on? Serious question: you've both mentioned working in NGOs in the past. How were you able to make the switch to the careers you have now?

So many great questions here - just want to say congratulations and thank you!!

are either of you keeping up with the zizian news ? i went to school with some of these people and the whole thing makes me feel insane

Also an episode suggestion: history of Kellogg’s!

What are you both most grateful for right now?

Which one of you is the apple and which is the pear? I have always assumed Aubrey is the pear because she is taller. I’ve wanted this answer for years.

Congratulations on 5 years!! Did either of you envision the show lasting this long and if so how did you think the show would look?)

Hey, what the fuck?

Not so much a question but.... any chance we can have a beans episode? We'd get the glory of hearing Aubrey talk about beans, and BAMU talk for Mike? Congrats on 5 years!!

Hello both! This question is for Michael. Would you explain how you were able to get a masters degree abroad? Asking for someone who wants a masters degree AND to leave the US for no particular reason

What’s one conspiracy theory you sort of believe?

Can you guys or one of you do a crossover with Robert Evans from Behind the Bastards? I feel like that would be unexpectedly fun, like sweet chili sauce + cream cheese + grapes on a ritz cracker.

The show is incredible, thank you for all you do. Could you talk about books that have really impacted you? Fiction or non-fiction, and they don’t need to be ones that you’ve discussed on MP or IBCK. I just love hearing about books that either helped people, delighted them or opened their eyes to something important.

I'd really love if it you guys could cover the stigma around "preservatives". It's always felt a bit sus to me considering people have been preserving food since the start of the written word, using additives like salt. How did we get to a point where people are saying they'll shorten your lifespan?

Serious question: what are the best things regular folks can do to combat diet culture and health grifts in the day-to-day? Less serious question: what band or musical artist would you love to see or have seen live? Unhinged question: if you were an Animorph, what animal would you transform into?

What made you start the podcast? And what made you continue past the first episode? How/why do you continue now when I know both you and Mike are so busy (I also am biased because I never want you to stop). What do you love most about doing the podcast?

Last episode you mentioned fact checking and realizing things weren't correct sometimes, and how responsible creators can admit this. Is there something you've been wrong about on the show that has surprised you or that has changed the way you think about something you've covered?

This is not the right post sorry! But to your request for topics, Ive been wondering about collagen, co-counseling, probiotics/ microbiome, and skincare product claims

Oh, another one. What countries have you both been to or lived in?

Outside of what you’re reading for MP/if books could kill, what have you guys read recently and either loved or hated?

How long had you known each other before deciding to make a podcast together? Listening to the first "season" it sounds like you really vibed from the get go, but had you even met in person at that point? Or did your first in-person meeting happen later?

Favorite thing you've learned while researching? I know mine ... 🐍🛢️

Dear Michael and Aubrey, congratulations!! I am a big fan of MP and it has truely changed my life. You have enabled me to step out of the diet cycle and self-hate and recognize all the bullshit. I will be for ever grateful for that! My children (27 and 23 years old) are also listeners of MP and IBCK, and we talk about it a lot. Love you both! Keep going strong! Best from The Netherlands!

Hey legends, hugely serious and important hypothetical question here: if you had to become the global ambassador for any food or drink item or ingredient, what would you go with and why?

You guys have no idea how grateful I am for your work! I'm a huge fan!! Thank you! I'm currently an undergrad psych student and the way you both talk about and critique studies has given me the perspective and language to come to the table with something actually useful to say about methodology, overreaching conclusions etc. Just one of the many ways MP has positively impacted my life! Here's my question: after listening to your episodes I realize how pervasive so many of the myths you guys debunk are. Just two days ago someone was talking about addiction to sugar, I read about the Cleopatra bee vibrator (smh), I was able to talk with my friends about the state of the research on kratom. Seed oils of course. Is there something you've done an episode on that you suddenly noticed popping up all over the place? Is there one topic that you see more than others in your day-to-day life that you hadn't noticed so much before? And a silly question: would you rather be really good at digging or just ok at flying?

How often do you think of the Roman Empire?

A publisher has agreed to pay you an arbitrarily large sum of money to publish a self-help diet book. What is your grifty diet's primary gimmick, what explanatory anecdote do you tell in the introduction to assure readers of your authority on the topic, and most importantly, what do you title your book?

How do you try to uncenter whiteness from the academic and research spaces you two are in? My loved ones and I struggle interacting with people in certain “high education” fields who claim their work is progressive, when having a conversation with them feels like one long micro aggression. I see similar issues with white queers in general. Thoughts?

Are you guys familiar with the LaBrant Fam? Formerly family vloggers who faced backlash in the movement that has risen against family vlogging and child exploitation, as well as for some evangelical alt right beliefs. They no longer vlog and seemed to have leaned full grift, coming out with some new “thing” every few months to be promptly abandoned. Would love a deep dive on these guys

I have a journalism question for you guys: When a journalist changes someone's name for a story, how do they pick the fake name? Is it randomly assigned by the editor, or does the journalist choose from a list of generic names?

Eat to live!!! Lol

If you were a contestant on Love is Blind, what sneaky questions would you ask to determine the woo-woo-level of your potential fiancé?

Not so much a question, but I’d love to hear your wildest fantasy pitch for a drama-laden reality show

What episode’s research surprised you the most?

*in Bowen Yang & Matt Rogers sotto voice* what was the culture that made you say, “culture is for me”?

How do you balance taking care of yourself as a physical human body with knowing that so much of health advice is bullshit or harmful?

Mike, what’s your favorite speedrunning video?

Michael - I am an American Dane who would love to hear your unedited thoughts about living in Denmark. Why were you there, did you want to stay or did you know you were always gonna come back. And more broadly how did your experiences living in Europe inform your current work if at all. <3 Tak skal du have!

Can we talk fat ppl fashion? I think that what's generally out there for us is unflattering, uncomfortable, and/or just ugly. This has been a half-baked episode suggestion, probs bonus, that I've been rolling around in my brain lately. Maybe y'all could use your big brains to flesh this idea out more. Thank you for existing and doing this podcast. It has helped me so much with my confidence and hating myself less. Maintenance Phase has truly changed my life. 💐

What has been the most challenging episode to research ?

You all have such good chemistry on mic, have you ever had any major disagreements and how did you work through them?

Yay! Happy Birthday! Any old episodes that would sound different if recorded today? People or topics you'd be more/less harsh on? Have new/interesting research?

Looking ahead to the next 5 years, do you forsee any pivots or changes that would be necessary for you to continue to feel inspired to create the show?

Currently embroiled in a pretty toxic work environment and I was wondering if either of you had any advice on how to navigate that based on your experiences?

I had a weird situation where I found out my OBGYN had become a social media fitness influencer with a considerable following. She wasn't the most offensive personality online I could fathom, but it was alarming on many fronts and made me question some of the care I had received. Ultimately, I decided to stop seeing her, as I didn't think I would be able to trust her opinion moving forward and did not feel like I would be free from scrutiny pertaining to the aesthetics of my body, which is a pretty terrible feeling to add on to the discomfort of being in the stirrups. I've always wondered if I should have let the practice know why I left. I'm guessing some folks see her FOR this reason! I'm curious what you would do in this scenario or have encountered similar situations? Or, has your expertise ever been questioned due to your presence in the entertainment world?

What do you enjoy most about making podcasts in general?

Birth charts for both of you plzzz Also favorite foods 😋 we know Aubrey loves beans lol

Has the vision of your podcast changed in the 5 years?

How did the two of you meet/decide to start the podcast? Did you have a plan for a number of episodes before you got started, or did you just have a couple and then go from there? And, perhaps a tricky one - do you think you’ll still be doing it in 5 years time? Thanks for making the show !!!

What are your current favorite things? Snacks, beverages, entertainment, comfy clothes, word, could be anything! What do you all like currently??

Silly q: you are throwing a dinner party for someone you absolutely despise. What are the most diabolical diet foods you’d serve them?

Wowww read this two whiskies in as it became my birthday and felt like this was really something

Why does the man on your show sound like Brené Brown?

Fun question: what are you guys’s favorite movies? Serious question: how do I explain to my family that anorexia has a genetic component? and that it’s not their fault, but having had both myself and my cousin need inpatient and extensive outpatient care for it is not a weakness and definitely doesn’t mean we’re the only two who have EDs in the family. I’m really worried about my mother and my sister, but they think I’m the only person in my family who is “crazy” because I’m the only one who has ever sought for help. How do I tell them that it doesn’t mean you’re “crazy” if you’re sick, and that not admitting you have a problem doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist? I though having gone through treatment would help me talk to them but it seems to have estranged them from my views on the issue

Maintenance Phase has done so much to improve my mental health! I'm unlearning so many toxic things that I didn't even know I believed. Do you have your own book, podcast, show, etc that has made you feel that way? And thank you so much for everything!

In the five years of doing this show, do you think we’ve made any progress in questioning/being more skeptical of health grifters, wellness trends, or have you seen things shift in general attitudes of fatphobia? Love you guys and this show ❤️❤️

Origin story of how you met and why THIS podcast. Also do you hang out outside of recording?

I can’t thank you enough for the very hard work you both put into making this show, and the way you show up in it—with honesty, integrity, and heart. Thank you for telling the truth and always finding a way to laugh without pretending that the darkness isn’t dark. MP is a light and a joy for me because of how real you are. I save new episodes for when I have to do things I really, really, don’t want to do, like go to the grocery store on a Saturday, because it makes anything I dread feel bearable and so much better. I would love to hear: What, for each of you, is the equivalent of what MP is for me? What helps you do hard things? What is your light in the dark? 💛

If you could hit the Delete button on any diet or wellness trend to make it disappear forever, what would it be?

If you have to pick one person that you’ve covered that you would throw hands on-sight, who would it be?

What has been the most meaningful episode to create for each of you? What has been the silliest?

Michael has mentioned his mom's dieting while growing up to be a major source of inspiration for this podcast. I'm curious if Mike's mom is a listener and/or has changed her dieting habits as a result of your work?

I’m sure many of us are curious about you as humans and your relationship with one another. Without overstepping obv, if you could take turns sharing what do you value most about your friendship with one another I think that would be fun

What is y'all's opinion on being cited as experts on the topics you discuss on the show? Obviously Aubrey is a literal published author on the subject of fatphobia, and is an expert on that subject (especially fatphobia in the United States), but what about when people cite you when discussing diabetes, or the history of vibrators? I don't necessarily mean academic citations, but rather in casual conversation or on the internet.

Have there been any grifty health and wellness traps you've found yourselves in even while making the show?

What myths in the wellness space are currently under-covered or overdue for a Maintenance Phase episode?

What is the most meaningful piece of listener feedback you’ve ever received, and how did it change you or the show?

How do you regulate your nervous system with all this hot garbage around us? For me, I listen to you guys!

Happy Birthday and congrats on 5 years! Is there any episode you would want to revisit or do differently now that you've been doing the show for so long?

Happy Birthday!! I was a long time "You're Wrong About" listener, trying to find a resource to share with my parents to help with my Ed/their fatphobia, and your first episode was a light in that darkness! You both have done so much for me personally and I'm sure everyone here, so thank you for the education, joy, and peace 💛 Question: What makes you guys keep going? The amount of research you have to do, and on such difficult topics, just to disprove internalized stigmas and hatred is crazy, and while I appreciate the five years I'm sure it's been hard!

Also, what are your thoughts on hugs?

Can you PLEASE comment on the whole 'weighted vest' thing? It's absolutely killing me that people are recognizing it's healthier for them to 'carry more weight when they work out' but not that being fatter means you might have similar exercise outcomes. ILYSM <3

Congrats!!!! I have an autistic kid who will remark at my fat friends that they are fat. They don’t seem to mind. Should I still tell her to stop? Help me out here. 🤣

What has been your favorite thing about working on the podcast together?

Big question: How do we end fatphobia and discrimination? What policies would you suggest? Small question: What is your favorite band/artist? Thanks for all the laughs ❤️

Describe is your perfect day off.

Spicy question and some words of encouragement question mark? Do you realize that your work, even if it is just saying words after a very soothing introduction of beeps and boops can go forward in a way that is fulfilling for you? Because your work is important. I know it took a lot but your Ozempic / p hacking stuff is fucking gold. I am a scientist and I had some jerk contractor come at me with an N of 18 out of 10000 and I was like "fuck all the way off Kate". I had a minute to think about it and her preliminary data will make it into the report as a low priority action item especially sonce she is holding back her spatial data until her contract is cinched. Do what you got to do Kate. I will not write the goddamn sky is falling we need to fund Kate so she can hire a guy to get her number to N = 60 in a year or whatever. In these dark times we need regular degulars talking about this stuff you are crucial. Beep beep beep . Beep beep beep book beep beep beep. Thank you xoxo Aubry I lived in Portland and moved after moving 16 times in that 20 years. Saw your doc at the Hollywood where it was intended to be seen. I loved the stuffing of the lil libraries. Mike I am 54 and finished my graduate degree in Env Sci and got a job writing shit that is almost exactly what my thesis was about. There is something to be said about being an expert in the field and working to preserve what little humanity is left. Michael I fucking hate cars so much- written from the shuttle bus I have to wake up at 5 am to get. Both of you: I fucking canvassed in Portland and worked for the PIRG and I still manage to get some dry humping canvassing in at my new role: no crew, no pay. Nothing makes me happier than setting up someone's clipboard and drawing a turf map in BFE. Keep up the good work but I will be here for all a yall's DJ nights.

I'm very open to thoughts from other listeners, my question is around "navigating being fat". A few years ago I got really sick and lost a lot of weight, which came with a lot of compliments. At the time I'd just smile and say "thanks, I nearly died". Right now I'm a whole lot healthier, but also the fattest I've ever been. I feel so fucking neutral about the size of my body and thrilled that it's functioning properly and keeping me alive now, but I have this acute awareness that all of these people have been like... Monitoring the size of my body, and they have thoughts on it. I guess I'm curious about whether anyone had any advice on managing the hints/comments I'm getting from people in my life that it's not appropriate for me to alienate (colleagues, friends of friends, etc). I grew up in the same fat shamey bullshit culture and the rest of them did, so I want to educate when I hear "hey, my gym has a free trainer session I can give to a friend" or "hey, have you tried this disgusting 98 calorie wine", or "have you tried keto? I lost ten kilos before my wedding and you get to eat ham!' but it seems to go in one ear and out the other. Does anyone have any advice/experience successfully shutting down these conversations?

This is the question I most often find myself asking: how many degrees has Michael got and from how many universities?

Who is the most famous /interesting person that has said they listen to your show?

First of all, thank you so much for your podcast. I’ve referred so many friends to follow you. I also loved Aubrey’s appearance on the Biggest Loser doc. Can you recommend any other good documentaries available on Netflix or HBO? I love true crime and cult ones in particular

How has the health and wellness industry changed since you’ve started this podcast? Is any of it for the better?

Are there any topics you’ve deemed too controversial to cover? Out of all the topics you’ve covered, which has had the biggest reaction/blowback from their community? Do you ever hear from people whose minds you’ve changed? On a completely different note: Thoughts on the upcoming vote to bar Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest and keep Eurovision “apolitical”?

Congrats on 5 years!! What have you been reading and watching, both for education and for pleasure? And how do you balance your “content diet”? Thank you again for all your hard work!

Michael - How do you respond to allegations that RFK’s brain worm is just a PR stunt to drum up clicks on the Worm Wars episode? 🤍

If you had a secret handshake, what would it be?

Aubrey - I love hearing you talk about your experience as a community organiser (as someone who has also worked as an organiser, but in the trade union space), what skills or lessons have you taken from that time and still use today? Happy 5 years 🥳

What is your preferred birthday treat? Doesn’t have to be cake, just whatever you would most want to have on your birthday

If you had to go on a reality tv show of your choice, which one would it be? I love your show thanks so much!!

What is an essential step to each of your writing processes?

What reality show would you design/create? What’s the premise, prize and what’s it called? x

What topic do you regret covering?

Imagine the scene: the brain worm finally claims RFK Jr … Mike & Aubrey are crowned Kings/Queens Of MAHA … what are the first things you do?! Listening from the UK since Ep1! Happy birthday guys xXx

Eeeek HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! 2 questions M&A related and 1 question show topic related: 1) how did you meet each other? and 2) how did you decide to do a podcast together? 3) Whatever happened with the Daily Harvest food poisoning investigation?

Is there any workout or diet or whatever that you absolutely refuse to talk about? Either coz it hits too close to home or you've suffered at their hands yourself or anything?

I've been listening since episode 1. I hopped over from You're Wrong About and stayed on - can't believe it's been five years! Congratulations! Silly question: Which Pride and Prejudice adaptiation do you prefer: the splendid 1995 mini-series or the misguided 2005 movie? (I would've asked about Eurovision, but nothing's fun or silly about that lately...) Serious question: I would love to hear you discuss research and beliefs cocerning stress and weight gain/weight loss. I've often heard people say that prolonged stress causes weight gain, because of cortisol or other hormonal stuff. Yet my real-life experience contradicts that big time - prolonged stress makes me shrivel, and once I feel happy and hopeful again, all the weight comes back. So it would be interesting to hear your nuanced takes on the research regarding the relationship between stress and weight.

I'd like to know the research on artificial sweeteners especially when it comes to diet soda. And here's an article I just saw today: https://people.com/soda-raises-risk-of-liver-disease-sweetened-diet-11825599?fbclid=IwVERDUANTCQNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHg4nsdZJKOEiZYiMYoPW_aOZe_bxgNvdKVfYxTKS2wgIyO9H_NVVQ8fmfrmy_aem_2J6BvyQKNJLv5CxBlEUYpw

I am sorry, but i need to know the croatian french fries story. It's been haunting me. Why would you order french fries only??? Where did you order them? And was it really bbq sauce and not ajvar or something else? Such a weird thing to have on the menu, i am fascinated.

Can you please come visit Melbourne Australia 🥰

Have you considered doing an episode on diabetes? SO many misconseptions around the types and causes! ♥️: Parter of T1 diabetic. My parter and I originally bonded over podcasts and have been listening together the whole time!! much love and many thanks for all you do! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

I can't think of any questions, but happy, happy birthday. I LOVE your podcast - it's informative and makes me laugh (really, maybe I shouldn't be listening in my car while driving). As someone who loves going down research rabbit holes, I really appreciate how much research you put into a topic, and how you present all sides (even how some of the wacky is actually true :)). Thank you for making complex information interesting and funny. May there be many more years!

Time flies! Thanks for everything you do 🙏🏻 Q - What's been your favourite episodes to research & record?

Hi Aubrey and Michael! Is there a topic that you have wanted to do but just couldn’t make work as an episode? Or on the flipside, is there a topic you really don’t want to do but it’s lurking in the back of your brain cos it maybe should be addressed at some point?

Have you considered looking into breathing practices as therapies for chronic illnesses like long COVID? People I know are very excited by it, but there are a few main gurus that make it feel like a cult.

I need to rewatch your documentary to ask this well, I haven’t seen it since the screening in London, what is with the hand pillow?! I need the story! Was there other hand stuff as well? I can’t exactly remember… I wanted to ask you in the screening but everyone was asking you deep emotional questions and I couldn’t bring myself to raise my hand over the hand pillow 😂.

IFBCK crossover joke: What is the status of all the shelves in Aubrey’s home? Does she have, or has she ever had, any shelf assembly obligations that were not fulfilled in a timely manner?

Any regrets? Or learnings? I’m curious if there were any topics you expected to be straightforward but actually had a lot of nuance

I'm adding my voice to the request for an MP and IBCK crossover episode! I want to hear Aubrey and Peter sass Mike! Also, my ND brain finds repetition soothing so I listen to the Temptation Island/Seed Oils/Food Babe eps when going to bed, in case you're wondering why you have a bajillion downloads for those.

Honestly - how are you doing? :) I would also love to hear more about Aubrey's experience with the Biggest Loser documentary. I loved her takes in there, but it seemed a bit tamed compared to how she talked about it on the podcast hehe :) Also, is Mike ever going to visit Sarah again to finish the OJ story?  👀

ANY RANTS cooking inside you, please! Also, I can't believe it's already been 5 years.. You make the world a better place!

What are Aubrey's takes on the experience/ outcome of The Biggest Loser documentary? I would love a MP and IBC crossover episode! I'd also love to hear more about Michael's career history and Aubrey's and how you landed where you are today

Happy birthday! Thank you for 5 years of amazing content. 🥰 Is there a MP & IBCK crossover episode in our futures?

As usual, when asked for a question, my mind has blanked. But Happy Birthday and thank you for the pod. It is not only entertaining but SO useful. I've been sceptical of all the various claims about food & health for ages, but didn't really have the tools to push back. Your work has helped enormously. There are a couple of items I'd be interested in hearing more about: CBDs & collagen - of the sort you're supposed to drink. The latter especially has started to pop up frequently in TV ads here (UK) & sounds like utter nonsense. The former was a staple of podcast ads for a while, though I seem to hear about it less now. But it was pushed with panacea-like properties and again, made me sceptical. I would also, even though he's no longer around, still like to hear your take on Michael Mosley, the doctor who promoted the fasting diet here so much. Thanks again & congratulations!

Hello Aubrey and Mike, you are great! Mike, which video games would you recommend to Aubrey for downtime and relaxation and why?

Congratulations!! I'm so very grateful for your work. How do you feel about hitting the five-year-mark?

Any books you'd recommend to your listeners? No need to include Aubrey's books in the recommendation, I've already read both (two thumbs up).

What music is on your research playlist? And (as a serial procrastinator) when you dive head first into research, which household chore is the one you’re avoiding hardest?

You two have such chemistry! You finish each others sentences, belly laugh together in a way that I can picture you both laying in the floor cry laughing. You can’t fake that so I want to know, do you hang out as buds? When and how did you meet? Was it an instant “we’ve known each other forever kind of vibe”?

service top or bratty bottom?

If you could make one of the products, plans, bullshit work as advertised which one would it be?

I’m a Londoner and in the UK we’re being tortured by a guy called Joe Wicks…. I’m sure you’ve been sent his Killer Bar nonsense, and probably various other idiotic stuff he’s said and done… would love to hear you two discuss it all 😁

Bean queen, what is your favorite way to prepare butter beans? Michael, if you were going to be a quest on Matt Bernsteins podcast, what would your dream topic be? Thank you for the great pod, Monica from Norway .

What surprised you most about each other? Thanks for making my favorite show ever ♥️

Can you tell me your favorite foods? And thanks for making an awesome show I've loved for years! Congratulations for you both! 🥳

What about covering research into food/diets/supplements in the fertility and pregnancy space. So much info, so much misinformation (it feels). So many ppl desperate enough to try things

Hello! I've been a listen for all 5 years, and your show has transformed how I think about food, myself, etc. My question: what is "nutritional psychology" really? Is there any robust evidence for the different claims it makes? Basically, is it legit at all? Thank you!

Hi Aubrey and Michael! (I need Mike's goat cheese & sweet potato recipe again, but I'm not asking for a cookbook!) I just heard about oxalates. And maybe to avoid them. Sounds like BS to me. Thoughts?

If you were to bake a “now that’s what I call Maintenance Phase” birthday cake, what would the ingredients be? Happy Birthday!!

What kind of trash reality tv should we ask Mike to watch next?

Happy birthday! Do you have a favourite fat fictional character?

Can I go off script with a palate cleanser? Who are your favorite musicians or musical groups? Happy Birthday - love you both!

Would you be willing to do lives? I'd love to do a watch party on YouTube with you and everyone. It could even be for the bachelor or something unrelated.

How do you send works off to experts for feedback? I feel like it was mentioned somewhere recently that that's something you all do with your info?? Do you just cold call university professors and doctors / ambush your PCP or is there like a system of people willing to do it who promise they're definitely not pulling a Dr Oz?

What has been the best most unexpected part of your journey creating this show?

Is there an episode or a topic researched for an episode that you regretted?

Not a question, but I want you all to know that *I* love the Worm Wars episode and would happily hear more methodology mishaps made with good intentions. Not only is it amusing, but an important conversation.

Hi! Love you guys! My question first for you both is what are your thoughts on true crime?!? I don’t know, that’s the only other type of podcast I listen to other than yours. Are you guys into that sort of thing? Also, in terms of living, have you enjoyed the PNW or New England better? (As a new englander who is seriously considering living in the PNW)

Excuse my ignorance, but why is the show called “Maintenance phase”?

Have you thought about doing a perimenopause/menopause episode? Feels like there are a lot of grifters out there right now in that space. Also can Mike be in charge of this researching this episode for shits and giggles. Love you both. Thanks for the last 5 years

1. More of an episode recommendation: clinical/medical hypnotherapy. For things like weight loss (grift?), smoking cessation, and pain management (mixed evidence??). 2. I'm so so sorry but my ama question is: Gaylor. Do you know any Gaylors IRL? Did you just read the NYT article? Did you see the Christian Siriano TikTok? I thought I heard Mike mention it once and I'm dying to know how far you looked into it. My beloved sister is deep into Gaylor.

Mike: Eurovision thoughts/hot takes? Aubrey: NWSL thoughts/hot takes?

What has been your favourite episode that a. You researched and b. The other person researched?

I want to know more about Aubrey’s dog 😆 what is his story?

How do you guys decide what topics you want to research?

Hi Aubrey, you've spoken about how you were sent to fat camp and your history with disordered eating etc and as somebody trying my hardest to accept my body I would love to know more about how you came to do so yourself? Was it a long process of consciously (un)learning or was there like one big "oh, I don't have to feel like this" moment?

What podcasts do you listen to and recommend?

I don't think you've ever shared the origin story of the podcast! How did you two wind up working together? Did you always dream of podcasting? What were your original goals for doing this?

When will Mike be getting his liberal arts degree from Oberlin

Did Aubrey go to Brown……???

Hi Aubrey and Mike! I'd love your insight on the underlying drive of the MAHA movement and their ilk. Obviously some of them are doing it as a cynical grift or path to power, but for the freaks who really seem sincere about their MAHA bullshit, why do you think they're so obsessed with their specific bogeymen: vaccines, autism, etc? Thanks for the last five years!

Why wouldn’t you tell me what color my pee should be in the hydration episode????????????????? It’s teal??

What are your favorite body positivity books for kids/teens/adults?

I am a lifelong straight size person and I have recently gained a lot of weight quite quickly. I'm worried there is a medical cause that needs to be addressed but I am also nervous to put the topic of weight on the table with my new doctor, especially since I now have an "obese" BMI. Do you have any advice to keep the focus on health and not weight loss?

How are you holding up with everything that's going on and not losing hope, staying positive or at least looking like staying positive?

Are you planning any live fan meetups? I've met Aubrey in her book tour in NY, by would love more live content!

would u ever do a crossover with IBCK or is that a pipe dream 😭

What do you both need to create more episodes? It doesn't have to be that research heavy! We need more of you!

Do you think your podcast could be used academically to understand certain topics? How would you feel about professors using some of your work for nutritional history (clarifying for historical purposes and not life advice)?

Happy birthday! Im so interested in your RESEARCH PROCESS! You both come through with such insight, and Mike you’re always making throw away lines like “yeah I have like 50 pages of notes on this lol”. What’s in the notes?! What do y’all look for in a text or clip?! How do you get through so many books so quickly?! Any glimpses into this would be amazing and high key help me with my own research work!

Tell us about a time you guys got into an argument or had a struggle you had to overcome

When was the first time you were recognized in public for your work? Do you think it's okay for fans to ask for a photo when you're off the clock?

You guysssssss, I can't think of any questions, I just want to hang out with y'all. Such a huge relief when I see a new episode in my podcasts from y'all, like, okay, the constantly renewing carousel of horrors can continue out there but for an hour or so I can laugh about, well, a lot more horrors, but they're funny? I dunno. Also, hey Mike, full disclosure, I absolutely love the Worm Wars episode, it's on my comfort listens list along with Rachel Hollis (you know we southern people love a monogram! and - uh - intestinal parasites).

Did Michael go to high school with Lindy West???

Aubrey, you have had to travel a lot with the documentary and I imagine doing book tours. Has that experience changed since you first wrote about it? Mike, have you considered creating a media literacy course?

I have listened to the Protein Fiasco more than once because I love the way you both talk about Siciliy’s awesomeness and problematicness! Sicily is a fun name to hear. I’d love to hear an episode on collagen. My primary care says it’s BS, sports nutrition gurus will tell you it’s essential, and my podiatrist encourages it endlessly. Like, I want to talk about my foot and he wants to tell me to take collagen. Thank you both. Love your work.

Have you ever considered doing a "positive twist" episode? Like… what's a vision for treating our bodies well?

Is it too early to check in on Gwenyth?

Can you give a brief overview of your writing process? Do you start with a question or hypothesis and start branching out from there? How do you start your research process?

Looking ahead to Thanksgiving, what is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Michael's love of yogurt is well documented but what are some other snacks or dishes you like to recommend to folks?

Two questions: What’s up with the Microbiome? Is this something I need to worry about? What are you thoughts on the series, “My Big, Fat, Fabulous Life”?

Just a few questions off the dome: What's something fun you're into right now that's not work related (like fun books you're reading, shows you're watching, games you're playing, hobbies you're cultivating, or whatever!)? Are there any important lessons you've learned during the five years of making this show? What's a piece of advice you would give to your younger self if you could? Thanks for being my favorite podcast for five years! <3

What kind of time does it take for you to work on a main feed ep or bonus ep versus your day jobs or your more regular work?

Will you be doing a Jenny Craig episode? I would love to hear the history and I don’t want to research anything knowing you will do it better 🤣

Is that a sugar-free cake? 😏 IYKYK

What's the weirdest thing you guys have come across in research for the podcast?

What makes you feel hopeful right now? You know, despite (gestures at everything). What makes you feel hopeful about the future of public health, as well as hopeful about our world generally?

As someone who both engages in fat activism and is publicly fat (I'm a theatre performer), I end up holding a lot of space for folks to express their weird and wild anti-fatness. (I'm sure that Aubrey experiences this x1000000000.) MP (along with an awesome fat therapist) has helped bolster my resilience in ways I can't enumerate. Despite this, the hardest thing for me is often my own internalized anti-fatness. Aubrey, how do you work through this kind of challenge? PS: More bike lanes everywhere! More bikes for fat bodies!!!!

How did you meet in the first place?

There have been a number of topics you've mentioned as future episode material (e.g. thanks for coming back around to Herbalife, I was super interested as I had bought the starter kit during freshman year of college and immediately regretted it, lol). How long is that list now, and do you think you'll ever get through them all? ;-)

I’d love to hear you destr—*coughs*—um… chat about Pete Hegseth fat shaming the military 😈

Curious your favorite (or a notable) non MP podcast you've been on and a bit of that experience as a guest!

What were your first impressions of each other? How did you get to know each other?

Aubrey what is your favorite bean recipe 😋?

Why did Mike move to Berlin and then why did he move back?

It has been a delight to listen to you both yell, laugh, and explain-in-diligent-but-increasingly-suspenseful-detail about everything from grifty marketing to harmful health policy. Thank you for 5 years and helping me slowly deconstruct the soup of misguided American health advice I grew up in! Speaking of soup... what is y'alls favorite soup and what is the worst soup recipe you have ever heard of? (Question reasoning: Aubrey for all the diet books you have collected, I expect there are some terrible soups. Mike... do you enjoy soup in general? While typing this I felt compelled to consider that you may have an unexpectedly strong opinion on soup. (would-love-to-hear-it-if -thats-the-case))

Can Mike start saying denouement again?

Happy bday! Favorite bean recipe/ bike.. something? Idk anything really about either thing but.. I'm interested. Also please note any crossover stories. Ps what are the fates you would choose for your enemies. Thank you

Since much of what you research can be heavy - what’s the most delightful fact/quote/moment you’ve found in your research? Bonus question! What is the callback/quip/joke from the podcast that you find yourself repeating most in your everyday life?

If you broke protocol and had one guest on the show, who would it be?

Are there any topics or stories you all have wanted to cover but for whatever reason couldn’t? Any MP lost media?

Aubrey what's your mount Rushmore of womens soccer players?

Is there anything in the MP universe which you’ve changed your perspective on over the course of the podcast? (Positive to negative or vice-versa!) Any episodes/subjects from the early days you would like to take a fresh crack at? Where’s the Noom ep? (jk…thankfully, seems like that one has faded into the background with the rise of protein everything/creatine/raw milk etc)

Do you have any size neutral diabetes resources? I'm sure I could find them out there but my good and holy Divine (I do mean the drag queen, not the concept), they're is just SO MUCH SHIT out there! The stuff you have to wade through to get ideas on almost anything is WILD

Please tell me you’ve seen Hilaria Baldwin on Dancing with the Stars. Author and wellness influencer.

Mike occasionally sings the words “the discourse” in a singsong tone. It seems like it’s a reference to something, but I haven’t been able to figure out what it’s referencing, and have been wondering for a long time. Can you explain the reference?

What diet or workout plan would you subject your enemies too snd which one/s should be banned to protect human rights?

have you guys seen Nicole Olive on tiktok/instagram? she makes skit about bosses in non profit organizations, need to know your take on it

What’re your thoughts on Fat Bear Week? Do you have a favorite fat bear? My favorite is Grazer!

would you guys try the pink sauce?

Could you do an episode of FODMAPS? And Ketamine?

Bang/Marry/Kill: Black Bean, Kidney Bean, Pinto Bean.

I know that you enjoy a good fad diet book. There was one that my mom and dad did in the early '80s that l can still smell in my mind's eye. It had a 3 day cycle of food, and while I don't remember the whole thing, I know dinner menu for 1 day was hot dogs (no bun!), cantaloupe, and canned beets. I can still smell the combination of these foods cooking in my childhood kitchen 🤢Gastrointestinal illness runs in my mom's family, but I can almost guarantee that this diet pushed my mom's digestive system over the edge! Any chance you have heard of this one?

What mollusk do you most identify with?

What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had? What's the worst movie you've ever seen that everyone else loves? What kind of stuffed animal did you have when you were little? If I were to summon you using black magic, what five items would I need at each corner of the pentagram? What do you like on your pizza? What’s the most random thing in your fridge right now? What’s the weirdest superstition you actually follow? Would you rather speak every language in the world or be able to speak to animals? When eating tacos, do you turn the taco or your head sideways? What do you believe is the purpose of human existence?

When will Mike and Matt Bernstein collab on the A Bit Fruity pod

I would be curious to hear your approach to body image/health/fitness in the military. Especially after Hegseths speech. Even if you’re not comfortable taking a stance right out of the gate, maybe there is a guest who could help speak to it?

Do you still enjoy doing the show? Does it become more of a chore when you feel like everyone says the same thing over and over again? (I still enjoy listening just curious. Everything has ups and downs but overall)

HAPPY BDAY!! 🎉 baker/cook of 10+ years here 👋 - could you PLZ do an episode on how the pandemic sourdough-pilled everyone ((and interview some bakers for it))? - I’ve had A TIME with owning a sourdough bakery in this *new age* and the barrage of misinformed emails we receive…are just… if you want them i would love to send you.

What subject matter were you most excited to research? Which show surprised you the most?

What’s one wellness trend/thing you lowkey like and buy into?

I'm curious about disordered eating as a contagious phenomenon. Not in the literal critters-getting-you-sick kind of contagion, but in the sense of spending time with someone gives their ideas a chance to rub off on you. It's something a bit close to my heart. I have family members who have been hospitalized for treatment for eating disorders, and I also have family members who won't shut the fuck up about the diets they're on. I worry that the latter are creating a bad environment for the former.

What is one thing you most love about your co-host? What is the one thing you most love about yourself?

What is your favored de-stressing activity? Mine is listening to you yell and scream in my earholes, so.

Congratulations 🎊 👏 Are there episodes you want to do but haven't yet and why haven't done them yet? Love the podcast

Would you rather encounter a bear or a shark? Why?

What are your dream projects if cost and feasibility weren't obstacles?

If you two had to start a new podcast tomorrow on another shared passion, what would it be?

I just finished a nuclear-grade boring training on ICH/FDA regulations on clinical trials, and … did y’all know that basically no rules apply if you’re not seeking to market the drug?! I was not prepared for all the loopholes in this process.

What off topic niche drama do you want to talk about?

Thank you so much for the show! It’s my happy place. Very silly q, but have always wondered why you keep cameras off when recording.

Happy Birthday to you- the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for all of it. I love MP, I love your voices and I love the info you bring. Are there any other projects- books, films, etc in the works?

Literally any of your thoughts on this. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/07/podcasts/the-daily/marriage-sex-in-ozempic.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

You guys like to joke about being old and uncool, but are there any areas that you think you are categorically, objectively cool as hell?

When are yall going to collab with Conspirituality pod again?

What are some topics you will absolutely not cover?

Have either of you had experiences with hallucinogens and what are your opinions on them in general?

What’s been your favorite topic to cover so far? What’s your least favorite?

Have there been instances where deeper research on show topics have revealed that “you were wrong about xxxx”?

Who's your favorite fictional fat character and if you could write them an alternate story arc, what would it be?

Curious, did you guys get a cease and desist from the Oprah estate? You did a lot of episodes of Oprah and I'm kind of surprised you didn't have a drone to come out of the sky and shoot your microphones.

What are your thoughts on America’s protein obsession? Protein coffee is diabolical nonsense, so I’m curious to know your thoughts or if you’ll do an episode covering it.

Is there a topic you want to revisit? Happy anniversary!

Is there a specific diet book that Audrey has been trying to add to her collection? Like her holy grail of wacky diet books?

If the show was an actual five year old, what theme would you pick for its birthday party? What other podcasts would be invited? Would you tell their hosts to keep the party a secret so you didn't have to invite the Joe Rogan Experience? Would there be a bouncy castle? Also I appreciate you guys so much, thanks for the awesome work you have put into this podcast.

Thank you for the show! I wish you all the success in the world - I have a Patreon & an Apple subscription & I was wondering when this became a financially viable path for you? When could you quit your day job & do this full time?

In what ways have your lives changed since starting the podcast? (For better or worse!)

I was listening to a 2021 episode this week (Marianne Williamson - god bless). In the ep, you mentioned having only met 1x in person. My questions… 5 years in, now how many times have you met in person? In the early days you had incredible chemistry having not interacted much in person, how do you explain that?

If you could wish into existence a show in the vein of yours (debunking/nuance bringing) but on another subject for which you aren’t an expert, what would the topic be?

How did y'all meet?

You two have such a good sense of humor. Who are your comedy inspirations? What comedy stuff did you like to watch growing up. (Any Kids in the Hall fans?)

1. What do you think of intermittent fasting? Will you do an episode on it or nah? 2. Nasty little people on the internet sent Aubrey whale emojis. What’s the opposite of that supportive listeners can do? My mum and I have your books and subscribe on Patreon. Those feel like good things but is there anything else or anything non financial we can do to show our support for the work you’re both doing? Or anything you’d just find to be a morale boost? 3. I’m a Pilates instructor (loved the episode). I think I take a health at every size approach, I don’t talk about “snatched waists” or any of that bullocks, and treat all my clients respectfully - but have you got any tips for exercise instructors looking to make fat folks feel more happy and welcome in their classes?

Happy birthday! I'm a scientist 🥼 in pharma 💊 and would love your take on how help people navigate scientific misinformation and science literacy. For most of my education and working life I've told people how reliable the FDA, NIH, CDC, etc are and how they are a good place to turn for scientific consensus. But now it's complicated because they've been taken over. I don't want to spawn new conspiracy theorists by telling people not to trust the government but I also don't want them taking anything RFK jr says seriously.

WHAT IS THE ADELE STORY

Ever get the itch to tour?

Everytime I listen to an episode, I am so curious what your prep/research documents and notes look like!!! Is it a word doc with a million tabs. Is it a bunch of legal pads worth of handwritten notes? I'm nosy and must know!

What is brining you each joy or hope right now?

Happy Birthday! Love the show. Some of my favorite episodes are the ones with the taste tests. So funny. Please do more of those! Would you consider doing an episode comparing monkfruit, stevia, and/or the sugar alcohols we’re seeing more of in packaged foods & “health products” like protein powders and bars?

Happy 5 years!! 🎉 Since it’s spooky month, what were your favorite Halloween costumes and candy? Any paranormal encounters? 🎃 (I love this pod and it has changed my life, for real. Thank you for sharing it with us!)

Fuck marry kill: Jillian Michaels, RFK, or Herman Tarnower of the Scarsdale diet?

Thanks for 5 years! Have you ever overheard people discussing the podcast?

What is one way that this whole thing has grown that has surprised you?

What fiction books and authors do you both love? You talk about reading for research on the show a ton but almost never for fun

Previously you've shared books you've read and enjoyed - any good reads lately?

this one might be worthy of an episode but have you looked into the low FODMAP elimination diet? I was wary of it when my GI and dietician recommended it bc I have been trained to look at diets sort of suspiciously, but i've had gut issues for years and i'm on week 6 of low fodmap and it's literally the first thing that has helped me in so so long. I think there is a university in Australia that's done a lot of the research for the main app you use to follow the diet (Monash) which all had my hackles up, but following it has changed my life and I sound like those crazy ppl y'all sometimes talk about. I can't stay on it forever because apparently it cuts out major nutrient groups that the body needs, it is only to reset/give the body a chance to figure out triggers as I reintroduce foods, but I think it could be an interesting episode. I really thought it was going to be a fake thing bc I am so wary of diets but I think this one is actually real. Love u guys, been listening since 2021. You have helped me so much over the years and kept me company through countless hours of my life.

What would you say is the most valuable thing you've learned doing this for five years, and what is something that has surprised you the most?

I want to know what Mike thinks about the current season of Love is Blind (Denver). If he's watching it

Appreciate you two and your work so much! I was just recommending some MP episodes to undergrads in my gender and disability class, and I actually use one of Aubrey’s blogs as a sample when I teach comp! Just wanted you to know that you are such a resource and support for me personally but also for my students. 🥰

Congrats on five years! This is something i've been thinking about since the Supersize Me episode: fast food companies and corporations like Coca Cola and Nestle are undoubtedly exploitative and deserve scrutiny just as much as any other capitalist enterprise, but people can't seem to critique them without bringing in really nasty antifat rhetoric (and, now that we're in the age of MAHA, throw ableist and conspiratorial rhetoric in there as well). It's good to see people be critical of massive corporations, but it seems like it comes from place of disgust with marginalized bodies rather than concern for stuff like worker's rights or climate change. Any tips on how to approach these kinds of conversations?

I love hearing the things that bring you hope and joy

I love hearing the things that bring you hope and joy

Michael periodically mentions video games - I'd like to know what his favourite games are (and if Aubrey is a gamer at all)

Just a comment - your show means the world to me, and when I saw a tiktok of someone suggesting a version of the Bechdel test but about not talking about weight, we agreed it had to be the Gordon test 🩷

Happy Birthday! I am way too curious how bad the gluten free, sugar free cake was that Aubrey's dad got her for her birthday (in Your Fat Friend). More seriously, how do I locate, vet, and understand research that is essentially HAES friendly? I know that can be a huge question, but as I come up against doctor after doctor who have issues with my weight causing my diabetes (umm, my A1C is 4.9, I am NOT diabetic) or osteoarthritis (my worst osteoarthritis is in my pinky fingers, so, uhhh???) or wanting to put me on a GLP-1 to lose weight when I am severely depressed and barely eating even a single meal a day already, I need to have this stuff down. It's ridiculous because my skinny friends can just go to the dr and know nothing, but I need to know how to walk into my appointments and know that I know my stuff. (Add AuDHD and major mental health struggles to being fat and needing good doctors for all my chronic diseases, and it's rough!) Again happy birthday! I am so happy you are here and sharing yourselves with us. Seriously, thank you!

Happy bday to the best podcast ever!! Love you guys 🫶🫶🫶

I'm curious what events in particular inspired you two to start the podcast, and if there's anything specific that's shaped how you do the research and tell the story? I'm sure there's a lot!

MP is truly the high point of my week / only way I can get my cleaning done !! My question is: If you could design and get financed ONE scientific study - could be medical/biology/sociology/ anything - what would it be?

Is there any topic you are sick of us asking you to cover?!?

I want to know what internet drama Mike is currently dying to explain to someone!

It’s my birthday today and I thought y’all knew. 😹 I consider you both friends of mine. The conversation could literally be all about poop and I would be there. But Michael would never. 💩 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the masculine man and the ladiest of ladies who are not scared of sunflowers. 🌻

If either of you were HHS Secretary for a day/week/month/year (you pick), what would you do?

do you have any tips for folks who are interested in doing more research as a “hobby”? any websites you recommend for scholarly articles (especially sites that offer free articles or cheaper subscriptions)? i admire your thoughtful research and reporting style so much!!

I would love to hear any rant (health related or not) that's been marinating with you a while but not yet shared on the podcast. Anything you two have uppercase FEELINGS about - the more niche, the better!

What are your favorite things you've tried for the various test taste episodes and/or research for the podcast?

Happy Birthday!! 1) Have you ever considered covering a topic like ADHD? 2) What TV show do you currently want to tell everyone to watch?

Happy birthday! What was your favorite episode to research? And what did you learn that surprised you the most?

What are your favourite pre or post recording snacks? What topics do you wish you could make an episode on, but feel like it wouldn’t work for some reason?

Happy birthday this is definitely one of my favourite podcasts. What do you all listen to when you're not recording?

You are such incredible fat activists and I'm sure you're changing people's hearts and minds on the regular. What have YOU changed your minds about in the past five years?

Happy birthday!! Than you for all you do - I value it very much. Are my many repeat listens to the Jordan P episodes why I keep getting Mikhaila P in my algorithm?!? (I think the whole thing is worth it but ESPECIALLY Aubrey finding out it’s a two-parter.)

Happy Birthday!! I would love to know the nitty gritty as to how an episode gets made from conception to pod, and would love any tips on gathering and vetting sources.

I have been listening since the start of You're Wrong About, so my question is, why does Mike move so often? (It could be because I'm old and married, but it seems like a lot)

Love both of you so much! You quieted my mean brain down and brought me into a much saner place. I will always be grateful to you both. What are the biggest actions one can take to show support and that they are an ally to someone who needs it - be it a fat person on a plane, a transgender person being disrespected. How can I say “I see you and I have your back right at this moment?”

Hi I don’t have a question as much as a comment, really enjoy y’all, thanks for putting this out and happy birthday!

1) I would like to hear the Mike and Aubrey origin story. How did you meet? How did the idea of MP come about? (I just have a feeling I will laugh a lot at your telling). 2) Can you elaborate on the unknown/ dark side of NGOs? You often allude to a shared history and understanding of the pitfalls of this work and how there a common threads with grifts.

Hi! Longtime listener, you're by far my favorite podcast. Question for Aubrey: What was it like being in the "Biggest Loser" documentary series. What's your take on the finished product and on how they edited you? Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Happy birthday!!! Of all the research and fact finding you've done, what's your favorite, unbelievable thing you've found out?

do you believe in ghosts?

If the world wasn’t on fire and there wasn’t a health grifty adjacent right or MAHA, what other health or food related topics would you like to cover? Like the Snackwells & Halo Top episodes

Happy 5th birthday! Been listening from the beginning and just want to say thank you for five amazing years! A terrible question, but : where do each of you see yourselves in the next five years?

What are your coping mechanisms for "The Horrors"

So happy to be here for your 5th bday!!! 1) What's the capacity/likelihood for a guest on the pod? It would be great to have someone in the field of nutritional research or a voice to discuss the intersections between antifat & antiBlackness in the US 2) In the same vein, how much would you love/hate to have a MPxIBCK crossover ep?? There's got to be opportunity there

also topic request: i only trust you to tell me the truth abt marijuana and if the truth is bad ill stop smoking

Happy birthday MP!!! I love you two. Aubrey your silliness and Michael your petulance make my day every time. When you started the pod, what direction did you see it going in, and has anything about its evolution surprised you?

Dear Aubrey and Mike, love the podcast and find it helpful as a NP who values evidence medicine. Any advice to help deprogram good people who fall for these grifs

Did you ever struggle with feeling like your voices didn't matter? If so - how did your overcome the fear and start speaking anyway? Or do you have any tips? From someone who finds both of you to be the funniest, smartest people in the world and it pains me to imagine if you never made a podcast out of fear of being seen/heard.

What is your opinion of dessert recipes that name themselves things like "better than sex"? Do they just need better toys? More carrots?

Sincere question from a scientist - what is a more effective way that we can communicate research findings to the general public? Do you have any examples of it being done well? Thank you!

Seeing a new MP episode makes that day incredible! Question: it sounds like when you record, you don’t have your cameras on. Why is that? Is it an audio thing This could be my projection, but it makes me sad. I want you to experience the joy you each bring (visually). Also, Aubrey’s laugh is one of my favorite sounds in the world.

Happy birthday! 🎉 My very favorite podcast (save for when the long-awaited “Cod Past” show finally airs!) If you could go back to those early days, what advice would you give yourselves (as lil’ baby health-podcasters on the brink of becoming [at least semi-] famous)?

Aubrey! Tell us more about your NWSL opinions, please ✨

How would Evil Michael and Evil Aubrey get into the health and wellness grift?

Congratulations on 5 years! My question is how long do you plan to keep the pod going for? I absolutely love it and hope you're around for many more years but I also understand you may have other projects etc. However long you all around I will listen and if you all ever do other projects I am happy to support those as well. Also any upcoming projects or media you all will be in either as a duo or just individually?

happy bday show that keeps me sane ❣️ how did yall meet, how often do u see each other in person, can u speak abt the leftist snark network of pods (ywa, american hysteria, a bit fruity, in bed w the right, if books could kill, 5-4) AND michael please do an episode w matt bernstein. need that

Congratulations on 5 years! I’ve been listening to the dulcet tones of your voices for 4 of those 5 years. You guys have kept me at the correct amount of angry throughout my workdays so that I am maximally productive. Sometimes, you guys validate a very specific part of my brain that would argue with my ex about the topics you cover (trans rights, anything Jordan Peterson related, for example). Anyway, happy birthday and I’m looking forward to another year. Anyway, for my question. I googled you guys recently (for real, I’m a huge fan), and I somehow got to an Amazon page about a Maintenance Phase book, which had a release date of February 2027. Is it true that you guys are working on a book?????

I'm super curious: have you ever considered doing a topic, and then decided against it because it's too controversial?

This might be a little out of the wheelhouse (but love y’all’s takes on grifters of all varieties) - I wonder how you are feeling about all the AI boom nonsense, especially all the slop feed stuff of late. I can imagine worlds where it continues to spill over into the health/wellness space (we’re getting some of that in the beauty industry, will Vogue using AI models). Just wondering how you all were feeling (dread like the rest of us?)

Will Aubrey be making any more media appearances? Is speaking out in the media about fat phobia/shaming something she will pursue or just do if it comes her way and fits? I very much enjoy her analysis and appearances and would hope to see her on my TV in the future.

Are there any topics that are frequently requested that you have either rejected outright or put off/dread covering?

Love the show so so much! Thank you both for the thorough and considered approach you take to the topics you cover. Keep up the great work!

Tell me your favorite joke! Hehe thanks ;) love you both!

Happy birthday!! Have been listening since the beginning 💜 I just want to hear something weird/quirky about each of yall that we wouldn’t have an idea about from listening to the show. ☺️

If you could pick one person you have covered in your podcast to interview in person who would it be? My guess is Gwyneth

Michael, what is your beef with Foucault?!?!

Aubrey I saw you on an episode of A Bit Fruity and I was obsessed with your top (it was pink and sheer with a cute pattern) and I can't stop thinking about it!! Please give me the deets

This is a nerdy question, but I would like both of you to list your top 10 favorite books.

How do you hold on to hope during these trying times? What advice would you give your younger self or your selves when you first started the podcast? Love you both!! 💞

Which diet did you find the most bizarre?

Do you have room for reading for fun? What books or movies, etc are you enjoying right now?

What kind of spice girl would you be?

Is there anything you just can’t bring yourselves to cover?

Happy Birthday! If you were a five year old child what birthday party theme would you pick and why? Mike and Aubrey and the show (if the show was a child???)

If you could do a crossover episode with any other podcast, what would it be?

How did you guys meet?

Congrats on 5 years!! Has anyone you’ve covered ever reached out to complain or worse, threatened to sue you?

Will you ever do a crossover ep with Peter? Maintenance Kill?

I wanted to love it (Cate Blanchett is a goddess) but I didn’t really “get” Tar. Aubrey, break it down for me.

Aubrey: What is the real, actual self-talk that lets you be brave in the spaces you take up? Asking as someone who aspires to be more like you, but gets in my own way.

I laughed so much while listening to the Seed Oils episode that I decided I had to have more MP, so I subscribed, and recently finished listening to every episode in the patron feed. It was wonderful, but also really made me deeply sad from some moments in 2022-2023 where you'd talk about people like trump and RFK Jr with an underlying assumption that we were past that era and thank goodness no one mainstream was taking RFK Jr seriously any more. And I was just shaking my head at poor, innocent Mike & Aubrey who didn't know what was coming. SIGH. I guess my question is, how did you handle the election results in 2024 and the appointment of RFK jr? I also want your reaction to Pete Hegseth's comments to all the generals or whoever he was talking to, even tho I'm pretty sure I know exactly what you're reaction is, since it's the same old garbage.

Do chocolate chips belong in zucchini bread?