Ask Theory

Hosted by Pinoy science journalist Mikael Angelo Francisco, the Ask Theory Podcast shines the spotlight on science in and for the Philippines. From fascinating stories of Filipino scientists to urgent science-related issues that require serious attention, Ask Theory emphasizes the undeniable connections between science and society - and the importance of staying curious.

162: [Debunking Medical Misinformation - 2 of 2] Can We Really Change People's Minds About Health Scams? (with Dr. Adam Smith)

Dr. Adam Smith, more popularly known as Doc Adam, is a British-Australian medical doctor and social media content creator who debunks medical misinformation and discusses medical-related problems that are relevant to Filipinos. In 2025, he published a book called "Quacks," detailing what he calls his "journey through Filipino health scams." We talked about changing the minds of health scam victims, the white savior complex and Pinoybaiting, Pinoy doctors on social media, the attention span of today's social media users, the first step an ordinary person can take to fight health scams, and more.FULL TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE 161: https://www.flipscience.ph/podcast/ask-theory-podcast-161-162-debunking-medical-misinformation-doc-adamFollow Doc Adam:YouTube: @DrAdamSmithFacebook: fb.com/DocAdamSmithX/Twitter: @docadamsmithInstagram: @docadamsmithGet a copy of Doc Adam's book, "Quacks: My Journey Through Filipino Health Scams," here - https://www.quacks.ph/

05-05
20:27

161: [Debunking Medical Misinformation - 1 of 2] Why Are There So Many Health Scams In The Philippines? (with Dr. Adam Smith)

Dr. Adam Smith, more popularly known as Doc Adam, is a British-Australian medical doctor and social media content creator who debunks medical misinformation and discusses medical-related problems that are relevant to Filipinos. In 2025, he published a book called "Quacks," detailing what he calls his "journey through Filipino health scams."We talked about how serious the problem of medical misinformation in the Philippines really is, why there are so many health scams and scammers in the Philippines, an alarming observation about journalists in the Philippines, how the ordinary Filipino can avoid getting scammed, how to talk about possible medical scams without getting sued, and more.FULL TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE 161: https://www.flipscience.ph/podcast/ask-theory-podcast-161-162-debunking-medical-misinformation-doc-adamFollow Doc Adam:YouTube: @DrAdamSmithFacebook: fb.com/DocAdamSmithX/Twitter: @docadamsmithInstagram: @docadamsmithGet a copy of Doc Adam's book, "Quacks: My Journey Through Filipino Health Scams," here - https://www.quacks.ph/

05-05
23:42

160: [Healthy Food Options] Bakit Mahirap Mamili Ng "Healthy" Na Pagkain? (with Kristine Jane Atienza)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, licensed nutritionist-dietitian Kristine Jane Atienza talks about making better food purchasing decisions, misconceptions about nutrition, front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWLs), and more.This episode was supported by a media fellowship from ImagineLaw, Inc. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of ImagineLaw.

02-27
14:42

159: [Diabetes] Asukal Lang Ba Ang Sanhi Ng Diabetes? (with Dr. Aurora Macaballug)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, Dr. Aurora Macaballug, President of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PCEDM), talks about the link between diabetes and diet, the prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines, the struggles of patients with diabetes, the challenges of making well-informed food purchasing decisions, and more. How to contact Dr. Aurora:Facebook: fb.com/agmacaballugmdHow to contact PCEDM:Facebook: fb.com/filipinoendocrinologistsTwitter: @pcedm_phInstagram: @pcedm_phThis episode was supported by a media fellowship from ImagineLaw, Inc. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of ImagineLaw.

02-27
26:44

158: [Domestic Cat Predation] Dapat Bang Hayaang Makalabas Ang Mga Alagang Pusa? (with Frances Mae Tenorio)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, Frances Mae Tenorio talks about domestic cat predation, the problem of invasive species, responsible pet ownership, and more. Learn about her study on domestic cat predation here: https://www.flipscience.ph/plants-and-animals/domestic-cats-mt-makiling-forest-reserve/ This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

04-26
34:06

157: [AUDIO ESSAY] Of Six-Eyed Spiders And Taxonomic Tasks

Inside a small, stuffy cave in Batangas, researchers found a species of spider that has never been recorded in the Philippines before—a discovery with potential impacts on environmental policy and local tourism. This episode is an audio adaptation of the following article: https://www.flipscience.ph/plants-and-animals/recluse-spiders-taxonomy/ Episode 157 of the Ask Theory podcast was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

04-19
17:32

156: [Pertussis] Pertussis O “Whooping Cough”: Panibagong COVID Nga Ba? (with Dr. Chenery Ann Lim)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, Dr. Chenery Ann Lim of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders talks about what pertussis or "whooping cough" is, why pertussis is dangerous, who is most at risk of contracting pertussis, how to mitigate the spread of pertussis, attitudes toward infectious disease prevention, and more. To learn more or to contact the MSF team, visit: https://doctorswithoutborders-apac.org/en/about-us/contact-us This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

04-12
26:50

155: [Methanol Poisoning] Ano Ang “Gin Bulag,” At Bakit Ito Delikado? (with Dr. Chenery Ann Lim)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, Dr. Chenery Ann Lim of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders talks about the basics of methanol poisoning, the origin of the term "gin bulag," how Philippine media practitioners talk about methanol poisoning, the difference between methanol poisoning and excessive alcohol consumption, what to do if you suspect you have methanol poisoning, and more. To learn more or to contact the MSF team, visit: https://doctorswithoutborders-apac.org/en/about-us/contact-us This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

04-05
31:52

154: [Pinoy Space Science] Bakit Manghang Mangha Tayo Sa Space? (with Jo Brianne Briones)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, science communicator Jo Brianne Briones talks about why we are so fascinated with space, how it feels to work at the Philippine Space Agency, the many ways space science benefits the public, how science cultivates geeky interests (and vice versa), and more. This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

03-29
44:56

153: [Environmental Awareness] May Naitutulong Ba Talaga Ang Earth Hour? (with Genea Nichole Cortez)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, Genea Nichole Cortez of Mangrove Matters PH talks about mangrove conservation, the problem of "wrong" mangrove planting, Earth Hour and other similar awareness campaigns, using art to spread environmental awareness, and more. Links: Neymatophores on INPRNT: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/neymatophores/ Neymatophores on Facebook: fb.com/neymatophores The National Mangrove Map of 2023: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Du4yZ6xRckSL12PW/?⁠ This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

03-21
44:06

152: [Tuberculosis Awareness & Treatment] Bakit Tayo Nahihiyang Pag-Usapan Ang TB? (with Dr. Trisha Angelie Thadhani)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, Dr. Trisha Angelie Thadhani of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders talks about tuberculosis in the Philippines, why TB is still a taboo topic for some, the issue of bedaquiline and how it affects TB treatment in the Philippines, current strategies for TB awareness and treatment, why World TB Day matters, and more. To learn more, visit: https://doctorswithoutborders-apac.org/en/our-work-on-tuberculosis This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

03-14
39:24

151: [Analog Space Missions] Ano Ang Ginagawa Ng Isang Analog Astronaut? (with Kristine Jane Atienza)

In this episode of the Ask Theory podcast, licensed nutritionist-dietitian and space enthusiast Kristine Jane Atienza talks about the field of space nutrition, becoming the first Filipina analog astronaut, the importance of analog space missions, what can the government and the public can do to better support women in STEM, and more. This episode was made possible by the British Council Philippines, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Now on its fourth year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship programme. For more information, visit the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMHasNoLimits

03-08
44:15

150: [Medical Anthropology] Ano Ang Medical Anthropology, At Bakit Ito Mahalaga? (with Jackielyn Abela)

Jackielyn Abela is a full-time faculty member of the Social Science Department of Palawan State University. She is a graduate of BA Social Science major in Social Anthropology from the University of the Philippines Baguio. Currently, she is the assistant director of the Palawan Studies Center and the head of secretariat for the PSU Research Ethics Review Committee. This episode of Ask Theory was made in partnership with Next Generation One Health Philippines. For more information, visit: https://nextgenonehealthph.com/about

12-11
35:00

149: [Science & Law] Paano Nagtutulungan Ang Siyensya At Batas Upang Bantayan Ang Kalikasan? (with Dr. Emmanuelle Angeles, Atty. Jay Mark Balbosa, and Dr. Carah Lyn Lo)

Dr. Emmanuelle Angeles finished his Doctor of Medicine degree at the West Visayas State University, Iloilo City and finished his Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Atty. Jay Mark Balbosa earned his Juris Doctor degree from Andres Bonifacio College, Dipolog City and his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the Mindanao State University-Buug Campus, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay. Dr. Carah Lyn Lo obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Studies (Minor in Veterinary Medicine) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. This episode of Ask Theory was made in partnership with Next Generation One Health Philippines. For more information, visit: https://nextgenonehealthph.com/about

12-01
56:13

148: [Biodiversity and Human Health] Ano Ang Koneksyon Ng Kalusugang Pantao Sa Kalikasan? (with Von Carlo Dela Torre)

Von Carlo Dela Torre finished his BS and MS Biology at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. His research interests include Wildlife Biodiversity and Ecology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, and One Health. We talked about the relationship between human health and biodiversity and ecology, mitigating the emergence of pathogens in Davao, the Next Generation One Health fellowship, and more. How to contact Von: Email: vpdelatorre@up.edu.ph; delatorre.vp.f@slmc-cm.edu.ph Facebook: fb.com/voncarlo.delatorre.1 Instagram: @vonpdt This episode of Ask Theory was made in partnership with Next Generation One Health Philippines. For more information, visit: https://nextgenonehealthph.com/about

11-11
30:22

147: [Infectious Diseases of Poverty] Kasalanan Nga Ba Ng Mahihirap Kung Bakit Sila Nagkakasakit? (with Carlo Lumangaya)

Carlo Lumangaya attained a degree in Public Health at the University of the Philippines Manila. He has had a diverse work experience with grassroots work at local levels, technical roles at the subnational and national levels, and development work at the international level. He has also been involved in the management and implementation of projects on infectious diseases of poverty across different disciplines. We talked about public health at the grassroots level, infectious diseases of poverty, coordinating with local authorities for health initiatives, the concept of One Health, the Next Generation One Health fellowship, and more. How to contact Carlo: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlolumangaya Email: lumangaya.cr.f@slmc-cm.edu.ph Facebook: fb.com/ This episode of Ask Theory was made in partnership with Next Generation One Health Philippines. For more information, visit: https://nextgenonehealthph.com/about

11-04
31:34

146: [Gravitational Physics & Cosmology] Ano Ang Pinag-Aaralan Ng Mga Cosmologist? (with Dr. Reginald Bernardo)

Dr. Reginald Bernardo is a gravitational physicist and cosmologist. He studied at the National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines where he received his BS and MS degrees. A member of the NIP Gravity Group, he was awarded his doctoral degree in 2020. He worked as an Instructor and Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines, and is currently a postdoc at the Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica. We talked about gravitational physics, cosmology, his work as a gravitational physicist, his recent projects, the Liknayan Podcast, and more. How to contact Dr. Reginald: Email: reginaldchristianbernardo@gmail.com Facebook: fb.com/liknayan.podcast YouTube: @liknayan.podcast More info: https://www.flipscience.ph/features/reginald-bernardo-gravitational-physicist/

10-26
48:04

145: [Sustainable Leadership & Agritourism] Sustainable Development Goals: Kaya Ba Nating Abutin? (with Ryan John Pascual)

Ryan John Pascual completed his master's degree in Aquaculture at Ghent University. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree on Sustainable Leadership and Governance at De La Salle University Dasmariñas while working as a Project Technical Specialist on Special Concerns at the National Academy of Science and Technology. We talked about sustainable leadership, agritourism, working with NAST, his recent projects, the Next Generation One Health fellowship, and more. How to contact Ryan: Instagram: @ryanjohnpascual LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanjohnpascual Facebook: fb.com/BEscholarsforPH This episode of Ask Theory was made in partnership with Next Generation One Health Philippines. For more information, visit: https://nextgenonehealthph.com/about

10-11
25:17

144: [Sustainable Mobility] Biker-Friendly At Commuter-Friendly Ba Ang Pilipinas? (with Keisha Mayuga)

Keisha Mayuga is a sustainable mobility professional with 6 years of experience in the field, tackling different topics such as cycling, building community spaces, and mobility justice. She is the founder of Life Cycles PH, an initiative in the pandemic that helped 1500 essential workers get home on bicycles, and is a member of mobility groups such as AltMobility PH and Move As One Coalition.  We talked about sustainable mobility, why Filipinos are so dependent on cars, creating a more biker-friendly and commuter-friendly Philippines, jeepney modernization, and more. How to contact Keisha: Website: keishamayuga.com Instagram: @bikekeish Facebook (AltMobility PH): fb.com/AltMobilityPH Facebook (Move As One Coalition): fb.com/MoveAsOneCoalition

10-02
41:22

143: [Commercializing Biology] Siyensya At Kapitalismo: Paano Ba Pinagsasama? (with Dr. Leodevico Ilag)

Dr. Leodevico Ilag obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He then pursued his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in the United States of America. Thereafter, he served as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Purdue University in the USA working on the structural biology of viruses and viral proteins. He has over 25 years of early-stage biotech company experience across a broad spectrum of biotechnologies. We talked about capitalism and science, commercializing biology, ivermectin and COVID-19, the Tenth Man Rule, expressing dissenting opinions regarding science, and more. How to contact Dr. Vic: Email: vilag2001@yahoo.com

09-21
58:08

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