S Poddar
An investigation by the BBC has revealed that Steven Bartlett, host of the highly ranked podcast Diary of a CEO, is allowing the dissemination of harmful health misinformation through his platform. The podcast, which initially focused on entrepreneurship, has increasingly spotlighted health-related topics, often featuring guests whose claims conflict with established medical evidence.
For instance, a guest might talk about the treatment of cancer by a ketogenic diet instead of established medical interventions. Experts argue that unchallenged claims in this manner breed distrust for conventional medicine and can have very severe consequences for public health.
In a review of 15 health-focused episodes, an average of 14 harmful claims per episode were identified, said experts including cancer research professor David Grimes and NHS diabetes adviser Dr. Partha Kar. These included claims that:
- Covid-19 vaccines are “engineered weapons.”
- Disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and autism can be “reversed” through diet.
- Evidence-based medications are “toxic,” dismissing their proven efficacy.
Professor Grimes stressed the danger of presenting misinformation under the guise of sharing alternative perspectives: “It imperils all our health.”
The podcast is not regulated by Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator, which means Bartlett is not violating broadcasting rules. However, experts contend that this lack of accountability enables the spread of misleading information.
Dangerous Narratives and Financial Ties
In an episode featuring Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a controversial figure during the pandemic, claims were made that the Covid vaccine had a “net negative” effect on society—a statement contradicted by World Health Organization data showing the vaccine saved countless lives. Bartlett defended the episode by stating his aim to “present some of the other side,” equating the airing of such views to the reception historically given to figures like Gandhi and the suffragettes.
In another episode, cancer researcher Dr. Thomas Seyfried suggested that a ketogenic diet would be the best treatment for cancer and even likened the modern cancer therapies to “medieval cures.” However, Cancer Research UK and experts such as Prof. Grimes dismissed these claims, adding that restrictive diets during the treatment of cancer may deteriorate the outcome.
Prof. Heidi Larson, who specializes in public confidence in healthcare, pointed out the attractiveness of such claims: “The solutions proposed look attractive because they seem more straightforward and less invasive than evidence-based treatments. They lead people astray from life-saving therapies.”
Financial Incentives and Platform Amplification
Investments in health and wellness firms such as Huel and Zoe further muddle up his impartial host status. For instance, Institute of Strategic Dialogue’s Cécile Simmons mentioned that such financial relations might influence who is coming onto the podcast or what gets covered.
Apart from this, Bartlett got criticized for his promotion activities concerning “Ear Seeds,” beads selling product claiming to cure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME). On complaints, BBC added a disclaimer stating the beads are not a scientific cure and that one needs proper medical advice.
Destructive Influence of Clickbait Content
This has led to a surge in views for Bartlett’s YouTube videos, which have grown from nine million to 15 million per month, an increase attributed to sensational claims. According to Simmons, “Scary health-related content performs well online, driven by algorithms.
Bartlett’s production company, Flight Studio, has responded to this, claiming the podcast represents “open-minded, long-form conversations” with guests who boast “distinguished careers or consequential life experiences.” According to the company, they aim to showcase diverse voices, “even when those voices espouse things they might not otherwise support.”.
But experts caution that failing to call out misinformation on such a ubiquitous platform undermines trust in science and endangers public health. As Bartlett’s podcast continues to grow, so does the need to ensure what is shared is accurate.
