Informed Dissent

Recent Episodes

Daniel Puder challenges you towards your vision & purpose in life

Posted January 19, 2026 • 00:57:38

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – I was out to dinner one night with a friend, and I was approached by TMZ and asked what I thought of the kids who were being bullied and committing suicide. I ended up giving my personal email address out on national television and said that if you are being bullied, email me and I will come to your school! Little did I know that I would...

The new year is a convenient excuse to change

Posted January 12, 2026 • 00:57:35

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – Invest in relationships. Reach out to estranged loved ones if safe to do so. Forgive. Ask forgiveness. Life is too short to live in permanent grievance. Give generously. Serve others, and you will find perspective. Set a faith or spiritual goal, even if it is a simple daily reflection. Write your goals down and share them. Finally, be kind to...

Talking baseball with former Major Leaguer Greg Pryor

Posted December 29, 2025 • 00:57:08

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – We set aside health care and politics for a festive Christmas and New Year conversation with former Major Leaguer and author Greg Pryor. He recounts an unlikely rise from undrafted teen to 10 MLB seasons and a 1985 champion with the Kansas City Royals. Pryor previews stories from *The Day the Yankees Made Me Shave*, packed with legends, games, and laughs...

Despite 2020’s medical crises, vaccine mandates persist in California

Posted December 22, 2025 •

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – Vaccine mandates continue across California despite the medical crises of recent years. Alix Mayer of the Free Now Foundation leads efforts to challenge mandates, expand exemptions, and defend medical freedom. Through legal action, public advocacy, and community programs, the organization works to protect parental rights and push state leaders toward voluntary...

When the holidays hurt: Coping with Christmas sadness

Posted December 15, 2025 • 00:57:13

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – Christmas is often portrayed as joyful, but for many it brings grief, loneliness, and emotional strain. This piece explores why the holidays can hurt and offers practical, compassionate ways to care for mental health, set boundaries, reduce isolation, and find meaning, connection, and hope during a difficult December season...