Steven Bartlett's Podcast Under Fire for Spreading Health Misinformation

A recent BBC investigation has highlighted the prevalence of harmful health misinformation on Steven Bartlett's 'Diary of a CEO' podcast, where questionable advice often goes unchallenged, risking public trust in conventional medicine.

Steven Bartlett, the host of the popular podcast "Diary of a CEO," is facing scrutiny after a BBC investigation uncovered a slew of harmful health misinformation being shared on his platform. Guests on his podcast have made various dubious claims, including that cancer can be treated through a ketogenic diet instead of established medical treatments, a perspective that Bartlett has largely failed to challenge.

The investigation analyzed 15 episodes of the podcast and found an average of 14 misleading health assertions per episode that contradict established scientific knowledge. Experts warn that unchallenged misinformation can erode trust in proven medical practices. Bartlett's production company, Flight Studio, defended the podcast by stating that it allows "freedom of expression" and that guests are "thoroughly researched."

Initially launched in 2017, "Diary of a CEO" focused on entrepreneurship but has increasingly shifted towards health-related discussions in the past 18 months. This pivot has attracted significant attention, with monthly views rising from nine million to 15 million. However, this spike in popularity has not come without its controversies.

The BBC review included interviews with medical professionals who highlighted that while some guests provided accurate insights, many shared dangerously misleading information. Among the claims were anti-vaccine theories and suggestions that medical treatments are harmful or unnecessary. Professor David Grimes noted that such statements not only perpetuate myths but also create real risks for listeners.

Despite the volume of misinformation, the podcast currently operates outside the purview of UK media regulator Ofcom, meaning Bartlett is not subject to any standards for accuracy or impartiality. This lack of regulation allows him to feature guests who promote debunked theories without accountability.

In one notable episode, Bartlett interviewed Dr. Aseem Malhotra, known for his controversial views on COVID-19 vaccines, claiming they had a net negative impact on society—a statement contradicted by extensive data from the World Health Organization.

The podcast's shift towards health discourse has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from experts who warn against endorsing simplistic solutions to complex health problems. These guests often promote their products during the show, further blurring the lines between information and advertisement.

Dr. Thomas Seyfried, who advocates for using the keto diet to treat cancer, appeared recently. However, critics emphasize that patients may face significant health risks if they ignore conventional dietary advice during treatment. The alarming claims made by such guests go unnamed by Bartlett, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health.

Furthermore, analysts suggest that Bartlett's business investments in wellness companies could influence his choice of guests, presenting ethical questions regarding the integrity of the podcast content. The investigation also revealed that he had previously promoted questionable health products on BBC's "Dragons' Den," leading to official disclaimers about their efficacy.

In light of these findings, there is an urgent need for increased scrutiny and regulation of health-related content in popular media formats like podcasts to safeguard public health and combat the spread of misinformation.