Pete's War on Low T

Pete's War on Low T

From The House of Pod by Kaveh MD

July 28, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of mandatory testosterone screening for U.S. service members and debunks myths surrounding low testosterone levels.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just announced mandatory annual testosterone screening for U.S. service members over 30 — under the banner "The High T Department of War." Dr. Kaveh Hoda breaks down what's actually true about low T with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Riordan Ledgerwood, a proudly trans-masculine Army veteran, and returning guest Myke Cole — writer, veteran, and author of The Bronze Lie — who's spent years dismantling the myth of the Spartan super-soldier. Together they dig into what low testosterone really means medically, why there's zero scientific evidence linking T levels to battlefield lethality, and the risks (yes, including gynecomastia) of dosing healthy young men who don't need it. They trace the "warrior hormone" myth back through history — from Spartan arete to Viking drengskapar — and connect it to the internet-fueled backlash against Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and its casting choices. Plus: is The Odyssey actually a good movie? A mix of hard medical science, ancient history, and pop culture, with the usual dose of hot sauce. Enjoyed the episode? Please take 30 seconds to it makes a huge difference in helping new listeners find the show…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Kaveh Hoda

Guests: Dr. Riordan Ledgerwood, Myke Cole

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Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Odyssey, The Bronze Lie

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