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Do you get tired of big ideas, exorbitant pitches, inactionable concepts, and empty promises? Cool, me too. I’m Dr. Matt Law, and I’m the host of ”Prove It To Me”. This podcast aims to put theories to the test and bring good research to light by showcasing evidence-based solutions. Guests will be challenged to identify things that actually work, provide research and data to back up their claims, and tell us how to measure and manage real solutions. You’ll hear about a lot of environmental health and occupational safety theories and concepts, but you’ll also learn about general business solutions and maybe even some everyday things that you can apply to your life. We’ll also cover general topics about research, whether it be about measurement tools, statistics, or what differentiates good research from, well, the not so good information out there. ”Prove It To Me” is nerdy. It is serious. It is jovial and fun. It is optionally explicit, but your kids will probably be asleep before we get to any bad stuff anyway. If you’re ready to cut through the BS, maybe learn a little bit about research, and get into the nitty gritty of whether big ideas work or not, you’re in the right place. Have some evidence-based research to share? Send an email to [email protected] today! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and its guests and do not necessarily represent the official position, opinion, or strategies of their employers or companies. Examples of research and data analysis discussed within this podcast are only examples. They should not be utilized in the real world as the only solution available as they are based on very limited, often single-use case, and sometimes dated information. Assumptions made within this discussion about research and data analyses are not necessarily representative of the position of the host, the guests, or their employers or companies. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the creator of the podcast. The presentation of content by the guests does not necessarily constitute an active endorsement of the content by the host.

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Check latest episodes from Prove It To Me - Real Research, Real Data, No BS podcast

Ep 222 - The Taylor Swift Effect: Music Streaming, Distracted Driving, and Clickbait Science

2026/10/02

Could streaming a new Taylor Swift album actually increase your risk of a fatal car crash? After a clickbait headline made the rounds, Dr. Matt Law decided to dig into the actual data. Taking a break from heavy neuroscience, we look at a recent study published in JAMA Network Open that claims album release days cause a spike in traffic fatalities. We tear apart the classic "correlation versus causation" trap, evaluate the study's quasi-experimental event design, and dissect what the statistics really show. We also look at the real culprit hiding in the data—in-dash infotainment systems—and share expert advice from the National Safety Council on how to genuinely mitigate distracted driving. Plus, Matt confesses his reluctant evolution into a Taylor Swift fan. #studyfinds #proveitpod #distracteddriving #safetyprofessional #fleetmanagement References Everyday Health. (2024). That new Taylor Swift hit could raise your risk of a serious car crash. Everyday Health. Patel, V. R., Worsham, C. M., Liu, M., & Jena, A. B. (2026). Smartphones, online music streaming, and traffic fatalities. JAMA Network Open, 9(8), e2629282. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.29282

Ep 221 - Introduction: The Illusion of Zero - From Measuring the Unmeasurable

2026/09/11

In this special episode of #proveitpod, Dr. Matt Law presents a free audio reading of the introductory chapter of his draft book, Measuring the Unmeasurable, available through Substack. He explains subscriber benefits, including future audio chapters, a nine-step KPI methodology, community access, and founding-member perks. The introduction uses Marvel origin stories and box-office data to illustrate a central problem: commonly used metrics may provide abundant data without answering the question that actually matters. He then shares his own professional origin story as a safety practitioner who challenged superficial incident investigations that blamed workers and prescribed more training. A construction-worker injury involving a drill demonstrates how deeply rooted work traditions, rather than individual behavior alone, can shape safety outcomes. His interest in evidence, human behavior, and scientific methodology led him to research and eventually to create the Prove It to Me podcast. The podcast aims to translate research into practical, actionable guidance for occupational safety and health practitioners. The book expands that mission by giving practitioners tools to evaluate ideas, develop meaningful safety measures, and conduct scientific inquiry themselves. Its core argument is that traditional safety-performance measures often fail, and practitioners must learn to measure what matters—even when it has long been considered unmeasurable.

Ep 220 - Diagnosing Organizational Health Through the Lens of Safety (with Peter Susca)

2026/08/22

Dr. Matt Law sits down with Peter Susca, an expert with over 45 years of operations and business leadership experience, to discuss a holistic approach to organizational health. Peter explains why safety shouldn’t be viewed as the "brake pedal" of a business, but rather as a critical diagnostic lens to identify deeper operational and ethical risks. They dive into why measuring process health—the "how" behind the work—is far more valuable than simply measuring outcomes, and how understanding the likelihood of events can transform a safety program. Discover how safety professionals can align their initiatives with broader business strategies to create undeniable value and mutual wins across the board. The conversation also touches on the future of real-time risk assessment using emerging wearable technology. #studyfinds #proveitpod #safetyprofessional #organizationalhealth #operationalexcellence

Introducing Measuring the Unmeasurable - New Book by Dr. Matt Law on Substack

2026/08/07

In this special episode of "Prove It to Me," Dr. Matt Law introduces his new book "Measuring the Unmeasurable". The book originated from a presentation he created about a year ago, focusing on teaching effective measurement and data analysis for occupational health and safety performance. Dr. Law addresses the challenge that measurement approaches differ across organizations and emphasizes that successful studies in one context don't necessarily translate to others. The book presents a nine-step methodology designed for practitioners rather than academics, targeting safety professionals who manage programs and need to operationalize abstract safety concepts. Dr. Law critiques the industry's cyclical journey through various safety approaches - from compliance to behavioral-based safety (BBS), then to human organizational performance (HOP), and finally to serious incident and fatality (SIF) prevention - noting that organizations struggle to effectively measure performance within these frameworks. The book is being published serially on Substack at https://drmattlaw.substack.com, with Dr. Law writing one chapter monthly on a four-week cycle. Subscribers receive chapters, author commentary, previews, and even cocktail recipe videos. While basic access is free, paid subscriptions will unlock methodology worksheets and tools. The founder's tier includes direct conversations with the author and a signed copy of the final book.

Ep 218 - Caffeine, Your Heart, and the Science of a Good Cup of Coffee

2026/07/31

Following up on our breakdown of #caffeine and #heatstress, we are taking a deep dive into the cardiovascular impacts of the world’s most popular psychoactive drug. Dr. Matt Law unpacks a massive new Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association that finally sets the record straight on how caffeine and #coffee affect your blood pressure, cholesterol, and long-term heart #health. From the genetic lottery of liver enzymes that dictate your caffeine tolerance, to the hidden dangers of unfiltered French press coffee, we cover it all. Plus, a much-needed PSA on how to actually brew a proper pot of coffee without being a total amateur. References: Marcus, G. M., Hu, F. B., van Dam, R. M., Cornelis, M. C., Dewland, T. A., Kang, J., Larsson, S. C., Page, R. L., II, & Parekh, N. (2026). Caffeine and cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 154, e00–e00. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001454

Ep 217 - Toxic Tonics: The Lethal Science of Viral Hydration Hacks

2026/07/10

Is the viral "drink of the summer" a heat-stress hack or a cardiovascular nightmare? After a gas station cocktail of Red Bull, Electrolit, and chili powder candy went viral, Dr. Matt Law decided to put the recipe through the scientific wringer. In this episode, we strip away the industry-funded sports drink propaganda and look at three unbiased, peer-reviewed studies to dissect exactly what happens to your body when you mix massive doses of caffeine, sodium, and synthetic sugar in extreme heat. We break down the failure of the human thirst mechanism, the dehydrating reality of hypertonic "gut bombs," and how caffeine unplugs your body’s biological warning lights. Finally, we provide actionable takeaways for Occupational Safety and Health professionals to protect their outdoor crews from deadly viral trends. #studyfinds #proveitpod #heatstress #safetyculture #hydration References: Li, H., Early, K. S., Zhang, G., Ma, P., & Wang, H. (2024). Personalized hydration strategy to improve fluid balance and intermittent exercise performance in the heat. Nutrients, 16(9), 1341. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091341 Ly, N. Q., Hamstra-Wright, K. L., & Horswill, C. A. (2023). Post-exercise rehydration in athletes: Effects of sodium and carbohydrate in commercial hydration beverages. Nutrients, 15(22), 4759. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224759 Specht, J. W., Ramirez, M. R., Quintana, A., Bailly, A. R., Peña, A., Schmidt, E., de Castro Magalhães, F., McKenna, Z. J., Schlader, Z. J., & Amorim, F. T. (2026). Caffeine increases core temperature without altering markers of kidney or gut injury after physical work in the heat in caffeine-habituated adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 58(7), 1493–1506. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003981

Ep 216 - You’re Not Funny (The Data Science of Dad Jokes)

2026/07/03

Can you statistically prove why your dad jokes are terrible? A team of researchers scraped over 32,000 jokes from Reddit to find out. In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law breaks down the anatomy of a dad joke, exploring the semantic distance and linguistic markers that make them succeed or bomb. We also do a critical peer-review of this unpublished preprint, looking at the limitations of Reddit data, the problem with hypercube subsampling, and the hazards of letting the media run with pre-registered findings. Finally, we pull out some practical takeaways for OSH professionals on how to use concreteness to make your safety training actually stick. References: Chesterton, G. (2026, May 19). Even science can’t make my dad jokes funny. The Telegraph. Silvia, P. J., & Burnett, M. I. (2025). What's brown and sticky? Peering into the ineluctable comedic mystery of dad humor with a handful of machine learning models, hundreds of humans, and tens of thousands of dad jokes [Unpublished preprint]. Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/ex2q7_v1

Ep 215 - The Cannibal Brain Myth (What Sleep Deprivation Actually Does to Your Neurology)

2026/06/26

Have you seen the viral meme claiming that a lack of sleep causes your brain to "eat itself"? On this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law tracks down the actual science behind the sensationalism. We look at the original mouse study that sparked the panic, map it onto three massive human studies, and explain the mechanical reality of your brain's glymphatic system. Spoiler alert: your brain isn't eating itself, but your biological janitorial crew is aggressively dismantling your neural hardware. We break down the implications of acute sleep loss, the 25-year risk of dementia, and how untreated sleep apnea is the ultimate silent hazard for the modern workforce. References: Bellesi, M., de Vivo, L., Chini, M., Gilli, F., Tononi, G., & Cirelli, C. (2017). Sellp loss promotes astrocytic phagocytosis and microglial activation in mouse cerebral cortex. Journal of Neuroscience, 37(21), 5263-5273. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3981-16.2017 Benedict, C., Blennow, K., Zetterberg, H., & Cedernaes, J. (2020). Effects of acute sleep loss on diurnal plasma dynamics of CNS health biomarkers in young men. Neurology, 94(11), e1181-e1189. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000008866 Eugene, A. R., & Masiak, J. (2015). The neuroprotective aspects of sleep. MEDtube Science, 3(1), 35–40. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4651462/ Hopp, M. (n.d.) Sleep deprivation & brain health: Is your brain really eating itself? Daybreak. https://www.thedaybreak.com/resources/sleep-deprivation-and-brain-health-is-your-brain-really-eating-itself Sabia, S., Fayosse, A., Dumurgier, J., van Hees, V. T., Paquet, C., Sommerlad, A., Kivimäki, M., Dugravot, A., & Singh-Manoux, A. (2021) Association of sleep duration in middle and old age with incidence of dementia. Nature Communications, 12(1):2289. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22354-2

Ep 214 - Cognitive Submission, Metacognitive Laziness, and the AI Panic

2026/06/05

We've all sat through the fearmongering presentations about how #AI is going to ruin human intelligence. On this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law tears apart a new study on how ChatGPT impacts learning and thinking. Does it actually make us lazy? We look at the trace data of how people use AI, why it creates beautiful products with zero actual learning, and how #safety professionals can avoid "rubber-stamp syndrome" when using AI to write safety programs and assess the likelihood of workplace risks. References: Fan, Y., Tang, L., Le, H., Shen, K., Tan, S., Zhao, Y., Shen, Y., Li, X., & Gašević, D. (2025). Beware of metacognitive laziness: Effects of generative artificial intelligence on learning motivation, processes, and performance. British Journal of Educational Technology, 56, 489–530. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13544

Ep 213 - Boiling Point – When Heat Causes Trauma, Not Just Stroke

2026/05/29

We all know heat causes heat exhaustion and heat stroke. But what happens to the likelihood of getting run over by a tractor or falling off a ladder when the temperature spikes? In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into a recent study out of South Korea that shows a staggering 200% increase in severe traumatic injuries when the thermometer crosses 86 degrees. We also discuss why the media summary missed the mark by focusing on pesticides instead of the actual physical trauma highlighted in the data. References: Cho, S. (2026). Heat and harm: The effect of temperature on severe agricultural trauma in South Korea. Safety and Health at Work, 17, 91-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2025.12.001 American Society of Safety Professionals. (2026, April). Study finds increase in traumatic injuries for farmers in extreme heat. Professional Safety Journal.

Ep 212 - Scooters, Skinned Knees, and the Rest of the Story (E-Scooter Injuries & OSH)

2026/05/22

Electric scooters have taken over our sidewalks, our bushes, and our commutes. In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into a recent news brief from Safety and Health Magazine highlighted a study on pediatric e-scooter injuries, focusing heavily on boys getting hurt and the need for helmets. But a 300-word news brief can only tell you so much. Dr. Matt Law pulls the original Johns Hopkins study to find the rest of the story: socioeconomic disparities, infrastructure failures, and the massive limitations of national injury databases. We break down the real data and how pediatric scooter injuries tie directly into Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for last-mile commuting and corporate campus mobility. Key Takeaways: The Highlight Reel vs. The Full Game: Trade magazines are fantastic for quick awareness, but safety professionals must read the primary source to catch the nuance—like the fact that the study didn't actually track helmet usage! The Demographics of Danger: The primary focus of the original study was actually on health equity and how poor urban infrastructure disproportionately impacts certain demographics. Campus Mobility Nightmares: If your company provides e-scooters for employees to get across campus, you aren't just providing a perk—you are adopting a massive occupational hazard that requires strict governance and environmental engineering. References: Howard, M. B., Prichett, L., & Cohen, J. S. (2026). Disparities in incidence and severity of electric scooter injuries in children. Injury, 57, Article 113175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2026.113175 S+H Staff. (2026, May 7). Younger boys are most likely to be injured on e-scooters, study finds. Safety and Health Magazine. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/younger-boys-are-most-likely-to-be-injured-on-e-scooters-study-finds/

Ep 211 - Reading the Construction Worker's Mind (And Why We Aren't There Yet)

2026/05/01

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into the complex world of measuring workplace safety technology and cognitive awareness. Can we use brain-scanning technology (fNIRS) to determine if a worker actually perceives a hazard, rather than just looking at it? Having spent years researching occupational risk perceptions, Dr. Matt Law breaks down the massive real-world hurdles of this new study—from the 5-to-10-second latency of blood flow to the physical impossibility of wearing a brain scanner under a hard hat on a 95-degree day. Key Takeaways: The Hardware Hurdle: Why the gap between a pristine, climate-controlled laboratory and a chaotic jobsite makes fNIRS monitoring a non-starter for field use. The Auditory Contradiction: The study proves hearing is critical for spatial awareness and risk perception. So, how does standard safety PPE (hearing protection) impact a worker's neurological ability to identify hazards? Actionable Risk Perception: You don't need a brain scanner to improve safety. We discuss how understanding your workforce's demographics—like birthplace and age—can help you tailor training and improve risk perception organically. References: Lee, K., Pooladvand, S., Esmaeili, B., & Hasanzadeh, S. (2024). Understanding construction workers' risk perception using neurophysiological responses. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 38(6), Article 04024039. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCCEE5.CPENG-5906 Law, M. E. (2023). Occupational risk perceptions among foreign-born construction workers in central Florida (Publication No. 30493718) [Doctoral study, Walden University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

Ep 210 - The Fear-Pleasure Paradox (And Why I Still Hate the C-Word)

2026/04/03

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law brings back the conversation from Episode 106 regarding the industry's toxic obsession with "Complacency." Thanks to a clinical psychology study sent over by his wife, we look at the fMRI neuroscience of "Recreational Fear" to validate why the C-word is a myth—it’s just the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) achieving cognitive efficiency. We revisit the failure of "Scare Tactics" (Threat Appeals) from Episodes 108/109, and discuss how replacing gory safety videos with high-arousal, controlled simulations (like VR or escape-room style drills) can actually train the brain to safely sever the DMN and snap into the Salience Network (active hazard recognition) without causing defensive avoidance. References: Petrova, K. (2025, October). Controlled fear might temporarily alter brain patterns linked to depression. PsyPost. https://www.psypost.org/controlled-fear-might-temporarily-alter-brain-patterns-linked-to-depression/ Zhan, Y., & Ding, X. (2025). Fear-pleasure paradox in recreational fear: Neural correlates and therapeutic potential in depression. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 18, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S529004

Ep 209 - Beyond the Shiny Object: Implementing Safety Technology with Kenna Stanley

2026/03/27

In this episode of #ProveItPod, we dive into the complex world of workplace #safety #technology with Kenna Stanley. It’s easy to get distracted by the "shiny object" of new tech, but as we discuss today, successful implementation comes down to #culture, #readiness, and the human element. We explore the gap between academic #research and real-world application, the very real danger of alert fatigue, and why asking your workers two simple questions might be the best first step you can take. Key Takeaways: Culture over Infrastructure: Having the IT resources to implement tech is only half the battle. Without cultural buy-in and worker engagement, even the best tools will be sunsetted within a year. Beware of Alert Fatigue: Technology should enhance safety without overwhelming the worker. Too many notifications can lead to the "boy who cried wolf" effect, rendering proximity sensors and wearables useless. The Two Magic Questions: Not sure where to start? Ask your workers: Where is our next fatality going to happen? and What can we do about it? * Bridging the Research Gap: Why EHS professionals need systematic, unbiased reviews of safety tech rather than relying solely on siloed lab studies or vendor sales pitches. About Our Guest: Kenna Stanley is a Research Manager with the National Safety Council, where she specializes in workplace safety, technology adoption, and human-centered innovation. With a background in criminology and behavioral science from the University of Florida, she brings together data and human factors to shape practical strategies to make workplaces safer and more secure. Connect with Kenna on LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Work to Zero Digital Readiness Assessment NSC Spring Safety Summit – (Join us on May 6th for the Safety Technology Workshop!)

Ep 208 - The 3 AM TRIR Frustration (Evaluating ASOHMS vs. Z10)

2026/03/20

In this #StudyFinds episode of #ProveItPod, Dr. Matt Law battles post-conference road fatigue to tackle a brand new case study from the International Journal of Construction Management. The study reviews the implementation of the Army Safety and Occupational Health Management System (ASOHMS) within a USACE district. While the researchers found a correlation between the system's implementation and a reduction in contractor incident rates, the episode dives deep into the statistical methodology. We compare ASOHMS to ANSI/ASSP Z10 and ISO 45001, break down the double-edged sword of "rolling averages," and ask a tough question: If landmark research proves that TRIR is statistically invalid and driven by random variance, can we really use it to prove our complex management systems are working? References: American Society of Safety Professionals. (2019). Occupational health and safety management systems (ANSI/ASSP Z10.0-2019). Hallowell, M., Quashne, M., Salas, R., Jones, M., MacLean, B., & Quinn, E. (2021). The statistical invalidity of TRIR as a measure of safety performance. Professional Safety, 66(4), 28–34. Moskowitz, J. M., & McCranie, J. B. (2025). Investigating the impact of army safety and occupational health management system implementation on safety performance indices: case study of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district. International Journal of Construction Management, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.2537722 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2024). Safety and health requirements manual (EM 385-1-1).