Macrodosing: Are Electromagnetic Fields Correlated With NFL Injuries?

Podcast: Macrodosing with PFT Commenter and Arian Foster (Barstool Sports)

Episode Date: January 13, 2026

Overview of Episode Theme

This episode delves into a viral theory linking electromagnetic fields (EMFs) near the San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium to their alarming rate of major player injuries. The crew—PFT Commenter, Arian Foster, Big T, and friends—unpack this “NFL injuries x EMF” conspiracy, examine other recent football storylines (from the NFL and college), react to LeBron James’s latest milestone, and riff on pop culture and meme-worthy moments in their signature blend of skepticism, irreverence, and player-to-fan perspective.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NFL Playoff Scheduling & Player Rest (02:26–05:00)

• Main topic: Debate over the fairness and structure of NFL playoff scheduling, specifically the addition of Monday Night Football for playoff games and its impact on rest for players.
  • Arian: “You live in a perpetual state of soreness, a perpetual state of pain. You just learn to deal with it.” (03:35)
  • Veteran players need the rest more; schedule disadvantages teams on short weeks.

2. College Football Calendar & Rose Bowl Prestige (05:00–10:00)

• Breakdown: How playoff expansion is disrupting the college football calendar, including the tradition of bowl games and Army-Navy standalone Saturdays.
• Debate: Is there a college football equivalent to The Masters in terms of venue prestige?
  • Big T: “I don’t think there is a football equivalent to the Masters.” (07:12)
  • Nostalgic reverence for the Rose Bowl and the “pureness” of iconic venues.

3. Indiana’s Dominance & Cheating Scandals in College Football (10:14–17:42)

• Recap: Discussion of Indiana’s blowout win and rumors of cheating, leading to Thursday’s planned ‘How to Cheat in College Football’ brainstorm episode.
  • Arian: “If your job was to be Connor Stallions and figure out all the different ways that you could cheat, what would it be?” (12:13)
• Fun stat: Indiana’s roster boasts almost 27% JMU transfers.

4. Bears, Quarterbacks, & Yardage Stats (19:04–25:52)

• Riff: Bears’ overperformance versus expectations, skepticism about their formula “holding up.” Parallels to past “clutch” but unsustainable teams.
• Major tangent: Are quarterbacks credited with too much, given that yards after catch (YAC) should be receiver-only?
  • Arian: “I don’t think quarterbacks should get the yards for YAC.” (21:22)
  • Explores how stats shape narratives, downplay the role of linemen, etc.

5. Privileges & Treatment of Quarterbacks (25:52–28:36)

• Hot take: Why QBs enjoy special protections and rules in football, and how this skews legacy, stat, and injury conversations.
  • Big T: “There's an entire system built around them to not get them... we just don’t play the same sport."
  • PFT: “If you’re following through on a pass, your body’s in a place where you can’t defend… so you have to protect them to a certain extent." (27:08)

6. 49ers’ Injuries & the EMF Conspiracy (32:45–37:03, 45:44–46:10, 58:36–60:13)

• Central topic: Deep dive into the viral theory that an electrical substation adjacent to the 49ers' facility is causing “anomalous” soft-tissue injuries.
  • Summary: YouTuber/online theorist claims EMF levels (measured at 8.5–25 milligauss) at Levi's are 20–40x typical, possibly affecting player collagen/tendons.
  • Team medical professionals mostly dismiss the theory, arguing teams use electrical stimulation for healing. Skepticism reigns, but panel thinks the claim is “fun to explore.”
  • Arian: “Even if it’s not true, it almost doesn’t matter if the players believe it’s true.” (36:31)
  • Desire to invite “Peter Cowan,” the EMF theorist, onto the pod for further discussion.
    • PFT: “This guy seems like he would be tailor made [for the show].” (60:13)

7. Team Facilities—At Stadium or Separate (37:03–40:56)

• Topic: Philosophical debate about whether practice facilities should be separate from game-day stadiums—pro “home turf,” con “should feel distinct.”
  • Big T: “When you play where you practice, it feels like home… it’s our spot.” (37:30)
• Includes anecdotes about travel, pregame routine, why players are holed up in hotels (“coaches don’t trust players”).

8. LeBron’s Patch, Longevity, & Media Narratives (46:17–54:02)

• Reaction: LeBron to wear a custom jersey patch honoring 23 seasons; jokes about self-congratulatory marketing.
  • Big T: “What the fuck is this? Why are we doing this?” (47:44)
  • PFT (satirical): “Give a little credit to the media for absolutely nailing that prediction… how about a little bit of thanks from LeBron?”
• Rubric for longevity: Respect for LeBron’s career/clean image, nostalgia for his debut.

9. Pop Culture Sidebar: Ariana Grande at the Golden Globes (86:33–95:01)

• Brief: Panel analyzes Ariana Grande’s recent red carpet return and pop music “wellness” theories (weight, hair, media pressures).
• Jerry: “She is a talent of our generation, one of the greatest talents we have. I want her to be healthy…” (87:54)
  • They riff on her tumultuous personal life, award shows, and public speculation.

10. More NFL: Falcons’ New President of Football & Uniforms (41:41–44:25, 59:19–64:16)

• Matt Ryan: Appointed president of football for the Falcons—what does the position mean, does it set a new trend?
  • Big T: “I love that they just took ‘operations’ out. He’s just president of football.” (41:48)

11. Golf Reunification: PGA Tour & LIV Tour Returnees (68:00–77:43)

• Update: Brooks Koepka and other major winners from LIV Tour are offered “return paths” to PGA Tour (with major financial/charitable concessions).
  • Big T: “You could tell, right… Rahm is a golf purist. He loves the tradition. He wants the big events." (68:43)
  • Many welcome the return, eager to see all the best golfers in classic tournaments together again.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Arian, on life as an NFL vet:
  “You live in a perpetual state of soreness, a perpetual state of pain. You just learn to deal with it. It’s about managing the pain.” (03:35)
• On YAC stats debate:
  “I don’t think quarterbacks should get the yards for YAC.” – Arian (21:22)
  “As soon as he catches it, those are no longer your yards.” – Big T (21:31)
• On the 49ers’ EMF theory:
  “Players have joked about there being an electrical substation right next to the practice field and how that’s led to Niners injury problems.” – PFT (32:59)
• On team traditions:
  “The Rose Bowl is the college football Masters.” – Big T (06:30)
• On the prestige of quarterbacks:
  “You should not get the credit for the pain that other people go through…” – Big T (24:01)
• On LeBron’s patch:
  “What the fuck is this?” – Big T (47:44)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• NFL playoff/MNF debate: 02:26–05:00
• College Football Bowl/Playoff calendar: 05:00–10:00
• Indiana cheating & Thursday tease: 10:14–17:42
• Quarterbacks & YAC stats: 19:04–25:52
• QB privilege/rule changes: 25:52–28:36
• 49ers injuries & EMF: 32:45–37:03, 45:44–46:10, 58:36–60:13
• Practice facility philosophy: 37:03–40:56
• LeBron patch/career: 46:17–54:02
• Ariana Grande, Hollywood sidebars: 86:33–95:01
• Falcons’ president of football news: 41:41–44:25, 59:19–64:16
• PGA-LIV reunification: 68:00–77:43

Tone

The group's tone is irreverent, highly conversational, critical yet playful, with expert-athlete insight blended with fan skepticism. Sentiments range from “that’s a load of shit, but interesting” (about EMF and population conspiracies) to genuine appreciation for players’ struggles, sports traditions, and even random science-based “discoveries” like the home-brewed Coca-Cola recipe.

Concluding Notes

• The hosts remain skeptical of the 49ers’ EMF theory, but see its potential cultural impact (“If the players believe it’s true, it matters.”).
• Broader theme: How tradition, data, and offbeat science intersect with sports myth and reality.
• Teaser: Thursday’s episode will feature “How to cheat in college football—a step-by-step brainstorming session.”

For Further Listening:

• Thursday’s Macrodosing for the “How to Cheat at College Football” brainstorming.
• Hit the Voicemail Line: 347-56-00-0401 for listener theories and cheats!

Miss this show? You missed a lot, but you didn’t miss the EMFs getting the last laugh (yet).