On Megyn Kelly’s show, she was joined by RealClearPolitics hosts Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon, and Andrew Walworth joined to discuss Chelsea Clinton’s new podcast, That Can’t Be True. The panel explored what the show aims to do—separate fact from fiction on health-related claims—while debating whether Clinton’s background, branding, and production partners will help or hinder its reception.
What the Podcast Promises
Clinton’s trailer frames the series as a response to confusing headlines and dubious claims in public health. She cites concerns about cuts to medical research and resources for vulnerable groups, and positions the show as a weekly guide to what’s real, what’s not, and why it matters—featuring “trusted experts.” The hosts acknowledge that a focus on careful fact-checking could appeal to listeners fatigued by rumor and hot takes, but question whether the topics and tone will feel fresh.
The “Doctor” Debate and Credentials
A lively portion of the conversation addressed Clinton’s choice to use “Dr.” for a non-medical doctorate. Cannon recounted a newsroom maxim—“If you wouldn’t let them remove your appendix, don’t call them doctor”—to argue that the title may confuse audiences when discussing health. Walworth noted that Clinton has a master’s in public health and a PhD, which offers relevant academic grounding, while also suggesting the “Dr.” styling could undermine credibility if it’s perceived as implying medical training.
Audience Fit—and the “Nepo Baby” Label
The panel asked the practical question: who will listen? Kelly and guests argued that success in the crowded podcast space typically requires a distinct voice, deep subject expertise, or a compelling persona developed over years. They suggested some listeners might see Clinton as an “establishment” figure or “nepo baby,” a label that can be hard to overcome. Others, they conceded, may welcome a familiar public figure curating expert conversations on health.
Production and Track Record
According to the guests, the podcast is produced with Clinton Foundation involvement, prompting critics to call it a “vanity project,” while supporters might view that backing as a resource advantage for booking experts and promoting episodes. The group also noted Clinton has tested multiple media roles—author, investor, board member, and earlier podcast host—raising the question of whether this format will finally be the right fit.
Politics, Perception, and Timeliness
The discussion touched on how any show that addresses “misinformation” can quickly be pulled into partisan crosscurrents. Panelists speculated that positions on masks, vaccines, and school closures during COVID still shape listener trust, and that Clinton’s family name brings its own set of preconceptions—positive and negative.
Bottom Line
That Can’t Be True enters a skeptical marketplace with a clear mission: help listeners sort health fact from fiction with expert guidance. The conversation on Kelly’s show underscored the hurdles—title optics, audience expectations, and political baggage—while also noting the opportunity: if the podcast can deliver rigorous, fair-minded explanations without condescension or partisanship, it could carve out an audience looking for steady, useful clarity.
Source: Megyn Kelly/YouTube
