This Podcast Will Kill You
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
This podcast might not actually kill you, but Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke cover so many things that can. In each episode, they tackle a different topic, teaching listeners about the biology, history, and epidemiology of a different disease or medical mystery. They do the scientific research, so you don’t have to.
Since 2017, Erin and Erin have explored chronic and infectious diseases, medications, poisons, viruses, bacteria and scientific discoveries. They’ve researched public health subjects including plague, Zika, COVID-19, lupus, asbestos, endometriosis and more.
Each episode is accompanied by a creative quarantini cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic placeborita.
Erin Welsh, Ph.D. is a co-host of the This Podcast Will Kill You. She is a disease ecologist and epidemiologist and works full-time as a science communicator through her work on the podcast. Erin Allmann Updyke, MD, Ph.D. is a co-host of This Podcast Will Kill You. She’s an epidemiologist and disease ecologist currently in the final stretch of her family medicine residency program.
This Podcast Will Kill You is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including science, true crime, comedic interviews, news, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Buried Bones, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast and more.
Since 2017, Erin and Erin have explored chronic and infectious diseases, medications, poisons, viruses, bacteria and scientific discoveries. They’ve researched public health subjects including plague, Zika, COVID-19, lupus, asbestos, endometriosis and more.
Each episode is accompanied by a creative quarantini cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic placeborita.
Erin Welsh, Ph.D. is a co-host of the This Podcast Will Kill You. She is a disease ecologist and epidemiologist and works full-time as a science communicator through her work on the podcast. Erin Allmann Updyke, MD, Ph.D. is a co-host of This Podcast Will Kill You. She’s an epidemiologist and disease ecologist currently in the final stretch of her family medicine residency program.
This Podcast Will Kill You is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including science, true crime, comedic interviews, news, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Buried Bones, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 21min
Ep 144 IVF, Part 2: Invention
CW: mentions of infertility, pregnancy loss, suicideIn the second part of our three-part series on IVF, we’re picking up where we left off last week. From the historical side of things, that means investigating how the revolutionary technology of IVF was developed over the decades of the 20th century leading to the first “test tube babies” born in 1978, and how the field of IVF transformed from uncertain technology to burgeoning industry. From the medical side of things, that means exploring what a typical cycle of IVF might look like step by step (or rather, injection by injection) and go over how we define “success” when it comes to IVF. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly goes into the IVF process and how we developed such an incredible technology, this is the episode for you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 26min
Ep 143 IVF, Part 1: Infertility
This podcast delves into the fascinating realm of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies. From exploring the historical context of infertility to sharing personal accounts of IVF journeys, listeners are taken on a captivating journey. The episodes cover infertility assessments, unexplained infertility, and the emotional complexities faced by individuals and couples navigating fertility treatments.
21 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
Special Episode: Dr. Noah Whiteman & Most Delicious Poison
Dr. Noah Whiteman, a toxicology expert, discusses the evolution and neuroscience of plant- and animal-derived poisons, exploring their fine line between healing and harm. He delves into the complex relationships between humans and nature's toxins, showcasing examples like digitalis and opiates. The podcast covers the historical and medicinal significance of poisonous plants, parallels between human chemical use and natural adaptations, diversity of toxins in plants, and the role of toxins in defense and manipulation.
Jun 11, 2024 • 50min
Ep 142 Leeches: It’s more powerful than magic, it’s nature
Discover the surprising resurgence of leeches in modern medicine, revealing their unique saliva packed with healing powers. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about chaotic leech therapy mishaps and dive into the fascinating biology of these creatures. Learn about their unexpected roles in plastic surgery and historical practices like bloodletting. With a mix of fear and fascination, the hosts weave in playful discussions, making leeches both relatable and intriguing. This journey into the world of leeches is sure to leave you both entertained and enlightened!
Jun 4, 2024 • 52min
Special Episode: Dr. Paul Offit & Tell Me When It’s Over
The COVID-19 pandemic started with a bang - lockdowns, grocery store shelves cleared of their goods, toilet paper shortages, and a pervasive sense of panic. But more recently, it has slowly faded into the background for many of us. The WHO says that while we’re no longer in crisis mode, we are still in a pandemic. What does that mean for us in our daily lives? In this TPWKY book club episode, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Offit to discuss his recent book Tell Me When It’s Over: An Insider’s Guide to Deciphering COVID Myths and Navigating our Post-Pandemic World [Interview recorded February 21, 2024]. Dr. Offit, who is a pediatrician, vaccine expert, vaccine co-inventor (rotavirus), member of vaccines advisory committees, and long-time vaccine advocate, explains some of the COVID disinformation that continues to circulate about the virus, discusses where government institutions went wrong during the early months of the pandemic, and what we can expect now that the pandemic is no longer the public health emergency it once was. Tune in for a fascinating reflection on where we are in the pandemic today and how we can all fight against the rise in anti-science that threatens the future of public health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 28, 2024 • 49min
Ep 141 Maggots: Such noble work
Explore the surprising world of maggots and their healing powers! These little larvae can prevent infection and promote recovery, especially in chronic wounds. Discover how they break down dead tissue while combating bacteria with their unique enzymes and antimicrobial compounds. The history of maggot therapy spans centuries, with fascinating stories from the American Civil War to modern-day medical applications. Although they come with a 'yuck factor,' these noble creatures are making a comeback in medicine, proving that they truly are nature's wound care experts!
May 21, 2024 • 1h 29min
Ep 140 Nipah virus: Of Fruit and Bats
Dr. Clifton McKee discusses the deadly Nipah virus, its origins, and ecological factors driving outbreaks. They explore spillover events, One Health approach, and the virus' impact on humans. Learn about the virus that inspired the movie Contagion.
May 14, 2024 • 56min
Special Episode: Dr. Sara Manning Peskin & A Molecule Away from Madness
We live on the edge. Whether we fail to acknowledge it or try not to think of it, that fact remains true for most of us. A chemical shift, a rogue protein, a marauding molecule - our brains are vulnerable to an array of attacks that could dramatically alter our connection with the world and ourselves. In this episode of the TPWKY book club, Dr. Sara Manning Peskin, MD, MS, assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and author, joins us to discuss her book A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain. Deeply fascinating, occasionally terrifying, and always empathetic, A Molecule Away from Madness features individual cases of the brain gone awry. Dr. Manning Peskin artfully combines these emotional and personal stories with approachable explanations of how our brains work and historical descriptions of how we gained this understanding. Tune in to this captivating conversation wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 7, 2024 • 1h 26min
Ep 139 Supplements: “This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA”
Dive into the booming world of dietary supplements and uncover the truth behind the flashy claims. Explore the murky waters of regulation and consumer safety, as well as the historical marketing tactics that shaped the industry. The episode reveals the alarming growth of the supplement market, especially during the pandemic, and discusses the serious implications of underreported adverse events. It also addresses the global crisis of undernutrition, contrasting how marketing exploits fears while lacking scientific backing.
49 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 1h 19min
Ep 138 Fever: Take it to the limit
Delve into the fascinating world of fevers in this red-hot episode. Explore the history of thermometers, the body's response to fevers, and the evolutionary aspects of temperature regulation. Learn about the significance of fevers in health and the complexities of managing high temperatures. Tune in for some very fun fever facts!
