Best Antivaxxer Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 32: The R@VN - A Requiem for Antivaxxers 15:00

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15d ago15:00

15:00

In this special Month of the Macabre episode, Infectious Dose steps into gothic territory with a haunting reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven—rewritten for the age of science denial. The R@VN follows a man who built his fame on rejecting vaccines and mistrusting public health—until a disease he dismissed returns to claim him. As paralysis se…

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Episode 34: Outbreak After Dark 1 - Ocularium 31:27

1d ago31:27

31:27

Welcome to Outbreak After Dark, a new monthly ritual within Infectious Dose, where the science stays real but the stories get darker, weirder, and yes—sometimes just plain gross. In this Halloween premiere, Ocularium, Heather is joined by cohosts Kate and Samantha, to share true “medical horror” stories about parasites that call the eye home: Loa l…

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Episode 33: The Sleep Lecture - A Case of Encephalitis Lethargica 15:36

8d ago15:36

15:36

What if you couldn’t wake up—and your mind kept trying to lecture its way out of the dark? In this week’s Month of the Macabre episode, “The Sleep Lecture,” a neurologist begins a talk on encephalitis lethargica—the mysterious “sleepy sickness” that swept the world a century ago—only to discover she’s become part of her own subject. Based on true c…

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Episode 31: Salem 1692 - The Grain, the Gallows, and the Whispering Tapes 20:02

22d ago20:02

20:02

In 1692, the people of Salem believed the Devil walked among them. But centuries later, scientists and historians would wonder: could the culprit have been something far more earthly—a hallucinogenic fungus lurking in their daily bread? This Month of the Macabre episode of Infectious Dose examines the ergotism theory behind the Salem witch trials, …

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Episode 30: Pneumonia Noir - A Mystery Written in Fog and Fever 34:20

30d ago34:20

34:20

By Infectious Dose

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Episode 29: Surveillance, Research Rules, and Preparedness - A Conversation with Jim Alwine, PhD 37:16

1M ago37:16

37:16

Our public health safety net is unraveling. In this episode, we explore why infectious disease surveillance — once our invisible safety net — is quietly vanishing, and what that means for early outbreak detection. Dr. Jim Alwine breaks down common misunderstandings around gain-of-function research and explains how fear-driven narratives like the la…

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Episode 28: From Evidence to Power - Organizing for Public Health with Jon Shaffer, PhD 1:02:12

1M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Organizer–sociologist Jon Shaffer, PhD, (Defend Public Health / University of Vermont) joins Heather to talk about turning evidence into local, winnable public-health protections. We dig into why “apolitical” public health backfires, how real teams (not one-off mobilizations) build durable power, and practical, nonpartisan roles for scientists and …

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Episode 27: Neuro Invasion - The Silent Siege of West Nile Virus 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

West Nile virus is back in the headlines, with new human cases in the U.S. and steady activity in Europe. In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather tracks the current outbreak season through CDC and ECDC surveillance and state-level reports, explores how the virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, and examines what happens when you get infecte…

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Episode 26: Not Smarter, Just trained - How I Sort Fact from Fiction 40:09

2M ago40:09

40:09

This week, Heather pulls back the curtain on how she figures out what’s true. From gut checks and trusted sources to the brutal training of grad school and the constant practice of science writing, she shares the habits that help her navigate conflicting claims—like the current confusion around COVID vaccine access. You don’t need a PhD to think li…

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Episode 25 1/2: Booster Dose - New COVID Vaccine Access Explained 14:37

2M ago14:37

14:37

Heather brings you a bonus mini Booster Dose episode to explain everything you need to know about the new changes in FDA-approved access to fall COVID shots, who’s eligible by brand/age, what counts as “underlying,” off-label/insurance realities, why ACIP mainly affects coverage (not labels), a brief CDC leadership update, and practical protections…

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Episode 25: Classroom Contagions - A Back-to-School Survival Guide 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

Back-to-school season means new teachers, new friends…and a whole new round of germs. From runny noses to strep throats, pinkeye to flu, classrooms are a breeding ground for illness once the school bell rings. In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather breaks down the most common fall outbreaks in kids, when to keep children home, and the preventi…

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Episode 24: No Boat Big Enough - The Rise of Vibrio Vulnificus 31:55

2M ago31:55

31:55

In this gripping episode, we dive into the world of Vibrio vulnificus—a flesh-eating bacterium once confined to warm southern waters, now making deadly appearances from Florida to Cape Cod. We begin with real-life cases from the 2025 surge across the U.S., then uncover the science behind this microscopic killer: how it invades, how it spreads, and …

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Episode 23: Blood and Bone - The Battle Against Chikungunya 38:04

3M ago38:04

38:04

Chikungunya is sweeping through southern China in its largest recorded outbreak—and it’s not just a local problem. In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather takes you inside Foshan’s summer surge, unpacks how this mosquito-borne virus travels the globe, and explores why its painful symptoms can linger for months or even years. You’ll hear how two…

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Episode 22: Booster Dose - A Guided Tour Through the Infectious Dose Vaccine Safety Files 24:48

3M ago24:48

24:48

What do vaccines really contain? Why do people still believe they cause autism? And who keeps spreading these lies? In honor of Immunization Awareness Month, this special episode of Infectious Dose is your guided tour through our vaccine safety series. Heather maps out the key episodes that break down myths, expose disinformation campaigns, and exp…

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Episode 21: Dying of Thirst - Cholera in the Age of Abundance 32:33

3M ago32:33

32:33

In this episode, Heather unpacks one of 2025’s most urgent and underreported global health crises. Cholera—an ancient disease we know how to prevent and treat—is resurging across dozens of countries. But this isn’t about biology alone. From Sudan’s displaced families to Angola’s overcrowded clinics and the gold fields of the DRC, people are dying n…

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Episode 20: Biting Mad - When Rabies Becomes the Reel Villain 45:46

3M ago45:46

45:46

Rabies is one of the deadliest viruses known to science—but its cultural legacy may be even more enduring. Rabies has stalked the screen for decades, not just as a disease, but as a symbol of primal fear, uncontrollable rage, and the thin line between animal and human. This episode investigates the biology of rabies bites and its eerie neurological…

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Episode 19: Rebooting the Mission - The Podcast is Back. Here's the Messy, Honest, Human Story Behind It 17:40

4M ago17:40

17:40

This episode is a little different. After relaunching and dropping 18 episodes since April, Heather finally shares the personal story behind why she left her blog/podcast/social media—and why she came back. From life upheaval and burnout to pandemic loss and resilience, this is the story behind Infectious Dose. If you're new here, it's a great plac…

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Episode 18: A Plague Returned - Polio and the Paralysis of Progress 44:59

4M ago44:59

44:59

As global focus drifts and vaccine narratives fade, polio—a disease once on the brink of eradication—is finding new paths to persist. In this episode, Heather unpacks the World Health Organization’s latest alerts on circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2), explores newly issued travel advisories, and traces the virus’s quiet resurgence. Fro…

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Episode 17: Grill, Thrill, & Kill - A 4th of July Comedy Special (Stand-Up for Science) 21:55

4M ago21:55

21:55

This Fourth of July, we’re serving flaming absurdity alongside a tribute to scientists under attack. In this science-meets-comedy special, Heather tackles the patriotic chaos of backyard BBQs, rogue mortars, and the bacterial battleground of summer salads. Featuring real disaster stories, expert food tips, and a powerful closing tribute to U.S. sci…

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Episode 16: COVID Critical - Complacency and Consequences in an Unfinished Pandemic 1:00:13

4M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

More than five years since the start of COVID-19, the virus is still here — evolving, spreading, and leaving lasting impacts. In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather—a virologist-turned-science writer—examines the costs of the erosion of protective messaging, what new data say about reinfection, and the risks of losing vaccine access under a sh…

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Episode 15: Protection, Interrupted - How Chasing Sterilizing Immunity Fails the Herd 30:05

4M ago30:05

30:05

What if our biggest mistake in vaccine communication wasn’t misinformation—but misexpectation? In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather digs into the seductive myth of sterilizing immunity—the idea that a “perfect” vaccine blocks infection completely—and explores how this scientific fable has distorted public expectations, undermined trust, and …

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Episode 14: No Name, No Mercy - The Hantavirus That Killed Betsy Arakawa 1:09:29

5M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

In this episode, Heather delves into the story of Sin Nombre virus and the disease it causes, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. From its rodent origins and rapid progression to the public health response and scientific breakthroughs that followed, we explore how a rare virus rewrote the rules of infectious disease in North America—and why it remains a…

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Episode 13: Un-Vaccinated - the Global Measles Emergency 1:06:50

5M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Heather gives updates on 2025 measles outbreaks in every region of the world and discusses global efforts to curb them. She also debunks the deadly lies about measles from RFK Jr. in her fan favorite segment WTF-RFK! and answers listener questions in her new segment Hot Zone Hotline. Explicit rating is for mild and limited profanity because, I mean…

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Episode 12: Vaccine Safety 8 - Expecting Protection: Building vaccine confidence for moms-to-be 49:53

5M ago49:53

49:53

Pregnant and wondering which vaccines are safe? Heather separates myths from facts & shares exactly what science says about vaccine safety during pregnancy—because you and your baby deserve the best protection!By Infectious Dose

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Episode 11: Close Quarters, Silent Threat - Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Dorms and Barracks 54:24

5M ago54:24

54:24

Invasive meningococcal disease strikes fast—and often without warning—especially in close-contact environments like college dorms and military barracks. While it’s rare, the consequences can be devastating: death within hours, or lifelong complications like limb loss and brain damage. In this episode Heather explains all about how Neisseria meningi…

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Episode 10: Vaccine Safety 7 - Inside the Vial: the Truth About What’s Actually in Vaccines 41:19

6M ago41:19

41:19

In the 5th episode in her vaccine safety series, Heather gives straightforward, science-based answers to some of the most common questions about what’s in vaccines including an in-depth look at what's in several specific vaccines and the truth debunking false claims you've seen recently in the media.…

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Episode 9: Sleeper Cells - How Anthrax Hides, Strikes, and Could One Day Heal 42:22

6M ago42:22

42:22

Anthrax is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to science. Its ability to survive harsh environments and reemerge as a deadly pathogen centuries later is a biological marvel—and a global health concern. Heather covers all you want to know about anthrax from its formidable spore structure and use as a bioweapon, to its recent outbreaks and p…

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Episode 8: Vaccine Safety 6 - The Vaccine Court and Adjudication of Autism Cases 34:38

6M ago34:38

34:38

Heather digs in to the truth about the vaccine court and how its history of claims supports that vaccines are safe! Explicit rating for mild, limited profanity.By Infectious Dose

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Episode 7: Fowl on the Play as Bird Flu Heats Up 26:48

6M ago26:48

26:48

Is bird flu’s resurgence a warning sign worth heeding? Heather digs into the science, the stakes, and what this latest avian alarm could mean for global health. Explicit rating for mild, limited profanity.By Infectious Dose

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Episode 6: Vaccine Safety 5 - Too Many Too Soon? 17:12

7M ago17:12

17:12

Heather goes in-depth on why the current vaccine schedule is safe and effective for children and newborns. Infectiousdose.com Marked explicit for possible limited, mild profanity.By Infectious Dose

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Episode 5: The Monster That is Measles 35:32

7M ago35:32

35:32

Heather delivers the scoop on the disease caused by measles, including symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment, what's in the very safe vaccines, and dangerous complications and long-term health problems of natural infection. Marked explicit for possible limited, mild profanity.By pathogenperspectives

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Episode 4: Vaccine Safety 4 - The Continuing Crimes of Andrew Wakefield 21:22

7M ago21:22

21:22

In the second vaccine safety episode, Heather describes how Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent science cost the world the elimination of measles and hurt children. With evidence to back it up, she goes into detail on what he did and how he still manipulates parents fears to make money. Marked explicit for limited and mild profanity.…

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Episode 3: Vaccine Safety 3- Vaccines do NOT Cause Autism 17:03

7M ago17:03

17:03

In the first of several episodes on vaccine safety, Heather explains how we know vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. She provides all her sources and links in the corresponding blog post at Infectiousdose.com. Marked explicit for limited and mild profanity.By pathogenperspectives

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Episode 2: Vaccine Safety 2: Other COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms 38:11

7M ago38:11

38:11

This is the original Pathogen Perspectives episode rebranded for Infectious Dose, originally published in 2020. Heather provides an in-depth discussion on the COVID-19 vaccine platforms other than mRNA, that were in clinical trials around the world. These include self-replicating mRNA, DNA, Protein-based, Attenuated virus, Inactivated virus, Repurp…

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Episode 1: Vaccine Safety 1: mRNA COVID Vaccines Explained 25:34

7M ago25:34

25:34

This is the original Pathogen Perspectives Episode published in 2020, rebranded for Infectious Dose. Heather provides an in-depth discussion on the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines authorized for emergency use in the US. She covers: · What is mRNA · How mRNA vaccines work · How we know they are safe · Why they cannot change your DNA · How long might immunity…

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As Pandemic Emergency Is Lifted, Have Disinformation Spreaders Moved On? 24:09

2+ y ago24:09

24:09

The WHO has declared that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a public health emergency of international concern. But does it mean that spreaders of pandemic disinformation have dispersed and gone dormant? We discuss the persistence of pandemic disinformation with Tommaso Canetta, who works at Pagella Politica/Facta in Italy. He also edits regular f…

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ChatGPT -- What Is It and Should we Be Worried about Generative AI? 29:06

2+ y ago29:06

29:06

ChatGPT, a user-friendly AI tool that generates text in response to keywords, is expected to cause major disruptions in the media, education, and various creative jobs. In late March, the Italian privacy regulator effectively banned it. As societies grapple with the tool’s impact and controversies, we are looking back at our interview with AI resea…

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Where is Russian Disinformation Headed? 35:37

2+ y ago35:37

35:37

In this episode, we talked to Christiern Santos Rasmussen about the possible future of Russian disinformation tactics. Together with his team he researched how disinformation actors tweak their message for the countries they operate in. For example, in Poland, claiming that Russia only wants peace would be a hard sell, so these actors double down o…

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Why Did a Vision for a Modern City Turn into a Conspiracy Theory? 18:13

2+ y ago18:13

18:13

Being able to reach key facilities, like schools and shops, within 15 minutes, would make city life really comfortable, right? Not if you ask conspiracy theories, mobilizing around the world to blend opposition to the idea of 15-minute cities with anti-vaccination and far-right sentiment. They think that 15-minute cities are all about population co…

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Why Do Far-Right and Far-Left Parties Benefit from Social Media Algorithms? 18:50

2+ y ago18:50

18:50

How do algorithms facilitate the rise of political fringes in Europe? And what makes it worthy for political opportunists to be radical? We invited Prof. Miguel Poiares Maduro, who has an academic background in law, governance and politics, to reflect on the various threats to democracy from social media, and to zoom in on his home country, Portuga…

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The Inoculation’s (AI-Assisted) News Roundup: ChatGPT, Finland and Twitter 20:37

2+ y ago20:37

20:37

What are the latest news on disinformation and vaccine hesitancy? We discuss our top picks — and discuss the pros and cons of AI-assisted news review. Here's a link to our earlier episode on ChatGPT: Links to the news discussed: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/twitter-sudden-death-vaccine-conspiracies https://edmo.eu/2022/12/06/died-suddenly-yet-an…

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Introducing Season 5: How Anti-Vaccine Views Reshaped Our Politics 4:59

3y ago4:59

4:59

This season The Inoculation is focusing on politics and activism. We will explore how anti-vaccine views have left a mark on different political and activist movements in Europe and beyond. Daiva will be focusing on these issues as a Policy Leader fellow at the European University Institute in Florence. Please subscribe to this show on Apple Podcas…

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Does Elon Musk’s Ownership of Twitter Undermine Its Role as a Public Space? 21:58

3y ago21:58

21:58

Elon Musk is making sweeping changes at Twitter. Does it mean that anti-vaccine disinformation and violent extremism will flourish? This is our last episode this year. Tune in when we’re back in January! Sources: @ElonJet: https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/14/elon-jet-the-twitter-account-tracking-elon-musks-flights-was-permanently-suspended/ Musk and …

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Twitter’s Turmoil Was Predicted By Disinformation Researchers 15:13

3y ago15:13

15:13

With Twitter in turmoil, we are inviting you to revisit our conversation with WF Thomas, a disinformation researcher. Eva talked to him while working on a story on audio disinformation, which was part of her Transatlantic Media Fellowship by the Heinrich Boell Foundation Washington, DC. You can read the BBC reporting on Russia’s Twitter network her…

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MBBS in Hindi for Indian doctors - is it a good idea? 10:47

3y ago10:47

10:47

Latest Government of India guidelines recommend that MBBS (MD in USA) Medical education curriculum should be available for Indian doctor in Hindi as well as English. We discuss if this appears to be a good idea whose time has come, and what if any, are the possible complications of trying this. What are the solutions and what should be the priority…

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Who are the Doctors Who Spread Disinformation and Why Do They Do It? 25:22

3y ago25:22

25:22

As Dr. Oz loses his bid for a seat in the US Senate and the American Board of Internal Medicine moves to strip a falsehood-spreading doctor’s qualifications, we look at the phenomenon of medical doctors spreading COVID-19 disinformation on both sides of the Atlantic. In this episode, we reference our earlier work: - On homeopathy: https://www.thein…

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Conspiracy 🤝 Spirituality = Conspirituality 29:20

3y ago29:20

29:20

According to Pew Research, six-in-ten American adults accept at least one of New Age beliefs: psychics, spiritual energy, reincarmation and/or astrology. And overall, seven-in-ten women hold at least one New Age belief, compared to just over half of men. Research also shows that spiritual people are more likely to believe in COVID-19 conspiracies. …

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Are they really Dangerous?? Cough syrups in India! 14:58

3y ago14:58

14:58

The recent tragedy in Gambia where 70 children have died after taking cough syrups that were made in India has caused a lot of controversy. We try to get some answers. What actually happened, why did these children die? Why did it happen? What is Diethylene Glycol and Ethylene glycol? Is it banned in India, what side-effects can happen due to these…

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Homeopathy – a Pseudoscientific Gateway to Anti-Vaccine Views and COVID-19 Denialism? 25:59

3y ago25:59

25:59

Homeopathy, the principle that ‘like cures like’ even in trace amounts, came to be at a time when opium, blood-letting and alcohol were all common treatments for illnesses. Study after study, it has been proven not to work, and testing of homeopathic products appears to often fail to follow established ethics. But many European countries allow sell…

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How Russia Exploits Antivaxx Sentiment to Spread Energy Disinformation 26:09

3y ago26:09

26:09

The prospect of a cold winter makes energy a hot topic in Europe. Russia, aiming to chip away at Western support for Ukraine, has an interest in stoking people’s fears. And where does Russia find enthusiastic supporters? You guessed it — among public health skeptics. This is the first episode of our 4th season, in which we will focus on Germany and…