Best pathogenperspectives Podcasts (2026)

1
Episode 43: Still Curious - A New Year's Reset (Without Resolutions) 13:43

Play Pause

8h ago13:43

13:43

This New Year’s Eve episode isn’t about resolutions — it’s about a reset. In Still Curious: A New Year’s Reset (Without Resolutions), Heather reflects on a difficult year for science, public health, and trust, and makes the case for curiosity as a quieter, steadier way forward. Rather than focusing on optimism or big promises, this episode explores…

1
Episode 42 - Outbreak After Dark: A Consumption Christmas Carol 27:31

1d ago27:31

27:31

This month’s Outbreak After Dark is a special holiday episode — and a heavier one. In A Consumption Christmas Carol , we reimagine Dickens’ classic ghost story through the real epidemic that haunted Victorian London: tuberculosis. Long before antibiotics, TB shaped daily life, art, poverty, and policy — romanticized in parlors, devastating in tenem…

1
Episode 41 - ACIP Undone: Proof, Policy, and Panic Over a Hepatitis B Vaccine 27:57

8d ago27:57

27:57

Show Notes — ACIP Undone: Proof, Policy, and Panic Over a Hepatitis B Vaccine This episode unpacks everything you need to know about hepatitis B and the life-saving vaccine that helps prevent chronic liver disease and liver cancer later in life. From the biology of the virus to the science behind the birth dose, we explore how this vaccine works, w…

1
Episode 40: Vaccine Safety 9 - The FDA Memo That Betrayed Public Trust: What You Need to Know 19:38

24d ago19:38

19:38

A leaked FDA memo sparked headlines claiming the COVID vaccine killed children — but the memo included no evidence, no data, and no scientific analysis. In today’s episode, Heather unpacks what the memo actually said, why experts across the field immediately rejected its conclusions, and how vaccine safety is truly evaluated. She explains the real …

1
Episode 39: Cold Comfort - What Winter Rituals Got Right About Microbes 19:50

27d ago19:50

19:50

There’s more to your favorite winter rituals than nostalgia. In this episode, we dive into how centuries of winter traditions—across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—offered accidental protection against infectious diseases. From citrus in stockings to cloves in mulled wine, from kimchi to candlelight, we trace how ancient practices around fo…

1
Episode 38: Outbreak After Dark 2 - Pilgrims and Plagues 20:51

1M ago20:51

20:51

In this Outbreak After Dark episode, we revisit Thanksgiving’s origin story through the lens of infectious disease. Heather, Sam, and Kate dive into the epidemics that devastated Indigenous nations before the Pilgrims ever arrived, the microbial mismatches between Old World and New, and the narratives that still distort how we talk about “the First…

1
Episode 37: A Prescription for Pestilence - The Global Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance 30:12

1M ago30:12

30:12

This week’s episode dives into the roots of the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. How did routine cuts, UTIs, and pneumonias become untreatable? What systems helped superbugs evolve — and why is the problem accelerating worldwide? We explore the science, the policies, the failures, and the future of drug-resistant microbes in A Prescription f…

1
Episode 36: Rift Valley Fever - When Rains Bring Life and Loss 26:32

2M ago26:32

26:32

Rift Valley fever is back — and it’s hitting harder than it has in years. In this episode, we trace the 2025 outbreak from Mauritania to Senegal, explore how the virus hides between rainy seasons, and reveal what scientists have learned from unexpected hotspots in Tanzania. From mosquitoes and livestock to people and policy, this is Rift Valley fev…

1
Episode 35: Travel Bugs & Holiday Hugs - Staying Healthy on the Road 29:38

2M ago29:38

29:38

Headed into holiday travel season? This episode of Infectious Dose is your go-to guide for staying healthy on the road — without panic, shame, or disinfecting your entire row like you're filming a CSI episode. We talk practical prevention for planes, airports, road trips, and cruises, including how to avoid RSV, norovirus, and long COVID, what to p…

1
Episode 34: Outbreak After Dark 1 - Ocularium 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

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 Sam, to share true “medical horror” stories about parasites that call the eye home: Loa loa, O…

1
Episode 33: The Sleep Lecture - A Case of Encephalitis Lethargica 15:36

2M 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…

1
Episode 32: The R@VN - A Requiem for Antivaxxers 15:00

3M 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…

1
Episode 31: Salem 1692 - The Grain, the Gallows, and the Whispering Tapes 20:02

3M 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, …

1
Episode 30: Pneumonia Noir - A Mystery Written in Fog and Fever 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

By Infectious Dose

1
Episode 29: Surveillance, Research Rules, and Preparedness - A Conversation with Jim Alwine, PhD 37:16

3M 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…

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

4M 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 …

1
Episode 27: Neuro Invasion - The Silent Siege of West Nile Virus 23:35

4M 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…

1
Episode 26: Not Smarter, Just trained - How I Sort Fact from Fiction 40:09

4M 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…

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

4M 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…

1
Episode 25: Classroom Contagions - A Back-to-School Survival Guide 52:58

4M 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…

1
Episode 24: No Boat Big Enough - The Rise of Vibrio Vulnificus 31:55

5M 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 …

1
Episode 23: Blood and Bone - The Battle Against Chikungunya 38:04

5M 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…

1
Episode 22: Booster Dose - A Guided Tour Through the Infectious Dose Vaccine Safety Files 24:48

5M 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…

1
Episode 21: Dying of Thirst - Cholera in the Age of Abundance 32:33

5M 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…

1
Episode 20: Biting Mad - When Rabies Becomes the Reel Villain 45:46

5M 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…

1
Episode 19: Rebooting the Mission - The Podcast is Back. Here's the Messy, Honest, Human Story Behind It 17:40

6M 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…

1
Episode 18: A Plague Returned - Polio and the Paralysis of Progress 44:59

6M 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…

1
Episode 17: Grill, Thrill, & Kill - A 4th of July Comedy Special (Stand-Up for Science) 21:55

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

1
Episode 15: Protection, Interrupted - How Chasing Sterilizing Immunity Fails the Herd 30:05

7M 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 …

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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…

1
Episode 12: Vaccine Safety 8 - Expecting Protection: Building vaccine confidence for moms-to-be 49:53

7M 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

1
Episode 11: Close Quarters, Silent Threat - Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Dorms and Barracks 54:24

8M 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…

1
Episode 10: Vaccine Safety 7 - Inside the Vial: the Truth About What’s Actually in Vaccines 41:19

8M 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.…

1
Episode 9: Sleeper Cells - How Anthrax Hides, Strikes, and Could One Day Heal 42:22

8M 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…

1
Episode 8: Vaccine Safety 6 - The Vaccine Court and Adjudication of Autism Cases 34:38

8M 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

1
Episode 7: Fowl on the Play as Bird Flu Heats Up 26:48

8M 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

1
Episode 6: Vaccine Safety 5 - Too Many Too Soon? 17:12

9M 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

1
Episode 3: Vaccine Safety 3- Vaccines do NOT Cause Autism 17:03

9M 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

1
Episode 4: Vaccine Safety 4 - The Continuing Crimes of Andrew Wakefield 21:22

9M 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.…

1
Episode 5: The Monster That is Measles 35:32

9M 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

1
Episode 2: Vaccine Safety 2: Other COVID-19 Vaccine Platforms 38:11

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

Pathogenperspectives Podcasts