Prepare your quarantinis and curl up with your favorite disinfectant wipes, because I’m heading into the gloriously gruesome world of “This Podcast Will Kill You”! Hosted by the brilliant “Erins” (disease ecologists Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke), this infectious audio masterpiece has been educating, horrifying, and strangely comforting listeners since 2018 with its deep dives into diseases that have shaped human history.
From gut-churning parasites to society-altering plagues, the Erins blend rigorous science, fascinating historical context, and unexpected humor to create episodes that are as entertaining as they are educational. Whether you’re a longtime fan looking to revisit the greatest hits or a curious newcomer wondering where to start your epidemiological journey, I’ve compiled the absolute must-listen episodes that showcase the very best of this microscopically marvelous podcast.
Ep 14 Rabies: Don’t dilute me, bro
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An eagerly awaited examination of one of history’s most terrifying illnesses: rabies. The discussion encompasses its evolutionary development to its extraordinary mortality rate, exploring both the reasons behind its characteristic excessive salivation and Pliny the Elder’s ancient treatment recommendations (warning: these historical remedies are definitely not for home implementation).
Ep 147 Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor
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They explore an infectious disease that challenges typical perceptions. Rather than viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, they examine devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), a transmissible cancer devastating Tasmanian devil populations. Unlike cancers caused by viruses, DFTD itself spreads between hosts. Their discussion covers the disease’s mechanisms, its effects on devils, the animals’ ecological importance, and conservation prospects, featuring insights from University of Tasmania Senior Lecturer and DFTD specialist Dr. Rodrigo Hamede.
Ep 57 Herpes: Stop the STIgma
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This episodes examines how herpes simplex viruses (HSV) 1 & 2 often cause harm through social stigma rather than physical symptoms. Their discussion establishes a foundation for understanding both viral mechanisms and the historical shift in public perception from minor infection to feared condition. The segment begins with Courtney Brame, founder of Something Positive for Positive People, sharing personal insights. The hosts then address viral latency, treatment options, evolutionary origins, and stigma reduction strategies.
Ep 161 Allergies Part 1: Pollens, nuts, & bugs
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This episode discusses why bodies sometimes overreact dramatically to harmless substances, from garden bees to airborne pollen to nuts in desserts, causing responses ranging from minor irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. This first installment of their two-part allergy series examines the physiological mechanisms behind allergic reactions, potential evolutionary explanations, the historical discovery of allergies, and their global prevalence today.
Ep 126 Migraine: A Cacophony in Four Movements
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This episode looks at how metaphors like “throbbing pain,” “drilling into your head,” “vise-grip,” and “stabbing hammers” inadequately capture migraine suffering. Their examination reveals limitations in language, empathy, medicine, and biological understanding of this condition. The hosts explore migraine biology and history, addressing why certain individuals are susceptible, medication mechanisms, the phenomenon of aura, historical treatments and perceptions, and future developments in migraine research and management.
Ep 83 Diabetes: Short & Sweet
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They examine diabetes mellitus, a condition recognized by most people through personal connections or direct experience, affecting approximately 9% of adults worldwide. Their discussion explores the disease’s mechanisms, symptomatology, long-term complications, and historical development, including a notable scientific rivalry. They investigate humanity’s lengthy relationship with diabetes, the evolution of treatment approaches, and shifting societal perceptions of the condition throughout history.
Ep 113 Vitamin D: The D stands for drama
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Vitamin D has been touted as a remedy for numerous conditions including cancers, heart disease, COVID-19, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The hosts examine vitamin D’s biological functions and deficiency effects to separate exaggerated claims from legitimate benefits. They highlight the micronutrient’s evolutionary significance and diverse physiological roles, alongside its human historical importance when rickets became prevalent during industrialization. The discussion raises questions about deficiency thresholds, optimal intake recommendations, and vitamin D’s broader implications for health, all presented with references to sunshine, cod liver oil, and scientific controversies.
Ep 21 Measles: The Worst Souvenir
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This episode goes beyond recent headlines about measles, offering a comprehensive exploration of this lethal virus. Their unique examination details how this preventable pathogen infiltrates cellular structures, causing immediate suffering and enduring harm. They trace the evolutionary journey from its cattle origins to its devastating impact on vulnerable populations throughout history. The discussion concludes with current global statistics on measles prevalence, emphasizing vaccination as the essential protective measure against this dangerous disease.
Ep 136 Long Covid: A long time coming
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This episode tackles Long Covid. Initially thought to cause only short-term illness, SARS-CoV-2 left many with lingering, debilitating symptoms. In this episode, we explore how patients helped define Long Covid, their fight for better care, and the latest research into its causes and treatments.
Ep 141 Maggots: Such noble work
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Just hearing the word “maggots” might make your skin crawl, but stick with it. These tiny creatures have an unexpected role in medicine, from ancient times to today. In this episode, we uncover how their unique abilities make them unsung heroes of healing.
Ep 85 Alcohol: Beer for Thought
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Alcohol has shaped human culture for millennia, even influencing our DNA. But what exactly does it do to our bodies and brains? In this Season 4 finale, we explore its history, effects, and the science behind hangovers, plus whether that daily glass of red wine is really good for you.
Ep 46 Lactose Intolerance: Never trust a fart
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Who doesn’t love a good poop story? Katie kicks things off with one before they dive into the science of lactose intolerance. An exploration of what lactose is, why some people can’t digest it, and why those who can are actually the genetic mutants. From ancient pastoralism to modern milk habits, we break down the history and science behind dairy digestion, plus plenty of fun milk facts for your next trivia night!
Ep 142 Leeches: It’s more powerful than magic, it’s nature
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If the episode on maggots left you craving more creepy-crawly medical marvels, you’re in luck, this episode is taking on leeches. Used in medicine for centuries and making a comeback today, these slimy little creatures have some surprising talents. From the magic of their saliva to their unexpected parenting skills, we cover it all. Plus, Dr. Robert Rowe joins us to share a wild leech story from the world of plastic surgery!
Ep 95 Tetanus: An inhuman calamity!
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Tetanus might make you think of rusty nails or booster shots, but the reality of this infection is far more dangerous, especially in places with limited vaccine access. In this episode, we explore the deadly neurotoxins of *Clostridium tetani*, its medical history, and its surprising potential in cancer treatment. Tune in for a deeper look at this powerful microbe!
Ep 58 Guinea worm: (Almost) Ancient History
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Smallpox and rinderpest are gone, could Guinea worm disease be next? In this episode, we dive into the wild life cycle of *Dracunculus medinensis*, its gruesome effects on the body, and its deep roots in history. Plus, Sarah Yerian from the Carter Center shares the latest on the fight to wipe it out for good.
Ep 119 Marburg virus: Too fast, too furious
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Earlier this year, Marburg virus outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania raised global concern, recalling deadly Ebola outbreaks of the past. Though both were declared over in June, the virus remains a threat. In this episode (recorded April 2023), we dive into Marburg’s deadly biology, its origins, and what recent outbreaks reveal about the shifting landscape of infectious diseases.
Ep 51 The Path of Most (Antibiotic) Resistance
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Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health, driven by decades of misuse and overuse. In this episode, we break down how bacteria outsmart antibiotics, why resistance spread so quickly, and where we stand today. Despite the grim outlook, there’s hope, Dr. Steffanie Strathdee joins us to discuss an innovative alternative.
Ep 108 Gout: Toetally fascinating
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Throughout history, diseases carried meanings beyond symptoms and treatments, especially gout, once known as the “monarch among maladies.” In this episode, we explore its biology, evolutionary roots, and shifting cultural perceptions, from a once-prestigious diagnosis to a widespread modern illness.
Ep 150 Norovirus: Tip of the poop iceberg
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“Is it poop or barf?” That’s the dreaded question during food poisoning when time is critical, and the decision is urgent. Often, the culprit is norovirus, once known as “winter vomiting disease” for obvious reasons. It’s infamous for outbreaks on cruise ships and contaminated oysters. In this episode, we explore how norovirus spreads so fast and hits so hard. We’ll dive into its history, meet “Vomiting Larry,” and even discuss vulture vomit. Plus, we’ll bust the myth that norovirus is just a cruise ship problem, spoiler: it’s everywhere.
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