Elena Conis
Historian of medicine and public health and a professor of journalism and history who provides historical perspective on American vaccine debates and policy.
Best podcasts with Elena Conis
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71 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 49min
The Anti-Vaccine Movement
Join Paul Offit, a leading vaccine expert from the Vaccine Education Center, and historian Elena Conis as they delve into the roots of the anti-vaccine movement. They discuss pivotal moments like the botched polio vaccine and the origins of vaccine skepticism. Hear about the infamous Wakefield study, the media's role in public perception, and how celebrity influence has shaped vaccine debates. They also explore the consequences of declining vaccination rates and the erosion of public trust in health authorities, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
12 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 51min
Conversation with Elena Conis – Author of How to Sell a Poison, 2024 Welch Award Recipient
Elena Conis, a writer and historian of medicine at UC Berkeley, dives deep into the controversial history of DDT as a 'miracle' pesticide and its harmful effects. She discusses the challenges historians face in conveying complex narratives to wider audiences and the ongoing skepticism about vaccines. Conis emphasizes the importance of public trust in science and the need to address social justice in discussions about toxic chemicals. Her insights reflect on the necessity of bridging academic work with meaningful public engagement.
