
John M. Barry
Historian and author of The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History, offering insights into the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and its parallels to current events.
Best podcasts with John M. Barry
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Aug 6, 2022 • 1h 10min
John Barry on the Great Influenza and the Value of Truth
John M. Barry, a prize-winning author renowned for chronicling the 1918 influenza pandemic and the Great Mississippi Flood, shares deep insights on pandemic responses. He draws parallels between past and present public reactions, emphasizing the need for truth and community service. Barry discusses how crises reveal human character, stressing the role of empathy amid societal indifference. He also reflects on resilience in New Orleans post-Katrina, advocating for effective communication in public health as a cornerstone of collective well-being.

Apr 17, 2020 • 1h 22min
#107 - John Barry: 1918 Spanish flu pandemic—historical account, parallels to today, and lessons
Historian John Barry, author of The Great Influenza, delves into the harrowing details of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. He discusses its origins and the three deadly waves that swept the globe, emphasizing the effects of World War I on its spread. Barry draws striking parallels between the Spanish flu and today’s COVID-19 crisis, particularly the consequences of misinformation and governmental mishandling. He also highlights the importance of transparency in public health to prevent chaos and loss of trust.