Tara Kerin, a project scientist at UCLA specializing in epidemiology, dives into the science behind The Last of Us. She discusses the plausibility of a fungal apocalypse and how R0, a key statistic in disease spread, plays a vital role in both real-world pandemics like COVID-19 and fictional narratives. With humor, Tara breaks down complex epidemiological concepts and explores the intersection of math, science, and storytelling in media. Her insights reveal how entertainment can educate the public on health issues.