This Podcast Will Kill You
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
This podcast might not actually kill you, but Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke cover so many things that can. In each episode, they tackle a different topic, teaching listeners about the biology, history, and epidemiology of a different disease or medical mystery. They do the scientific research, so you don’t have to.
Since 2017, Erin and Erin have explored chronic and infectious diseases, medications, poisons, viruses, bacteria and scientific discoveries. They’ve researched public health subjects including plague, Zika, COVID-19, lupus, asbestos, endometriosis and more.
Each episode is accompanied by a creative quarantini cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic placeborita.
Erin Welsh, Ph.D. is a co-host of the This Podcast Will Kill You. She is a disease ecologist and epidemiologist and works full-time as a science communicator through her work on the podcast. Erin Allmann Updyke, MD, Ph.D. is a co-host of This Podcast Will Kill You. She’s an epidemiologist and disease ecologist currently in the final stretch of her family medicine residency program.
This Podcast Will Kill You is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including science, true crime, comedic interviews, news, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Buried Bones, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast and more.
Since 2017, Erin and Erin have explored chronic and infectious diseases, medications, poisons, viruses, bacteria and scientific discoveries. They’ve researched public health subjects including plague, Zika, COVID-19, lupus, asbestos, endometriosis and more.
Each episode is accompanied by a creative quarantini cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic placeborita.
Erin Welsh, Ph.D. is a co-host of the This Podcast Will Kill You. She is a disease ecologist and epidemiologist and works full-time as a science communicator through her work on the podcast. Erin Allmann Updyke, MD, Ph.D. is a co-host of This Podcast Will Kill You. She’s an epidemiologist and disease ecologist currently in the final stretch of her family medicine residency program.
This Podcast Will Kill You is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including science, true crime, comedic interviews, news, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Buried Bones, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 11min
Ep 199 Sleep Part 2: Predictably unpredictable
They trace how industrialization and artificial light reshaped human sleep and challenge the myth of a single “natural” pattern. Historical accounts of segmented nights, midnight activities, and bedding culture get examined. They highlight wearables, sleep anxiety, and how medical metrics narrowed what counts as normal. The episode ends by weighing public health trends, risks of short or long sleep, and the need for societal flexibility.
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 14min
Ep 198 Sleep Part 1: Sleeping with one eye open
Explore the mysteries of sleep, a universal experience shared by many species. Delve into the different components of human sleep and how it compares across animals. Discover the surprising effects of genetics and life stages on sleep needs. Learn about unique behaviors like unihemispheric sleep in dolphins and how ecological factors influence sleep strategies. Unpack the scientific components of sleep measurement and what it reveals about our nightly rhythms. Join the hosts as they unravel why we need sleep, including energy conservation and memory consolidation.
9 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 58min
Special Episode: Daniel Stone & American Poison
Join historian Daniel Stone, author of 'American Poison', as he delves into the dark tale of leaded gasoline and its devastating health effects. Tune in to discover how pioneers like Alice Hamilton fought against industrial negligence. Stone highlights shocking stories, from early workplace hazards to Midgley's profit-driven inventions. Explore how past mistakes echo in today's environmental crises, with a focus on modern threats like PFAS and microplastics. It's a cautionary tale with lessons we must heed.
9 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 16min
Ep 197 Detox: Enemas for everyone
Dive into the fascinating world of detox culture and its historical roots. Explore the detox industry's booming market and its often dubious claims. Discover ancient practices of enemas and their surprising popularity over the centuries. The hosts hilariously dissect detox myths, pointing out faulty marketing tactics and the fine line between wellness and pseudoscience. Learn how the body naturally detoxifies and why most detox products lack scientific support. It's a witty and informative journey through a trend that promises much but delivers little!
10 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 2h 12min
From the Vault - Endometriosis: Menstrual Backwash (Ep 88)
Susie Solaviv shares her decade-long journey with advanced endometriosis, detailing her misdiagnoses and the emotional struggles surrounding her surgery and fertility. The discussion delves into the biological underpinnings of the disease, including how endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus causes pain and scarring. Historical biases and diagnostic delays are examined, revealing the ongoing challenges many face. The episode highlights the importance of advocacy and current research, bringing hope for better understanding and treatment options.
16 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 31min
From the Vault - Hepatitis B: Hepatiti, Take 2 (Ep 89)
Dr. Su Wang, Medical Director for the Center for Asian Health & Viral Hepatitis Programs and former President of the World Hepatitis Alliance, shares her personal journey with hepatitis B. She discusses the stigma surrounding the illness and highlights community screening efforts. The conversation dives into the virology of hepatitis B, its infectiousness, and the challenges in treatment. With nearly 300 million people affected globally, Dr. Wang emphasizes the importance of accessibility to vaccines and care while detailing her advocacy work.
7 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep 196 Health Myths: Fact or fiction?
Ever wondered if going outside with wet hair really makes you sick? This discussion dives into the origins of popular health myths and reveals the truth behind them. Explore the fascinating backstory of how carrots became linked to better night vision and debunk the sugar rush myth’s cultural roots. Discover if ginger ale truly helps with tummy aches or if that’s just another old wives' tale. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of these myths and what actual science says about them!
31 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 56min
Special Episode: Dr. Homer Venters & Outbreak Behind Bars
Dr. Homer Venters, a correctional health physician and former chief medical officer of NYC jails, dives deep into the dire state of healthcare in prisons. He discusses how architectural flaws and staff biases lead to unchecked disease spread. Addressing the pervasive mistrust between healthcare staff and inmates, he highlights how this reticence harms public health. Venters also shares alarming insights on infections like TB and MRSA, detailing how failures in care can ripple into communities. His evidence-based solutions emphasize the urgent need for accountability and reform.
26 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
Ep 195 Salt Part 2: The Substance
Dive into the salty debate as the hosts explore whether salt is truly detrimental to our health. Learn about its biological importance, how it regulates our body's sodium and potassium balance, and why we have a craving for this flavor enhancer. Discover compelling evidence that links sodium intake to blood pressure and various health outcomes, including cardiovascular risks. You'll also uncover tips for reducing sodium intake while boosting potassium-rich foods in your diet. Salt lovers, this one's for you!
9 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 56min
Ep 194 Salt Part 1: The Seasoning
Explore the fascinating history of salt and its cultural significance, from ancient preservation methods to modern dietary shifts. Discover how salt has influenced language, trade, and even political movements, with stories like Gandhi's Salt March. Uncover the origins of salt-related place names and the environmental impacts of salt production. The discussion brings to light salt's roles in symbolism and hospitality, alongside its biological necessity for human health.
