
This Podcast Will Kill You
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 22, 2025 • 57min
Special Episode: John Green & Everything Is Tuberculosis
Join John Green, the award-winning author and science communicator, as he delves into his latest work, 'Everything Is Tuberculosis'. He discusses the alarming resurgence of tuberculosis and its stigma today. Explore how this historical disease has shaped society and impacted healthcare disparities worldwide. John also reveals surprising connections, like the cowboy hat's origins linked to TB, while addressing the socio-economic barriers to treatment compliance. It's a stark yet fascinating conversation about a disease that's far from gone.

Apr 15, 2025 • 57min
Ep 173 Childhood Vaccine Schedule 2: Who’s making the call?
Explore the intricacies of the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule and its global variations. Discover the pivotal role of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in shaping vaccination recommendations. The discussion dives into current outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, shedding light on the importance of public engagement and overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Personal stories illustrate the emotional weight of vaccine experiences, while strategies are shared for meaningful conversations about vaccination in communities.

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep 172 Childhood Vaccine Schedule 1: Let’s give it a shot
Dive into the world of childhood vaccinations as the hosts break down the vaccine schedule in the US. Discover how vaccines work and the crucial role they play in preventing diseases. Historical lessons highlight past outbreaks, while the conversation tackles vaccine myths and hesitancy. Personal anecdotes and compelling statistics illustrate why these vaccines matter for public health. Join the discussion on the societal importance of immunization and how it protects not just individuals but entire communities.

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 58min
Ep 171 Pregnancy: Act 4
Explore the evolution of childbirth practices and how they've shifted from midwife-led to hospital deliveries over the last century. Dive deep into the often-overlooked challenges of the fourth trimester, including postpartum depression and the emotional complexities of new motherhood. Tune in for personal stories that reveal the joy and difficulty surrounding childbirth, along with the impact of societal attitudes on maternal health. Discover the disparities in postpartum care and hear a call for more personalized support in maternal health.

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 55min
Ep 170 Pregnancy: Act 3
The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of childbirth, highlighting the rise of cesarean sections and their historical transformation. Personal stories illuminate the emotional rollercoaster of labor experiences and the unexpected paths some pregnancies take. The hosts reflect on the complexities of labor, the importance of community support, and the implications of medical choices. They also explore the intricate physiology of childbirth and the emotional impact of pregnancy loss, fostering an understanding of diverse narratives within maternal care.

17 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 46min
Ep 169 Pregnancy: Act 2
Explore the wonders of the placenta, a vital organ that nurtures the bond between mother and fetus. Discover the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, from increased urination to hormonal shifts. Hear personal stories of resilience in the face of pregnancy complications. Learn about the evolution of reproductive strategies and the debates surrounding placental invasiveness. This enlightening discussion blends humor with serious insights, offering a deeper appreciation of the complexities of pregnancy.

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 38min
Ep 168 Pregnancy: Act 1
This engaging discussion kicks off a four-part series on pregnancy, beginning with a fascinating historical look at pregnancy tests. Learn how these tests evolved from ancient methods to today's home kits and their societal impact. Personal stories highlight the emotional complexities of early pregnancy, including challenges and triumphs. The biology of implantation and potential complications like ectopic pregnancies are explored, alongside the importance of understanding reproductive health. Expect heartfelt narratives and valuable insights into the pregnancy journey.

Mar 4, 2025 • 49min
Special Episode: Rachel Gross & Vagina Obscura
For much of history, female reproductive anatomy has been studied only in the context of or in comparison to male reproductive anatomy. This shows in clinical trial design, in healthcare disparities, in the research questions we ask (or fail to ask), it’s even apparent in our language - the word “vagina” means “sheath”, as if vaginas only exist to sheathe penises. Only recently have researchers begun to close this gap in our knowledge when it comes to half the humans on this planet. In Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage, award-winning journalist and author Rachel Gross takes readers through the origins of this information gap, examining how preconceived notions about sex and gender underlie the bias that still exists today. She then delves into the fascinating research that seeks to confront this bias and address the vast health inequities that limit care for so many. Tune in for a truly enlightening odyssey through the only recently charted world of female anatomy. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/3WwtIAuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep 167 Viagra/Sildenafil: Raising the bar
Dive into the wild journey of Viagra, from a heart medication to a blockbuster drug that changed how we view sexual health. Discover the intriguing physiological details behind erectile dysfunction and the surprising effects of aging on men's sexual health. Laugh along with humorous anecdotes and cocktail inspiration as the hosts explore societal shifts in attitudes towards these treatments. Plus, hear about the disparities in research for female sexual dysfunction, making it clear that sexual health issues affect everyone.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep 166 Amanita poisoning: Death Cap-tivating
Discover the chilling tale of the death cap mushroom, a seemingly innocent fungus hiding one of the deadliest toxins known to humans. Hear about its devastating effects, including tragic stories of poisoning and the historical incidents linked to its lethal nature. The discussion dives into the biology of amatoxins, the importance of proper mushroom identification, and the dire consequences of misidentification. With a blend of cautionary tales and historical intrigue, this episode reveals why knowledge is essential in the world of foraging.
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