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
32 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.
15 snips
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.
5 snips
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.
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep 165 Fish Tongue Parasite: Parasite Appreciation Hour
Imagine a tongue replaced by a tiny isopod! This bizarre parasite, while horrifying to think about, serves a unique ecological role in fish species. The podcast blends humor with science, exploring the life cycle and feeding behaviors of these quirky organisms. It dives into their impact on ecosystems and argues for a greater appreciation of parasites in conservation discussions. Through charming anecdotes and insightful reflections, listeners learn why keeping these creatures in our biodiversity is essential, even if they are a bit unsettling!
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 15min
Ep 164 Rift Valley Fever: Ruminating on ruminants
Dive into the terrifying world of Rift Valley Fever, a mosquito-borne virus that wreaks havoc on both livestock and humans. Hear a pathologist’s gripping recovery story, showcasing the virus's severity. Discover its historical ties to colonialism and the socio-economic ripple effects of disease outbreaks. Unravel the complexities of climate modeling in predicting future outbreaks. Learn about the urgent need for effective vaccines and the potential risks posed by environmental changes. This exploration emphasizes the intricate balance between humans, animals, and our changing planet.
14 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep 163 Circadian Rhythm: Live from Perth, Australia
In this lively session, Ian Dunican, Director of Melius Consulting and sleep expert, teams up with John Iliff, an emergency physician with firsthand experience of fatigue, to delve into the nuances of circadian rhythms. They discuss how these biological clocks influence our health and performance, particularly in high-stress jobs. The conversation highlights alarming consequences of disrupted rhythms, share practical strategies to manage fatigue, and reflect on the historical impacts of shift work. They also dissect some trendy sleep hacks and the mysteries of sleep science.
12 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 46min
Special Episode: Robert Alpert, Merle Eisenberg, Lee Mordechai & Diseased Cinema
Join Robert Alpert, an intellectual property lawyer turned film professor, along with historical experts Merle Eisenberg and Lee Mordechai, as they dive into the intriguing world of disease-themed movies. They discuss the evolution of cinematic portrayals of pandemics, revealing how narratives shifted from heroic to personal struggles. The conversation touches on societal reflections during crises, viewer motivations during COVID-19, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. Get ready for a captivating exploration of how film mirrors our hopes and fears about health!
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 33min
Ep 162 Allergies Part 2: Shots, pills, & pens
Yes, the world may be out to get us with allergens around every corner, but we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve to help us cope. Our allergy treatment toolkit includes an impressive suite of tools, and in the second episode of our two-part series on allergies, we focus on three in particular: antihistamine medications, allergy shots, and the epinephrine auto-injector (aka the EpiPen). We take you through how exactly each of these work, trace their development from concept to product, and highlight some of the most promising areas of allergy treatment research today. Have you ever wondered why we have so many different types of antihistamines? Or thought about what the Cold War has to do with the EpiPen? Then this is the episode for you. Support this podcast by shopping our latest sponsor deals and promotions at this link: https://bit.ly/3WwtIAu See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
