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
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep 187 Hypothermia Part 2: How it helps
Cold is a fascinating double agent in medicine! The discussion spans therapeutic hypothermia's historical use, from ancient remedies to early neonatal cooling trials. Listeners will uncover the grim legacy of unethical experiments, including those from WWII. The episode highlights how scientists are rediscovering cold's benefits in cardiac care and beyond. With lively debates about pop culture references like Titanic and practical methods for cooling patients, the chilling medical applications of hypothermia reveal a surprising hero in icy circumstances.
Sep 2, 2025 • 58min
Ep 186 Hypothermia Part 1: How it hurts
Explore the chilling realities of hypothermia and why humans struggle against the cold compared to other species. Discover the harrowing tale of Napoleon's retreat from Moscow and its grim consequences. Learn about animal adaptations, like wood frogs surviving extreme freezes, and discover our own vulnerabilities, including how hypothermia can strike in unexpected places. Plus, unravel the medical intricacies of how the body reacts to cold and the emerging recognition of hypothermia's treatment and potential therapeutic uses.
20 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 52min
Special Episode: Lina Zeldovich & The Living Medicine
Lina Zeldovich, a journalist and author of *The Living Medicine*, sheds light on phage therapy, an innovative treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections. She discusses the rise of antimicrobial resistance and how this forgotten cure, used since before antibiotics, is making a comeback. The conversation dives into the fascinating history of phage therapy, including its development during World War II and the political challenges it faced. Zeldovich advocates for this solution as a vital alternative to combat the growing healthcare crisis.
7 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep 185 The Great Smog of London: “Thick, drab, yellow, disgusting”
Dive into the eerie tale of the Great Smog of London in 1952, a thick, suffocating fog that caused chaos and distress. Discover how a mix of coal burning and weather patterns led to an environmental disaster, with thousands falling ill amidst denial from authorities. Explore the human stories behind the smog's impact and the shocking mortality rates that followed. Finally, learn how this calamity spurred significant changes in air quality regulations, highlighting ongoing lessons on pollution and public health.
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 23min
Ep 184 The Gallbladder: Humor us
Discover the often-overlooked gallbladder and its dramatic role in digestive health. The hosts share humorous personal stories about gallbladder pain, including a harrowing journey to diagnosis. Dive into the fascinating world of bile — its history, functions, and quirky characteristics. Learn about gallstone formation, the health implications, and life after gallbladder removal. The light-hearted banter keeps the mood lively while exploring the gallbladder's historical ties to ancient medical theories and personal temperament.
Aug 5, 2025 • 49min
Special Episode: Carl Zimmer & Airborne
Carl Zimmer, an award-winning science writer and author of 'Airborne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe,' joins the discussion to reveal the fascinating world of aerobiology. He highlights the critical distinction between airborne and droplet transmission, especially during the COVID pandemic. The conversation dives into historical misconceptions about disease spread, featuring pioneers like Fred Meyer, whose remarkable research changed our understanding of airborne pathogens. Listeners will learn about the unseen life in our atmosphere and its implications for public health.
21 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep 183 SSRIs Part 2: Action
Dive deep into the fascinating world of SSRIs and discover how they interact with serotonin. Hear personal journeys of individuals reclaiming their lives from anxiety and OCD through these medications. Explore the historical context and the complicated discourse surrounding SSRIs and their effectiveness. Unpack the nuances of serotonin syndrome and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Plus, enjoy some humorous metaphors making neuroscience a little more engaging!
8 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep 182 SSRIs Part 1: Origin
The fascinating origins of SSRIs reveal a journey through millions of years and the animal kingdom. The podcast examines how societal factors shaped the rise of these antidepressants, blending personal anecdotes with historical context. It explores the complex relationship between serotonin and mental health, including stigma and the evolving understanding of depression treatment. Intriguingly, it touches on the surprising link from tuberculosis to Prozac, highlighting the scientific evolution and controversies that surround these medications.
Jul 15, 2025 • 56min
Special Episode: Wendy Chin-Tanner & King of the Armadillos
Wendy Chin-Tanner, author and sociologist, shares insights from her novel, King of the Armadillos, which draws from her father's experiences with Hansen's disease. The discussion touches on the stigma of leprosy, the vibrant community formed in Carville, and how personal histories shape narratives. Wendy highlights the complexities of illness, advocacy, and resilience against societal fears, weaving a heartfelt tale of connection and memory through her creative process. Tune in for an inspiring journey through forgotten public health history.
11 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 27min
Ep 181 PCOS: Beyond the cysts
Explore the complexities of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) beyond its misleading name. Hear personal stories that challenge misconceptions and highlight the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. Delve into the health implications of insulin resistance and the diversity of PCOS phenotypes. The discussion also uncovers the stigma surrounding the condition and its psychological impacts. Finally, learn about the gaps in research and the need for a shift in how reproductive health is understood and treated.
