This Podcast Will Kill You

Discover the surprising resurgence of leeches in modern medicine, revealing their unique saliva packed with healing powers. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about chaotic leech therapy mishaps and dive into the fascinating biology of these creatures. Learn about their unexpected roles in plastic surgery and historical practices like bloodletting. With a mix of fear and fascination, the hosts weave in playful discussions, making leeches both relatable and intriguing. This journey into the world of leeches is sure to leave you both entertained and enlightened!

The COVID-19 pandemic started with a bang - lockdowns, grocery store shelves cleared of their goods, toilet paper shortages, and a pervasive sense of panic. But more recently, it has slowly faded into the background for many of us. The WHO says that while we’re no longer in crisis mode, we are still in a pandemic. What does that mean for us in our daily lives? In this TPWKY book club episode, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Offit to discuss his recent book Tell Me When It’s Over: An Insider’s Guide to Deciphering COVID Myths and Navigating our Post-Pandemic World [Interview recorded February 21, 2024]. Dr. Offit, who is a pediatrician, vaccine expert, vaccine co-inventor (rotavirus), member of vaccines advisory committees, and long-time vaccine advocate, explains some of the COVID disinformation that continues to circulate about the virus, discusses where government institutions went wrong during the early months of the pandemic, and what we can expect now that the pandemic is no longer the public health emergency it once was. Tune in for a fascinating reflection on where we are in the pandemic today and how we can all fight against the rise in anti-science that threatens the future of public health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the surprising world of maggots and their healing powers! These little larvae can prevent infection and promote recovery, especially in chronic wounds. Discover how they break down dead tissue while combating bacteria with their unique enzymes and antimicrobial compounds. The history of maggot therapy spans centuries, with fascinating stories from the American Civil War to modern-day medical applications. Although they come with a 'yuck factor,' these noble creatures are making a comeback in medicine, proving that they truly are nature's wound care experts!

Dr. Clifton McKee discusses the deadly Nipah virus, its origins, and ecological factors driving outbreaks. They explore spillover events, One Health approach, and the virus' impact on humans. Learn about the virus that inspired the movie Contagion.

We live on the edge. Whether we fail to acknowledge it or try not to think of it, that fact remains true for most of us. A chemical shift, a rogue protein, a marauding molecule - our brains are vulnerable to an array of attacks that could dramatically alter our connection with the world and ourselves. In this episode of the TPWKY book club, Dr. Sara Manning Peskin, MD, MS, assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and author, joins us to discuss her book A Molecule Away from Madness: Tales of the Hijacked Brain. Deeply fascinating, occasionally terrifying, and always empathetic, A Molecule Away from Madness features individual cases of the brain gone awry. Dr. Manning Peskin artfully combines these emotional and personal stories with approachable explanations of how our brains work and historical descriptions of how we gained this understanding. Tune in to this captivating conversation wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the booming world of dietary supplements and uncover the truth behind the flashy claims. Explore the murky waters of regulation and consumer safety, as well as the historical marketing tactics that shaped the industry. The episode reveals the alarming growth of the supplement market, especially during the pandemic, and discusses the serious implications of underreported adverse events. It also addresses the global crisis of undernutrition, contrasting how marketing exploits fears while lacking scientific backing.

Delve into the fascinating world of fevers in this red-hot episode. Explore the history of thermometers, the body's response to fevers, and the evolutionary aspects of temperature regulation. Learn about the significance of fevers in health and the complexities of managing high temperatures. Tune in for some very fun fever facts!

The TPWKY book club is back in action, and we’re thrilled to be starting this season’s reading journey with Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens, reproductive rights advocate, Associate Professor in the University of Connecticut history department, and award-winning author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology. The history of science and medicine often focuses on the achievements of wealthy, white male physicians and researchers whose names are etched on medical school buildings, libraries, and dormitories. Rarely do these stories give voice to those whose bodies or labor were exploited in the name of scientific progress. In the first book club episode of the season, Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens joins us to discuss the Black enslaved women who worked alongside the so-called “Father of Gynecology”, James Marion Sims, as both patients and caregivers in nineteenth-century America. Our conversation takes us through the inherent contradictions in the way nineteenth-century physicians wrote and thought about race, gender, and health, and how broad changes in medical practice during this time promoted the dissemination of unfounded beliefs in how white and Black bodies experienced pain, health, and disease. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that will have you immediately adding Medical Bondage to your to-read list! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exploring the parallels between ME/CFS and Long Covid, the biological underpinnings of ME/CFS, the twisty history of the disease, the power of patient advocates, challenges in defining ME/CFS, immune system alterations, historical perceptions of similar conditions, stigma surrounding ME/CFS, and potential treatments and research strategies.

In this podcast, they discuss Long Covid and its impact on individuals post-recovery. They explore patient activism, challenges faced in getting medical recognition, and the complexities of the condition. The narrative delves into symptoms, potential drivers, and the far-reaching effects of Long Covid, including cognitive impairment and disrupted sleep patterns. They also touch on research findings and immune profiling of Long Covid.