Shows
Viral LoadPolio Part 2: Managing MisinformationSend us a textIn this episode, we tackle the dangers of celebrity-driven vaccine misinformation, focusing on figures like Alicia Silverstone, who may still be Clueless. We also explore the continued influence of Andrew Wakefield, whose discredited study sparked the anti-vaccine movement, and the legal efforts of RFK Jr.'s lawyer to challenge vaccine mandates. This episode highlights the real-world consequences of misinformation and discusses how we can fight back for the sake of public health.2025-01-0135 minViral LoadPolio Part 1: Paralysis AnalysisSend us a textIn this episode, we explore the concerning potential for the return of polio, a disease that once terrified the world before vaccines brought it to the brink of eradication. What's behind the recent reports of poliovirus in wastewater and isolated cases? And how do vaccine gaps, global health inequities, and misinformation play a role in its possible resurgence? Stay tuned next week as we dive into Polio part 2 centered around celebrity vaccine misinformation, who's trying to get the FDA to revoke the approval of polio vaccine and why we should all b...2024-12-171h 11Viral LoadHendra Virus: We can't stop here. This is bat countrySend us a textAustralia's got a reputation for dangerous creatures, but Hendra takes it to a whole new level. This week, we dive into the bat-sh*t crazy world of the Hendra virus—an outbreak that started in horses and quickly spread to humans in a way that’s both horrifying and weird. We’ll unpack how a bunch of flying friends with a taste for fruit can turn a quiet day in the outback into a biohazard situation. Who knew the land down under wasn’t just full of deadly snakes and spiders, but also viruses...2024-12-101h 17Viral LoadThe Real RFK Jr.: Department of Health and Human ServicesSend us a textIn this episode, we venture boldly into the unsettling future of American healthcare as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps into the most controversial cabinet role of the new administration: Secretary of Health and Human Services. With a track record of questioning vaccine safety and promoting alternative health narratives, RFK Jr.'s appointment signals a seismic shift in the way the U.S. may tackle public health, disease research, and scientific integrity.But what lies ahead for the nation's health system? Will we see a return to an era of pseudoscience and...2024-11-271h 05Viral LoadDisease X: Navigating the Conspiracy Theory MazeSend us a textDive into the mystery of Disease X, the hypothetical pathogen poised to trigger the next global pandemic. Amidst a sea of conspiracy theories, from government cover-ups and the New World Order to clandestine experiments, we sift through the noise to uncover the truth. Join the guys as they navigate the tangled web of misinformation to reveal the reality behind Disease X and its potential impact on our world........sourceshttps://apnews.com/article/fact-check-misinformation-disease-x-migrants-watermelon-7518534f7ae8deccec6836f6b5d0a9...2024-02-281h 16Viral LoadOrigins of HIV/AIDSSend us a textDelve into the complex origins of HIV in our latest episode, unraveling the web of misinformation surrounding this global health crisis. Join us as we uncover the truth behind the virus, challenging misconceptions and shedding light on its historical context..........Sources https://www.ecohealthalliance.org/2017/12/world-aids-dayhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3234451/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/02/hiv-aids-pandemic-kinshasa-africahttps://www.unaids.org/enhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.https://www.n...2024-02-131h 21Viral LoadEpidemic Enigma: Bird Flu Prophesies & 5 Strange DiseasesSend us a textDive into the ominous with some of the world's weirdest diseases. An is it finally the year of the Bird Flu? In this Viral Particle or Mini-sode. Uncover the eerie stories behind 5 peculiar diseases.. Join us on this unsettling journey through pandemic prophecies and the strange afflictions that haunt our disease ridden world. 2024-01-2939 minViral LoadArtificial Intelligence & Human Health: Rise of the Disease MachinesSend us a textIs it a system that creates a world where Instagram models and regular folks become indistinguishable . A revolutionary solution to blank page syndrome ? An epic tale of an artificial boy's quest for humanity? Or perhaps we are just talking about a complex machine that will ultimately out smart and overthrow man. Tune in to this week's episode to learn Just what AI is and how just maybe it could save the world.....sources https://missionlocal.org/2023/10/ai-malaria/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36515751/h...2024-01-151h 28Viral LoadTime-Traveling Pathogens: Update from SiberiaSend us a textThis week the guys jump back to a topic that started it all in 2019 (episode 1). We're talking zombie viruses and melting permafrost. What are scientists finding beneath the thawing ground? Listen to this week's episode to find out!.....sources https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/driven-by-climate-change-thawing-permafrost-is-radically-changing-the-arctic-landscape#:~:text=The%20thaw%20and%20collapse%20of,over%20the%20past%20two%20decades.https://scitechdaily.com/awakening-ancient-dangers-catastrophic-risks-of-time-traveling-pathogens-from-melting-permafrost/https://phys.org/news/2023-07-ancient-pathogens-ice-wreak-havoc.htmlhttps://phys.org/news/2023-07-time-traveling-pathogens-permafrost-pose-environment.html?_g...2023-08-1852 minViral LoadWar in Ukraine: Cholera and Combat MosquitoesSend us a textIs Putin puttin' something in the water supply? Is Zelensky secretly an an evil mastermind using monster mosquitos to squash the Russian Regime? Is the U.S. funding bio labs in the Ukraine to undercut the Russians? Is it all simply political posturing? Or is there something a bit more sinister afoot? Find out on this episode of Viral Load Podcast. .....Sources Wind Rose Band : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CZjsEI1yU https://telegra.ph/Brifing-po-voenno-biologicheskoj-deyatelnosti-SSHA-06-19http...2023-07-251h 11Viral LoadViral Load Reviews The Last of UsSend us a textA fungal infection turning the entire human race into mushroom headed zombies...of course the guys from Viral Load are all in. On this episode Brett and Andy take a look at the fungal series that is causing an HBO Pandemic. Could Cordyceps really mutate and take over the human race? Are there any examples of fungal infections causing epidemics or pandemics throughout history? Did David Attenborough show us our future through zombified ants while lulling us into submission with his sweet soothing voice? And just how afraid of the fungus among us sh...2023-03-0746 minViral LoadBird Flu Outbreak: Pandemic PredictionsSend us a textWhile we may not have a Delorean or a magic crystal ball; Brett is a doctor of epidemiology, an astronomy aficionado and now perhaps able to see into the future (Brett-stradamus )? After 2 years of bird flu prognostication are we finally seeing the first signs of the next pandemic? Tune in this week to find out. .....Sources ....https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/us/grizzly-bears-bird-flu.html?https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01338-2htt...2023-02-271h 03Viral LoadTB Sniffing Rodents: HeroRATSSend us a textThis week the guys take you on a trip down the rat hole. They discuss the incredibly accurate TB sniffing rats and how humans began domesticating animals for our benefit. So sit back relax and picture Linguini sniffing out TB instead of making delicious Disney dishes....Support APOPOhttps://apopo.org/ ...sources https://apopo.org/support-us/adopt/?v=7516fd43adaahttps://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm#:~:text=Tuberculosis%20(TB)%20is%20caused%20by,with%20T...2023-01-1756 minViral LoadRSV and the TripledemicSend us a textWhat's that? The holidays are just around the corner. Well Brett and Andy have got just the topic for discussion around the ol' dinner table. This week the guys dive into the deep end of the latest pandemic that is RSV. In doing so we must once again venture into the dregs of society to uncover the latest conspiracy theories and the uphill battle the latest vaccine is going to have against the ongoing infodemic. So strap in take notes and whatever you do stay away from demon babies!2022-12-201h 02Viral LoadThe Great Pacific Garbage Patch and Frozen Zombie VirusesSend us a textSame old new years resolutions and brand new set of terrifying disease predictions. This episode is a viral particle or mini-sode where Brett and Andy each choose a story and the other one has no clue what to expect. Brett dives into the deep end of the swirling trash pile that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. While Andy ventures back to the frozen Tundra to check in on some of Zombie virus predictions of episodes past. 2022-12-1350 minViral LoadFecal Transplants Part 2 : Golden SoupSend us a textIt's finally arrived the long awaited sequel to our foray into fecal fodder. Do you or someone you love have gastrointestinal distress? or did you simply eat bad street meat at 1 am that sent you down a Youtube rabbit hole that has you thinking maybe a DIY fecal transplant is for you? Well, put down that blender and turkey baster and give this episode a listen first. 2022-10-041h 24Viral LoadFecal Transplants Part 1 : The MicrobiomeSend us a textWandering through the fecal fodder of 2022 has at times felt like a flummoxing failure. The good news is on this episode of Viral Load we show you the upside of your downtown business and how it could one day save your life. 2022-08-301h 12Viral LoadMonkeypox Rave 2022Send us a textPlanning to hit up your local rave? You may want to hold off on dropping the beat until you listen to this week's episode. We discuss the emergence of monkeypox in non endemic areas and why Marshmallow, Skrillex, and Deadmau5 may be responsible. 2022-06-2048 minViral LoadRabies: Destroy the BrainSend us a text On this episode we cover why that possum is really chasing it's tail, if you should invite those pesky raccoons into your home for some tea, and ponder just what is the best name for a Swedish metal band. That's right the deadliest disease on earth and old Yeller's demise this week we discuss rabies.2022-03-151h 17Viral LoadOmicron Persei 8: A Variant of ConcernSend us a textWhat happens when anti-vaxxers, a promiscuous virus, and maybe some infected rodents get together? A new episode of Viral Load Podcast, of course. Also, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2......sources..https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1126-B11-529-omicron.htmlhttps://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/30/fauci-says-omicron-covid-variant-has-already-been-found-in-20-countries-but-not-yet-in-the-us.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2021/11/30/1060025081/omicron-variant-netherlands-europe-south-africahttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-Variants.aspxhttps://www.who.int/en/activities...2021-12-091h 24Viral LoadViral Particle: May the Quartz be with YouSend us a textWhy would a rare tropical disease outbreak emerge in America’s heartland? Get your crystals out and make sure your chakras are aligned, because Jupiter is in retrograde and Viral Load is on the case!...sources https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/23/health/aromatherapy-melioidosis-mystery/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2021/10/22/business/walmart-room-spray-recall-bacteria/index.htmlhttps://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00444.asphttps://www.cdc.gov/melioidosis/index.htmlhttps://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/CMR.18.2.383-416.20052021-11-1530 minViral LoadMonkeypox: Furious GeorgeSend us a textWe are back from the grave for this halloween episode. On the 2 year anniversary of Viral Load we dive into the wonderful world of monkeypox. Tune in to find out why you should care about this boil inducing disease. And whatever you do this hallows eve don't pet prairie dogs!sources:https://www.statnews.com/2021/07/20/more-than-200-people-in-u-s-being-monitored-for-possible-monkeypox-exposure-cdc-says/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/1st-us-case-monkeypox-comes-traveler-flying-through-atlanta/BWBQZ5OIV5ANRP7MMOLJJMHF5U/https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.htmlhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/topics...2021-11-071h 32Viral LoadRevenge of the Variants: Delta, Lambda, Omega-MuSend us a text"The Variants They Are A-Changin' " - Bob Dylan & SARS-CoV-2. What happens when an RNA virus meets an unevenly vaccinated planet? Tune in to our latest COVID-19 episode to find out! ...sources.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info.html https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-breakthrough-delta-variant.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20210811&instance_id=37681&nl=updates-from-the-newsroom®i_id=117681300&segment_id=65980&te=1&user_id=07cbd203bdf60faa1d6adeaea6d6acf5https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/08/12/science/covid-delta-breakthrough.html2021-08-161h 30Viral LoadThe Bird Flu ComethSend us a textMove over COVID, there’s a new sheriff in town. While the COVID-19 continues to garner international attention, strains of avian influenza (“bird flu”) are lurking - ready to spark the next pandemic. Is BIRD-FLU-22 next?.sources .https://scitechdaily.com/global-spread-of-the-highly-pathogenic-h5n8-avian-influenza-virus-is-a-serious-public-health-concern/https://science.sciencemag.org/content/372/6544/784.fullhttps://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/6/20-4727_articlehttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5n1-virus.htmhttp://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/empres/Global...2021-06-251h 53Viral LoadHansen's Disease (Leprosy): MMMBopSend us a textLeprosy probably brings to mind skin falling from the bone and people cast away into quarantined colonies. It is among the most stigmatized diseases in history, that I can think of. In this episode, we cover the past, present, and future of this ancient foe..sourceshttps://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy#tab=tab_1https://www.seeker.com/where-do-leper-colonies-still-exist-2015107873.htmlhttps://www.history.com/news/leprosy-colonies-us-quarantine#:~:text=Kalaupapa%20was%20one%20of%20a,by%20the%20far%20the%20largest. https://www.n...2021-05-171h 28Viral LoadCOVID-19: Pandemic OriginsSend us a textThe search continues for the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19—and the pathway that it took to leap from animals to humans, resulting in 129 million infections and more than 2.8 million deaths....and counting. The World Health Organization recently released a report from a team of international researchers that traveled to China to investigate four possible origin scenarios. Tune in to find out what this 300-page monster has to tell us. Trigger alert: there will be bats.2021-04-221h 16Viral LoadViral Particle: Stay Out of the ForestSend us a textBrett and Andy dive into the hot topics in the world of diseases for this viral particle (minisode). In an homage to the My Favorite Murder pod, each host chooses a recent disease story and presents without the other knowing what the subject matter will be. Tune in to find out the terrifying facts the guys uncovered this week. ....sources ..https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/19/979314118/next-pandemic-scientists-fear-another-coronavirus-could-jump-from-animals-to-hum .https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/15/977527808/who-points-to-wildlife-farms-in-southwest-china-as-likely-source-of-pandemic2021-03-2245 minViral LoadTransmitted Infections Part 2: Interview with a Love DoctorSend us a textOn part 2 of our STI saga we sat down with occupational therapist and real life love doctor Karen McCarthy PhD. We discuss dating in the age of apps and the stigma of the gifts that keep on giving. For dating advice and more info on our guest head over to www.karenmccarthcoaching.com. 2021-03-021h 14Viral LoadSexually Transmitted Infections Part 1: Consider the MerkinSend us a textIn the words of the late Charles Bukowski, "Sex is kicking death in the ass while singing." Join us as we embark on a journey of sex, pathogens, and in our first episode, we explore the world of sexually transmitted infections.sources - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16341329/,https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis),https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm#:~:text=Human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)%20is%20the,can%20be%20prevented%20with%20vaccines.,2021-02-221h 31Viral LoadTuberculosis: Consumption GumptionSend us a textTuberculosis is one of the deadliest diseases in the world infecting over 100 Million people annually. Every episode we end by asking listeners to send in any episode suggestions they'd like to hear about in the future. Well ask and the disease guys will deliver! Tulane University student Anna Ryu has done amazing work with the Borgen project and wanted to shed some light on ways we can help to prevent further spread of this horrible disease through legislation. Brett breaks down the science behind why TB remains so deadly. While Andy dives back d...2021-02-011h 33Viral LoadVaccination Station: Herd immunity, Misinformation, and the next pandemicSend us a textOut with the old and in with the new! The 2020 dumpster fire is over and COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out. So, only one question remains: what new disease horrors does 2021 have in store for us?...sources ..https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine.htmlhttps://www.newscientist.com/article/2261805-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine/https://theconversation.com/how-covid-19-vaccines-will-get-from-the-factory-to-your-local-pharmacy-151362 https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/12/03/942303736/how-rich-countries-are-hoarding-the-worlds-vaccines-in-chartshttps://www.statnews.com/2020/12/19/a-side-by-side-comparison-of-the-pfizer-biontech-and-moderna-vaccines/ 2021-01-181h 41Viral LoadChronic Kidney Disease Part 2: A Survivor's perspectiveSend us a textThis week we're continuing our nephrotic odyssey with a special interview with a kidney failure survivor and recent kidney transplant recipient Joe Mcguiggin. Joe pulls back the curtain on what it's like to be a recovering addict with kidney failure and we learn about a lesser-known disease that caused his kidney failure.Check out Joe's interview on WCVB 5 which includes an interview with his transplant team from Tufts Medical Center.https://www.wcvb.com/article/merrimack-valley-man-overcomes-addiction-kidney-failure/34907376?fbclid=IwAR1sEozvK1MykD4GppTJyTnc0fMzN43iZ0uzB5qLLxBuVjXzKPXx0eRXCMM2020-12-141h 16