Shows
Public Health PostHey Kids, What’s for Dinner?PHPod host Jack Mellom talks with Ashlyn Anderson, who has her master’s in public health nutrition and is currently an intern at the Food and Agriculture Organization. They discuss global food systems, agriculture, public health, and how getting involved in one means getting involved in all.
2025-10-3025 min
Public Health PostPlants, People, and Public HealthPHPod host Jack Mellom speaks with Andy Pulte, professor and undergraduate coordinator of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, about the complex interactions between plants and public health.
2025-09-2933 min
Public Health PostThe Search for Hope in Public HealthIn the upcoming season of PHPod, new host Jack Mellom explores the less visible sides of public health to highlight stories of hope.
2025-06-2504 min
Public Health PostThe Health Communications ImperativePHPod explores the world of health communications, how it can improve, and why we need it now more than ever.
2025-04-2417 min
Public Health PostMeet the 2025 Public Health Post FellowsPHPod sits down with the incoming PHP fellows to discuss their interests in public health and health communication as they head into their year-long fellowships.
2025-03-2619 min
Public Health PostTalking TuberculosisPHPod speaks with Leo Martinez, a global health researcher and tuberculosis expert, to explore the historical and epidemiological complexities of TB.
2025-02-2624 min
Public Health PostDry Beyond JanuaryPHPod sits down with experts to discuss alcohol use in the U.S. and initiatives to promote healthy drinking habits amidst social pressures.
2025-02-1324 min
Public Health PostFrom Facial Hair to Mental Care: Tackling the Crisis of Men’s Mental HealthPHPod host Abby Varker speaks with Krista Fisher, a research fellow at Movember Institute, about the influence of toxic masculinity, intersectionality, and engagement in online spaces on men’s mental health outcomes.
2024-11-2631 min
Public Health PostA Healthy DemocracyWhat role does public health play in our elections? PHPod host Abby Varker talks with Matt Motta, a political scientist and assistant professor of health law, policy & management at Boston University School of Public Health, and Marjorie Decker, Massachusetts State Representative and Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, to learn more about how public health is regulated and what we should be paying attention to in an election.
2024-10-3031 min
Public Health PostBrain Blitz: Fumbling the Health of our AthletesPHPod host Abby Varker speaks with Drs. Nathan Kalman-Lamb and Derek Silva, authors of the book "The End of College Football" and co-hosts of The End of Sport podcast, to explore the intersection of football, athlete safety, and public health.
2024-09-2530 min
Public Health PostFueling the Route to Public HealthPHPod host Abby Varker explores how public transportation can be a mode of public health improvement with Jed Paul, physician and social media influencer (@jeddeo1), and Jonathan Buonocore, assistant professor of environmental health at Boston University School of Public Health.
2024-08-2932 min
Public Health PostThe Lavender Haze: Enabling a Healthy Queer FutureSame-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S. in 2015 through the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. Most American queer youth and young adults have grown up in a world where they have more rights and opportunities than those who came before them. But sexuality and gender are still strong determinants of health, and many sexual and gender minorities still suffer from systemic bias that affects their health. With all the progress that’s been made, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) young people still struggle to overcome barriers to health, leading to worse outcomes. These youth should be...
2024-06-2627 min
Public Health PostArtful Healing: The Intersection of Tattoo Artistry and Trauma-Informed CareKat O’Hare, a part-time therapist at Mass Bay Counseling and a tattoo artist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, spoke with PHPod about tattooing as a practice of body reclamation, the importance of trauma-informed care in this work, and how she brings patience and empathy to her work to create empowering experiences for her clients.
2024-04-2431 min
Public Health PostMeet the 2024 Public Health Post FellowsPHPod sits down with new fellows, Lia Musumeci, Heather Sherr, Jude Sleiman, Abby Varker, and Dani Weissert, to discuss health communications and their public health interests going into their year-long fellowships with Public Health Post.
2024-03-2717 min
Public Health PostCensorship In the Classroom: Book Bans and Challenges, Part 2PHPod sits down with Leah Watson, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Racial Justice Program, to discuss book bans happening across the country and censorship in the classroom. Watson is a former high school teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, and her current focus with the ACLU is on classroom censorship efforts, otherwise known as educational gag orders.
2024-02-2131 min
Public Health PostCensorship In the Classroom: Book Bans and Challenges, Part 1PHPod sits down with Christina Dobbs, an assistant professor at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and the director of the college’s English Education for Equity and Justice program, to discuss the current onslaught of book challenges and bans in classrooms across the country and the actions being taken to support teachers and students during this time.
2024-01-2532 minPublic Health PostFood Sovereignty and Indigenous Food PracticesPHPod host Kara Schmidt sits down with Ryann Monteiro, a Boston University School of Public Health alum and an Indigenous public health practitioner and educator, to discuss food sovereignty and indigenous food practices related to cultural preservation and revitalization.
2023-11-0927 minPublic Health PostFat Liberation and Weight DiscriminationPHPod host host Kara Schmidt sits down with Rev. Dr. Anastasia Kidd, director of Contextual Education at Boston University School of Theology, and Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch to discuss the fat liberation movement, weight stigma, and current legislation that has been introduced to address weight discrimination in the Commonwealth.
2023-10-2630 min
Public Health PostThe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women EpidemicThe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic by PHPod
2023-09-2830 minPublic Health PostThe Unsung Intersection of Ballroom and Public HealthPHPod sits down with Jennifer Barnes-Balenciaga to discuss her work with health policy and the ballroom community. As co-director of the Crystal LaBeija Organizing Fellowship and Commissioner for Gender Equity in New York City, Jennifer shares about her work in HIV and Mpox research and what drives her. Join the conversation and learn more about the intersection of Black and trans communities with health policy and research.
2023-04-1918 min
The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Fungus Among Us: Historically Bad Fungal InfectionsWith the success of "The Last of Us" show, we thought we'd take some time to look at historically important cases of fungal infection. We'll investigate a possible explanation for all those witch trials of yesteryear as well as a common childhood fungal infection that accounted for quite the degree of social upheaval in Victorian England. Also, we'll have our first entry in Mike's mailbag segment. Tune in to see if he gets the question correct. Full show notes on our website.References:https://microbialcell.com/researcharticles/2020a-kainz-microbial-cell/ overview of Fungal infections, Kain...
2023-03-301h 05
Public Health PostMeet Our 2023 Public Health Post FellowsFormer writing fellow Connor McCombs sits down with our new fellows to discuss health communication and their public health interests going into their year-long writing fellowship with Public Health Post.
2023-03-2911 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresHistorical Medical Case Discussion: The Death of Harry HoudiniThere are many misconceptions and myths surrounding the death of the great magician and skeptic, Harry Houdini. Though many believe he may have died during one of his dangerous escape performances, the truth leads to a common diagnosis with a possible uncommon and unusual cause. FYI: Full show notes will be posted to our website.Sources: -https://www.thehistoryreader.com/historical-figures/death-escape-artist-harry-houdini-appendicitis-surgery/-https://cbc.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/02012014-AS.pdf-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Houdini#Death-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28673696/ -https://www.hind...
2023-03-161h 12The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresEarly Beginnings of the ICU and Critical Care MedicineIn this week's episode we'll trace back the beginnings of the modern intensive care unit and critical care medicine as we know it. Much of this arose thanks to two particular infectious diseases--polio and tetanus. Tune in to find out how intrepid Danish physicians collaborated to save the lives of people dying from these diseases and ultimately led to a whole new concept in medicine--the ability to devote intense care to try and save a life.Source:https://thebaffler.com/salvos/the-power-and-peril-of-the-icu-gaffney Support the show-----PHPod Mer...
2023-03-0257 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresA History of Diabetes and the Amazing Discovery of InsulinWe're back! Many people know that insulin is an important part of the treatment for diabetes. In this episode we'll talk about how insulin was discovered and first used to treat a disease that, throughout the whole of human history, was previously fatal. We'll explain what diabetes is, how it used to be treated in the age before insulin, and how a brilliant cohort including a Canadian orthopedic surgeon and fellow scientists finally figured out a revolutionary way to treat this disease. We'll also discuss a bit of unsavory history regarding the pharmaceutical industry which managed to pre...
2023-02-1656 minPublic Health Post'There Is No Wrong Body for Gymnastics'In this month’s episode of PHPod, hosts Bethany Hallenborg and Connor Mccombs sit down with Abbie Green, the founder and executive director of EveryBODY Gymnastics, a gymnastics incubator focused on teaching the sport to anyone willing to learn. Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, EveryBODY has a mission to show that there is no wrong body, shape, size, or age for gymnastics.
2023-02-1523 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresShow Update / Schedule ChangeApologies but we'll have to delay the episode another week. Technical issues + scheduling conflicts + illness have all made for difficulty getting the episode done on our usual schedule. Also, the podcast will be moving back to releases every two weeks. Good changes in Max's career have unfortunately overtaken the free time he'd had to increase the show output. So, starting next Thursday we'll have the next episode out and be returning to our every two week release schedule. Hopefully this ensures we can continue to put the right amount of time and effort into the episodes we relea...
2023-02-0900 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresM&M (Museums and Medicine): The Old Operating Theatre Museum in London England with Monica Walker, PhDWhile we've discussed numerous famous Victorian era surgeons, we haven't taken this deep of a dive into their facilities. This week we bring you a conversation with Monica Walker, PhD, all the way from London, England. This episode runs a bit longer than the others but that's just where the interview took us. So many neat tidbits. We'll talk about some of the common surgical procedures performed in the Old Op Theatre, some of the famous surgeons who practiced there, and Dr. Walker will give a fascinating account of what surgery in that space looked like. There's even...
2023-02-021h 19The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Hippocratic Oath - Solemn or Silly? With Special Guest, Dr. Brian ElliottDoctors and the Hippocratic Oath just go together like Turner and Hooch. That analogy makes as little sense as it does to keep harping on the Hippocratic Oath as a rite of passage for graduating physicians. There's plenty of myth to dispel here. Fortunately we won't go it alone. This week we are joined by physician and author, Dr. Brian Elliott who has written a book examining several traditions--such as this oath--in the world of medicine. His book is called White Coat Ways: A History of Medical Traditions and Their Battle with Progress and will be released tom...
2023-01-2650 minPublic Health PostPHPod Goes to APHA, Part IIAt the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo in November, PHPod spoke with Michael Curry, CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers; Nicole Huberfeld, Edward R. Utley Professor of Health Law at Boston University School of Public Health; and Christina Dantam and Rhea Manocha, members of the Grassroots Maternal and Child Health Initiative at Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health, about their work putting public health into action.
2023-01-1925 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresM&M (Museums and Medicine): The Science Museum of Minnesota & Their Questionable Medical Device CollectionThis week we are joined by Laurie Fink, PhD, from the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) to discuss their anatomical collection as well as their super cool exhibit on quackery in medicine. Exhibits from the former Museum of Questionable Medical devices have been incorporated into the SMM's exhibit called "Weighing the Evidence." We'll talk about what's inside that peculiar assortment of bunk medical relics as well as how a museum goes about obtaining anatomical specimens. We hope you'll enjoy!Also, we'd like to welcome our new sponsor, Artery Ink! They're a good local Milwaukee company with a grea...
2023-01-1959 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Aorta - A Historically Infamous Blood VesselLet's mix one part anatomy lesson with one part historical overview of a very important blood vessel that has been a problem for numerous famous figures including Lucille Ball and Albert Einstein. We'll talk about what the aorta is, the various ways it can become a problem, people in recent and past history who have had issues with it, and finally how we developed a modern treatment for some of its overall fortunately uncommon problems. Of note we'll be doing our very best not to confuse aortic aneurysms (abnormal weakening of the walls causing a ballooning of th...
2023-01-121h 05The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresM&M (Museums and Medicine): The International Surgical Science Museum in Chicago, IllinoisIn addition to introducing us to our prior guest, James Wilke, the International Surgical Science Museum also joined us to talk about the work that their museum is doing. We'll talk about a variety of subjects including some international skeletal remains housed in their collection, paying tribute to an ancient surgical technique. We'll find out what Milwaukee has to do with finding the perfect fit in your next pair of shoes. And we'll see if we can get ourselves a few Poor Historians statues in the museum's Hall of Immortals exhibit. Happy belated New Year to all of y...
2023-01-0551 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Epic Surgical Quackery of "Dr." Goat Balls (aka "Dr." John Brinkley)Thanks to a listener suggestion we have this week's masterpiece. In this week's episode we'll talk about "Dr." John Brinkley who's affection for transplanting goat balls would be impressive if he weren't a charlatan. Could you imagine building a career of lies on something like this? No? Well, you're a better person than this guy. We bring you the story of the rise and fall of Dr. Goat Balls. Our exceedingly qualified co-host, Dr. Mike, will take the helm for this one so we're in for a ride.Support the show-----
2022-12-291h 02The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresBook Biopsy: Spare Parts - The Story of Medicine Through the History of Transplant Surgery (with Author Paul Craddock)Our guest this week is author Paul Craddock, here to share his new book with us. Spare Parts is his first published work and is an excellent read into the history of one of the most complicated frontiers in medicine, transplant surgery. Stretching back to the 16th century and arriving into the present day, we'll go over some of the discoveries that led to the ability to transplant organs in the modern age. We know you'll enjoy this interview and highly recommend reading this book for yourselves. Paul's exceptional storytelling is apparent in our interview and his wit...
2022-12-221h 06The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresSmallpox Part Two: Scourge in the Americas, Edward Jenner and VaccinationAddendum: There were some errors in the original audio file caught by early listeners. These were corrected but early downloaders may have the old version. Apologies for that.This week we bring you part two of our deep dive into the history of smallpox and the discovery of vaccination. We'll talk about smallpox in the Americas and the unimaginable devastation wrought upon the native peoples of the two continents. Then we'll talk about how this awful disease came to its end thanks to the discovery of vaccination, courtesy of Dr. Edward Jenner and the appreciation for the stal...
2022-12-151h 10Public Health PostPHPod Goes to APHAPHPod hosts Bethany Hallenborg and Connor McCombs attended the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Expo held in Boston in November. They met people who are doing public health in action. In this episode, two public health students sat down to talk about their work, their time at APHA, and where they see public health going. Both guests, Emma Blackson and Diana Vasquez, discussed their research in K-12 school settings, their findings, and where they hope to go in the future as they continue working in public health. This is part one of a two-part podcast series.
2022-12-0922 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresBook Biopsy: Tik Merauke - An Epidemic Like No Other with Dr. John RichensTik Merauke - An Epidemic Like No Other by Dr. John Richens, available from Melbourne University Publishing. ---->> Click HERE to purchase.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this week's episode we are joined by author and physician, Dr. John Richens, all the way from the U.K. He is a world expert in the disease known as Donovanosis, a unique sexually transmitted infection which nearly decimated an entire culture of people, the Marind of West Papua on the island of New Guinea. His book, Tik Merauke, is a comprehensive account of how this infection affected the Marind in the...
2022-12-081h 05The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresSmallpox Part One: A Worldwide Scourge - with James WilkeAny medical history podcast needs to spend some time talking about perhaps the worst and most culturally influential infectious disease we've known: smallpox. So we're going to do this in two parts, starting with an overview of how smallpox affected various areas of the world and truly shaped the whole of human civilization. It's also one of those rare stories that ends in triumph but that will wait for the second part on this topic. It's hard to overstate how intertwined we as humans are, historically speaking, with this virus. In light of that, we invited an expe...
2022-12-011h 02The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresM&M (Museums and Medicine): The Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum with Kim JovinelliThis week brings us to the Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to talk with their director, Kim Jovinelli. She does just about everything at the museum and you might recognize her if you've spent any time looking at medical history stuff on TikTok where she and her staff give glimpses of life at the museum and share fun medical history facts.In addition to learning a bit about the museum, we'll talk about iron lungs and polio. We'll talk about Lancaster's famous vaccine farm. We'll talk about reasons a modern physician may still practice good old...
2022-11-2456 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Barber Surgeons - Haircuts, Shaves, and AmputationsIf you can believe it, there once was a time when your friendly neighborhood barber might do more than cut your hair and give a close shave. For many centuries, barbers took on numerous surgical, medical, and even dental procedures when others would not. In this episode we'll talk about the role of the barber-surgeon, from their beginnings to the decline of the profession. Maybe you've heard a thing or two about the barber's pole, but there's much more to this story.Sources: -https://www.ancient-origins.net/history/barber-surgeons-0012613-https://hekint.org/2020/01/28/the-barber-surgeons-their-history-over-the-centuries/...
2022-11-1751 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresM&M (Museums and Medicine): The National Museum of Civil War Medicine with Kyle DaltonWelcome to the first of a series of episodes taking a deep dive into some of the most interesting medical museums in the world, starting here in the U.S. with our friends of the show at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Kyle Dalton will join us from their ranks to take us behind the scenes of the museum itself, and to discuss varied topics in medical history as they relate to the U.S. Civil War. Our conversation included everything from amputations to Civil War era CPR as well as when to remove a bu...
2022-11-1055 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresGalen and the Four Humors of Ancient Greek MedicineIt's about time we talk about one of the most iconic physicians of ancient Greece. Galen is a well known name in medical circles. Many precepts in medicine can be traced back to him. His teachings lasted the better part of 2,000 years and were the foundation for the medical schools of yesteryear. That being said, Galen was wrong about a lot of physiology. This episode will explain why. We'll talk about the "four humors" of ancient Greek medicine. If your bile, blood, and phlegm aren't in balance at the beginning of the show, they will be by the end.
2022-11-0344 min
Public Health PostUnhealthy Antibiotics?Kevin Outterson works to improve access to antibiotics and address drug-resistant bacteria. He is the executive director of CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) and a Boston University College of Law professor. Listen his PHPod conversation with Connor McCombs and Bethany Hallenborg to learn what’s being done on a global scale to prevent antibiotic resistance.
2022-10-2825 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresHalloween Monsters and their Origins in Medical HistoryEpisode 37In this week's show, Aaron will take us on a tour of the medical historical explanations behind some of the most iconic creatures of the night. Myths arise from many places and, as it turns out, the legends of things such as vampires, werewolves, and zombies could possibly stem from historical misunderstandings of various medical conditions. We'll see out the Halloween season with this spooky myth-busting episode.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree ...
2022-10-201h 01The Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresWitchcraft, Pharmaceuticals, and Modern MedicineAs we approach the objectively best holiday of the year in Max's humble opinion, we thought it best to do some Halloween themed episodes for the month of October. In this episode we'll talk about the link between modern medications and their roots in what were suspected practices of witchcraft. There seemed to be magic in the salves and potions used by suspected witches of the 12th-19th centuries. We'll unpack what may have been causing the unusual effects of these treatments as well as some possible reasons for the stigma associated with women as healers during tha...
2022-10-0652 minPublic Health PostHealth and Harm ReductionPaul Lakosky of the Dave Purchase Project and the North American Syringe Exchange Network discusses his 30 years working in public health harm reduction, syringe exchange, and the importance of destigmatizing drug use with PHPod hosts Bethany Hallenborg and Connor McCombs. Join the conversation and learn what's being done to reduce the harm of drug use as the we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022-09-2923 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresPhysician Serial Killer - Dr. Thomas Neill Cream (aka The Lambeth Poisoner)What was missing from this point in this podcast was a good true crime episode. So here you go! This is the story of Dr. Thomas Neill Cream, a physician and serial killer that, despite his best efforts to NOT hide his crimes all that well, took way to long to be caught. There is also speculation he may have been Jack the Ripper. This is a dark and twisted tale that shows the Hippocratic oath is a suggestion, not a rule, for evil unscrupulous physicians. Sources / Articles: https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/politics-law/the-evil-deeds-of-dr-creamh...
2022-09-2258 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresPrincess Diana - A Historic Case in Trauma SurgeryWhile we’re usually reaching far into the past on this show, this week’s episode will feature a discussion of the tragic death of Princess Diana. We’ll focus on the details of the case from the standpoint of physicians doing trauma care in the modern day. We’ll question as to whether the outcome might have changed given modern technology or different circumstances. Though the general story is well known to many of us, this was the first time we, as emergency physicians, had really considered the details of this historic, albeit relatively recent and still compelling case.
2022-09-0857 min
Public Health PostThe Fortune MenAssociate Dean Yvette Cozier talks about this year's SPH Reads selection, The Fortune Men, with PHP fellows Connor McCombs and Bethany Hallenborg. Cozier explains how the book's themes of immigration, incarceration and injustice are as relevant in the US today as they were in 1950s Wales.
2022-08-2624 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresAnaphylaxis, Adrenaline, and the Invention of the Autoinjector Epinephrine PenWe are joined by special guest educator Patrick Kelly on this collaborative episode. Here we'll talk about severe allergic reactions and how early discoveries in the treatment of such led to a revolutionary life-saving technology: the auto-injector pen. Commonly known as an Epipen, this little bit of medical marvel was the culmination of a fascinating story of discovery involving a tropical voyage, stinging marine life, self-treatment on the battlefields of World War II, and many scientists stumbling onto the right answers.Guest Bio: Patrick KellyWith a masters in exercise physiology and a pension for teaching me...
2022-08-2552 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresBier, Balls, & Cocaine: The Origin Story of Spinal Anesthesia.Not all of the ideas a person has while under the influence of drugs and alcohol are winners. There are exceptions, however. This is a fascinating story about the discovery of a revolutionary anesthetic technique all thanks to two inebriated German physicians playing around with spinal taps, hammers, and self-experimentation in the 1890's. It gets weird.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #hi...
2022-08-1138 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresA Tale of Cows and Presidential Heart Attacks: A Wisconsin Medical History StoryThis episode features a special guest! We welcome Erik and Russ, the hosts of the Wisconsin Drunk History Podcast to the show to share in this unexpectedly far-reaching homegrown tale. We'll dive into the story of how moldy hay, hemorrhaging livestock, and a literal bucket of blood helped a University of Wisconsin Biochemist discover a medicine that would go on to help a then sitting president recover from his heart attack.Wisconsin Drunken History Podcast website: https://www.wisconsindrunkenhistory.com/Instagram: @wisconsin_drunken_historyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinDrunkenHistory/
2022-07-2850 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresU.S. Civil War Ambulance Corps (with National Museum of Civil War Medicine)This week's episode features a special guest collaboration! Kyle Dalton, from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine joined us on the show to talk about the origins of ambulance service. Believe it or not, figuring out how to safely extract wounded soldiers was not a high priority at the time of the U.S. Civil War. Fortunately, we'll talk about how that situation did improve. Guest Bio: Featured Historian: Kyle DaltonA graduate with honors from the Catholic University of America, Kyle is currently the Membership and Development Coordinator at the National Museum of Ci...
2022-07-1443 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Madness of King George III - A Possible ExplanationThis week's episode features a dig through an interesting article from the British Medical Journal with a proposed medical diagnosis for King George III--you know the one who was supposedly "mad". It turns out that while he was presiding over the monarchy during the American Revolution and issues with Napoleon, he may have been struggling with quite the unusual ailment. Mike and Max will explore this unusual case while Aaron abandons the show to go on vacation.Source Article- British Medical Journal, January 1966: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1843211/pdf/brmedj02532-0029.pdf
2022-06-3047 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Facemaker with Special Guest - Dr. Lindsey FitzharrisIn this super-exciting special episode the Poor Historians interview author Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris about her new book, The Facemaker. The Facemaker centers on the incredible achievements of Dr. Harold Gillies, a plastic surgeon in WWI who not only helped restore the identities of injured soldiers with severe facial injuries, but developed a multitude of plastic surgery techniques in doing so. He helped legitimize the specialty as well--believe it or not, at one time it was not highly regarded. In this episode, Dr. Fitzharris will give us all a new perspective as the author of this wor...
2022-06-1654 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDr. Joseph Lister (via The Butchering Art - By Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris)Dr. Joseph Lister revolutionized the practice of medicine. He used the scientific method to make medicine and surgery safer. Set against a backdrop of Victorian-era surgical practice, as grim as that was, is this overview of Dr. Lister's triumphant career as a good guy in the annals of science and medical history. The Butchering Art, by Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris was the primary source for this episode. There is so much else to learn about this incredible surgeon's career and contributions to medicine and surgery. Follow the link to learn more about the book and its author: https://drlinds...
2022-06-0254 minPublic Health PostCOVID-19 and Death ReportingAndrew Stokes, an assistant professor in the Department of Global Health at the Boston University School of Public Health, discusses under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths in the United States and the ensuing investigations with PHP Fellows Bethany Hallenborg and Connor McCombs. They talk about the interdisciplinary efforts of researchers and journalists to discover where and why COVID-19 deaths may be under-reported and why accurate counts matter in this first episode of PHPod's third season.
2022-05-1919 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe History of Kings and ColonicsEvery so often we let Mike choose topics without supervision. This episode is an example of this. We started with an examination of a famous case of early colorectal surgery and found ourselves in the bowels of the annals of medical history. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2022-05-1945 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresBedlam HospitalThis episode reveals how long mental health care has come over the centuries. Part asylum, part zoo, Bedlam Hospitals history is a fascinating story about a famous institution carrying a name that came to be synonymous with the idea of chaos itself.Much of the source material for this episode comes from articles written by Dr. Jonathan Andrews at Newcastle University. An impressive list of his writings is available here at the university website: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/hca/people/profile/jonathanandrews.htmlSupport the show-----PHPod Mer...
2022-05-0541 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresMercury As MedicineIn this episode we'll discuss the various uses of mercury--yes, the liquidy metal that your parents told you not to touch--as a medicine. It was used for colic in babies as well as to treat syphilis in adults. It didn't work for either but, hey, it did produce something called "Mad Hatter" syndrome. One of our most popular characters will make a return as well! Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)...
2022-04-2140 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresFlorence NightingaleHer name is synonymous with excellence in nursing for good reason. Here we'll talk about one of the most famous nurses ever to take up the charge of giving good practical advice to doctors who did their best to ignore it much to the detriment of their patients. She was well before her time.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2022-04-0736 min
Public Health PostPublic Health Communication: Where it Matters MostRubina Veerakone introduces the 2022 Public Health Post Fellows: Hannah Tremont, Abby Outterson, Bethany Hallenborg, Connor McCombs, and Barbara Espinosa. They talk about health communication and their public health interests heading into the year-long writing fellowship.
2022-03-3114 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresHypothermia (The Coldest Case of Survival on Record)The feature of this episode is a remarkable survival story, one which occured within the past 30 years. The other side of this coin is a discussion of the awful origins of much of the research on hypothermia and survival through nazi "experiments" (torture) during WWII. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2022-03-2439 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresRadium (Marie Curie and the Radium Girls)Marie Curie and her husband discovered radium and radioactivity in 1898. Soon thereafter everything has radium in it, from beauty products to glow in the dark timepieces. Who would have thought there was a tragic price to be paid for all that "healthy glow?" Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2022-03-1032 minPublic Health PostPublic Health CareersPHPod explores public health careers with career coach Heather Krasna.
2022-02-2827 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresCorpse Medicine - Eating the Dead for Your Own HealthThere have certainly been many things tried over the ages in the name of medicine. At some point, there was a person who thought, "Have we considered putting all these corpses to use?" Believe it or not, for a long period of time, across many cultures, using the dead to make medicines was commonplace. We'll explore the various approaches to common illnesses which involved some form of partaking a piece of the dead for one's health. This is definitely the most metal show we've done to date. As a warning, this stuff is a bit gross.
2022-02-2455 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDiphtheria (aka "The Strangler") - Another Good Reason for VaccinationYou might not think a potentially life threatening childhood disease, sled dogs, early vaccination research, and emergency neck surgery have anything in common, but you'd be wrong. Diphtheria is a legitimately scary illness we no longer see today. You may have heard about it from your days playing Oregon Trail, but the real story of this illness and the beginning of its demise is fascinating.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ra...
2022-02-1044 minPublic Health PostWe Are Better TogetherRuth Rollins, founder of We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project, talks with PHP fellow Rubina Veerakone about how her organization connects and heals women and girls affected by homicide and incarceration to prevent the cycles of violence and victimization
2022-01-3130 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresPirate Medicine! Healthcare and Scurvy on the High SeasWe'll keep the drawn out "Arrrr's " to a minimum. Let's take a look at pirates and medicine. Quite surprisingly they had some progressive ideas when it came to taking care of the ill. We'll talk about early experiments to discover the cause of scurvy, pirate healthcare plans (no, really), and why you should eat oatmeal only on Tuesdays. Bonus: Max is recovering from laryngitis so his voice is extra sexy.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree...
2022-01-2742 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDr. James Barry - Amazing Story, Twist EndingThough certainly an accomplished physician for the time, the unexpected end to Dr. James' Barry's story is well worth the listen. Once you know what the unexpected detail about Dr. Barry is, it makes this particular physician's story even more compelling than many of the contemporaries of the time. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2022-01-1343 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Hotel Dieu (The Oldest Running Hospital in the World)Sure there are many old hospitals. But none are as old as the Hotel Dieu in Paris. We'll look at the history of this landmark and the many trials and tribulations the hospital, and it's medical staff, faced over its more than 1,300 year history. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-12-3052 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresChainsaws and Childbirth - A Frightening Tool from the History of ObstetricsThe origin of this familiar outdoor enthusiast tool has a dark and complicated history as a medical instrument. You might not imagine how this device came about. Well now you don't have to wonder about it anymore. This is the history of the chainsaw.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-12-1644 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDueling Physicians - When Old-Tyme Guns and Docs MixIn this episode, we visit a few cases of physician involvement in the practice of dueling. Why have a collegial argument when you can grab a few friends and some weapons? Special thanks to historian Dr. Russell Moul (@RussMoul) for his permission to use his article (linked below). Check out his work at the link as well as through his social media.Source article is here.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree...
2021-12-0243 minPublic Health PostThe Period ProjectWalae Hayek discusses period poverty with PHP Fellow Rubina Veerakone in Episode 2. They talk about the efforts of the student-run organization, The Period Project, to bring menstruation supplies, education and advocacy to Boston University and beyond.
2021-11-3028 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresLobotomy - One of Many Shameful Chapters in Medical HistoryThe lobotomy was a procedure that is rightfully associated with a dark period in more modern medical history. Even the best of intentions can have disastrous outcomes.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-11-1842 min
Public Health PostWhat is Activism?In season 2, episode 1, the four 2021 Public Health Post fellows talk about activism with Craig Andrade, director of the Activist Lab at the Boston University School of Public Health.
2021-11-0916 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresTrephination - A History of Holes in HeadsBecause sometimes you gotta put a lotta holes in heads to figure out when it's beneficial. What's more exciting than old tyme neurosurgical trial and error?Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-11-0448 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDr. Rogozov Does Surgery on HimselfIf you want something done right, they say to do it yourself. This is not typically recommended for surgical procedures but when you're stranded in the hostile climate at the bottom of the world, a surgeon's gotta do what a surgeon's gotta do.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-10-2145 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Body Snatchers (Burke & Hare and So Many More)Let's explore the seedy side of one of the most important courses in medical school and medical history for that matter. Who would have imagined body theft had such a dark backstory? Probably everyone.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-10-0753 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresAqua Tofana - A Classic Poisoner's PoisonWe'll take a little trip into the world of medical toxicology history. Back to an age before marriage counseling and divorce, some would go to extreme lengths to end a marriage. Their solution? A little aqua tofana.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-09-2342 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresThe Blue People of KentuckyAn intrepid hematologist endeavors to bother the unusually hued blue persons of Kentucky. And then maybe he murdered somebody. What?Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-09-0942 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresCouney's Infantorium, the Baby SideshowImagine going to the World's Fair to marvel at babies--babies in incubators doing baby stuff. At one point in time this was the only answer to help care for premature infants. Part side show, part unexpectedly decent medicine, Couney's Infantorium paved the way for more modern practices in neonatal care. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-08-2643 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDr. William Stewart Halstead - The Guy Who Founded Medical ResidencyIn the modern times all physicians go through a residency if they want to practice medicine. It wasn't always this way. Who thought working 28+ straight hours was a good idea? Dr. Halstead and his favorite mind altering substances did.Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-08-1252 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresTarrare - The Man Who Ate EverythingThis week we'll visit a bit of a medical oddity in the case of Tarrare, the 18th century Frenchman with the insatiable appetite. You may or may not be hungry ever again after this one. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-07-2950 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresDr. Robert Liston (The Fastest Amputator of the Victorian Era)This week we find ourselves learning about Dr. Liston, the fastest amputator in his time. If you're going to operate in the age before anesthesia, you might as well do it as fast as possible. Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-07-1551 minThe Poor Historians: Medical History MisadventuresPhineas Gage - The Famous Case of Head TraumaWhat can gunpowder and a large metal spike teach us about the brain? Mostly that large festering head wounds are survivable and just might change the way someone behaves. Who would have thought? Support the show-----PHPod Merch Store (t-shirts and other swag)-----Podcast Linktree (social media links / reviews / ratings)-----#medicine #medicalhistory #history #historypodcast
2021-07-0147 min
Public Health PostReducing the Cost of Gun ViolenceJohn Rosenthal, co-founder of Stop Handgun Violence, details the impact of Massachusetts' success with public policy on gun control and the choices officials must make to replicate that success nationwide.
2021-02-2520 minPublic Health PostInvestigating the People's HealthSarah Kliff, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, offers her thoughts on health care reform, coronavirus, journalism in a time of misinformation, and the relationship between healthcare and public health.
2021-01-2510 minPublic Health PostBrokeMichael Stein, Chair of the Boston University School of Public Health Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, gives insight on the financial health of his patients while summarizing his new book, "BROKE: Patients Talk about Money with Their Doctor."
2020-12-0709 minPublic Health PostA Resolve to Save LivesCyrus Shahpar, Director of the Prevent Epidemics Team at the Resolve to Save Lives, puts forward his definition of epidemic intelligence and gives his thoughts on what we can learn from the response to Ebola.
2020-11-3008 minPublic Health PostRecovery in the RepublicRaagini Jawa, an expert in infectious disease and addiction medicine, considers her recovery from symptoms of Covid-19 during the 2020 Election.
2020-10-2606 minPublic Health PostAntiracism and the Public's HealthIbram X. Kendi reflects on Covid-19, the history of health disparities, freedom, and his best-selling book, "How to Be an Antiracist."
2020-09-2811 minPublic Health PostMaking Smoking HistoryMichael Siegel, an expert in tobacco control, alcohol use, and firearm violence, explains the surge in respiratory illness and death associated with vaping.
2020-08-3009 minPublic Health PostPolicing Black LivesLaShyra “Lash” Nolen, first-year medical student at Harvard Medical School, offers her perspective on public health at a time when the country struggles to respond to two epidemics: coronavirus and police violence against minority communities.
2020-06-2109 minPublic Health PostArguments, Evidence, and Abortion PolicyDr. Marian Jarlenski, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, presents her research challenging claims that induced abortion harms women’s health, a line of reasoning that has emerged as state legislators increasingly seek to enact laws to regulate the provision of abortion.
2020-05-2409 minPublic Health PostUncomfortable ConversationsDr. Michael Stein and Dr. Sandro Galea discuss PAINED, a collection of 50 short essays and 20 databytes that stimulate the national conversation about health.
2020-04-2612 minPublic Health PostWhite Supremacy and the Health of PopulationsDr. Mary Bassett, Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, reflects on white supremacy as a determinant of health, lessons learned from the radical health movement, Black reparations, and advice for the next generation organizing to dismantle white supremacy in health systems.
2020-03-2908 minPublic Health PostHarper Watters Dances for HIV PreventionHarper Watters, a soloist in the Houston Ballet, speaks on art and public health, leveraging social media, representation of LGBTQ communities of color, and advice for the next generation trying to make their voices heard about HIV.
2020-02-2008 min
Public Health PostMichael Botticelli: The Politics of the Opioid EpidemicMichael Botticelli, Executive Director of the Grayken Center for Addiction, describes the state of the opioid epidemic, explains how policies changed in the eras of Obama and Trump, highlights bi-partisan efforts, and offers advice to the current generation of public health practitioners responding to the epidemic.
2020-01-2510 min