Send us a text In 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 vacci…

Send us a text In 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 rol…

Send us a text Australia'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 fru…

Send us a text In 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 appoin…

Send us a text Dive 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 t…

Send us a text Delve 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-a…

Send us a text Dive 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.…

Send us a text Is 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…

Send us a text This 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-…

Send us a text Is 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…

Send us a text A 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…

Send us a text While 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 . .…

Send us a text This 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 APOPO https://apopo.org/ . . . sources https://apopo…

Send us a text What'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 …

Send us a text Same 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 …

Send us a text It'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…

Send us a text Wandering 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.By Brett Bayles (a professor) / Andy Pupa (not a professor)

Send us a text Planning 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.By Brett Bayles (a professor) / Andy Pupa (not a professor)

Send 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.…

Send us a text What 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.html https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/30/fauci-says-omicron-covid-variant…

Send us a text Why 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.html https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/22/business…

Send us a text We 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…

Send 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.htm…

Send us a text Move 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-seriou…

Send us a text Leprosy 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. . sources https://www.who.int/health-topics/leprosy#tab=tab_1 https://www.se…

Send us a text The 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 Ch…

Send us a text Brett 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. . . . …

Send us a text On 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.By Brett Bayles (a professor) / Andy Pupa (not a professor)

Send us a text In 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/sexual…

Send us a text Tuberculosis 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 Borge…

Send us a text Out 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.html https://www.newscientist.com/articl…

Send us a text This 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 J…

Send us a text We’re dipping our toes in the sea of non-communicable diseases. Join us as we venture into the surprisingly strange world of chronic kidney disease. We’ve got science, a special guest, and Snapple facts that will leave you thirsty for more. What do mangrove forests and cargo ships have to do with kidney disease in Bangladesh? Tune in…

Send us a text We may not all agree on side dishes or which dessert is best, but the one thing we do know: Thanksgiving and diseases go together like turkey and gravy. On this episode of Viral Load, we cover the diseases, both past & present, of the Thanksgiving holiday (or the last Thursday in November for the rest of the world). Sources: . https:…

Send us a text Take a trip down memory road (or trail?) with us. We're discussing the disease-riddled icon computer lab mainstay, 'The Oregon Trail' . . . sources PLAY THE GAME ***https://classicreload.com/oregon-trail.html *** https://oregontrailcenter.org/pioneers-talk https://apnews.com/article/24e7fbf1d0e84f05a069e8c4c3fcc78f https://historicor…

Send us a text We know what you're thinking "2020 has been less than optimal". Well try and find solace in the fact that you aren’t waking up today only to find yourself buried alive. On this particle we discuss the devastating Yellow Fever Outbreak in Savannah Georgia in 1820. As well as the possible origin of an insectoid monster that has been te…

Send us a text In honor of Halloween, we’ve put together a spooktacular sampler of some of the diseases that are the real reason for the season! First, we explore the pathogen-riddled, Irish origins of Dracula. Then, we discuss Cotard Syndrome, otherwise known as the “Walking Corpse Syndrome”. . . . . sources . .…

Send us a text I know what your thinking 2020 has been a piece of cake and you have nothing to worry about. Well you're in luck this week we dive into the stagnant waters of your nightmares and bring you Naegleria the brain eating amoeba! Sources: https://www.popsci.com/story/science/brain-eating-amoeba-rare-infection/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/di…

Send us a text COVID-19 knows no bounds! After prancing around Parliament with Boris Johnson COVID decided to hit the big time and took a romp in the White House rose garden. Donald Trump President of the United States tests positive for COVID-19. On this episode we chronicle the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S and examine how exactly we ended up with…

Send us a text What is the Million Death Study? How has Africa navigated COVID-19 relatively unscathed and for God’s sake can someone give us some Happy Science news? All that and more on this week’s Viral Particle mini-sode. . . . Sources . https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/their-own-hands-kibera-kenyas-largest-slum-tames-covid-19#slideshow-0 h…

Send us a text What is the flu? What does the flu do? Are there any flu socks? Is anyone listening to me? What happens when the world is up in flames, a Pandemic continues to rage on and Flu Season comes a knockin'? Buckle up kids because like it or not we're all strapped into the 2020 rollercoaster and we're about to find out. . . sources . . http…

Send us a text On this Viral Particle minisode, we discuss the drastic rise in domestic violence globally since the shutdown and we celebrate vultures, the unsung heroes of the public health world. . . . . sources https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/09/10/910737751/the-women-of-peru-are-suffering-from-a-shadow-pandemic https://animals.sa…

Send us a text Are birds real? Do crows really remember faces? How hard is a Sentinal chicken's day at work? And what the hell does any of that have to do with West Nile Virus? Tune into this week's episode of Viral Load to find out. . . . sources https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3967162/ https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsmaps/cumMapsDa…

Send us a text Earthquakes, Hurricanes, COVID, and now wild fires. 2020 you're incorrigible. On this viral particle we check in on the California wildfires and cap it off with a simple case study about a man and his socks. . . . sources . . https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/man-hospitalized-after-sniffing-his-socks-too-long/ https://ww…

Send us a text What is the worst disease no one has ever heard of? Nipah! Ever heard of it? Join Andy and Brett as they discuss the Nipah virus, the inspiration for the 2011 blockbuster hit Contagion, bat urine, and date palm wine. All fun facts that are sure to make you a hit at your next Zoom cocktail hour. . Sources . . . . . . https://www.cdc.g…

Send us a text It's been 8 months since the first case of the virus formally known as the Novel Coronavirus was found in Wuhan China. That number has grown in 8 months to over 20 Million cases. How do we escape this warped reality that is COVID-19? The answer just might be Operation Warp Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . sources https://www.cdc.gov/vacc…

Send us a text What do you get when you cross totalitarianism with a pandemic? If you guessed "one helluva story", we owe you a La Croix! COVID-19 has finally arrived in North Korea...or has it? Join Andy and Brett as they traverse the demilitarized zone, on this week's extra-large viral particle. References: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/25/worl…

Send us a text Remember to stop and smell the roses. Unless of course those roses are in fact Oleanders, Love Beans, Corpse Flowers, or any number of vegetable seed roots. Better yet take a picture you'll last longer. Are there plants around us everyday that can be made into weapons of terrorism? Have we found the perfect plant that when placed on …

Send us a text 2020 the year of COVID-19, Murder Hornets, locust swarms, social injustice and...it's not over yet. What if we told you the death toll didn't stop with COVID-19? What if as predicted by some in the scientific community the shutdown had unintended consequences of epic proportions? No we aren't talking about suffocation from wearing a …

Send us a text Is there life on Mars? On this episode follow Brett and Andy down the black hole of Astrovirology. The guys discuss what extraterrestrial life could look like as well as the unintended consequences of the arms race to colonize Mars.By Brett Bayles (a professor) / Andy Pupa (not a professor)