Hot Mic, Cold Virus

Science Communication: A Conversation with This Podcast Will Kill You

In this episode of 🎙️ Hot Mic, Cold Virus, I’m joined by the brilliant hosts of This Podcast Will Kill You to talk all things science communication. We chat about the origins of their hit podcast, the tightrope walk of making science both accurate and engaging, and the ongoing challenges of reaching audiences in a world flooded with misinformation. We also dive into the real and rising threats facing science communication today—like politicization of public health, censorship, disinformation campaigns, and the erosion of trust in experts. It’s a timely, eye-opening conversation about why credible, compelling science storytelling 📖 matters more than ever.

Sick & Significant: Measles

History is full of legendary figures and pivotal moments—but behind many of them lurked an unseen force: disease. The Sick & Significant episodes dive into the infections that shaped history and the illnesses that afflicted the famous. From epidemics that altered the course of nations to the unexpected ailments of icons, each episode dives into the fascinating intersection of sickness and significance.
Measles—often dismissed as a childhood illness—has left a devastating mark on history. In this episode of Sick & Significant, we examine two tragic cases where this virus altered lives and legacies.
First, we look at two young Hawaiian royals who contracted measles while visiting London in the 1820s. Their deaths highlighted the vulnerability of Indigenous populations to foreign diseases and foreshadowed the devastating epidemics that would later sweep through Hawaii. Then, we shift to a deeply personal tragedy—the loss of Roald Dahl’s daughter, Olivia, to measles encephalitis in 1962. This heartbreaking event shaped the beloved author’s life and turned him into a passionate advocate for vaccination. How did a single disease impact both a royal dynasty and a literary legend?
Join me as I uncover the lasting significance of measles in history.

Measles: Decline with No Regrets

Welcome to the third episode of Hot Mic, Cold Virus! 🎙️ Today, I'm joined by Meg Sorg—Doctor of Nursing Practice, pediatric nurse practitioner, assistant professor, and a current medical student. Together, we’re taking a deep dive into measles, one of the most contagious viruses of all time. We’ll explore its history, examine the latest outbreaks making headlines, and uncover the serious complications that make this disease far more than just a rash and fever. Most importantly, we’ll discuss the power of vaccination—the single most effective way to protect yourself and your community. You won’t want to miss this episode! 🔥🦠

Infection Prevention in Behavioral Health

Welcome to Episode 2 of Hot Mic, Cold Virus! (The podcast formerly known as Let's Talk About It). 🎉 This time, we’re diving into the fascinating world of infection prevention in behavioral health! 🏥💭 I sit down with an IP who also has a background as a behavioral health nurse to unpack the unique challenges, fast-paced changes, and creative problem-solving that come with keeping patients and staff safe in this dynamic environment. From balancing safety with patient care to navigating ever-evolving protocols and pandemics, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and practical tips. You don’t want to miss it! ✨

Outbreak Investigation

Welcome to the first episode of the new series, Hot Mic, Cold Virus! 🎉 In this kickoff episode, I sit down with a Kentucky-based Infection Preventionist to dive into her experience managing a Candida auris outbreak. 🦠 We talk about how she first discovered the outbreak, the key steps of an outbreak investigation, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. You won’t want to miss this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at real-world infection prevention!