EHO Knows

In this episode, Shane is joined by Kareen Dunlop, an operating theatre nurse educator and infection control specialist, to explore the remarkable transformation of one of the world's most challenged public hospitals. Facing a post-operative death rate of 38%, limited resources, overcrowding, and almost non-existent infection control, Kareen shares how practical, evidence-based changes turned...

In this episode, Shane is joined by Barry Palmer for a fascinating journey through the history of hand hygiene. From the earliest evidence of soap and washing practices to the breakthroughs of Semmelweis, Pasteur and modern infection control, they explore how our understanding of hygiene has evolved over thousands of years and why something as simple as washing your hands remains one of the most e...

In this episode, Shane is joined by Jason Barnes for a new take on one of the biggest challenges facing the environmental health profession: its identity. Why are EHOs so often misunderstood? why does the profession struggles to articulate its value? and what does this mean for public health, workforce sustainability, and the future of environmental health practice? Read Jason's article, Envir...

CW: This episode gets pretty gross and covers topics including skin penetration, suspension hooking and being sprayed with bodily fluids. In this episode Shane is once again joined by Environmental Health Officer Lisa Hughes for a deep dive into the strange, confronting, and often overlooked world of skin penetration practices. Through three unforgettable this episode explores the unexpected ways...

In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer and educator Stephen Stout, who shares a series of confronting and unforgettable stories from the frontline of environmental health. Drawing on years of field experience, Stephen explores the moments that test not only technical knowledge, but judgement, resilience, and the ability to respond calmly under pressure. Routine inspections...

In this episode Shane is once again joined by internationally renowned food safety expert Dr. Douglas Powell. Through the story of Barf Blog, one of the earliest and most influential food safety blogs Dr. Powell shares how a passion for storytelling, science, and public education transformed the way food safety information was shared across governments, industries, and everyday consumers. Listen t...

In this episode Shane is joined by globally respected food safety expert Dr. Douglas Powell, whose decades of experience in foodborne illness research are put to the test in a fast-paced quiz. From deadly E. coli outbreaks and salmonella scandals to waterborne disasters and the risks of modern consumer trends, this episode highlights just how universal the consequences of food safety failures can...

In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Kylie D’Alton to tackle what may be one of the most underestimated food safety threats in modern society: sushi. One of the world’s most popular convenience foods quickly reveals a perfect storm of food poisoning risks. From raw seafood and cooked chicken to acidified rice, large-scale batch preparation, and widespread room-temperatur...

In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Jacob Shaw, who shares his unique journey from the confines of a microbiology lab to the frontline of public health. Jacob reveals just how powerful modern diagnostics have become, and why many Environmental Health Officers may be underutilising the expertise and resources available to them. Thank you to our guest Jacob Shaw Hosted by...

In part two of Cruise Control Shane is re-joined by Environmental Health Officer Cameron Smith , continuing the conversation on life at sea as a Public Health Officer aboard international cruise ships. From managing difficult crew and enforcing strict public health standards to navigating the pressures of working 70+ hour weeks for months at a time, Cameron shares what it truly takes to operate in...

In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Cameron Smith , who shares his journey from flood response in Australia to life at sea as a Public Health Officer aboard international cruise ships. Set against the backdrop of post-COVID cruising, Cameron reveals the realities of working in a tightly regulated, multicultural environment where a single mistake can shut down an entire...

In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Monique Goodhew , who brings a unique perspective shaped by her deep cultural roots and professional experience in New Zealand, exploring the rich traditions of Māori food practices and how they continue to shape large community gatherings today. Monique demonstrates that protecting public health isn’t just about enforcing rules, but...

In this episode Shane is joined by Associate Professor Melissa Stoneham for one of the most powerful reminders of what environmental health is really about. As the lead of the Ending Trachoma Project in Western Australia, Melissa shares how a disease that is 100% preventable is still causing blindness in some of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities. This episode explores the power of pre...

**Content Warning** This episode discusses adult themes including sex work, sex trafficking, drug use, exploitation, and sexually transmitted infections, which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode Shane is joined by environmental health veteran and advocate Lisa Hughes for one of the most confronting and eye-opening episodes of EHO Knows to date. Lisa lifts the curtain on sex-on-pr...

In this episode of EHO Knows, Shane is joined by Tanya Morrison to unpack the absurd yet true story of Rooster Gate. What begins as a single noisy rooster crowing at dawn spirals into a decade-long saga of neighbour complaints, environmental health investigations, sound monitoring, lockdown complications, and eventually a landmark court case the first of its kind in New Zealand. Equal parts comedy...

In the final instalment of this Bond-esque trilogy, EHO Knows follows Dr Stephanie Fletcher-Lartey from a locked-down Sydney to the remote Solomon Islands, where COVID arrives years later with all new challenges. This episode closes the series with powerful insights on public health, hindsight, and the lessons that must carry forward. Thank you to our guest: Dr Stephanie Fletcher-Lartey Hosted by:...

In this high stakes second part of Shane's interview with Dr Stephanie Fletcher-Lartey as she trades Caribbean sunshine for a Sydney lock-down. Stepping into a national research role advising government during extreme lockdowns, Stephanie reflects on the contrast between Australia’s pursuit of zero cases and the lived reality in Western Sydney, where border closures, isolation, misinformation, rac...

In this jet-setting episode of EHO Knows, Shane is joined by Dr Stephanie Fletcher-Lartey for a journey through the very early days of COVID-19. From Sydney to the Caribbean, Stephanie shares how she stepped into a senior regional public health role just as a mysterious new virus began to emerge, helping 27 small island nations prepare with limited information, strong collaboration, and economies...

In this episode of EHO Knows , Shane continues his discussion with former EHO and hygiene expert Dr. Greg Whiteley, who lifts the lid on the invisible world of germs lurking in our kitchens, bathrooms, and even hospital ICUs. From contaminated chair handles to “clean” stainless steel surfaces harbouring norovirus, Greg shows how easily bugs spread and how rarely we see it happening. Thank you to o...

In this episode of EHO Knows, Shane is joined by Dr. Greg Whiteley former EHO and now a global authority on hygiene science for a fascinating and confronting deep dive into handwashing and cross-contamination. Greg uncovers the unseen world of microbes that travel across nineteen touches, the hidden dangers of dirty rags and poorly designed sinks, and how everyday cleaning practices can actually m...

In this bonus episode of Shane van de Vorstenbosch takes a moment to step back to reflect, reconnect, with you. We are endlessly thankful for everyone who has tuned in, contributed stories, or supported the show’s journey so far and the best way for the show to keep getting better is to hear what you think. Reach out today by writing a comment or on our facebook

In this episode Shane is joined by long-time Environmental Health Officer Megan Nilon, who shares a story set in a tiny Western Queensland town of just 100 people, inside a century-old country pub where she uncovers everything from pests to structural challenges. What unfolds is a transformation, not just of a business, but of a community’s pride and wellbeing, as Megan demonstrates how education,...

In this episode Shane and Environmental Health Officer and President of the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Health, Tanya Morrison, delve into the under-regulated world of the appearance industry. Drawing on her in-depth research of tattooing, piercing, and beauty therapy both in New Zealand and abroad, Tanya sheds light on the hidden public health risks, from infections to allergic reactio...

In this episode of EHO Knows, Shane sits down with Lydia Buchtmann, the tenacious force behind the Food Safety Information Council. For nearly 30 years, Lydia has championed public education on everything from handwashing to deadly mushrooms. They explore the Council’s vital role in closing the consumer knowledge gap, and Lydia’s personal story of turning passion into purpose when funding disappea...

In this episode of EHO Knows, Shane is joined by Andrew Mathieson to explore how technology is transforming the work of Environmental Health Officers. From remote inspections and smart data tools to AI-driven assessments and hygiene-testing tech, this conversation highlights practical innovations already making a difference. Tune in to hear how EHOs can embrace these tools to work smarter, support...