The Germs and Jargon Podcast

What happens when one of the world’s deadliest viruses captures global attention? In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we break down the science, history, myths, and real-world impact of Ebola in a way that’s easy to understand and impossible to ignore. From the first recorded outbreaks in Central Africa to modern containment efforts, we explore how Ebola spreads, its symptoms, why it’s so feare...

In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we dive into the growing concerns around hantavirus, cruise ship illnesses, and the hidden risks of infectious diseases while traveling at sea. “Cabin Fever – Hantavirus x Cruising” explores what hantavirus is, how it spreads, the warning signs and symptoms to watch for, and why outbreaks in confined environments like cruise ships can become serious quickly....

Do you really need antibacterial soap? Does cranberry juice actually cure a UTI? And how many “common knowledge” health facts are just clever marketing? In this myth-busting episode of  Germs & Jargon , we break down the science behind everyday health beliefs people think are true. We dive into: Antibacterial soap vs regular soap — which one actually works better? Does antibacterial soap preve...

Antibiotics are one of the most important tools in modern medicine, but what happens when they stop working? In this episode of  Germs & Jargon , we dive into antimicrobial resistance, often called AMR, and why it is becoming one of the biggest challenges in infectious disease and global health. Antibiotic resistance does not arrive with dramatic outbreaks or breaking news. It grows quietly, m...

Modern medicine did not just happen. It was built through centuries of trial error curiosity and a few truly astonishing breakthroughs. In this episode of  Germs & Jargon , we explore the greatest medical miracles that transformed healthcare and saved billions of lives. We begin with  vaccines  and how they reshaped public health prevented deadly infectious diseases and changed the course of h...

In this storytime episode, Dr. Miller shares a real-life medical case that starts out like any ordinary visit, but takes an unexpected turn when the patient is discovered to have Ascaris , a type of parasitic roundworm. Through this fascinating case, you’ll hear how Ascaris worms (Ascaris lumbricoides) can quietly live inside the human body, the surprising symptoms they cause, and how doctors diag...

In this hilarious and eye-opening episode of Germs & Jargon , we’re flipping the script with another round of Science Swap . This time, I , your friendly neighbourhood layman, take a stab at explaining the terrifying and fascinating disease known as rabies, from symptoms to transmission and treatment. Spoiler: I may not have all the facts right. Luckily, Dr. Mark Miller, infectious disease exp...

In this fun and enlightening episode of Germs & Jargon , we’re flipping the script in our brand-new Science Swap format! Jonathan, your curious layman host, takes a shot at explaining one of the most pressing issues in modern medicine: antibiotic resistance . How close can he get to the real science? Enter Dr. Miller—our resident microbiologist and infectious disease expert—who will grade, cor...

Ever wondered if eggs really need to be refrigerated? Why astronauts don’t catch colds on the ISS? Or what connects a fungal rash on your foot to a ring on your arm? In this listener-powered episode of Germs & Jargon , Dr. Miller and Jonathan dive into your submitted questions from how fevers help your body fight back, to the surprising science behind athlete’s foot and ringworm. It's a whirlwind...

In this compelling episode of Germs & Jargon , we uncover the surprising infectious disease stories behind some of the most iconic celebrities: Rosie O'Donnell’s battle with a rare bacterial infection, Justin Bieber’s diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Christopher Reeve’s struggle with chronic infections after his spinal injury, and the tragic case of Jim Henson’s fatal bacterial pneumonia. Join u...

In this episode of Germs & Jargon , we’re diving deep into the brain’s worst enemies, infectious diseases! From meningitis to encephalitis, these brain-busting bugs have more tricks up their sleeves than a magician on a caffeine binge. Dr. Mark Miller and Jonathan Hope break down the science behind these neurological invaders, explaining how they affect the brain and the body. We’ll cover symptoms...

In this episode of Germs & Jargon , we dive into everything you need to know about West Nile virus —from how it spreads through mosquito bites , to common and severe symptoms , and the latest insights on prevention and treatment . Kicking things off with a nod to Edgar Allan Poe , co-hosts Dr. Mark Miller (infectious disease expert) and Jonathan Hope mix science and storytelling to make this i...

In this special Q&A episode of  Germs & Jargon , infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Miller answers listener-submitted questions on microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Curious about how viruses spread? Wondering about antibiotic resistance or vaccines? Dr. Miller breaks down complex topics into clear, easy-to-understand answers — with real-world insights and no complicated ja...

In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we explore measles , a highly contagious viral infection that continues to cause outbreaks around the world. Dr. Miller explains the symptoms of measles, how it spreads, and important facts about MMR vaccines and immunity. Jonathan asks the everyday questions we all want answered: Is measles really that serious? Why is it making a comeback? And what should fa...

In this episode of  Germs and Jargon , Dr. Miller and I, Jonathan Hope, dive into the chaos that is Norovirus-nature’s fastest way to ruin dinner plans. We talk about how it spreads, why it hits like a freight train, and what you can actually do to avoid it (spoiler: wash your hands like you mean it). If you've ever wondered how one tiny virus can take down an entire cruise ship... this one’s...

In this maiden episode, Dr. Miller (microbiologist and infectious disease expert) and Jonathan Hope (layman and wanna-be podcast host) discuss and break down the ins and outs of “Strep Throat”. We cover everything from how it is spread, why it's so common, what happens when your body tries to fight this infection, how to diagnose it and how to treat it. Whether you've had Strep Throat or j...