Viral Load

Send a text In this episode, Dr. Brett (PhD, Epidemiology) and Andy break down the viral claim by President Trump and RFK Jr. that Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. They cut through the noise: What the White House actually said (nothing close to confirmation) What the JAMA studies show (associations, not causation) What RFK Jr. and Trump’s framing gets wrong What the evidence does suggest —...

Send 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 vaccine mandates. This episode highlights the real-wo...

Send 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 role in its possible resurgence?  Stay tuned next w...

Send 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 fruit can turn a quiet day in the outback into a bi...

Send 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 appointment signals a seismic shift in the way the U.S...

Send 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 to reveal the reality behind Disease X and its potenti...

Send 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-aids-day https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PM...

Send 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 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's episode to learn Just what AI is and h...

Send 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-radically-changing-the-arctic-landscape#:~...

Send 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 Load Podcast.  . . . . . Sources  Wind Rose Ban...

Send 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 epidemics or pandemics throughout history? Did Dav...

Send 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  . . . . https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/us/grizzly...

Send 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.org/support-us/adopt/?v=7516fd43adaa https://www.cd...

Send 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 uphill battle the latest vaccine is going...

Send 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 back to the frozen Tundra to check in on some of Zomb...

Send 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 give this episode a listen first. 

Send 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. 

Send 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. 

Send 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 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-has-already-been-found-in-20-countries-but-not-yet-i...

Send 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/walmart-room-spray-recall-bacteria/index.html https...

Send 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-people-in-u-s-being-monitored-for-possible-monk...

Send 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.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_...

Send 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-serious-public-health-concern/ https://science.sciencemag....