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, correct, and clarify the explanation while dropping real, research-backed insights.

Expect laughs, learning, and a few science stumbles along the way as we explore:

• What causes antibiotic resistance?

• Why it’s a global health threat

• Misconceptions about antibiotics

• How we can all help slow resistance

If you’ve ever wondered what “superbugs” are or why your doctor won’t always prescribe antibiotics, this episode is for you.

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 of microbiology, infectious disease trivia, and some myth-busting along the way.

🔬 Topics covered:

• ​Do fevers help or hurt?
• ​The cold truth about microbes on the ISS
• ​Why egg storage differs across countries
• ​Ringworm vs. athlete’s foot—same fungus, different PR

Tune in for answers, laughs, and a few “ew” moments.

Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.

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 us as we explore how these infectious diseases affected their lives, careers, and legacies and what their stories reveal about early symptoms, delayed treatment, and public awareness. From viral syndromes to bacterial killers, we break down the science, symptoms, and stigma behind these illnesses.

Whether you're into microbiology, celebrity health stories, or just love fascinating medical history, this episode is packed with insight, science, and storytelling.

Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.