Rephonic
Artwork for Microbe Talk
Antimicrobial Resistance
Microbiology Society
Microbiology
Antibiotic Resistance
Vaginal Microbiome
Parasites
Public Health
Coccus Pocus
Climate Change
Microbiome
University Of Hull
One Health
Diagnostics
Malaria
Annual Conference
Policy Engagement
Microbial Genomics
Space Microbiology
Women's Health
Microbiomes

Microbe Talk is a podcast from the Microbiology Society, interviewing researchers about bacteria, viruses and parasites. We are the largest microbiology society in Europe, covering all aspects of microbial science.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes100Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural Sciences

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Microbe Talk

Latest Episodes

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes planning our flagship Annual Conference? Listen in as Lilly talks to Chairs of the Scientific Conferences Panel during the four day event in Belfast, about the challenges and joys of putting together the e... more

"I often like to say that we're not the antibiotic police, but we're the antibiotic sommelier. So, you have a bug and we have the drug, and we try to find the best fit."

In this month's Microbe Talk, Charlotte Holtum (Head of Engagement & Storytelli... more

What does a healthy vaginal microbiome look like? Are store-bought vaginal probiotics backed by science? How do these microbes interact with sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

🦠Research is uncovering more and more about the relationship betwe... more

In this episode of Microbe Talk, we meet some members of staff at the Microbiology Society to reflect on 2025 and look at ways to get involved in 2026.

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Alison Smith
From the University of Cambridge, chair of the Eukaryotic Division (and panelist on the organizing team)
University of Cambridge
Episode: Episode 183: Annual Conference 2026: Meet the Panel behind the programme
Dani Best
From the University of Surrey, focus on what bacteria eat and tuberculosis pathogens
University of Surrey
Episode: Episode 183: Annual Conference 2026: Meet the Panel behind the programme
Ellie Gaunt
Based at Roslin Institute/University of Edinburgh, viral genome research
University of Edinburgh / Roslin Institute
Episode: Episode 183: Annual Conference 2026: Meet the Panel behind the programme
Nicolas Loquer
Virologist, former editor and chair of Scientific Conferences Panel
Parbrite Institute
Episode: Episode 183: Annual Conference 2026: Meet the Panel behind the programme
Florence Abram
Irish division chair-elect, interests in AI in microbiology and microbiome applications
Irish Division, Microbiology Society
Episode: Episode 183: Annual Conference 2026: Meet the Panel behind the programme
Dr. Alicia Demirjian
Clinical lead for AMR and prescribing, pediatric infectious diseases doctor
UK Health Security Agency
Episode: Episode 182: Sepsis, superbugs, and antibiotic stewardship
Yoann Personne
Director of Medical Affairs for BioMérieux
BioMérieux
Episode: Episode 182: Sepsis, superbugs, and antibiotic stewardship
Wilhelmina Huston
Professor of Microbiology specializing in sexually transmitted infections
University of Melbourne
Episode: Episode 181: Sexual health and the vaginal microbiome
Kinga Kowalewska-Grochowska
Professor at the University of Alberta and researcher in parasitology
University of Alberta
Episode: Episode 179: Hidden Companions: how parasites are adapting to a changing world

Host

Clare
Host of Microbe Talk

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 51 ratings
  • Interesting, accessible, and fun!

    I love that this podcast is accessible to people of varying science experiences. It’s not as verbose as other microbe podcasts, which I have found can be hard to keep up with despite working in the field. They take the time to introduce new concepts slowly without assuming. The topics I’ve also really enjoyed. I will undoubtedly be binging!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Smart.a.s.h
    United States3 years ago
  • Great.Brief.Interesting

    Ah, actually we need more of this podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    U.Kh
    United States7 years ago
  • Quality

    There should be more pidcasts like this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    D20chick
    United States8 years ago
  • Great podcast

    Aptly brief podcasts about interesting and hot topics in the microbial world. Would recommend to people in the field or those wishing to inform themselves.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    caratj
    United States9 years ago
  • Good!

    Interesting topics, well presented.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MizOkada
    United States9 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience would like more episodes like this and positive feedback on guest quality and topics.
Episodes are concise and well-edited, not overly verbose compared to similar podcasts.
Listeners find the show accessible even for non-specialists with science backgrounds.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 181: Sexual health and the vaginal microbiome
Q: Is there the same risk with treating these diseases with antibiotics as there is in the gut microbiome?
Yes, there are risks associated with antibiotics potentially killing beneficial bacteria in the vaginal microbiome and leading to resistance issues.
Episode 181: Sexual health and the vaginal microbiome
Q: What can determine what bacteria might be dominant for you?
The scientific community has noted that hormones and diet may influence bacterial dominance, but the specifics are still not fully understood.
Episode 181: Sexual health and the vaginal microbiome
Q: How did you get into this field of research?
Wilhelmina Huston explains that she became fascinated with microbiology during her Bachelor of Science studies and shifted from a medical career path to pursuing research in microbiology.
Episode 180: Society Staff Reflect on 2025
Q: What is the Knockin Out AMR project and how is it going?
The Knockin Out AMR project focuses on driving meaningful change on antimicrobial resistance through events, journal publishing, public engagement, and policy initiatives, with highlights including a workshop in Mexico.
Episode 180: Society Staff Reflect on 2025
Q: Could you just kind of explain what working in policy entails?
Working in policy means providing evidence to different stakeholders to support their decision making concerning microbiology, influencing stakeholders to prioritize microbiology-related issues.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Microbe Talk

What is Microbe Talk about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A concise, science-forward show focused on bacteria, viruses, and parasites, blending cutting-edge microbiology with practical public-health implications. Across recent episodes, listeners encounter in-depth discussions of the vaginal microbiome and its links to sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease, the safety and regulation of microbiome-targeting products, and evolving parasite biology in the face of climate and technology. Guests range from university researchers to industry and policy-oriented voices, often tying microbiology to health outcomes, food safety, and biosecurity. The format tends to be accessible and tightly edited, with rapid, topic-focused conversations that appeal to professionals in science com... more

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To see how many followers or subscribers Microbe Talk has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Microbe Talk?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Microbe Talk:

1. This Week in Microbiology
2. Meet the Microbiologist
3. This Week in Virology
4. Infectious Disease Puscast
5. Food Safety Talk

How many episodes of Microbe Talk are there?

Microbe Talk launched 14 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Microbe Talk?

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What guests have appeared on Microbe Talk?

Recent guests on Microbe Talk include:

1. Alison Smith
2. Dani Best
3. Ellie Gaunt
4. Nicolas Loquer
5. Florence Abram
6. Dr. Alicia Demirjian
7. Yoann Personne
8. Wilhelmina Huston

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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