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Osterholm Update

CIDRAP
Covid-19
Measles
Public Health
Vaccination
H5N1 Avian Flu
Influenza
Long COVID
Vaccines
H5N1 Avian Influenza
H5N1
Advisory Committee On Immunization Practices
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Public Health Policy
MPOX
Ebola
Vaccine Efficacy
FDA
CIDRAP
2024 U.S. Presidential Election

A weekly report on the COVID-19 pandemic from infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH. Dr. Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota and has spent a career investigating outbreaks. Since 2005, he has emphasized supply chain and other vulnerabilities and a critical need for pandemic preparedness. In this ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes230Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Science

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Artwork for Osterholm Update

Latest Episodes

<p dir="ltr"> Last week, a sixth measles-associated death was reported in Pennsylvania, which is currently the nation's measles hotspot. Every death from this vaccine-preventable disease is worth noting, especially amid the nationwide measles outbrea... more

<p dir="ltr">Since January 2025, the CDC has lost nearly a third of its staff under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This drastic reduction in staffing has limited the CDC’s ability to respond to the spread ... more

<p dir="ltr">Before 2025, we didn't spend too much time talking about measles on this podcast, and that's because there wasn't much of a need to. But ever since the measles outbreak in West Texas began in January 2025, it's become a regular topic of ... more

<p dir="ltr">This past August, Pennsylvania announced two measles-associated deaths in unvaccinated residents, marking the first measles deaths in the state in thirty-five years. This week, hosts Chris Dall and Dr. Micheal Osterholm discuss the two d... more

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Recent Guests

Abraham Verghese
Physician and author, storyteller guest in closing segment
Iowa Writers Workshop (affiliation mentioned)
Episode: CDC Cuts: Understaffed and Overwhelmed
Michael Osterholm
Director, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)
CIDRAP, University of Minnesota
Episode: Episode 212: Major Roadblocks
Mark Olshaker
Co-author of 'The Big One' and expert in infectious diseases
Episode: Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning
Ann Hennigan Grace
Researcher and fact-checker for 'The Big One'
CIDRAP
Episode: Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning
Sydney Redepenning
Researcher who contributed to fact-checking for 'The Big One'
CIDRAP
Episode: Episode 191: 'The Big One' with Mark Olshaker, Ann Hennigan Grace, & Dr. Sydney Redepenning

Hosts

Michael Osterholm
Director of CIDRAP and infectious disease expert featured as primary host.
Chris Dall
CIDRAP News reporter and cohost, central to episode discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 3.6k ratings
  • Factual information

    Excellent evidence based updates in public health and infectious disease. He calls the balls and strikes accurately on the media and government.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ragweedd
    United States3 months ago
  • Okeystrokey

    Very rational and logically presented Chris Dall as host has a very soothing voice

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jake85main
    United States3 months ago
  • First listen today and hooked!

    Really appreciated the most recent conversation about Ebola transmission and risks, and the warm thoughts sent to providers caring for the sick. Really fantastic information transmitted in a digestible way!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jenbalvmo
    United States4 months ago
  • Only three stars

    Dr Osterholm has some good information, but he takes himself way too seriously. He also defends the WHO and China; rather distasteful, given what has unfolded in the last year. He is very earnest — in measure, that can be useful. He misses no opportunity to trash the current administration. A real pearl clutcher.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    seesaw70
    United States5 months ago
  • Grateful

    As a primary care pediatrician, I face many challenges, but recently my work has become simply daunting and discouraging. This podcast helps to keep me grounded, and is truly useful to me both professionally and personally. Thank you so much for being beacons of hope during these dark times!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    *Brig*
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Fans value the host team's clear explanations of complex outbreaks and policy shifts.
Listeners praise the evidence-based, calm delivery and practical public health guidance.
Some critique perceived bias or political framing around certain health policy topics.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#142
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#248
Japan/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Measles: It's more than a rash
Q: Mike, what did you and your colleagues say?
Osterholm says vaccine safety research is important, but these initiatives need transparent research plans, independent scrutiny, and public access to methods and results to maintain scientific credibility.
Measles: It's more than a rash
Q: Where would you like to start?
Osterholm describes three serious measles complications: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and immune amnesia, and explains how vaccination reduces these risks.
CDC Cuts: Understaffed and Overwhelmed
Q: With listeners in Hawaii and other regions hearing about rising flu activity, when should people schedule their flu shot this season?
Now is the time to get the flu shot, particularly for those in the Western states; nationwide guidance is to secure vaccination within the next three to four weeks if outside the West, and immediately if you are in the West.
CDC Cuts: Understaffed and Overwhelmed
Q: Can you help me understand the discrepancy between your recommendation on flu vaccination timing and the local epidemiologist's newsletter, given the regional differences you describe?
The answer is that there is no single universal the best time; national trends vs. regional data can diverge, but with current West Coast activity and cross-country movement, now is the time to get vaccinated, especially in the West, with a gradual rollout to other regions over the next few weeks.
Making Sense of Measles Misinformation
Q: Why is the timing of flu and COVID vaccines treated differently?
COVID and flu behave differently seasonally; flu has a more predictable fall/winter pattern, while COVID waves can occur multiple times a year with varying timing; waning immunity also affects optimal timing.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Osterholm Update

What is Osterholm Update about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A weekly briefing on infectious disease science and public health policy led by a senior infectious disease scientist and CIDRAP News reporters. Episodes cover current outbreaks (Ebola, measles, cyclosporiasis, hantavirus), vaccine policy and messaging, and the evolving landscape of COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The cadence blends data-driven explanations, policy analysis, and historical context, with thoughtful critiques of leadership and communications in public health. Notable strengths include clear, evidence-based updates that connect outbreak dynamics to real-world preparedness, long-term vaccine strategy, and public trust. The show stands out for its consistent emphasis on preparedness, surveillance, and practical public-health takeaways, ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Osterholm Update?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Osterholm Update:

1. This Week in Virology
2. Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast
3. This Week in Virology
4. Radio Atlantic
5. #SistersInLaw

How many episodes of Osterholm Update are there?

Osterholm Update launched 7 years ago and published 230 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Osterholm Update?

Recent guests on Osterholm Update include:

1. Abraham Verghese
2. Michael Osterholm
3. Mark Olshaker
4. Ann Hennigan Grace
5. Sydney Redepenning

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