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This Podcast Will Kill You

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This podcast might not actually kill you, but Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke cover so many things that can. In each episode, they tackle a different topic, teaching listeners about the biology, history, and epidemiology of a different disease or medical mystery. They do the scientific research, so you don’t have to. Since 2017, Erin and Erin have explored chronic and infectious diseases, medic... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes306Founded9 years ago
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ScienceHealth & Fitness

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Latest Episodes

A diagnosis of dementia of any kind is devastating. For those with the hereditary form of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), it could mean an entire family is destined for the same fate. In this week’s TPWKY book club episode, award-winning author Robert... more

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, has long mystified the medical community and brought tremendous sorrow to those impacted by the condition. But to tell the story of ALS as one solely of tragedy would do a disse... more

Shortly after birth, many newborns are given vitamin K to help their blood clot properly and reduce the chances of hemorrhage. Increasingly, especially here in the US, parents are refusing this life-saving intervention, leaving these babies more like... more

Imagine yourself as a 17th century English peasant or merchant or noble. Let’s say you’re dealing with some intense stomach pain or a cut on your leg that won’t heal. Where do you turn to for help? Today’s book club episode reveals that the answer de... more

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Recent Guests

Mark Hopkins
Storyteller sharing his family's ALS journey and genetic testing experience
Episode: Ep 223 ALS: Unraveling the mystery
Dr. Alanna Skuse
Author of The Surgeon, The Midwife, The Quack
University of Reading
Episode: Special Episode: Dr. Alanna Skuse & The Surgeon, The Midwife, The Quack
Leonardo Lopez
Expert in ECT, including use for catatonia and NMDA receptor encephalitis
Weill Cornell Medical College
Episode: Ep 221 Electroconvulsive Therapy Part 2: A current conversation
Clayton Page Aldern
Award-winning journalist and neuroscientist, author of The Weight of Nature
Grist
Episode: Special Episode: Clayton Page Aldern & The Weight of Nature
Dr. Deborah Cohen
Medically trained, award-winning journalist, broadcaster, editor
Author of Bad Influence
Episode: Special Episode: Deborah Cohen & Bad Influence
Alev Scott
Journalist and author of Cash Cow
Author, Cash Cow
Episode: Special Episode: Alev Scott & Cash Cow
Carl Elliott
Author and bioethicist at the University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Episode: Special Episode: Dr. Carl Elliott & The Occasional Human Sacrifice
Christina Kupka-Decker
Storyteller and motion sickness sufferer
Episode: Ep 211 Motion Sickness: It comes in waves
Olivia Weisser
Historian and Associate Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts, Boston
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Episode: Special Episode: Dr. Olivia Weisser & The Dreaded Pox

Hosts

Erin Welsh
Host of This Podcast Will Kill You, disease ecologist and epidemiologist
Erin Allmann Updyke
Co-host; epidemiologist and disease ecologist

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 28.1k ratings
  • Amazing show

    Well researched, compassionate, and accessible to both the science expert and novice. Erin and Erin have a great back and forth and clear depth of knowledge in their fields. The firsthand accounts they gather for the episodes provide needed context and humanity to the often heavy subject matter. Brava

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KevCo24
    United States10 days ago
  • Validating are there are onions in here?

    Refreshing in depth explorations of all sorts of things that may kill us - and are often under-researched or suffering from outdated or completely wrong information. Discussing the issues of menopause - one missing is altered states and delusional depression. And for endometriosis for me with deep infiltrating it was painful 100 percent of every month with severe pain increasing to the point of losing consciousness and extreme anemia, vomiting etc that was completely unresponsive to hormonal tre... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bbbspin
    United States15 days ago
  • Perfectly calibrated - I love

    I am so impressed with the balance of scientific specifics and conversational enthusiasm that these two Erins pull off. I’m a scientist by trade with a decent baseline understanding of some of these topics, but I always learn a lot and enjoy the ride. I was especially impressed recently with the nuance and care given to the episodes on ECT and statins. Just love! On a vibes level I love that these two are never smug and always earnest. Please keep it up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    the gordener
    Netherlands15 days ago
  • Educational and Entertaining

    I love this podcast! I have been listening for years and have learned so much from Erin and Erin.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mmishamaze
    United States15 days ago
  • Best podcast ever

    This is the most informative podcast out there. Who else gives you sources, not just spout opinions? The Erins makes dense material accessible to us mere mortals in an entertaining format.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Vlakkies
    United States15 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Fans appreciate breadth of topics, from historical cases to current public health issues, with strong evidence bases.
Listeners praise clear, engaging science communication and accessible explanations of complex topics.
Some critique occasional political commentary or humor that may not align with all listeners.

Chart Rankings

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

Spotify
#18
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#19
United States/Science
Spotify
#29
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#15
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#44
United Kingdom/Science
Spotify
#23
Australia/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 223 ALS: Unraveling the mystery
Q: How does ALS typically progress in patients, and what are the different motor neuron signs involved?
ALS often begins with focal weakness or muscle wasting and can present first with either spinal or bulbar symptoms; over time, both upper and lower motor neuron signs emerge, including hyperreflexia, increased tone, fasciculations, and eventual paralysis. The progression is variable, but it is consistently progressive and can involve respiratory muscles.
Ep 221 Electroconvulsive Therapy Part 2: A current conversation
Q: How is effectiveness of ECT measured in patients?
Effectiveness is assessed by the resolution or improvement of depressive or other targeted symptoms using standardized questionnaires before and after a course of ECT, and then balancing these gains against potential side effects to decide subsequent treatment approaches like switching between bilateral and unilateral placements.
Ep 220 Electroconvulsive Therapy Part 1: A charged history
Q: What exactly is ECT and how does it work today?
ECT today involves controlled electrical stimulation under anesthesia and muscle relaxation to safely induce a brief seizure, with a high response rate and remission in many treatment-resistant cases, paired with informed consent and standardized procedures.
Special Episode: Clayton Page Aldern & The Weight of Nature
Q: What are the mental-health implications of climate disasters, and how can individuals respond?
Climate disasters are linked to PTSD-like symptoms and neuropsychiatric issues; strategies like mindfulness and breathwork can help recover some cognitive control, and awareness at individual and societal levels is crucial to integrating health considerations into climate response.
Special Episode: Clayton Page Aldern & The Weight of Nature
Q: What evidence links rising temperatures to changes in cognitive function and behavior?
Historical experiments from the 1940s through the 1980s show hotter conditions impairing performance, increasing impulsivity and aggression, with mechanistic explanations including fixed attentional resources and brain region dynamics (DLPFC and VMPFC) shifting under heat, leading to less rational decision-making.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast Will Kill You

What is This Podcast Will Kill You about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two epidemiologists host a science-forward show that makes complex disease biology, history, and public health accessible through clear explanations, storytelling, and archival context. Episodes span statins, cholesterol, travel-related outbreaks, burn care, histoplasmosis, and dietary guidelines, often pairing rigorous science with historical moments and policy implications. A recurring strength is translating dense research into practical takeaways, with a personable, curious duo and a penchant for accessible, evidence-based discussion. Notably, guests include researchers, journalists, historians, and patient perspectives, providing diverse angles on how science intersects society. A distinctive quirk is the use of themed, sometimes whims... more

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This Podcast Will Kill You launched 9 years ago and published 306 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 This Podcast Will Kill You?

Recent guests on This Podcast Will Kill You include:

1. Mark Hopkins
2. Dr. Alanna Skuse
3. Leonardo Lopez
4. Clayton Page Aldern
5. Dr. Deborah Cohen
6. Alev Scott
7. Carl Elliott
8. Christina Kupka-Decker

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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