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This Week in Virology

Vincent Racaniello
Covid-19
Measles
Vaccination
Public Health
Vaccines
Influenza
Sars-Cov-2
Long COVID
Virology
Hepatitis B
CDC
Avian Influenza
Ebola
Dementia
RSV
Polio
Norovirus
Epstein-Barr Virus
Immunology
Hepatitis B Virus

This Week in Virology is a netcast about viruses - the kind that make you sick.

PublishesDailyEpisodes104Founded18 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceHealth & FitnessMedicine

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Artwork for This Week in Virology

Latest Episodes

TWiV explains discovery of a previously unknown mechanism of RNA-guided DNA recognition for genetic control that possibly predates the emergence of CRISPR pathways, and the possibility that Alzheimer’s Disease neuropathology evolved as a host defense... more

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In his weekly clinical update, Daniel Griffin and Vincent Racaniello frustration continues over the increasing number of measles infections, Kennedy’s undermining of vaccines, perpetuation of autism- vaccine, autism-tylenol myths, an outbreak of hepa... more

YouTube

Roberto Cattaneo and Kalpana Yadav join TWiV at the 2026 meeting of the American Society for Virology to discuss how the absence of measles virus receptors in the brain selects for hyperfusogenic variants that spread neuron-to-neuron and cause subacu... more

YouTube

In his weekly clinical update, Daniel Griffin and Vincent Racaniello are angered by the continuous reporting of measles deaths in the US and around the world, the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, changes in reporting of virus infection and vaccine recommend... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Kalpana Yadav
Virologist from Mayo Clinic, expert on SSPE
Mayo Clinic
Episode: TWiV 1359: SSPE, the Long Shadow of Measles
Roberto Cattaneo
Virologist from Mayo Clinic, expert on SSPE
Mayo Clinic
Episode: TWiV 1359: SSPE, the Long Shadow of Measles
Paul Bieniasz
Guest virologist, Rockefeller University, expert on coronavirus genetics
Rockefeller University
Episode: TWiV 1357: Furin, Naturally with Paul Bieinasz
Mark Stenglein
CSU researcher in Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
Colorado State University
Episode: TWiV 1345: Rocky Mountain Virology High
Angela Bosco-Lauth
Virologist focusing on arboviruses and high-pathogen influenza; CSU
Colorado State University
Episode: TWiV 1345: Rocky Mountain Virology High
Rebekah Kading
Laboratory researcher studying mosquito-borne and bat-borne viruses; CSU
Colorado State University
Episode: TWiV 1345: Rocky Mountain Virology High
Tom Ksiazek
Virologist, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
UTMB
Episode: TWiV 1339: Ebola up close with Tom Ksiazek
Karen Torghele
Author of Albert Sabin, The Life of a Polio Vaccine Pioneer
Episode: TWiV Special: Albert Sabin with Karen Torghele
John Dye
Director of Foundational Sciences at USAMRIID
US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
Episode: TWiV Special: Ebola virus and Andes virus with John Dye

Hosts

Vincent Racaniello
Host of the show; prominent virologist and science communicator.
Kathy Spindler
Co-host / contributor; professor emerita with expertise in virology and science education.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 3.6k ratings
  • Disappointing

    I was excited to delve into great conversation about viruses and viral research, including gory details and critical analysis. You definitely get some of that in this podcast, to be sure, and I appreciate how they dissect publications rather than just parroting press releases. Unfortunately, what struck me the most was the host’s political vehemence. They treat a commenter dissenting on COVID origins, whose comments I thought were fair, with surprising levels of aggression. The guest lady was th... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Zootvine
    United States2 months ago
  • HEAR HEAR!

    Vincent’s in the moment righteous indignation is always a pleasure. You are all of us, my man!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RB9AVS
    United States4 months ago
  • It was great, but it devolves into politics

    Please, show less political anger and emphasize more science. Don't turn into just another partisan show. Focus on convincing rather than scolding.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    MaximumZed
    United States5 months ago
  • Fantastically informative podcast

    Huge thanks to Vincent and the team and guests who put so much effort into this platform! I learn so much and find the discussion engaging. I’m a microbiologist, trained as a bacterial specialist, but for nearly 2 decades I’ve been doing bacteriophage research and that’s my team’s focus (so I guess I’m a viral guy too now). I have learned a great deal from this podcast and have been led to some super-informative papers by it. Gargantuan kudos for the way the podcast addressed the COVID-19 p... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Family shared - Nik
    United States7 months ago
  • Love the weekly clinical update!

    One of my favourite podcasts! I look forward to the clinical updates every weekend and love learning about all things virology.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    isla-june
    Canada7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners wish fewer political angles and more science-focused discussion.
Guests and hosts are praised for depth, accessibility, and engaging banter.
Listeners appreciate the rigorous, evidence-based science and clear clinical updates.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#139
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#160
Canada/Science
Apple Podcasts
#218
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#207
Germany/Science
Apple Podcasts
#220
Italy/Science
Apple Podcasts
#248
Australia/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

TWiV 1357: Furin, Naturally with Paul Bieinasz
Q: How do you distinguish true viral insertions from PCR or sequencing artifacts in ultra-deep sequencing?
They used sequencing strategies with controlled dilution experiments, depth of coverage, and cross-checks with amplicon data to separate genuine insertions from artifacts, including validating artifacts confined to the amplified region and using genome-external inserts as a check.
TWiV 1357: Furin, Naturally with Paul Bieinasz
Q: Why did you choose NSP15 as the focal point for this study, and would there have been other candidates?
The choice was driven by prior hints that NSP15 could influence RNA processing and innate immune responses; however, the team did not anticipate an impact on insertion rates, and the NSP15 mutant unexpectedly increased insertions, guiding the direction of the study.
TWiV 1358: Clinical Update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Q: Could you briefly list and summarize the current COVID boosters available and the differences between them?
There are four main options: Comernity (Pfizer) mRNA, Spikevax (Moderna) and MnexSpike (Moderna), and Novavaxavid (Sanofi/Novavax) protein-based. Head-to-head data suggest MnexSpike may offer higher efficacy in preventing symptomatic infection, while Novavaxavid provides an alternative for those concerned about mRNA vaccines. Overall, all four aim to reduce severe disease and hospitalization, with some differences in reactogenicity and dosing schedules.
TWiV 1356: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Q: Brent writes, Last week I lamented the fact that the COVID vaccine was approved nationwide, but only for 65 plus or those with comorbidity. How do state standing orders affect eligibility and access to vaccines?
The host explains that some states have standing orders allowing broader access to vaccines and encourages listeners to check local provisions; discussed barriers and practical tips for obtaining vaccines.
TWiV 1356: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Q: It's time for your questions for Daniel. Jill writes, Hi, I absolutely love your podcast and never miss a weekly update. ... How long should we wait after our COVID infections to get these vaccines?
Daniel recommends waiting about three months after a COVID infection before getting the next vaccine shot, with guidance on scheduling travel vaccines (rabies, typhoid, etc.) to finish before departure.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Week in Virology

What is This Week in Virology about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rigorously science-focused show that covers virology, infectious disease, and public health with a strong emphasis on current outbreaks, vaccine discussions, and real-world clinical updates. Across episodes, listeners get deep dives into viruses, transmission dynamics, fieldwork insights, and the interplay between ecology and human health, often featuring expert guests and in-depth analysis of papers and data. Notable strengths include clear clinical context, accessible explanations of complex concepts, and a willingness to tackle policy and public messaging, all while maintaining a light, conversational tone that keeps dense science approachable for a knowledgeable audience.

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Which podcasts are similar to This Week in Virology?

These podcasts share a similar audience with This Week in Virology:

1. This Week in Virology
2. Immune
3. This Week in Microbiology
4. Infectious Disease Puscast
5. Science Friday

How many episodes of This Week in Virology are there?

This Week in Virology launched 18 years ago and published 104 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 This Week in Virology?

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What guests have appeared on This Week in Virology?

Recent guests on This Week in Virology include:

1. Kalpana Yadav
2. Roberto Cattaneo
3. Paul Bieniasz
4. Mark Stenglein
5. Angela Bosco-Lauth
6. Rebekah Kading
7. Tom Ksiazek
8. Karen Torghele

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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