
The disease podcast for a diseased world! Hosts: Brett Bayles (a professor) & Andy Pupa (not a professor) gleefully explore the weird and wacky world of diseases on a changing planet.
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 79 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | ComedyScience | ||||

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In this episode, Dr. Brett (PhD, Epidemiology) and Andy break down the viral claim by President Trump and RFK Jr. that Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism.
They cut through the noise:
• What the White House actually said (nothing cl... more
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In this episode, we tackle the dangers of celebrity-driven vaccine misinformation, focusing on figures like Alicia Silverstone, who may still be Clueless. We also explore the continued influence of Andrew Wakefield, whose discredited stu... more
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In this episode, we explore the concerning potential for the return of polio, a disease that once terrified the world before vaccines brought it to the brink of eradication. What's behind the recent reports of poliovirus in wastewater an... more
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Australia's got a reputation for dangerous creatures, but Hendra takes it to a whole new level. This week, we dive into the bat-sh*t crazy world of the Hendra virus—an outbreak that started in horses and quickly spread to humans in a way... more
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In this episode, we venture boldly into the unsettling future of American healthcare as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps into the most controversial cabinet role of the new administration: Secretary of Health and Human Services. With a track ... more
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Dive into the mystery of Disease X, the hypothetical pathogen poised to trigger the next global pandemic. Amidst a sea of conspiracy theories, from government cover-ups and the New World Order to clandestine experiments, we sift through ... more
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Delve into the complex origins of HIV in our latest episode, unraveling the web of misinformation surrounding this global health crisis. Join us as we uncover the truth behind the virus, challenging misconceptions and shedding light on i... more
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Dive into the ominous with some of the world's weirdest diseases. An is it finally the year of the Bird Flu? In this Viral Particle or Mini-sode. Uncover the eerie stories behind 5 peculiar diseases.. Join us on this unsettling journey t... more
Love their breakdown. However, the sound quality was SO bad on the last episode. It was incredibly quiet. Please fix that.
Maybe focus on the content instead of trying to be funny and shouting like you're at a football match. Can't listen to this for an hour.
I loved it! I really needed info on the variants and I learned a lot! Fun podcast!
This podcast is awesome! Brett and Andy are fantastic disease storytellers - the perfect mix of informative and hilarious. Whether you are a MPH student or just interested in learning something new, there is something for everyone. Also, the episode names and song choices crack me up every time!
-Samantha
Very informative and interesting. I’m a chemistry PhD candidate who lives about as far away from biology and public health as possible, but it is very enjoyable to learn about one of other sides of science!
Brett delivers the details while Andy peppers Brett’s descriptions with witty comments that make me laugh out loud. Fun and informative, Viral Load is easily in my list of top 5 fav podcasts. Keep up the awesome work, guys!
Great podcast
You would think that a podcast about viruses would be unsettling, but then you would be missing out on so much fun! I enjoy the humor and education in each episode. I especially loved learning about crows! The editing is done in such a great way, there are surprises and fun bits all the way through and even at the very end!
This podcast makes me forget that the world is falling apart and catching on fire! But really, great podcast and super informative. I learn best with stories and little funny anecdotes embedded in info. I like listening to them on my runs! Just the right amount of time for me to feel like I will die—either by the amount of diseases out there or because of how out of shape I am.
-Lesley
I just started a MPH program in early September (all on Zoom, of course) and this podcast helps get my mind in the game for Epi homework or the motivation to power through writing programs for Biostats. So glad that I found y’all. Thanks.
Thanks for making a great podcast that I look forward to listening to every week. As a second year MPH epidemiology student, I love that I can listen to this podcast and learn something new every episode. It would be perfect if listening to this podcast could count towards my degree! Lol. Thank you both for making this podcast a perfect mix of funny and informative. :)
These gentlemen share their knowledge in a perfect admixture of scientific wisdom, historical context and the humor that makes it worth coming back for. THANK YOU!
How I know? Cause it leaves a smile on my face every time. I started listening while at home and these two, have me laughing! And learning! I find it very entertaining! It’s a perfect time to catch this podcast!
Medical nerds who love to laugh, this is the podcast that you’ve been searching for.
I love your podcast and will definitely keep listening...I understand why you guys don’t talk about COVID-19, but you have to admit that it’s pretty ironic that during a pandemic, a podcast called viral load isn’t talking about it. I love you guys, keep doing what your doing!!!
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Apple Podcasts | #212 |










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Content focuses on the intersection of diseases and public health, addressing topics like vaccination, misinformation, and zoonotic diseases. The hosts take a lighthearted yet informative approach, engaging listeners through humor while tackling serious issues, exemplified by discussions on polio's resurgence and the effects of celebrity endorsements on vaccine hesitancy. Noteworthy are their unique storytelling methods, which blend historical context with contemporary relevance, making complex scientific topics accessible to a broad audience. The combination of wit and educational content likely appeals to those interested in science, health, and societal issues.
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Viral Load launched 7 years ago and published 79 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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