Infectious Dose

Episode 18: A Plague Returned - Polio and the Paralysis of Progress

As global focus drifts and vaccine narratives fade, polio—a disease once on the brink of eradication—is finding new paths to persist. In this episode, Heather unpacks the World Health Organization’s latest alerts on circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2), explores newly issued travel advisories, and traces the virus’s quiet resurgence. From the politics of prevention to the myths that still haunt public memory, we examine how a preventable disease is returning, not because science failed, but because we stopped listening.

Episode 17: Grill, Thrill, & Kill: A 4th of July Comedy Special (Stand-Up for Science)

This Fourth of July, we’re serving flaming absurdity alongside a tribute to scientists under attack. In this science-meets-comedy special, Heather tackles the patriotic chaos of backyard BBQs, rogue mortars, and the bacterial battleground of summer salads. Featuring real disaster stories, expert food tips, and a powerful closing tribute to U.S. scientists with an original poem that will leave you ready to Stand Up For Science. Laughter, learning, and lighter fluid: this is Grill, Thrill, & Kill.

Episode 16: COVID Critical - Complacency and Consequences in an Unfinished Pandemic

More than five years since the start of COVID-19, the virus is still here — evolving, spreading, and leaving lasting impacts. In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather—a virologist-turned-science writer—examines the costs of the erosion of protective messaging, what new data say about reinfection, and the risks of losing vaccine access under a shifting political landscape. From airborne transmission to long COVID, this episode unpacks the real-time consequences of disinformation, underreaction, and systemic neglect.

Because the pandemic isn’t over—we’ve just stopped talking about it.

Episode 15: Protection, Interrupted: How Chasing Sterilizing Immunity Fails the Herd

What if our biggest mistake in vaccine communication wasn’t misinformation—but misexpectation?

In this episode of Infectious Dose, Heather digs into the seductive myth of sterilizing immunity—the idea that a “perfect” vaccine blocks infection completely—and explores how this scientific fable has distorted public expectations, undermined trust, and set back our ability to fight infectious diseases.

From the remote Faroe Islands in 1846 to the fractured COVID-19 response, Heather takes listeners on a journey through vaccine history, immunology, and public health strategy. We break down what herd immunity really is (and isn’t), why breakthrough infections aren’t failures, and how chasing an unmeasurable ideal can derail real-world protection.

Forget perfection. This episode is about what actually works: disease prevention, reduced transmission, and building public trust—one honest conversation at a time.

Episode 14: No Name, No Mercy: The Hantavirus That Killed Betsy Arakawa

In this episode, Heather delves into the story of Sin Nombre virus and the disease it causes, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. From its rodent origins and rapid progression to the public health response and scientific breakthroughs that followed, we explore how a rare virus rewrote the rules of infectious disease in North America—and why it remains a threat, even in obscurity.

Episode 13: Un-Vaccinated - the Global Measles Emergency

Heather gives updates on 2025 measles outbreaks in every region of the world and discusses global efforts to curb them. She also debunks the deadly lies about measles from RFK Jr. in her fan favorite segment WTF-RFK! and answers listener questions in her new segment Hot Zone Hotline. 

Explicit rating is for mild and limited profanity because, I mean, RFK. 

Episode 12: Vaccine Safety 6 - Expecting Protection: Building vaccine confidence for moms-to-be

Pregnant and wondering which vaccines are safe? Heather separates myths from facts & shares exactly what science says about vaccine safety during pregnancy—because you and your baby deserve the best protection!

Episode 11: Close Quarters, Silent Threat - Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Dorms and Barracks

Invasive meningococcal disease strikes fast—and often without warning—especially in close-contact environments like college dorms and military barracks. While it’s rare, the consequences can be devastating: death within hours, or lifelong complications like limb loss and brain damage. In this episode Heather explains all about how Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that many carry unknowingly, transforms from harmless passenger to lethal invader. With rising case numbers and low vaccine uptake, especially for serogroup B, understanding the risks and protections has never been more urgent.

Episode 10: Vaccine Safety 5 - Inside the Vial: the Truth About What’s Actually in Vaccines

In the 5th episode in her vaccine safety series, Heather gives straightforward, science-based answers to some of the most common questions about what’s in vaccines including an in-depth look at what's in several specific vaccines and the truth debunking false claims you've seen recently in the media. 

Episode 9: Sleeper Cells - How Anthrax Hides, Strikes, and Could One Day Heal

Anthrax is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to science. Its ability to survive harsh environments and reemerge as a deadly pathogen centuries later is a biological marvel—and a global health concern. Heather covers all you want to know about anthrax from its formidable spore structure and use as a bioweapon, to its recent outbreaks and potential to transform cancer therapy.