In this hilarious and eye-opening episode of Germs & Jargon, we’re flipping the script with another round of Science Swap. This time, I, your friendly neighbourhood layman, take a stab at explaining the terrifying and fascinating disease known as rabies, from symptoms to transmission and treatment. Spoiler: I may not have all the facts right.

Luckily, Dr. Mark Miller, infectious disease expert, joins in to set the record straight. He breaks down the real science behind how rabies spreads, why it’s so deadly, and what modern medicine can (and can’t) do about it.

If you’ve ever wondered how much you really know about one of the most feared viruses in history, or just want to hear me get corrected in real time, this one’s for you.

🧠 Keywords: Rabies, infectious disease, virus, science podcast, microbiology, public health, zoonotic diseases, Dr. Mark Miller, Germs & Jargon, Science Swap

In this fun and enlightening episode of Germs & Jargon, we’re flipping the script in our brand-new Science Swap format! Jonathan, your curious layman host, takes a shot at explaining one of the most pressing issues in modern medicine: antibiotic resistance.

How close can he get to the real science? Enter Dr. Miller—our resident microbiologist and infectious disease expert—who will grade, correct, and clarify the explanation while dropping real, research-backed insights.

Expect laughs, learning, and a few science stumbles along the way as we explore:

• What causes antibiotic resistance?

• Why it’s a global health threat

• Misconceptions about antibiotics

• How we can all help slow resistance

If you’ve ever wondered what “superbugs” are or why your doctor won’t always prescribe antibiotics, this episode is for you.

Ever wondered if eggs really need to be refrigerated? Why astronauts don’t catch colds on the ISS? Or what connects a fungal rash on your foot to a ring on your arm? In this listener-powered episode of Germs & Jargon, Dr. Miller and Jonathan dive into your submitted questions from how fevers help your body fight back, to the surprising science behind athlete’s foot and ringworm. It's a whirlwind of microbiology, infectious disease trivia, and some myth-busting along the way.

🔬 Topics covered:

• ​Do fevers help or hurt?
• ​The cold truth about microbes on the ISS
• ​Why egg storage differs across countries
• ​Ringworm vs. athlete’s foot—same fungus, different PR

Tune in for answers, laughs, and a few “ew” moments.

Disclaimer: this podcast and its hosts and guests are delivering educational material. They are not providing professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned that you might have a medical illness, seek appropriate healthcare.