The Germs and Jargon Podcast

Dr. Mark Miller and Jonathan Hope
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  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Germs & Jargon, where science meets storytelling! Join Dr. Miller, an infectious disease expert, and Jonathan Hope, your curious co-host, as they break down microbiology (the study of germs), immunology (our ability to fight off disease), and infectious diseases into bite-sized, easy-to-understand conversations. We tackle the microscopic world in a way that makes sense—no special training or knowledge required. Dr. Miller unpacks the jargon around the germs, while Jonathan asks the questions you really want answered.

  1. 2D AGO

    Things you thought you knew - Bacteria Edition

    Do you really need antibacterial soap? Does cranberry juice actually cure a UTI? And how many “common knowledge” health facts are just clever marketing? In this myth-busting episode of Germs & Jargon, we break down the science behind everyday health beliefs people think are true. We dive into: Antibacterial soap vs regular soap — which one actually works better? Does antibacterial soap prevent illness or contribute to antibiotic resistance? Cranberry juice for UTIs — prevention, treatment, or placebo? How marketing shapes health misinformation Dr. Miller explains the microbiology behind antibacterial products, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and how soap really removes bacteria and viruses and much much more. If you’re interested in microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, public health myths, or evidence-based medicine, this episode is for you. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, and they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

    29 min

  2. JAN 23

    AMR

    Antibiotics are one of the most important tools in modern medicine, but what happens when they stop working? In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we dive into antimicrobial resistance, often called AMR, and why it is becoming one of the biggest challenges in infectious disease and global health. Antibiotic resistance does not arrive with dramatic outbreaks or breaking news. It grows quietly, making common infections harder to treat and routine medical procedures riskier than we expect. Jonathan and Dr. Mark Miller break down what antimicrobial resistance actually is, how bacteria adapt to antibiotics, and why overuse in medicine and agriculture plays a role. They explore common myths about superbugs, explain how resistance already affects patients today, and discuss why developing new antibiotics is far more complicated than it sounds. This conversation focuses on clarity over fear, helping listeners understand what matters, what does not, and what everyday choices can make a real difference. If you are curious about infectious disease, antibiotic resistance, microbiology, or the future of modern medicine, this episode is for you.

    34 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Medical Miracles: No Santa, Just Science

    Modern medicine did not just happen. It was built through centuries of trial error curiosity and a few truly astonishing breakthroughs. In this episode of Germs & Jargon, we explore the greatest medical miracles that transformed healthcare and saved billions of lives. We begin with vaccines and how they reshaped public health prevented deadly infectious diseases and changed the course of human history. From smallpox eradication to modern mRNA vaccines we explain how immunology became one of the most powerful tools in medicine. Next we examine antibiotics, the accidental discovery that revolutionized medicine surgery and infection control. We discuss penicillin antibiotic resistance superbugs and why antibiotics remain both lifesaving and widely misunderstood. We then step inside the human body through the lens of medical imaging technology. We break down how MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses magnets and physics to create detailed images without radiation. We explain how CT scans or Computed Tomography are used in trauma stroke and emergency medicine. We also explore PET scans or Positron Emission Tomography and how radioactive tracers help detect cancer brain activity and metabolic disease. Along the way we decode medical abbreviations and healthcare jargon that make medicine sound confusing and inaccessible and translate them into clear human language. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in medical science healthcare innovation microbiology immunology and modern medical technology. Vaccines and public healthAntibiotics and infectious diseaseMRI CT scans and PET scans explainedMedical miracles that changed historyMedical abbreviations made simpleHow biology physics and technology power modern medicine Follow Germs & Jargon for science driven conversations about medicine microbes and the discoveries that shape our lives. New episodes released regularly. Topics Covered

    47 min

  4. 08/25/2025

    Worms of Wisdom: A Storytime with Ascaris

    In this storytime episode, Dr. Miller shares a real-life medical case that starts out like any ordinary visit, but takes an unexpected turn when the patient is discovered to have Ascaris, a type of parasitic roundworm. Through this fascinating case, you’ll hear how Ascaris worms (Ascaris lumbricoides) can quietly live inside the human body, the surprising symptoms they cause, and how doctors diagnose and treat this parasitic infection. Blending storytelling with medical insight, Dr. Miller walks us through the twists and turns of a patient encounter that shows just how strange (and squirmy) the world of human parasites can be. You’ll learn: The story of a patient with an unexpected Ascaris infection How roundworms affect human health and spread worldwide What this case teaches us about infectious diseases and patient care If you’re curious about parasites, microbiology, unusual medical cases, or the science behind worms, this episode delivers an unforgettable mix of medicine and storytelling.

    26 min

  5. 07/14/2025

    Science Swap #2 - Rabies

    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

    19 min

  6. 06/29/2025

    Science Swap - The Layman Takes The Lead

    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.

    20 min

  7. 06/09/2025

    Culture Queries #2 Q&A

    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 PRTune 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.

    26 min

  8. 06/02/2025

    Famous, Infected & Unexpected

    In this compelling episode of Germs & Jargon, we uncover the surprising infectious disease stories behind some of the most iconic celebrities: Rosie O'Donnell’s battle with a rare bacterial infection, Justin Bieber’s diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Christopher Reeve’s struggle with chronic infections after his spinal injury, and the tragic case of Jim Henson’s fatal bacterial pneumonia. Join us as we explore how these infectious diseases affected their lives, careers, and legacies and what their stories reveal about early symptoms, delayed treatment, and public awareness. From viral syndromes to bacterial killers, we break down the science, symptoms, and stigma behind these illnesses. Whether you're into microbiology, celebrity health stories, or just love fascinating medical history, this episode is packed with insight, science, and storytelling. 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.

    23 min
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About

Welcome to Germs & Jargon, where science meets storytelling! Join Dr. Miller, an infectious disease expert, and Jonathan Hope, your curious co-host, as they break down microbiology (the study of germs), immunology (our ability to fight off disease), and infectious diseases into bite-sized, easy-to-understand conversations. We tackle the microscopic world in a way that makes sense—no special training or knowledge required. Dr. Miller unpacks the jargon around the germs, while Jonathan asks the questions you really want answered.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Mark Miller and Jonathan Hope
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Mark Miller and Jonathan Hope
  • Show Website
    The Germs and Jargon Podcast