Okay, But Why?!...A Science and Pop Culture Podcast

Microbac
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Okay, But Why?!...A Science and Pop Culture Podcast

Join us as we dive into the intersection of pop culture and groundbreaking science, unraveling the stories that have shaped our scientific landscape. This podcast covers historical and life-altering moments, serving them up in a witty and relatable style that even industry newbies can savor.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    London Choked: The Story of the Great Smog

    In December 1952, a thick, toxic fog descended on London, transforming the city into a living nightmare. But what caused this deadly haze, and why did it lead to thousands of deaths? Join us on 'Okay But Why,' hosted by Microbac, as we dive into the Great Smog of London—an environmental disaster that exposed the hidden dangers of industrialization, changed public health policy forever, and gave rise to the modern fight for clean air. Discover how an invisible threat became impossible to ignore and why its lessons still matter today For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at okaybutwhy@microbac.com

    49 min

  2. OCT 14

    Cursed Crops: How Ergot Poisoned History

    In this episode of Okay, But Why?, we dive deep into the sinister world of ergot – a toxic fungus that has plagued human history through tainted grains. For centuries, ergot outbreaks have caused mass sickness and death, unleashing terrifying symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, gangrene, and madness. But how did this deadly fungus creep into the food supply, and why did it have such devastating effects on entire communities? From the eerie links to historical witch trials to its role in medieval epidemics, we explore the chilling legacy of ergot poisoning and how a microscopic fungus left its mark on human history. Join us for a journey into the strange and unsettling world of ergotism, where one wrong bite could be fatal. For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at okaybutwhy@microbac.com

    50 min

  3. SEP 17

    The Tragedy of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study

    In this episode, we take a hard look at one of medicine’s most shameful secrets—the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. How did a 40-year “experiment” leave hundreds of African American men untreated for syphilis under the guise of science? We’ll break down the twisted logic, the ethical disasters, and how this scandal still haunts public trust today. It's a cautionary tale of what happens when science goes rogue and compassion takes a back seat. For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at okaybutwhy@microbac.com

    53 min

  4. AUG 15

    Molasses Mayhem: The Sticky Disaster of 1919

    In this episode of Okay, But Why?, we dive into one of the most bizarre and tragic events in American history: the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. Imagine a tidal wave of sticky, thick molasses rushing through the streets of Boston, causing chaos and destruction in its wake. But how could such a sweet substance turn so deadly? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind this disaster, exploring the science, engineering failures, and human stories that turned a common industrial product into a historic catastrophe. For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at okaybutwhy@microbac.com

    42 min

  5. JUL 12

    "Nuclear Nightmares: The Three Mile Island Incident"

    Imagine a future powered by clean, cheap energy. The Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant, built near major Pennsylvania cities, promised just that. But after only a year, a partial meltdown turned that dream into a near-catastrophe. Coincidentally, a movie predicting a similar disaster and cover-up had just been released. As the crisis unfolded, poor communication from the company fueled public panic, sparking massive protests and investigations. Despite this, the plant remained partially operational until recently, and now, nuclear power is making a comeback. Join us as we explore the Three Mile Island accident, the largest nuclear disaster on US soil, and the ongoing controversy it continues to ignite. For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at okaybutwhy@microbac.com

    58 min

  6. JUN 14

    The Worst Drug Scandal: Thalidomide Babies

    The drug Thalidomide entered the marked in the late 50's and 10s of thousands of mothers around the world used it to fight morning sickness with no prescription needed. Little did they know, it would be linked to a 5 time increase in birth defects and infant death. The Thalidomide scandal changed drug regulations around the world but the drug is still used today. This drug story has everything from Nazi scientists, secrets, lawsuits and a hero who protected the USA from what is considered one of the worst drug scandals to ever happen. For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at okaybutwhy@microbac.com.

    51 min

  7. MAY 15

    Mad Cow Outbreak, Prions, and Zombie Deer, Oh My!

    In the late 80s a cow was diagnosed with Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, AKA Mad Cow Disease which started an outbreak that led to hundreds of thousands of animals diagnosed, millions culled, and almost 200 human deaths. The Mad Cow Disease outbreak changed what we know about prions and affects trade markets still. But cows aren't the only ones at risk....

    45 min

  8. APR 4

    Unsolved: The Tylenol Murders

    Imagine having a headache or pain and popping a few Tylenols only to be poisoned and die within a few hours. The Tylenol murders rocked the nation and changed how all of our items are packaged. Still unsolved, these cases caused massive public panic and recalls before our drugs and food completely changed how we sell and expect to receive our products.

    41 min

  9. APR 4

    The Deadly Glow of the Radium Girls

    The Radium Girls were one of the most sought-after jobs in the US during the war. The women who worked there were known for how beautifully the glowed and their skilled labor with Radium. Little did they know they were slowly being poisoned and their employers were hiding it even as they started to die.

    48 min

  10. APR 4

    The Mysterious Case of Typhoid Mary

    The story of Mary Malolon AKA Typhoid Mary. Who was she and how did her life and isolation teach us about pathogens and cross contamination. Her life altered what we know, not only about salmonella and food safety, but how diseases travel.

    43 min

  11. APR 3

    Welcome to Okay, But Why...A Science and Pop Culture Podcast!

    A show that explains how some of the most significant pop culture events have changed our scientific world!

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join us as we dive into the intersection of pop culture and groundbreaking science, unraveling the stories that have shaped our scientific landscape. This podcast covers historical and life-altering moments, serving them up in a witty and relatable style that even industry newbies can savor.

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