Oh Gross!

Oh Gross, LLC

Don’t let the “ick” factor hold you back—we get to the bottom of life’s toughest and grossest moments, so nothing is off-limits or unspeakable. So if you are tired of asking awkward questions on Social Media or spiraling down a misinformation Doctor Google rabbit hole, welcome to the Oh Gross! Community.  Ever wonder how many times the average person gets bitten by a spider? Or what to do about germs on a plane?  We pull back the curtain on life’s most unnerving mysteries by having real conversations with science to takeaways—that help you face the “ick” with clarity (and maybe a laugh). So don't worry about that fuzz on your fruit in the fridge or panic about what to put in your "Bug Out Bag" for emergencies. We do the research so you can skip the stress—and get the answers you didn’t know you needed. Each episode Kara, Jennie and Molly dive into a squeamish or scary subject, blending expert-driven interviews, practical tips, and plenty of personal stories and wit to help you handle whatever life (or your leftovers) throw your way. We explain the science, delve into the history, and debunk the misinformation so you can tackle life’s sticky realities with confidence. No topic is too taboo—and yes, we’ll even tell you how many times you’re likely being bitten by spiders in a year. In each episode, journalist and crime expert Kara Kurcz investigates the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, scientist Jennie Wickham breaks down the methodology behind the answers, and pop culture guru Molly Lucas shares relatable anecdotes that make even the gross stuff easier to digest. Together, these three friends make sure listeners walk away informed, intrigued, and ready for whatever creepy-crawly scenario comes their way because knowledge is the best antidote to “gross.”  Tune in to Oh Gross—we'rer here to make life’s messy moments more manageable.

  1. Gas Station Heroin: The Kratom Crisis

    FEB 5

    Gas Station Heroin: The Kratom Crisis

    Kratom is sold as a “natural” sleep aid, mood booster, and pain reliever—sometimes right next to energy drinks at gas stations—yet there is no consistent regulation, no standard dosing, and deeply conflicting information online about how safe it really is. In part one of this two-part Oh Gross! special, Kara and Jennie unpack the fast-growing world of kratom and its synthetic offshoots like 7-OH, exploring how an herbal tree from Southeast Asia turned into an unregulated high‑concentration supplement linked to overdoses, heart issues, and breathing suppression, especially when mixed with alcohol. You’ll hear the heartbreaking story of Hunter, an otherwise healthy 18‑year‑old who took kratom he believed was safe—recommended by a registered nurse and marketed like a harmless alternative to ibuprofen—and never woke up. His mom, surgical technologist Randy Baker‑Mead, walks us through the night he died, the shock of a toxicology report showing only kratom in his system, and her fight to warn other families and push for stronger laws after learning teens can still buy kratom in some states like an energy drink. Kara and Jennie also break down what we do know so far: how kratom interacts with brain receptors in ways similar to opioids, why state laws are all over the map, and why health officials in places like California are now issuing public warnings after a cluster of deaths tied to synthetic kratom products mixed with alcohol. This episode does not offer medical advice or tell you what to think about kratom; instead, it opens up the conversation parents, teens, and anyone considering “natural” supplements need to be having about risk, regulation, and the myth that “herbal” automatically means safe. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, you can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) for free, confidential, 24/7 support and treatment referrals. Tune in now, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss part two with kratom researcher Dr. Christopher McCurdy, who will dig into what the science actually shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  2. REPLAY: Behind the Lens: Inside Stories from Reporter Kerry Sanders

    JAN 16

    REPLAY: Behind the Lens: Inside Stories from Reporter Kerry Sanders

    In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Oh Gross! revisits our conversation with Kerry Sanders in this replay of Behind the Lens: Stories & Tips from Reporter Kerry Sanders. As communities reflect on how quickly a crisis can unfold—and how long the impact can last—this episode explores what happens when preparation, travel, and real-time reporting collide. An Emmy and Peabody Award–winning journalist and longtime NBC News correspondent, Kerry shares practical, often-overlooked advice for staying safe when traveling or navigating unfamiliar environments, especially as natural disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere. From simple habits like screenshotting maps before losing service to positioning your car for a fast exit, these small decisions can make a critical difference when things go wrong. Kerry also reflects on reporting through life-threatening situations, including Hurricane Andrew, offering a firsthand look at how journalists operate when they are not just covering a crisis, but living inside it. The conversation examines how social media has reshaped emergency reporting, amplifying both life-saving information and dangerous misinformation, and why discernment matters more than ever. This re-release serves as a reminder that preparedness is not only for journalists or first responders. Whether you are traveling, consuming breaking news, or supporting your community during a crisis, being informed, adaptable, and intentional can help protect lives, including your own. If you missed this conversation the first time, or are returning with a fresh perspective, Part 2 reinforces a simple truth: reliable information and basic preparedness go hand in hand, long before the emergency begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  3. REPLAY OF WEBBY NOMINATION - L.A. Fires Crisis Mode: Avoiding Misinformation with Kerry Sanders

    JAN 16

    REPLAY OF WEBBY NOMINATION - L.A. Fires Crisis Mode: Avoiding Misinformation with Kerry Sanders

    On the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles fires, Oh Gross! host Kara Kurcz and Molly revisits a conversation that feels just as urgent today as it did when it first aired. For Kara, interviewing Kerry Sanders was a full-circle moment. The conversation offered rare insight into how the world’s most experienced crisis journalists prepare long before disaster strikes, and how the public can take simple, practical steps to be more prepared in everyday life. Kerry Sanders, a veteran NBC News correspondent with more than 32 years in the field, has reported from 65 countries, all 7 continents, and every U.S. state, covering hundreds of natural disasters. In this Webby-nominated episode, Kara and Kerry move beyond headlines to talk about what real crisis preparedness looks like when the cameras are off. They discuss evacuation planning, what actually belongs in a go-bag, and how families can assess risk based on where they live. Kerry also reflects on his coverage of Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrina, sharing lessons that remain relevant long after a crisis ends. The episode also examines the challenge of misinformation during emergencies, including how crises can be reported without causing panic and how audiences can identify trustworthy information in an age of instant, unverified updates. This re-release is intentional. As a new year begins, the episode serves as a reminder that crisis preparedness should be part of an annual routine, not something we only think about during a disaster. Whether you are listening for the first time or returning to this conversation, the takeaway is clear: preparedness starts long before the emergency begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

Trailers

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About

Don’t let the “ick” factor hold you back—we get to the bottom of life’s toughest and grossest moments, so nothing is off-limits or unspeakable. So if you are tired of asking awkward questions on Social Media or spiraling down a misinformation Doctor Google rabbit hole, welcome to the Oh Gross! Community.  Ever wonder how many times the average person gets bitten by a spider? Or what to do about germs on a plane?  We pull back the curtain on life’s most unnerving mysteries by having real conversations with science to takeaways—that help you face the “ick” with clarity (and maybe a laugh). So don't worry about that fuzz on your fruit in the fridge or panic about what to put in your "Bug Out Bag" for emergencies. We do the research so you can skip the stress—and get the answers you didn’t know you needed. Each episode Kara, Jennie and Molly dive into a squeamish or scary subject, blending expert-driven interviews, practical tips, and plenty of personal stories and wit to help you handle whatever life (or your leftovers) throw your way. We explain the science, delve into the history, and debunk the misinformation so you can tackle life’s sticky realities with confidence. No topic is too taboo—and yes, we’ll even tell you how many times you’re likely being bitten by spiders in a year. In each episode, journalist and crime expert Kara Kurcz investigates the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, scientist Jennie Wickham breaks down the methodology behind the answers, and pop culture guru Molly Lucas shares relatable anecdotes that make even the gross stuff easier to digest. Together, these three friends make sure listeners walk away informed, intrigued, and ready for whatever creepy-crawly scenario comes their way because knowledge is the best antidote to “gross.”  Tune in to Oh Gross—we'rer here to make life’s messy moments more manageable.