26 episodes

FiveThirtyEight's COVID-19 podcast is laser-focused on evidence. What do we know about the novel coronavirus, and what do we know we don't know? COVID-19 has pushed Americans into more uncertain territory than most have ever known. Our podcast helps listeners understand what they can be certain about, and what is still unknown. We investigate coronavirus mysteries, debate when it's safe to reopen the economy and keep track of the latest scientific developments on vaccines and treatments. We do it all with FiveThirtyEight's trademark blend of transparency and rigor.

PODCAST-19: FiveThirtyEight on the Novel Coronavirus ABC News

    • Natural Sciences
    • 4.4 • 251 Ratings

FiveThirtyEight's COVID-19 podcast is laser-focused on evidence. What do we know about the novel coronavirus, and what do we know we don't know? COVID-19 has pushed Americans into more uncertain territory than most have ever known. Our podcast helps listeners understand what they can be certain about, and what is still unknown. We investigate coronavirus mysteries, debate when it's safe to reopen the economy and keep track of the latest scientific developments on vaccines and treatments. We do it all with FiveThirtyEight's trademark blend of transparency and rigor.

    How To Vote Safely In A Pandemic

    How To Vote Safely In A Pandemic

    We talk with FiveThirtyEight’s Nathaniel Rakich and Maggie Koerth about how states are trying to make it safe to vote in person this Election Day, and what you should keep in mind as you go to the polls.

    • 21 min
    Would Biden’s COVID-19 Plan Be Able To Control The Pandemic?

    Would Biden’s COVID-19 Plan Be Able To Control The Pandemic?

    Joe Biden says he can fight the pandemic better than President Trump. But is his plan really that different? And does it address what experts say needs to be improved upon?

    • 17 min
    The President Took A Rare Combo Of COVID-19 Drugs. Will It Help?

    The President Took A Rare Combo Of COVID-19 Drugs. Will It Help?

    After testing positive for COVID-19 last week, President Trump was given the three experimental drugs: an antiviral, monoclonal antibodies, and a steroid. On this week’s episode of PODCAST-19, we discuss what happens when all three drugs are combined and why the average American can't expect to receive the same treatment.

    • 19 min
    The Significance Of Trump Testing Positive For COVID-19

    The Significance Of Trump Testing Positive For COVID-19

    Today we learned that President Trump tested positive for COVID-19. In this special crossover episode, the crew from the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast sat down with senior science writer and Podcast-19 contributor Maggie Koerth to talk about medical implications for the President, and the impact his diagnosis might have on the election.

    • 23 min
    The New College Experience

    The New College Experience

    As schools of all levels struggle to find a new way to educate students, universities, in particular, have had a difficult time navigating classes and campus life. On this week's show, we talk to a student navigating quarantined dorm life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a scientist who helped design a different approach to testing for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    • 18 min
    Can We Trust A Vaccine That Gets Approved?

    Can We Trust A Vaccine That Gets Approved?

    On this week’s episode of PODCAST-19, we discuss whether the FDA vaccine approval process can withstand political interference and how the agency can reassure the public that everything is working as it should.

    • 20 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
251 Ratings

251 Ratings

Maxim the Magnificent ,

More NPR than 538

I enjoy this podcast but find it sometimes has a less data oriented feel than I’d expect from a 538 production, including anecdotal, personal elements I don’t generally find valuable.

ahayron ,

Had some moments but...

Mostly this is more of the mainstream narrative, nothing special. It could have gone so much deeper into data. The few interesting counter-narrative points it had were masks and medical journal bias and inaccuracy.

CaityC ,

Hope this podcast stays science & health news focused

Quite concerned after hearing the comments from the new producer.

Top Podcasts In Natural Sciences

Listeners Also Subscribed To

More by ABC News