Podhero Picks: The Measured Take on the Coronavirus Outbreak Edition
Friends, we’re in uncharted territory.
On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 (known more commonly as the “coronavirus”) a pandemic, meaning “a disease epidemic that has spread across a large region; for instance multiple continents, or worldwide.” The instability of the diagnosis numbers and novel nature of how it’s spreading has people in a panic — I mean, seriously, have you tried to buy toilet paper in the last week?
We’re keeping calm and washing our hands (and cleaning our phones, which you should also do!), but also taking note of podcasts with interesting takes on the pandemic. Here are a few of the ones that have gotten our attention in the past few weeks:
The Daily, “The Coronavirus Goes Global”
If you’ve heard any episode on this list, it’s probably this one. Its measured and expository take on how the virus’s genesis in China has led us to where we are now is important — even as the disease progresses — as misinformation and anxiety pops up. If you haven’t heard it yet, we’d recommend that you start here, while acknowledging that the circumstances are evolving quickly and a few newer episodes have covered the updates.
The Alarmist, “Alarmist Alert: Coronavirus”
Earios’ comedy history podcast The Alarmist is usually dedicated to finding the levity in some of history’s greatest disasters. Prior episodes have covered tragedies as heavy as the sinking of the Titanic, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and even previous epidemics like Mad Cow disease — and as light as the Pitt/Aniston breakup or #Megxit. But host Rebecca Delgado Smith knows when a disaster in progress needs her voice, and she uses it here in a bonus episode that features UCLA infectious disease expert Dr. Otto Yang. It dispels rumors about how the virus can be spread, is reasonable about recommended prevention strategies, and hopefully will reassure you as panic continues to heighten.
Code Switch, “When Fear of the Coronavirus Turns Into Racism and Xenophobia”
While the genesis of the virus and its erratic spread is unprecedented, there are other elements of this experience that sadly feel all too familiar. Given the disease’s apparent origins in China, a distressing and disappointing pattern of racism against Asian-American. This episode of NPR’s Code Switch shines a light on earlier instances when these patterns have taken hold, while dispelling why this approach only hurts us in the long run as a society.
American History Tellers, “What We Learned from Fighting the Spanish Flu”
One last recommendation from history, before we move into how we navigate a world with COVID-19 in the present. Wondery’s American History Tellers did an episode last year about the Spanish flu, one of our last widespread pandemics. Just as has been the case with this round of disease, it uncovered the cracks in our abilities to respond to such a pervasive health threat. The good news? Some of the infrastructure we developed as a result still stands today, and represents the tools we have to work with today…and shows the potential we have to collaborate internationally to address this new threat.
Bon Appétit Foodcast, “The Basically Guide to Better Baking”
Worried about what your stockpile looks (or should look) like? This is the podcast that’ll set you on the right path — but be warned, this episode is a sneak attack of sorts. The first half features BA’s editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport in conversation with Basically’s editor Sarah Jampel about the basics of baking. In the second half, we get to the meat of the matter so to speak: a conversation with Test Kitchen editors Carla Lalli Music and Sohla El-Waylly about the art and detail of a balanced, useful, and measured stock of essentials.
Being Boss, “Rituals and Routines”
As a result of the recommended “social distancing” measures designed to slow the spread of the virus, many people are coming to work from home practices for the first time. It’s not easy to transition from an office environment to a “home work” scenario — after all, most of us aren’t accustomed to that sort of productivity in a space designed for personal comfort. So we’re spotlighting Emily Thompson and Kathleen Shannon’s edition of Being Boss dedicated to rituals and routines. Developing these habits is essential for your productivity and your sanity; as such, we want to make sure you have the tools to adjust to your new normal.
Planet Money, “Where’s the Vaccine?”
Efforts to create and distribute (a) tests for COVID-19, and (b) a vaccine for the virus, have been regrettably slow in the US. The urgency we’re feeling has many of us asking why. As with so many other elements of our experience, the answer is tied to money. This episode of Planet Money outlines the financial structures and challenges that may be keeping us from an effective and widespread cure.
Infection Prevention Spotlight, “Infection Prevention Basics Work Against the New Coronavirus, Too!”
Created by an Infection Prevention specialist who’s certified in Infection Control, this podcast was a welcome find in a world where we’re seeing both hopelessness and high-strungedness in response to this pandemic. In ten short minutes, host Kara Mullane reassures us that we have everything we need to do and reviews “known, effective, tried and true measures of preventing infections like and including the novel coronavirus.”
The Red Room Podcast, “Top 20 TV Themes and TV Talk”
Do you have a handwashing song yet? Don’t want to taint the otherwise happy memories of “Happy Birthday”? Good news: in the heyday of TV theme songs, most options were at least 30 seconds long…which coincides with the CDC’s recommendations for the length of time you should wash. We’re ending this list with a bit of a fun, highlighting hosts Joshua Minton and Scott Ryan’s favorite picks from the bygone era. Pick one, learn to hum it, and don’t forget your wrists!
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