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PODCAST

Joyful Microbe

Justine Dees, PhD

All about the microbes we encounter in our daily lives (with or without realizing it). The Joyful Microbe podcast helps you see how bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa live everywhere around us and constantly impact our lives. Host Justine Dees, PhD talks to microbiology experts of all kinds to share the amazing variety of these fascinating microorganisms. Usually, we think of infections, but microbiology is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

science life sciences

All Episodes

62:42

Sharing the Story of Agar and Fanny Angelina Hesse:...

Joyful Microbe ·

2025/10/25

Agar is a crucial tool used daily in most microbiologists’ work. It’s the stuff that goes in Petri dishes for microbes to grow on. But many microbiologists are unaware of how this substance became so important in the field. A woman named Fanny Angelina Hesse played a significant role in this story, yet she remains largely unknown in microbiology. Dr. Corrado Nai is making it his mission to change this. In this episode, we chat about how he’s writing a graphic novel on the untold story of how Fanny

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50:15

Are Oysters Safe to Eat Raw? Understanding the...

Joyful Microbe ·

2025/07/21

Oysters can be risky to eat raw, but what microbes are actually responsible? Is there more to it than just chance? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Rachel Diner, Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis researching aquatic microbes, to find out.Here, we discuss the hidden world of bacteria in oysters, exploring the roles these organisms play in the environment and their impact on human health. Our conversation digs into the complexities of Vibrio bacteria and the environmental conditions

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74:12

The Impact of Alcohol on the Gut Microbiome: Andrew Day

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/11/27

Can drinking alcohol impact our gut health? It sure can. Since our gut health is so crucial for our overall health, this episode focuses on the connection between alcohol consumption and the microbial component of our gut health, the gut microbiome. In this episode, I spoke with microbiology researcher Andrew Day about how alcohol disrupts the gut microbiome and mycobiome — the fungal community in the gut — causing changes that affect the body and brain.We explore whether quitting alcohol can heal

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75:03

Science-Backed Approaches to Gut Health: Kristina...

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/10/31

Gut health has become a major topic in wellness, influencing everything from grocery choices to discussions on social media. Research increasingly shows the gut microbiome’s role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. But with so much information available, it’s hard to separate science from trend. In this episode, I talk with Kristina Campbell, a science writer known for her expertise in the microbiome. As the author of Gut Health for Dummies, Kristina shares practical, research-based insights to

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53:40

How Microbes Are Useful in Agriculture: Dr. Barry...

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/09/30

Have you ever stopped to think about the teeming world hidden beneath your feet? It's not just dirt down there; it's a vibrant ecosystem teeming with microbes!These unseen organisms play a critical role in our daily lives, impacting everything from the food we eat to the air we breathe. In this episode, we'll delve into the fascinating world of soil microbes and explore how they're revolutionizing agriculture.As the agricultural sector faces growing challenges from rising input

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44:57

Coloring the Microbial World: Drs. Sarah Wettstadt...

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/08/27

Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore. In fact, one unique coloring book is bringing the fascinating world of bacteria to life for all ages. In this Joyful Microbe podcast episode, we’re exploring "Coloured Bacteria from A to Z" with the scientists behind this delightful educational resource.Whether you're a parent looking to spark your child's interest in science, a teacher searching for engaging hands-on learning materials, or an adult who enjoys the calming act of

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69:45

Making Microscopy Accessible with Foldscope: Holly...

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/07/31

Understanding microbes is an essential part of appreciating the natural world and our environment. But exploring microbiology using a traditional microscope comes with the potential barriers of cost and complexity, sometimes preventing hands-on learning experiences in schools and communities. Imagine having the power to explore the microscopic world with an affordable, simple, and durable microscope. The Foldscope makes this exploration accessible to everyone, from students to lifelong learners. It

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52:07

Degrading Plastic Through the Power of Microbes:...

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/07/02

Plastic waste in our oceans is a significant problem, but some bacteria might offer a solution. Did you know that certain bacteria can break down plastic?Plastic pollution affects wildlife and can even enter our food and water. As plastic production increases, finding better ways to manage this material is essential.Current recycling methods are not very efficient. Most plastic ends up in landfills or the environment after just one use, and it can take centuries to degrade.Researchers are

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73:25

Lichen Basics: Dr. Jessica Allen

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/05/29

Have you ever noticed the colorful growths on trees and rocks but weren't sure what they were? Lichens are all around us yet often overlooked. They play important roles in ecosystems and can even indicate air quality. Many people don't fully understand these symbiotic organisms or appreciate their significance.In this episode, you'll learn about the fascinating world of lichens from lichenologist Dr. Jessica Allen. We discuss what lichens are, their importance in nature, how they live,

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49:59

Plant Pathogen Lettuce Downy Mildew: Dr. Kelsey Wood

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/04/25

Have you ever noticed little white fluffy spots or yellowish patches on your lettuce at the grocery store? This could be downy mildew, a microbe that infects lettuce and other leafy greens.This microbe might not be well-known, but it's of great importance due to its effects on the agriculture industry and the food we buy. It poses a significant challenge for farmers by potentially wiping out entire crops. If we unknowingly purchase lettuce or herbs infected with downy mildew from the organic

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77:04

Safe Chicken Handling from Supermarket to Backyard:...

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/03/27

While many microbes bring benefits, pathogens are the focus when ensuring food safety. This episode dives into practical tips for enjoying chicken, whether you buy chicken or eggs from the store or raise your own chickens for eggs in your backyard.Join food safety expert Dr. Andrea Etter as she shares insights into preventing foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. Dr. Etter is an assistant professor specializing in food microbiology and food safety at the

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51:13

The Skin Microbiome and Our Health: Dr. Aayushi Uberoi

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/02/29

Have you ever stopped to think about the bustling world of life thriving right on your skin? Billions of microscopic organisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome, call this complex ecosystem home, playing a vital role in our health.Many of us are unaware of the intricate dance between our skin and its microbial residents. This delicate balance can tip, potentially leading to various health concerns. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of the skin microbiome with

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48:53

The Gut Virome: Michael Shamash

Joyful Microbe ·

2024/01/18

Have you ever thought about the trillions of invisible, microscopic entities inhabiting your body right now? While much of the microbiome spotlight shines on bacteria, there's a hidden side to this story that many people overlook.In this podcast episode, we discuss the lesser-known residents of our microbiome: viruses. These tiny but potent entities are fundamental players in our gut's ecosystem. And Michael Shamash, a microbiology researcher studying these viruses, shares all the profound

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40:56

Sustainability Through Biodegradation: Jhonatan...

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/10/19

Are you curious about how microbes are involved in creating a more sustainable world? Those tiny, often-overlooked organisms hold a remarkable secret — the power to break down chemicals through biodegradation. Imagine a world where plastics and other challenging compounds, often seen as environmental villains, could be transformed into environmentally-friendly products.In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes to discuss how these microbes are revolutionizing our approach to

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51:33

The Lab Coat Project: Dr. Derek Miller

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/09/11

Lab coats are an integral part of the world of microbiology, serving as a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). When we envision a microbiologist at work wearing their crisp lab coat, we often associate it with professionalism and scientific rigor. However, the reality is that lab coats, while essential, don't always live up to expectations. For many scientists, they can be a source of frustration rather than confidence.This is why Dr. Derek Miller, founder of Genius Lab Gear,

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68:57

Teaching High School Microbiology with Passion and...

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/08/30

Are you a science educator who wants to spark curiosity in your high school students with microbiology? In this world of information overload and digital distractions, capturing the attention of today's learners might seem like an uphill battle. That’s why, in this podcast episode, I chatted with Clara Marcelín, a seasoned high school science educator. She shares her methods for transforming microbiology education into an engaging and lifelong passion. Get ready to discover fresh strategies that

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23:03

The Aromatic World of Microbes: Exploring the...

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/07/20

Have you ever caught a whiff of something and wondered, "What in the world is responsible for this?" Well, the world of microbes might hold the answer. These tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, have the remarkable ability to produce smells that range from delightful to downright repulsive. It's a world where the nose becomes a gateway to a range of odors, each telling a microbial story.As a curious microbiologist, I couldn't resist asking my fellow scientists about their

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69:03

What Really Makes Something Dirty: Dr. Sandra Wilks

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/06/30

In a world where news articles claim that your water bottle has more bacteria than a toilet seat, it's natural to worry about microorganisms making you sick. However, it’s important to embrace the microbial world around us because they play crucial roles in our lives, and without them, we would be in bad shape. So, in this episode of the Joyful Microbe podcast, we’re covering how to appreciate microbes while maintaining a healthy respect for them.For this topic, I wanted to discuss these ideas

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57:47

Algae in Nature and Biotechnology: Dr. Kyle Lauersen

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/05/30

In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of algae and biotechnology with Dr. Kyle Lauersen. He is an Assistant Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia and leads a research group focusing on engineering algae for useful purposes.We cover everything from the basics of algae and their role in nature to their potential to drive sustainability. These tiny yet powerful organisms hold incredible secrets. Discover how metabolic engineering

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16:32

Introducing Joyful Microbiology Activities

Joyful Microbe ·

2023/04/27

I'm thrilled to announce that in this podcast episode, I read the introduction chapter of my brand new ebook, Joyful Microbiology Activities. This book has been a labor of love, and I'm so excited to share it with you.Microbiology is a fascinating subject studying organisms that are often viewed negatively as “those gross and scary germs.” However, my goal with this ebook is to shift that perception and show you that microbes are incredibly important in our lives and can even bring joy

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42 results

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