A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

A large wooden bowl is filled with fresh, vibrant blueberries. Nestled among the berries are two upside-down baseball hats, one red and one blue, with their interiors facing upward. The scene is set on a rustic wooden table, softly lit by natural light, creating a whimsical and cozy atmosphere.

715. Blueberries That Had a New Hat Fall Into Them Twice

January 03, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of eating blueberries that had a new hat fall into them twice.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

A joyful 2025 New Year's baby, wearing a "2025" sash, holds and playfully licks a colorful, harmless snake. The backdrop features vibrant New Year's decorations, including fireworks, balloons, and a festive atmosphere, creating a whimsical and celebratory scene that blends innocence, humor, and the excitement of the new year.

714. Baby Licking a Snake

January 01, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of letting your baby lick a snake.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

The Surprising Reason Babies Are NOT Afraid of Snakes | Secret Science - YouTube
Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to snakes and rodents - Canada.ca

The image shows a butternut squash resting on lush green grass by a roadside on a sunny day. In the background, a man walks his dog along the road, which stretches into the distance. The scene is serene, blending natural elements with human activity.

713. Curb Butternut Squash

December 30, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of cooking and eating a butternut squash that you found while walking your dog.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

712. Alley Turkey

December 27, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of using the alley behind your shop for staging turkey smoking.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

A festive scene with a plate of cookies, one bitten, and partially drunk milk left for Santa, alongside carrots for the reindeer. Warm light from a fireplace and Christmas decor, including a tree and stockings, set a cozy ambiance. In the background, Santa is glimpsed departing the room.

711. Leaving Cookies and Milk Out for Santa

December 25, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of leaving cookies and milk out for Santa, and carrots for his reindeer.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

The image shows an open pint of vanilla ice cream in a plain, unbranded container on a clean kitchen counter. The surface of the ice cream is marked with mysterious, faintly glowing green spots, creating an eerie, unnatural appearance. The setting is softly lit, emphasizing the unusual details.

710. Mystery Green Spots in Ice Cream

December 23, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks associated with mysterious green spots in ice cream.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

The image shows a plate of roasted Sriracha chickpeas on a plain counter. The chickpeas are dry, shriveled, and slightly moldy, with patches of white fuzz indicating spoilage. The unappetizing appearance suggests they have been left out for days, emphasizing a sense of potential hazard and neglect.

709. Homemade Roasted Sriracha Chickpeas at Room Temperature for Days

December 20, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating homemade roasted sriracha chickpeas left at room temperature for three days.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

The image depicts a doctor in a white coat and stethoscope, holding a container of expired pasteurized milk with a puzzled expression. Behind them, on a clean kitchen counter, lies an open yogurt-making manual alongside utensils, suggesting a potential plan to repurpose the milk creatively despite its expiration.

708. Expired Pasteurized Cows Milk Used for Yogurt

December 18, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from using expired pasteurized cows milk used for yogurt.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

The image shows a plump, cheerful bat perched on a branch in a lush, green forest. It holds a colorful bunch of berries in one wing while taking a juicy bite from another berry in the other wing, surrounded by vibrant foliage and more scattered berries, exuding whimsy and charm.

707. Eating Fruit That’s Been Bitten by a Bat

December 16, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of eating fruit that has been bitten by a bat.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

The image features a cheerful black-and-white Jack Russell Terrier sitting upright indoors. One paw holds a tomato sauce jar lid, which the dog is licking, while the other paw clutches the jar. The scene is cozy and well-lit, highlighting the dog's playful nature and the glossy surfaces of the jar and lid.

706. Reused Dog Licked Sauce Lid

December 13, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of reusing a tomato sauce lid after it has been licked by a dog.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

The image shows a person wearing gloves and an apron, using a cloth towel to dry a poultry carcass on a clean kitchen counter. A modern white washing machine is visible in the background, emphasizing a bright, hygienic environment. The scene highlights care and cleanliness during food preparation.

705. Washing Poultry Blotting Towels in Cold Water

December 11, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from washing poultry blotting towels in cold water.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

A realistic depiction of a friendly, quirky character with a warm smile, casually chewing on a piece of paper featuring typed words. The character, dressed in casual clothing, is seated in a cozy indoor setting with soft lighting, surrounded by subtle details like books and a coffee cup, evoking a relaxed atmosphere.

704. Eating a Paper Ballot

December 09, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating a paper ballot.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

A crumpled fast food paper bag sits on a parking lot's asphalt, faintly stained with grease. The urban backdrop includes blurred buildings and parked cars under a cloudy sky. Scattered leaves and painted parking lines add detail, while soft daylight creates a casual, everyday atmosphere.