Okay, But Why?!...A Science and Pop Culture Podcast

Jan 21 2025 13 ep. 47 mins 3
Okay, But Why?!...A Science and Pop Culture Podcast artwork

Join us as we dive into the intersection of pop culture and groundbreaking science, unraveling the stories that have shaped our scientific landscape. This podcast covers historical and life-altering moments, serving them up in a witty and relatable style that even industry newbies can savor.

  Education  Science  Society & Culture
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The Mystery Behind Humbug Billy and the Bradford Sweets

Jan 21 2025 67 mins  
In this episode of Okay, But Why, we dive into the curious case of the Bradford Sweets Poisoning—a story filled with mystery, suspicion, and a cast of unforgettable characters. At the heart of it all is Humbug Billy, a man whose involvement in this strange incident has left people asking: Was it an accident? A deliberate act? Or something more complicated?Join us as we explore th

The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks

Dec 30 2024 67 mins  
In this episode we explore the powerful story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells changed the course of medical history. Uncover the legacy of the HeLa cells, the ethical controversies, and the woman behind the science in this deep dive into one of the most significant yet overlooked figures in medicine.For compliments, comments or feedback, reach out to us at [email protected]

London Choked: The Story of the Great Smog

Nov 20 2024 49 mins  
In December 1952, a thick, toxic fog descended on London, transforming the city into a living nightmare. But what caused this deadly haze, and why did it lead to thousands of deaths? Join us on 'Okay But Why,' hosted by Microbac, as we dive into the Great Smog of London—an environmental disaster that exposed the hidden dangers of industrialization, changed public health policy fo

Cursed Crops: How Ergot Poisoned History

Oct 14 2024 49 mins  
In this episode of Okay, But Why?, we dive deep into the sinister world of ergot – a toxic fungus that has plagued human history through tainted grains. For centuries, ergot outbreaks have caused mass sickness and death, unleashing terrifying symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, gangrene, and madness. But how did this deadly fungus creep into the food supply, and why did it ha

The Tragedy of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study

Sep 17 2024 53 mins  
In this episode, we take a hard look at one of medicine’s most shameful secrets—the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. How did a 40-year “experiment” leave hundreds of African American men untreated for syphilis under the guise of science? We’ll break down the twisted logic, the ethical disasters, and how this scandal still haunts public trust today. It's a cautionary tale of what

Molasses Mayhem: The Sticky Disaster of 1919

Aug 15 2024 41 mins  
In this episode of Okay, But Why?, we dive into one of the most bizarre and tragic events in American history: the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. Imagine a tidal wave of sticky, thick molasses rushing through the streets of Boston, causing chaos and destruction in its wake. But how could such a sweet substance turn so deadly? Join us as we unravel the mystery behind this disaster, e

"Nuclear Nightmares: The Three Mile Island Incident"

Jul 12 2024 58 mins  
Imagine a future powered by clean, cheap energy. The Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant, built near major Pennsylvania cities, promised just that. But after only a year, a partial meltdown turned that dream into a near-catastrophe. Coincidentally, a movie predicting a similar disaster and cover-up had just been released. As the crisis unfolded, poor communication from the company fuel

The Worst Drug Scandal: Thalidomide Babies

Jun 14 2024 50 mins  
The drug Thalidomide entered the marked in the late 50's and 10s of thousands of mothers around the world used it to fight morning sickness with no prescription needed. Little did they know, it would be linked to a 5 time increase in birth defects and infant death. The Thalidomide scandal changed drug regulations around the world but the drug is still used today. This drug story ha

Mad Cow Outbreak, Prions, and Zombie Deer, Oh My!

May 15 2024 45 mins  
In the late 80s a cow was diagnosed with Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, AKA Mad Cow Disease which started an outbreak that led to hundreds of thousands of animals diagnosed, millions culled, and almost 200 human deaths. The Mad Cow Disease outbreak changed what we know about prions and affects trade markets still. But cows aren't the only ones at risk....

Unsolved: The Tylenol Murders

Apr 04 2024 40 mins  
Imagine having a headache or pain and popping a few Tylenols only to be poisoned and die within a few hours. The Tylenol murders rocked the nation and changed how all of our items are packaged. Still unsolved, these cases caused massive public panic and recalls before our drugs and food completely changed how we sell and expect to receive our products.