Health Wanted podcast | Listen online for free

105 episodes

Data Centers
07/17/2026 | 52 mins.
Sure the thousands of new data centers cropping up around the country are expensive eye sores that seem to be for the sole purpose of destroying creativity and independent thought in the pursuit of capitalism. But they’re also probably a threat to your health. This week on Health Wanted we ask the chat (GPT) if data centers have us cooked.
Plus - Who’s afraid of a little explosive diarrhea? What’s the deal with oil pulling? And an update on COVID vaccines for the fall.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit healthwanted.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
USA vs the World
07/10/2026 | 52 mins.
It’s been 250 years of being the best! The best national parks, the best novelty food containers at sports arenas, the best fireworks displays! America is the best at everything!...Or are we? This week on Health Wanted, we’re asking the question, when it comes to health, is U.S.A. number one?
Plus - Flu shots are back on the menu for basic training. Is fancy genetic testing worth it? How much lead is in your toothpaste? Why does it take so long to get new sunscreen ingredients? Whatever happened to Zika babies? And the Sick of the Week.
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit healthwanted.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the Archive: Fourth of July and Summertime Safety
07/03/2026 | 51 mins.
While every holiday comes with the risk of dinner devolving into arguments about politics, the fourth of July comes with physical health risks as well. This week on Health Wanted, from hot dogs and heat to fireworks and alcohol: how to safely get the most out of your summer parties.
Plus - Can you get ringworm from your pets? What causes the “asian glow” when drinking alcohol? Does viral load mean someone who’s sicker than you can make you sicker? Could a case of mono cause scarlet fever? Are people who say cilantro tastes like soap lying for attention? Can a little bit of butter before bed prevent panic attacks?
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit healthwanted.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mosquitos
06/26/2026 | 51 mins.
Itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy, ooh I got one down my back-y. Nothing takes the fun out of a lovely day outside like being eaten alive. This week on the Health Wanted, we’ve got the buzz on summer’s greatest pest: mosquitos.
Plus - A new baby formula recall. Is orofacial myofunctional therapy real? Why don’t we give the shingles vaccine to people under 50? Is the barbell flu real? And New World screwworm is back!
For a full rundown on all the information shared in today's episode, take a look at the show notes.
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630!
For more, visit healthwanted.org
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You Asked, Laurel Answered Part 2
06/19/2026 | 16 mins.
We’re off for some much needed vacation, but fear not! We’re bringing you answers to some of our favorite questions you’ve asked and Laurel has answered, including: How scientific are personality tests? How dangerous is raw chicken? Is it safe to pee in an unflushed toilet? Does the Shingrix vaccine protect against cancer? How long can pathogens live on surfaces? Does taking melatonin lead to heart failure? And, should we all be testing our VO2 max?
Have a question for Laurel? Send it to healthwanted@wabe.org or leave a voicemail at 404-888-3630.
For more, visit healthwanted.org. To support Health Wanted and other public media programming, visit wabe.org/give.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About Health Wanted

Health Wanted brings you each week’s need-to-know public health headlines and breaks down the science behind trending topics. Host Laurel Bristow, MSc, draws on her experience as an infectious disease researcher and epidemiologist to cover everything from Ozempic to the ozone, interviewing experts and answering your questions, all in pursuit of better health. A collaboration between WABE and the Emory Rollins School of Public Health. --- This public health show is intended solely for general information purposes, and is not intended to provide medical advice, to be used in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or other conditions. The information in the show should not be relied upon in a manner that would either delay medical treatment or result in unnecessary medical treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with your health or treatment concerns.

Podcast website

Health & Wellness Science