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.
Sharing the Story of Agar and Fanny Angelina Hesse: Dr. Corrado Nai
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 Angelina Hesse introduced agar to the lab, and why it matters.
Topics covered in this episode:
How Corrado got interested in microbiology, became a science writer, and is now creating a graphic novel about Fanny Angelina Hesse
What agar is how microbiologists use it
The story of Fanny Angelina Hesse and how agar became so important in microbiology
How little-known Fanny Angelina Hesse is
New historical material Corrado uncovered
The upcoming graphic novel about Fanny Angelina Hesse
At-home microbiology activity: Discovering the Microbial World: Create Your Own Agar Plates (https://joyfulmicrobe.com/create-agar-plates/)
JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/fanny-hesse-corrado-nai/ (https://joyfulmicrobe.com/fanny-hesse-corrado-nai/)
AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/create-agar-plates/ (https://joyfulmicrobe.com/create-agar-plates/)
JOYFUL MICROBE TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/ (https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/)
JOYFUL MICROBE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/ (https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/)
SUPPORT JOYFUL MICROBE: https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/ (https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/)
21 Jul 2025
Are Oysters Safe to Eat Raw? Understanding the Microbes and Risks: Dr. Rachel Diner
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 that influence their prevalence, but it’s also full of practical advice.
Listen to the episode to learn how there’s a lot more to the story when it comes to oysters and the bacteria they harbor.
Topics covered in this episode:
How Rachel got interested in microbiology and became an Assistant Professor researching aquatic microbes at the University of Memphis
How we get sick from oysters and what microbes are involved
Can you tell if oysters will make you sick from smelling them?
How does Vibrio get into oysters?
How much Vibrio will make us sick?
The roles of Vibrios in the environment
How environmental factors (water temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels) influence the prevalence and virulence of microbes in oyster populations
Are there certain times of year when it’s safer to eat oysters? (Only months that end in R)
Rachel’s advice as a microbiologist when it comes to oysters
Microbiology misconceptions
Shifts in the field of non-model systems’ microbiomes
At-home microbiology activity: Winogradsky columns (learn some helpful tips on running these columns)
JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/oyster-microbiology-rachel-diner/ (https://joyfulmicrobe.com/oyster-microbiology-rachel-diner/)
AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/winogradsky-column/ (https://joyfulmicrobe.com/winogradsky-column/)
JOYFUL MICROBE TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/ (https://twitter.com/joyfulmicrobe/)
JOYFUL MICROBE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/ (https://www.instagram.com/justineldees/)
SUPPORT JOYFUL MICROBE: https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/ (https://ko-fi.com/joyfulmicrobe/)
27 Nov 2024
The Impact of Alcohol on the Gut Microbiome: Andrew Day
Microbiology researcher Andrew Day explores the gut microbiome's surprising role in addiction and how alcohol disrupts the gut microbiome, offering insights into the broader impacts of alcohol on health and behavior.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
28 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
Contact Joyful Microbe
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Joyful Microbe?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
