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Life Sciences · Justine Dees, PhD

Joyful Microbe

by 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.

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

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

Oct 25 2025
1 h 02 min

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, Assistan

Jul 21 2025
50 min

The Impact of Alcohol on the Gut Microbiome: Andrew Day

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

Nov 27 2024
1 h 14 min

Science-Backed Approaches to Gut Health: Kristina Campbell

Gut health has become a major topic in wellness, influencing everything from grocery choices to discussions on social media. Research increasingly shows the gut microbiom

Oct 31 2024
1 h 15 min

How Microbes Are Useful in Agriculture: Dr. Barry Goldman

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 uns

Sep 30 2024
53 min

Coloring the Microbial World: Drs. Sarah Wettstadt and Noémie Matthey

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

Aug 27 2024
44 min

Making Microscopy Accessible with Foldscope: Holly Stuart

Understanding microbes is an essential part of appreciating the natural world and our environment. But exploring microbiology using a traditional microscope comes with th

Jul 31 2024
1 h 09 min

Degrading Plastic Through the Power of Microbes: Angie Beckett

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 pollut

Jul 2 2024
51 min

Lichen Basics: Dr. Jessica Allen

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 i

May 29 2024
1 h 13 min

Plant Pathogen Lettuce Downy Mildew: Dr. Kelsey Wood

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

Apr 25 2024
49 min

Safe Chicken Handling from Supermarket to Backyard: Dr. Andrea Etter

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 chicke

Mar 27 2024
1 h 17 min

The Skin Microbiome and Our Health: Dr. Aayushi Uberoi

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,

Feb 29 2024
51 min

The Gut Virome: Michael Shamash

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, th

Jan 18 2024
48 min

Sustainability Through Biodegradation: Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes

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

Oct 19 2023
40 min

The Lab Coat Project: Dr. Derek Miller

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 we

Sep 11 2023
51 min

Teaching High School Microbiology with Passion and Purpose: Clara Marcelín

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, ca

Aug 30 2023
1 h 08 min

The Aromatic World of Microbes: Exploring the Delightful and Repulsive Smells

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 organis

Jul 20 2023
23 min

What Really Makes Something Dirty: Dr. Sandra Wilks

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’

Jun 30 2023
1 h 09 min

Algae in Nature and Biotechnology: Dr. Kyle Lauersen

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

May 30 2023
57 min

Introducing Joyful Microbiology Activities

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 o

Apr 27 2023
16 min

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