Patient Zero

I wrote my masters thesis on Lyme disease and actually did research with one of the interviewees in the final episode and even I learned a lot from this show! Seriously a must-listen for anyone living in the Northeast.

This podcast produced by New Hampshire Public Radio is a deep dive look at Lyme disease; its history, origins, but also the precariousness that comes with the diagnosis. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, skin rash, and when left untreated heart, nerve, and joint issues. I didn’t know there could be so much “controversy” around a disease. I thought in the medical profession that there were knowns and unknowns but I guess it makes sense there are things up for debate. This podcast confronts this and so much more like misinformation of this understudied illness. No matter what you’re into, this podcast touches it a bit. It listens like true crime but instead of crooks, the offenders are bacteria. This being said I don’t think the show is gross when it comes to the medical details at all. The eight-part series has three really great bonus episodes but they should all be listened to in order. It’s chocked-full of compelling reporting and solid production quality which comes as no surprise seeing how it came from the same team that produced Bear Brook. Host and reporter, Taylor Quimby, is also a senior producer for NHPR’s widely popular Outside/In podcast and comes to Patient Zero with personal experience. In 2017, Quimby had his own confrontation with the infection which he speaks about lightly throughout the pod. The search for answers about the condition was a major motivation for the show. Apple podcasts have 4.1 stars and 1,300 ratings. It was also named one of the best listens of 2019 by the same. Average episode length is 33 minutes and the music is discreet. The script involves some interviews and the host narrating the story of the disease. Sound effects were barely noticeable to me but bothered some. Trigger warnings for hopelessness and medical scenarios. Similar Pods: This Much is True, This Podcast Will Kill You, and Emerging Infectious Diseases For more reviews check out @themastercast on instagram and @mastercastpods on twitter

This podcast was amazing. I listened to all the episodes in about 2 sittings. I was extremely interested right from the beginning and my interest never wavered. The host presents information in a very easy-to-understand manner and it’s easy to follow. Not only does this podcast talk about a disease, but it also includes a bit of epidemiological information about the spread of the disease and its history. I am really hoping that this podcast comes out with a second season because I am now a dedicated fan!

I was surprised how accurate and thorough this journalist was in his research and storytelling. There were a few things omitted but what he said was accurate. I thought it was excellent!

No idea how they have dragged this pod out for so many episodes. It has become so tedious and boring. You’re bombarded with tidbits of information from random voices and “experts” that are often unidentified. It is mind numbing. If you’re affected by Lyme, I could see how it may be of interest. Just not for me, and I really like medical information.