Introducing the Joyful Microbe Podcast

The Joyful Microbe Podcast is launching on March 25!

So, here is a brief introduction to the podcast.

The Joyful Microbe podcast is a show all about the microbes we encounter in our daily lives. 

Listen to the introductory episode

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In this episode, I introduce myself, explain why I am creating this podcast, and tell what the Joyful Microbe podcast will be about.

A little history about me and the Joyful Microbe

I’m Justine Dees, PhD, the founder of the Joyful Microbe. Ever since I started the Joyful Microbe blog in 2018, I’ve thought about starting a podcast. And now I’m finally doing it!

I absolutely love microbes, the invisible creatures that profoundly impact our lives. That’s why I got a PhD in microbiology to study these amazing organisms. After graduating, I worked for a couple of years as a postdoc doing more research. During that time, I discovered my passion for sharing about the microbial world on the Joyful Microbe.

So, I decided to leave the lab bench, stop doing research, and pursue a career that would allow me to tell others about science full time. So, I started a science writing business where I work with life science companies to create their online content. And, of course, I run the Joyful Microbe.

I’ve loved biology ever since my mom sent me to a science summer camp as a kid. (That’s right. It was the best.) And when I went to college, I got a bachelor’s degree in biology. During that time, I realized how much I loved microbiology. After graduating, I worked as a microbiologist for four years before going back to school. My first job was as a microbiology laboratory technician at a medical device manufacturer called Covidien (Medtronic). Then, I was a laboratory manager and microbiology lab instructor at Daytona State College in Florida.

After working for four years as a microbiologist, I wanted to continue my education in microbiology. So, I decided to pursue a PhD in microbiology, where I studied the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria and how microbes interact to cause nasty infections.

During all of this time, I always cared so much about being able to explain science, especially microbiology, to anyone. Now, I want to do that through this podcast.

Science can be difficult to understand because it is inherently complex. And honestly, I get bored reading many science articles and even listening to some podcasts that talk about journal articles because they are dry, full of jargon, and as a result, too complicated to understand without a lot of background knowledge. So, I decided to start this podcast where anyone could come to listen and learn about microbes through simple, easy-to-understand episodes with as little jargon as possible.

So, why talk about microbes? Well, because microbes are amazing. They do so many crazy things that most of us don’t even realize they are doing. They make our food taste better. You know about fermented foods? Yup, they help make bread, wine, beer, cheese, chocolate, coffee, and the list goes on. They make the soil healthy to help crops grow better. They produce antibiotics, create oxygen, keep us healthy and our immune systems functioning properly, and even smell good (geosmin, that earthy smell, yes, that’s from microbes). 

Of course, certain microbes — the ones that make us sick — are not so joyful. And you will learn about those here too. But remember, they account for only a fraction of the organisms in the microbial world.

It’s incredible all of the things they do. If you want to learn how microbes are involved in just about every aspect of our lives, then you’re in the right place.

So, the Joyful Microbe is the podcast where you can come to learn the coolest stuff about microbes in our daily lives, microbiology research, and what it’s like being a microbiologist.

This podcast will help you see how bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa live everywhere around us and constantly impact our lives in both good and bad ways. 

Usually, when we think about microbiology, we think of infections. But microbiology is SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

So, why am I starting a podcast when I already have a blog?

Well, it’s because I absolutely love podcasts and audiobooks — anything where I can listen and learn at the same time. So, I want to provide that for you.

What can you expect from the Joyful Microbe podcast?

Some episodes will be interviews, and others will be solo shows. I’ll be talking to microbiology experts of all kinds to share the incredible variety of fascinating organisms that have an impact on us every single day. 

You can expect to learn information about microbes we can all relate to and leave with tangible takeaways. You will also get some ideas for microbiology activities you can do at home so you can experience the microbial world in a hands-on way. It won’t be super complicated and full of jargon. And there won’t be any in-depth discussions of research papers. 

So, this podcast is meant to be accessible to anyone — both scientists and non-scientists — for anyone to enjoy.

Why is it called the Joyful Microbe?

Microbes are mostly something to be celebrated and enjoyed. And if you listen to this podcast, you’ll find out why. I’ve already mentioned a few reasons: fermented foods, our healthy immune systems, antibiotics, and good smells. But at the same time, I do not want to ignore the fact that some microbes make us sick. 

So, here’s a fair warning: I will not always discuss joyful topics — especially when they relate to health and disease. I believe it is important to address both aspects of the microbial world.

Who is the Joyful Microbe podcast for?

Maybe you are a parent with a child who asked you, “why do I need to wash my hands?” Perhaps you are a college student who is interested in pursuing a career in microbiology, and you want to see what it’s like. Maybe you are a graduate student in microbiology, and you want to read some interesting tidbits about microbes. Maybe you are a professor, and you want to find some information on a microbiology topic that would be easy to share with your students. Maybe you are a teacher that needs to find some microbiology activities for your class. Whoever you are, I’m so glad you are here and want to learn more about the microbial world.

Go check out the Joyful Microbe podcast!

• info about microbes we can all relate to
• tangible takeaways
• ideas for microbiology activities you can do at home 
• no in-depth discussions of research papers
• not super complicated and full of jargon
• for anyone to enjoy, both scientists and non-scientists

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Feel free to email me at hello@joyfulmicrobe.com. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Thanks so much, microbe friends.