312: The Next Plague

A plague is coming. We don’t know when or which one, but we do know that since humans started gathering in groups numbering in the thousands, plagues became a consistent feature of existence. So a plague is always on the horizon, and public health is the response of a healthy society. How healthy is America right now? Given that a recent NY Times investigation found that RFK Jr is laser-focused on vaccines and food dyes and not much of anything else, the news is not great. Today we look at candidates for the next plague, how unprepared the government is, and, in classic Conspirituality fashion, the wellness influencers selling products they just know will help your immune system stave off any little virus destined to become a plandemic. In This Week in Conspirituality, Matthew checks in on someone else’s health: Donald Trump, and the online prediction market that’s emerged to appease a cultural wish fulfillment. Show Notes We’re Not Ready for the Next Pandemic Hantavirus Conspiracy Theories Are Already Spreading Online Ebola, hantavirus: Is the world prepared for the next pandemic? ‘It's completely out of control’: Scientists warn bird flu could spark a human pandemic in 2026 Ebola Spread Shows Deadly Cost of Aid Retreat Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks raise questions about Trump’s health agency cuts RFK Jr. cuts jobs at minority health offices at HHS Trump admin plans to divert $2 billion in health funding to pay for USAID closure US funding cuts have hampered response to the deadly Ebola crisis, aid workers say RFK defends 25% cut to HHS budget in FY 2026 request after shrinking workforce US Withdrawal of Global Health Funding is ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’ Amid Ebola, Hantavirus Outbreaks, Democrats Decry Trump's Health Cuts Viral outbreaks are always on the horizon – here are the viruses an infectious disease expert is watching in 2026