Hot Mic, Cold Virus

In this episode of Hot Mic, Cold Virus, Rochelle is joined by Dr. Andrea Tanner, a school nurse, college professor, and advocate for student health, to explore the often-overlooked world of infection prevention in schools. From navigating outbreaks to promoting hand hygiene and vaccination, school nurses are essential players in public health — and their challenges are real. Together, they discuss the critical role school nurses play in early detection, outbreak management, and building trust with families and staff. They also unpack barriers like limited resources, misinformation, and burnout — and what it really takes to protect student health behind the scenes. 🎧 Tune in to hear how infection prevention goes beyond hospital walls — all the way to the classroom.

In this episode of Hot Mic Cold Virus, I dive into the sticky, sweaty world of infection prevention during summer fun. Whether you're hitting the lake, grilling in the backyard, or sending your kids to camp, summer brings a whole new set of germ risks. We unpack the most common summer infections—from poolside pathogens like Naegleria fowleri to foodborne illnesses, bug bites, and everything in between. You’ll hear practical tips on water safety and wound care, vector control, and what to pack in your ultimate summer safety kit. Let’s talk ticks, towels, and why that potato salad might be the real villain of your BBQ.

In this episode, Rochelle is joined by Charlie Stillings for a deep dive into the often-overlooked world of Environmental Services (EVS). They talk about how EVS teams are essential to infection prevention, what gets in the way of collaboration, and why it's time we stop treating their work like background noise. From navigating ever-changing protocols to managing high-risk cleaning tasks, EVS professionals are doing critical, high-stakes work — often without a seat at the table. We also unpack the role of technology, the impact of inclusion (or the lack of it), and what Infection Preventionists can do to build stronger, more respectful partnerships with EVS teams. It’s time to elevate the conversation — and the people doing the work.

In this solo episode, Rochelle tackles some of the most common health myths — and sets the record straight with science. From whether cold weather actually gives you a cold, to the truth about sweating out a fever, food safety myths, and that old claim about dog mouths being cleaner than ours — it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Quick and clear — this myth-busting mini-session is public health you’ll want to remember. Resources for the episode can be found at https://rbipconsulting.com/podcast/

In this episode of 🎙️ Hot Mic, Cold Virus, Rochelle is joined by the brilliant hosts of This Podcast Will Kill You to talk all things science communication. We chat about the origins of their hit podcast, the tightrope walk of making science both accurate and engaging, and the ongoing challenges of reaching audiences in a world flooded with misinformation. We also dive into the real and rising threats facing science communication today—like politicization of public health, censorship, disinformation campaigns, and the erosion of trust in experts. It’s a timely, eye-opening conversation about why credible, compelling science storytelling 📖 matters more than ever.

History is full of legendary figures and pivotal moments—but behind many of them lurked an unseen force: disease. The Sick & Significant episodes dive into the infections that shaped history and the illnesses that afflicted the famous. From epidemics that altered the course of nations to the unexpected ailments of icons, each episode dives into the fascinating intersection of sickness and significance. Measles—often dismissed as a childhood illness—has left a devastating mark on history. In this episode of Sick & Significant, we examine two tragic cases where this virus altered lives and legacies. First, Rochelle looks at two young Hawaiian royals who contracted measles while visiting London in the 1820s. Their deaths highlighted the vulnerability of Indigenous populations to foreign diseases and foreshadowed the devastating epidemics that would later sweep through Hawaii. Then, Rochelle shifts to a deeply personal tragedy—the loss of Roald Dahl’s daughter, Olivia, to measles encephalitis in 1962. This heartbreaking event shaped the beloved author’s life and turned him into a passionate advocate for vaccination. How did a single disease impact both a royal dynasty and a literary legend? Let's uncover the lasting significance of measles in history.

Welcome to the third episode of Hot Mic, Cold Virus! 🎙️ Today, Rochelle is joined by Meg Sorg—Doctor of Nursing Practice, pediatric nurse practitioner, assistant professor, and a current medical student. Together, they take a deep dive into measles, one of the most contagious viruses of all time. They explore its history, examine the latest outbreaks making headlines, and uncover the serious complications that make this disease far more than just a rash and fever. Most importantly, they discuss the power of vaccination—the single most effective way to protect yourself and your community. You won’t want to miss this episode! 🔥🦠

Welcome to Episode 2 of Hot Mic, Cold Virus! (The podcast formerly known as Let's Talk About It). 🎉 This time, Rochelle is diving into the fascinating world of infection prevention in behavioral health! 🏥💭She sits down with an IP who also has a background as a behavioral health nurse to unpack the unique challenges, fast-paced changes, and creative problem-solving that come with keeping patients and staff safe in this dynamic environment. From balancing safety with patient care to navigating ever-evolving protocols and pandemics, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and practical tips. You don’t want to miss it! ✨

Welcome to the first episode of the new series, Hot Mic, Cold Virus! 🎉 In this kickoff episode, Rochelle sits down with a Kentucky-based Infection Preventionist to dive into her experience managing a Candida auris outbreak. 🦠 They talk about how she first discovered the outbreak, the key steps of an outbreak investigation, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. You won’t want to miss this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at real-world infection prevention!