All Episodes

September 27, 2023 102 mins

Content Warning: This podcast often uses explicit language and covers sensitive or distressing topics. It is NSFW. Listener discretion is advised.

It’s spooky season Dirtlings and you want to know what is way more scary than monsters? 

Germs, Dirtlings. The answer is germs.

Join Ellsworth and Big Spoon as we head into the Dirtstar to learn about pathogens that can cause severe illness in some and death in others! Ellie will teach us about Ignaz Sammelweis, a Hungarian physician who suspected that bacteria from autopsies was being spread to mothers about to hatch a baby or two by their doctors (ya know, the ones also messing around in the corpses) and his troublesome journey to being believed by his peers, mental health struggles and his untimely demise caused by the very thing he was trying to prove.

Riley will teach us about Mary Mallon, aka “Typhoid Mary”, a perfect example of how lacking good hand hygiene can kill your bosses family and your co-workers (don’t get any ideas, now). Riley will also discuss in depth why Mary was set up for failure; being a poor Irish immigrant simply trying to stay above the poverty line, forced isolation and lots of mentions about handmade peach ice cream.

And remember Dirtlings: Stay Dirty but wash your hands, ya filthy animals.

Check out pictures, our sources, and any other goodies we may have found on our website.

This episode is brought to you by  www.strangeadornments.com

Give Michelle a follow @strangeadornments and check out her uniquely empowering jewelry; all pieces are ethically sourced and made with the wearer in mind and at heart…

NOTE: no peach ice cream or mothers were harmed in the making of this jewelry, I guess?

Reminder: We're hobbyists, not experts. Please approach the content of this episode with that in mind, we encourage you to do your own research. Remember, facts and statistics can be misinterpreted or misused. If you're an expert on a topic we cover, we welcome additional information or corrections via our contact form on our website. Happy listening!

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.