Hot Mic, Cold Virus

Infection Prevention in Schools: A Nurse's Frontline Perspective

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.

Summer Safety

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.

EVS: The Unsung Heroes of Healthcare Safety

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.

Science Communication Part 2: Myth Busting

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/

Science Communication: A Conversation with This Podcast Will Kill You

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.