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Outbreak after dark
Created by Infectious Dose host and writer Heather McSharry, PhD, Outbreak After Dark takes the same commitment to evidence-based science and applies it to a different kind of entry point: atmosphere, history, folklore, and the unsettling questions that make people lean in rather than tune out.
Instead of lectures or traditional deep dives, each episode begins with something that sounds scary, strange, or unbelievable — and then carefully separates fear from fact and rumor from reality. The goal isn’t to turn listeners into scientists; it’s to meet people where curiosity lives.
Every episode also follows a ritual. There’s a fire at the hosts’ side, along with a themed cocktail and mocktail, a savory snack, and a dessert — all designed to match the story being told. Every recipe is shared in the companion blog post, so listeners can eat and drink along if they choose.
Around the fire are co-hosts Kate and Sam, whose curiosity, humor, and sharp instincts help shape each story as it unfolds. Together with Heather, they bring different perspectives to the same question: what’s actually going on here — and why do people believe what they believe?
Most episodes focus on real outbreaks, myths, and medical mysteries. But Outbreak After Dark also makes room for occasional exploratory formats, including narrative reimaginings and themed specials — such as a dark retelling of A Christmas Carol through the lens of tuberculosis. In those episodes, the story comes first, followed by snacks, drinks, and conversation by the fire.
Kate
Co-host | Library Witch
Kate brings cultural context, dry humor, and a sharp instinct for when things turn from intriguing to deeply unsettling. She voices the listener reaction — often with sarcasm — and pulls the conversation back into focus.
The Listener’s Advocate
Sam
Co-host | Tech Sage
Sam grounds the stories in real-world logic, and asks the practical questions that turn shock into understanding. She connects the dots, zooms out if needed, and uses wit to keep the science approachable when things get strange.
The Grounding Voice
meet the co-hosts
sam: Co-host | Tech Sage
The Scientific Storyteller
The Grounding Voice
Sam grounds the stories in real-world logic, and asks the practical questions that turn shock into understanding. She connects the dots, zooms out if needed, and uses wit to keep the science approachable when things get strange.
Heather: Host | Sci-Coms Guru
The Scientific Storyteller
Heather sets the tone, guides each story from rumor to reality, keeps the science sharp, and lets the narrative breathe. She opens the fire circle, follows the evidence, and wields humor to make heavy truths easier to face.
heather
Host | Sci-Coms Guru
Sam grounds the stories in real-world logic, and asks the practical questions that turn shock into understanding. She connects the dots, zooms out if needed, and uses wit to keep the science approachable when things get strange.
The Listener's Advocate
Kate brings cultural context, dry humor, and a sharp instinct for when things turn from intriguing to deeply unsettling. She voices the listener reaction — often with sarcasm — and pulls the conversation back into focus.
