The Podcast

JOURNALIST / RETIRED NBC NEWS CORRESPONDENT

Crisis Mode: Avoiding Misinformation in Chaos

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An Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist with 40 years of experience, Kerry Sanders spent 32 years with NBC News. He has reported from all seven continents, 50 states, and 65 countries. His fearless coverage included embedding with Marines in Iraq, sharing personal stories from 100 named storms like Hurricane Katrina, and documenting fires in the Amazon.

On Oh Gross!, Kerry shares invaluable lessons from a lifetime of navigating the world’s toughest challenges.

Watch Now on Oh Gross!

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MASTER PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO)

FROM ALARM TO ACTION

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As Chair of the Florida Association of Public Information Officers and the Florida PIO Deployment Team, Mike Jachles is critical to ensuring clear and effective communication during emergencies. He is a Master Public Information Officer (PIO), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and seasoned first responder with over thirty years of experience in public safety, crisis communication, and emergency response.

Mike is a Lead Instructor for FEMA’s National Disaster & Emergency Management University Basic Academy Public Information Officer Curriculum and the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association Emergency Services Leadership Institute, where he trains leaders to manage public information during disasters and emergencies.

www.fapio.org

HOMEOPATHIC BIOTECHNOLOGIST

WHAT BITES IN THE NIGHT?

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As a homeopathic practitioner, Bill traveled the world for 25 years studying natural, homeopathic, Ayurvedic, and Eastern alternative medicines in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. This has helped him complete his mission of providing leading-edge alternatives to traditional medicine and improving personal health, naturally.

He founded Nature's Innovation, Inc. in 2004, a biotechnology company that manufactures FDA registered homeopathic medicines, along with EPA registered biocides, disinfectants, antimicrobials and virucides and other natural products. 

Their Bed Bug Patrol™ line of products have become a main staple defense against bed bugs at name brand hotels and companies around the world.

 bedbugstore.com

TOY HISTORIAN / TOY INVENTOR

WHAT MAKES A TOY “SUPER”?

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Chuck Knerr is the son of Wham-O toy company founder Richard Knerr. After spending his childhood playing at the factory and being the guinea pig tester for all their Super products, he inherited the toy design bug. He created the Wirlygoround, a toy that harnesses the phenomenal properties of physics to ignite a sense of awe and wonder, providing what he calls "Funomenal Fun."

website:  whirlygoround.com

INFECTIOUS DISEASE EXPERT

WHAT’S THAT ON A PLANE?

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A husband and father of two, Dr. Steve Threlkeld works alongside his brother Mike at Consolidated Medical Practices in Memphis, TN. He did his post-graduate training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he received awards for clinical excellence. Dr. Threlkeld is a board-certified infectious disease expert and also serves as the epidemiologist for Baptist Hospital. 

VOCAL COACH / PRODUCER / MUSIC ICON

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“Mama Jan” Smith is a Grammy-nominated vocal producer and mentor to stars like Usher, Justin Bieber, and Rob Thomas. With over 30 years of experience, she’s helped shape the careers of countless artists while pioneering artist development in the music industry. One of those artists is none other than Oh Gross! co-host Jennie Lasater! In this episode, Mama Jan shares some behind-the-scenes stories about the music business, and a personal story about the unexpected gross side of nail-biting and the life lessons learned along the way.

Website | Mama Jan’s No Nonsense Vocal Warm Up (Digital Download)

DERMATOLOGIST / SKIN CANCER SPECIALIST / COSMETIC EXPERT

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Dr. Pedram Ghasri is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Specializing in skin cancer detection and treatment, he also treats conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis and offers cosmetic procedures such as Botox and injectable fillers. As Kara’s personal dermatologist, he shares his expert tips on how to keep your skin healthy and protect it from common issues like impetigo and ringworm.

Castle Dermatology Institute Website | More on The Doctors at Castle

FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS

WHAT LURKS IN YOUR LEFTOVERS?

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As an account manager for a food distribution company, Katie has specialized expertise in meats and cheeses.

In this episode, Katie answers Kara, Molly and Jennie’s burning questions on food safety from handling raw meat to moldy fruit. She also gives tips on how to keep your fridge and kitchen food safe. Learn what to do when your cheese is sweaty!

ARACHNOLOGIST / CURATOR / SPIDER EXPERT

WHAT ARE THE SPIDER MYTHS?

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Rod Crawford is the Curator of Arachnids at the Burke Museum in Seattle and a renowned expert on spiders. With decades of experience, Rod is a widely published expert on spider biology, and the creator of the Spider Myths Web Site, where he debunks common misconceptions about these fascinating creatures. In this episode, Rod shares jaw-dropping facts about spiders, including why they’re far more helpful than harmful. He also clears up some of the biggest myths surrounding our eight-legged friends; if you ever wondered how many (if any) spiders crawl into your mouth while you sleep, this is the episode for you!

Burke Museum Website | More on Spider Myths

HORROR SCREENWRITER / DIRECTOR

TERROR AND TARANTULAS?

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Marcus Dunstan is an acclaimed screenwriter and director best known for his work on the Saw franchise and The Collector series. After winning Project Greenlight with his film Feast, Marcus made a name for himself in the horror genre, bringing terrifying stories to life. He has been friends with Oh Gross! co-host Kara Kurcz since their college days at the University of Iowa. In this episode, Marcus shares behind-the-scenes details about how he uses spiders and other creepy-crawlies to create some of Hollywood’s scariest moments.

Watch The Collection on Prime Video | Watch Pilgrim Streaming on Hulu

EDUCATOR / CAMP OWNER

WHAT CAME HOME FROM CAMP?

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Lori Waldman, alongside her husband Joey, owns and directs Camp Blue Ridge. Lori taught for 33 years, from 2nd grade through high school, and now serves as the camp’s healthcare manager, super camp mom, and off-season retreat coordinator. Jennie and Molly, the Lice Ladies, also handle lice checks for the camp. Camp is a joyful place for kids, but in many ways it is also Oh Gross! Headquarters! In this episode, Lori shares her insights on managing health and hygiene at camp and the joys of watching campers create lifelong memories in a safe, inclusive environment.

Website | Facebook

ACTOR/ MUSICIAN / YOGI

WHAT’S IN YOUR YOGA PANTS?

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Cleve is a rocker-turned-yoga studio owner. After years in the music industry, sharing the stage with legends like Cinderella and Skid Row, he found peace and a new passion in hot yoga. Now the owner of Still Hot Yoga in Atlanta, Cleve joins the ladies and shares one of the grossest experiences of his life; dealing with unexpected creepy-crawlies…

Website | Instagram

CO-FOUNDERS OF OH GROSS!

WHAT ARE LIFE’S ICKIEST TOPICS?

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