In this episode, Michael Krasny sought answers to what we need to know—and still don't know—about what many are convinced might be our next pandemic. Leading health and environmental journalist Lisa Krieger provided an immense amount of important information about avian flu (H5N1), discussing what humans need to be most concerned about and how it affects different animals, as well as vaccines, surveillance, what to avoid, and routes of transmission.

A listener asked Krieger what she, one of the nation's best and most awarded science writers, believes is the most underreported health or science story. This allowed Krieger to share her opinion and shed light on scientific progress, as well as questions surrounding the human genome project, health policy, and affordability.

Another listener raised questions about the CDC's prioritization of the norovirus, followed by Krasny questioning Krieger on the fires in Southern California and COVID—including new variants, vaccines, and long COVID. The discussion concluded as a listener inquired about AI and healthcare, and Krasny asked Krieger about the new HIV drug and her perspective on the ongoing battle with climate change.

Throughout this wide-ranging conversation, Krieger's expertise illuminated complex scientific and environmental challenges facing our society today. Her insights offered valuable perspective on how these various health and environmental issues interconnect, and what steps we might take to address them effectively.