Podcast

Countermeasures

Throughout history, humanity has faced down disease and disaster. This season, Countermeasures traces the arc of public health crises and bioterrorism events across centuries, from the Black Death to the 2001 Anthrax attacks. We dig into how societies responded in the moment, what those responses reveal in hindsight, and what we still need to learn. Each episode uncovers the science and the human decisions behind our fight against health threats, and asks what it will take to be ready for the next one. Brought to you by Emergent, a leading public health company that delivers protective and life-saving solutions to communities around the world.

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Illustration of medical and scientific items, including a plague doctor mask, gloves, vaccine vials, syringe, pipette, respirator, and lab tools, with the words “EMERGENT COUNTERMEASURES” in bold text.

Season 4: Public Health Events

This season we are looking back at historic public health outbreaks and bioterrorism events. From the black plague to the 2001 Anthrax attacks, we are looking across the span of time to uncover how we have responded to health threats, what we’ve learned and what we still have left to do.

E1 The Third Wave of the Opioid Crisis VIEW EPISODE
Stylized illustration of a rural farm with fields, a tractor, barn, silo, and a small town with a hospital, surrounded by roads and trees. The words “Emergent Countermeasures” are prominently displayed in bold text.

Season 3: Preparing for Tomorrow's Health Threats

In our first two seasons, Countermeasures examined the opioid crisis and its far-reaching impact to communities across North America. Now, we’re widening the lens. Season 3 explores emerging global health threats, from bio threats to the growing impacts of climate change, and the people working to prepare for what’s next. Join leading experts, researchers and practitioners as they share how we can build resilience against the challenges ahead.

E6 Impact of Climate Change on Health VIEW EPISODE
E5 Naloxone Access VIEW EPISODE
E4 Zoonotic Diseases VIEW EPISODE
E3 Biothreats VIEW EPISODE
E2 Orthopoxviruses VIEW EPISODE
E1 Vector-Borne Disease VIEW EPISODE
Abstract illustration with the words "Emergent Countermeasures" overlaying geometric shapes and stylized buildings, including houses, a hospital, and a church, with a warm gradient background.

Season 2: The Opioid Crisis

Today, opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death, with so many families, loved ones, and friends behind these lives lost. In Season 2 of Countermeasures, we explored some of the communities hit the hardest by the crisis. From prisons and construction sites, to schools and elderly care, we hear from changemakers offering a new way forward.

E6 Aging During the Opioid Crisis VIEW EPISODE
E5 Preparing Students for Opioid Emergencies VIEW EPISODE
E4 Creating Safer Workplaces VIEW EPISODE
E3 Keeping Students Safe From Opioid Overdose VIEW EPISODE
E2 Compassionate Care for New Mothers VIEW EPISODE
E1 Improving Outcomes in Jails and Prisons VIEW EPISODE
E0 Season 2 of Countermeasures is Coming Soon VIEW TRAILER
Illustration of a white, abstract object resembling a medical device on a red background with blue virus shapes. The words "EMERGENT COUNTERMEASURES" are prominently displayed across the center.

Season 1: The Opioid Crisis

In Season 1 of Countermeasures, we meet some of the people driving positive change to combat the opioid epidemic and destigmatize opioid dependency. Hear the impacts of the epidemic firsthand and be inspired by the stories of resilience and hope from community advocates, first responders, public health experts and those whose lives have been directly touched by the crisis.

BONUS BONUS: The Role of Government in Combating the Opioid Crisis VIEW EPISODE
E6 How Tribal Communities Are Addressing the Opioid Crisis VIEW EPISODE
E5 On the Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis VIEW EPISODE
E4 Caring for Children of the Opioid Epidemic VIEW EPISODE
E3 Supporting Patients and Families in Crisis VIEW EPISODE
E2 Networks of Support VIEW EPISODE
E1 Responding to Opioid Overdose Emergencies VIEW EPISODE