Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health is hosted by physician and public health advocate Dr. Johnny Lieberman.
How nonhuman animals are treated in society has direct consequences that extend well beyond the animals themselves—shaping the safety of the food we eat, the medicines we take, and even the wellbeing of the furry friends who share our homes. These choices ripple outward, influencing how our legislators spend tax dollars and raising deeper questions about what we value most as a species.
This show explores the complex web that connects all animals on the planet, including humans. With every episode, it brings heart, humor, and humanity to the forefront of engaging discussion.
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Did You Know? 🧠🐾
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The food you feed your kids may be increasing their risk of cancer — just like secondhand smoke, would you intentionally expose them?
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Children who live near factory farms experience higher rates of cancer and other illnesses. Are you living too close?
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More than 70% of emerging infections come from animals. When we manipulate their environments to meet human demand, it carries real consequences.
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The COVID-19 pandemic revealed major gaps in our public health infrastructure. How prepared are we for the next outbreak — and could it start on a farm near you?
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Since bird flu arrived on a U.S. farm in 2022, federal efforts to stop the spread have been futile. How soon until it mutates to spread between humans?
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Our biomedical research system still relies on 19th-century animal testing methods. With more reliable, non-animal alternatives available, why do we continue down this outdated path?
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The Animal Welfare Act excludes rats, mice, and birds, which make up over 90% of all research animals.
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Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats live their entire lives in painful lab experiments, often funded by taxpayer dollars — yet they lack the protections our pets enjoy. Why is that acceptable?
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Meet The Host
Dr. Johnny Lieberman
Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, researcher, and communicator with a passion for exploring the unexpected intersections between public health, policy, pandemics, and—yes—puppies.
With decades of clinical experience and a front-row seat to the world’s most pressing health challenges, Dr. Lieberman created Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health to bridge the gap between scientific insight and everyday life. His show examines how infectious diseases emerge, how public health systems respond (or fail), and how animals—particularly our beloved pets—shape and reflect our shared well-being.
Known for his thoughtful interviews and curious spirit, Dr. Lieberman invites experts, frontline workers, and storytellers into candid conversations that reveal the human side of global health. Whether unpacking zoonotic spillover, reflecting on pandemic preparedness, or exploring the emotional support animals provide during times of crisis, Dr.
Lieberman brings warmth, clarity, and credibility to every episode.
When he’s not podcasting, you might find him reading obscure epidemiology reports, walking his dog, or advocating for smarter, more compassionate health policies.