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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Emergent Countermeasures artwork. Illustration of medical items like masks, vaccines, gloves, and a plague doctor mask, with the text “EMERGENT COUNTERMEASURES” in the center.

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 farms, houses, a hospital, and a tractor, with birds flying overhead. The words "EMERGENT COUNTERMEASURES" are prominently displayed in the center.

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 E0 Countermeasures Season 3: Preparing for Tomorrow's Health Threats VIEW TRAILER
Stylized graphic with the words "Emergent Countermeasures" overlaid on white capsules, surrounded by abstract buildings, a hospital, and looping white lines.

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
Stylized illustration of a white antibody on a red background with blue virus or bacteria shapes. The word "EMERGENT" appears above the large text "COUNTERMEASURES" 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