Oh Gross!

This Week on Oh Gross! — Recorded LIVE!Nothing hit the cutting room floor—from Kara’s booger checks with Jennie to Molly’s Cologuard chat over cupcakes! The audience came ready with questions, and infectious disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld speaks about sickness, smell, and science. Episode Highlights: Losing your sense of smell: Why it happens, how to retrain your nose, and why nicotine patches are more myth than medicine. The Tylenol debate: Does it really cause autism or neurodegenerative disorders?  First aid myths: Nivea cream or Noxzema? Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do. Contagious confusion: How long are you really contagious? And what even is mycoplasma? The shingles vaccine: Why you may—or may not—want to consider it. 0:00 - The viral truth 7:11 — Q1: Lost Smell After Illness—What Helps? 13:45 — Tylenol in Pregnancy: What Do Studies Say? 26:11 — Q2 (from Jennie's Husband): When Are You Most Contagious? 31:50 — Molly Pops In: Birthday Cupcakes + Cologuard 34:16 — Shingles 101: Who Needs Shingrix & Why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, Oh Gross! revisits our conversation with Kerry Sanders in this replay of Behind the Lens: Stories & Tips from Reporter Kerry Sanders. As communities reflect on how quickly a crisis can unfold—and how long the impact can last—this episode explores what happens when preparation, travel, and real-time reporting collide. An Emmy and Peabody Award–winning journalist and longtime NBC News correspondent, Kerry shares practical, often-overlooked advice for staying safe when traveling or navigating unfamiliar environments, especially as natural disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere. From simple habits like screenshotting maps before losing service to positioning your car for a fast exit, these small decisions can make a critical difference when things go wrong. Kerry also reflects on reporting through life-threatening situations, including Hurricane Andrew, offering a firsthand look at how journalists operate when they are not just covering a crisis, but living inside it. The conversation examines how social media has reshaped emergency reporting, amplifying both life-saving information and dangerous misinformation, and why discernment matters more than ever. This re-release serves as a reminder that preparedness is not only for journalists or first responders. Whether you are traveling, consuming breaking news, or supporting your community during a crisis, being informed, adaptable, and intentional can help protect lives, including your own. If you missed this conversation the first time, or are returning with a fresh perspective, Part 2 reinforces a simple truth: reliable information and basic preparedness go hand in hand, long before the emergency begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles fires, Oh Gross! host Kara Kurcz and Molly revisits a conversation that feels just as urgent today as it did when it first aired. For Kara, interviewing Kerry Sanders was a full-circle moment. The conversation offered rare insight into how the world’s most experienced crisis journalists prepare long before disaster strikes, and how the public can take simple, practical steps to be more prepared in everyday life. Kerry Sanders, a veteran NBC News correspondent with more than 32 years in the field, has reported from 65 countries, all 7 continents, and every U.S. state, covering hundreds of natural disasters. In this Webby-nominated episode, Kara and Kerry move beyond headlines to talk about what real crisis preparedness looks like when the cameras are off. They discuss evacuation planning, what actually belongs in a go-bag, and how families can assess risk based on where they live. Kerry also reflects on his coverage of Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrina, sharing lessons that remain relevant long after a crisis ends. The episode also examines the challenge of misinformation during emergencies, including how crises can be reported without causing panic and how audiences can identify trustworthy information in an age of instant, unverified updates. This re-release is intentional. As a new year begins, the episode serves as a reminder that crisis preparedness should be part of an annual routine, not something we only think about during a disaster. Whether you are listening for the first time or returning to this conversation, the takeaway is clear: preparedness starts long before the emergency begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Oh Gross, Jennie plays: a rapid-fire game with Kara that takes listeners through the grossest hygiene habits in human history. From ancient civilizations swimming in sewage, to Romans sharing communal butt sponges,—nothing is off the table. The hosts dig into why bathing was once considered dangerous, how urine became mouthwash, where June weddings really came from, and how humanity somehow got cleaner… then dirtier… then cleaner again. If you love history and discovering just how gross “the good old days” really were, this episode is for you. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Follow @ItsOhGross on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.Learn more at OhGross.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s our favorite episode of the year...The Gross Holiday Gifts Your Kids Will Love holiday special!After surviving a cursed live-stream launch (including a demonic mic test), Kara and Jennie reveal the weirdest, grossest, and most internet-obsessed gifts of the season. From National Geographic’s “Weird But True” facts (yes, including a flying inflatable poop sculpture) to TikTok-famous mystery dumpling stress toys that smell alarmingly like Sharpies, nothing is safe.Jennie brings Walmart’s ooey-gooey squeezy cheese fries, Kara unveils Archie the Blobfish (a stress toy with stain warnings and emotional needs), and Jennie wins the night with a Fuggler toy that farts. Add Costco holiday cocktails, a surprise designer handbag giveaway, and real-life mom chaos breaking into the live show. Watch or listen now. Just… don’t sniff the dumplings too long.00:00 Live-stream chaos & demon mic test03:00 Costco holiday cocktails05:10 Holiday handbag giveaway07:00 Weird science & flying poop sculpture11:00 TikTok dumpling stress toys23:00 Ooey-gooey cheese fries27:30 Gremlins throwback Fuggler28:30 Archie the Blobfish30:30 Real-life mom chaos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you thought your biggest lash problem was clumpy mascara… buckle up. Because today, the Oh Gross! crew uncovers the horrifying-but-also-hilarious truth that tiny microscopic spiders basically live rent-free on your face. Yes. Right now. As you read this. Kara, Jennie, and Molly kick things off with the viral eyelash-mite headlines… but things really take a turn when Kara calls her celebrity lash artist Jayron, who drops an unforgettable story about a very famous supermodel. This mystery icon kept her eyes wide open for four straight hours—Clockwork Orange–style—scrolling Instagram while getting her lashes done. No blinking. No breaks. Full horror-movie energy. And then Jayron casually adds, “Oh yeah, everyone has mites,” sending the girls into a total meltdown. Then ophthalmologist Dr. Allen Yeroushalmi joins to deliver the real science: • Nearly 100% of people are colonized by age 70 • Crusty lash buildup can include dead skin, mite shells, and yes… mite poop • Mites can worsen dry eye, blepharitis, styes, and contact lens irritation • Cleaning your lashes gently—not aggressively—is key Come laugh, cringe, and rethink your entire nighttime routine. And maybe… don’t Google Demodex before bed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re serving up a throwback that ruined us the first time around—and is even more necessary before Thanksgiving kitchen chaos begins. Kara, Molly, and Jennie sit down with food-safety expert Katie Defour to unpack the deli fried chicken horror story that will haunt you (and maybe save your holiday meal). From “Poppin’ Chicken” gone wrong to raw-poultry splash zones, bacteria that refuses to die, cutting board crimes, leftover myths, and cheese-board red flags, the girls break down the real kitchen mistakes people make every holiday season. If you’ve ever reheated turkey, bought grocery-store fried chicken, or ignored that mysterious puddle in your fridge… this episode will change how you cook forever. Inspired by Kitchen Nightmares and fueled by real science—with plenty of Oh Gross! chaos in between—this is the guide you actually need before Thanksgiving. Timestamps:00:00 – Intro + the viral “Poppin’ Chicken” story that breaks the internet02:02 – The Great Leftovers Debate: Rice vs. Potatoes (and why one can kill you)05:06 – Meet Katie Defour, Food Safety Expert12:06 – Cheese Board Rules: What’s safe and what’s a biohazard26:00 – Deli & Dining Red Flags: Listeria, nasty ice bins, slimy lunch meat37:38 – Raw Chicken Horror Stories & the “Poppin’ Chicken” deep dive41:19 – Cutting Boards: The disgusting truth + how to actually clean them52:30 – Final takeaways & your kitchen will never be the same Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kara Kurcz reunites with Tom Morris Jr. for a live Oh Gross! episode packed with behind-the-scenes stories from America’s Most Wanted and Live PD. They break down the myths around self-defense, why the laws vary so widely state to state, and why talking openly about safety matters now more than ever. #livepd #crimetv #ohgrosspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was it food poisoning or the stomach flu? Infectious-disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld returns to Oh Gross! to unpack the real difference and why the “last thing you ate” isn’t always the culprit. We dig into the invisible fecal veneer, Dr. Steve’s unforgettable “painting the room” visualization, and a new favorite phrase you’ll hear in this convo: deer veneer. Gross? Yep. Useful? Totally. Food poisoning vs. stomach flu: Timing, symptoms, incubation windows—how to actually tell them apart. Common culprits & settings: Undercooked poultry, lukewarm buffets, sketchy prep zones, dicey leftovers. Doctor’s advice: What to eat/drink, what to avoid, red-flag symptoms, and when to call a pro. Kitchen hygiene upgrades: Smarter cutting board habits, fridge temps, cooling/reheating, and storage timelines. Packed with real-world food safety tips, myth-busting, and a few “you’ll never unhear this” moments, this one might save your next potluck. Follow Oh Gross! on Spotify, Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Missed our first Oh Gross! livestream? Catch the replay of The Viral Truth—where Kara and Jennie put infectious disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld on the spot to separate myth from medicine. Ever heard these? Butter soothes burns. Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Sleeping with the window open can give you Bell’s palsy. Whiskey kills germs. “Starve a fever, feed a cold.” In this jam-packed live episode, Dr. Steve reveals which viral “truths” hold up—and which are nothing more than old wives’ tales. Funny, fast, and full of facts, this one’s perfect for anyone who’s ever Googled their way into a panic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

0:00 — Lice Have Sex On Your Head  8:12 — Meet Cleve Willis: Rock Guitarist & Owner of Still Hot Yoga  13:10 — Head Lice Vs. Pubic Lice 20:04 — Can You Catch Crabs In Yoga? 28:43 — A “Flying Crab” Causes Pubic Lice In The Eye 41:23 — How to Sanitize Things to Not Get Pubic Lice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fleas in Los Angeles. Deadly Vibrio oysters. Valley Fever dust storms. Even armadillos carrying leprosy. Don’t panic—we’ve got infectious disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld back to separate fact from frenzy. In this jam-packed conversation, Kara, Jennie, and Molly pepper Dr. Steve with the latest health scare headlines and the questions we’re all secretly Googling: What exactly is flea-borne typhus—and should L.A. pet owners worry Why are oyster-related Vibrio infections popping up more often in the news? How to tell Valley Fever from “just a cough,” and why knowing your region matters. The nightmare case of screw-worms burrowing in humans (yes, really). And the surprising truth about armadillos, bats, and rabies exposure. 00:00 — Burpgate and Terrifying News on TikTok 03:30 — Meet Dr. Steve + Why August was so “Diseasy” 06:03 — Fleas, Lice & Typhus 101 (from L.A. to Napoléon) 14:42 — What You Need to Know About Eating Oysters, Warm Seas & Valley Fever  39:00 — Screw Worms & What Animal Carries Leprosy (Spoiler Alert: Armadillos) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever tried dragging a six-year-old and an eleven-year-old 11 hours on a plane? Kara’s back from France with wild stories and a few fun lessons about traveling with kids... because they have zero filter. From shouting about stinky fromage to dramatic bee attacks, unsolicited anti-smoking PSAs, and the shock (and joy) of discovering bidets—this trip had it all. In this episode we unpack: The #1 thing parents really fear when traveling abroad (spoiler: it’s not jet lag). The genius parenting hacks Kara wishes she’d known before boarding the plane. Why giving your kids power over packing (and a checklist) might just save your sanity. Whether you’re planning a family trip overseas or just want to laugh at someone else’s travel chaos, this episode is stuffed with tips and totally relatable parenting moments. 0:00 — First Impressions: Funny Stories from Kids' POV of France 5:55 — How to Curb the Culture Shock of Kids' Travel (Hint: Heads up the Stinky Cheese) 14:07 — Best of Bidets & How to Go Champagne Tasting with Kids 26:40 — Packing Smart as a Family, Travel Tips and What Should Go in Your “Magic Bag”  53:27 — Tucked in My Undies: A Wedding Guest Dress Disaster and More.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those weird little bumps or holes on your kid’s skin? They might not be chickenpox, bug bites, or an allergy—they could be Molluscum Contagiosum, nicknamed the “summer fun virus” (spoiler: there’s nothing fun about it). Kara, Jennie, and Molly break down what molluscum really is, how it loves to spread during sweaty summer activities, and why those pesky bumps hang around much longer than parents bargain for. From swim towels to soccer fields, we’re talking about the surprising (and kinda gross) ways molluscum makes its move. And yes, we finally explain the infamous “Beetlejuice” treatment that sounds spooky but is actually one of the safest doctor-approved fixes out there. Key Molluscum Takeaways: What molluscum contagiosum is, what it looks like, and the sneaky ways it spreads. Why you should never attempt a DIY removal (seriously—leave the beetles where they belong). The real deal on “Beetlejuice” and why dermatologists swear by it. Smart prevention tips to stop molluscum from hijacking your kid’s summer. And because we love a good gross-meets-fascinating mashup, stick around for a Bonus Best-Of featuring: Dr. Pedram Ghasri with expert derm advice on skin safety and summer care. Beef‑fat facials (yes, people actually do this for their skin). Chris Wark’s inspiring journey from colon cancer survivor to health advocate—why he ditched processed foods, leaned into carrot juice and raw plants, and what he’s learned about detoxing from hidden toxins like microplastics. He shares practical wisdom on healing, stress, and living more intentionally. And finally, a showdown with the so-called miracle solution for bug season: mosquito repellent bracelets. Do they actually work, or are they just another summer gimmick? Kara puts them to the test. 0:00 — Molluscum 101: Shiny Bump and Tiny “Holes” 3:53 — Spotting Molluscum: What it is Not and How it Looks  6:02 — Summer Spreaders: Pools, Wet Towels & How You Get “The Scum” 8:22 — Beetlejuice: Why Dermatologists Use Bugs. 15:19 — Best-of Clips: Skin-care Truths & What You Need to Know About Microplastics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode explores the idea of “gross oversight” and asks whether the Coldplay Caught On Cam story that won’t die is really about owning our actions—even when we’re caught. Hip-hop legend Pretty Ken (Ken Stokes)—known for working with artists like Outkast, Jeezy, T.I., and CeeLo—joins host Kara Kurcz and co-hosts Jennie Lasater and Molly Brandenberger to break down the viral Coldplay kiss-cam and Gwyneth Paltrow’s PR pivot. Fun Fact: Jennie and Ken are longtime friends. As a former Billboard-charting artist, Jennie first worked with Ken when she sang the hook on Jeezy’s "Rainy Days." Just days before a tell-all book about her dropped, Gwyneth appeared as a spokesperson for Astronomer, sliding into the viral buzz with a message to “get back to business.” Pretty Ken’s take: “If she were my client? I’d have told her to do exactly that.” Ken brings behind-the-scenes industry insight as he and Kara unpack whether Gwyneth’s move was a clever deflection, accidental brilliance, or just part of life in the spotlight. Plus, Ken shares wild backstage stories from his time on the road with hip-hop’s biggest names. 0:00 — Kiss Cam Scandal: Coldplay Concert Caught Cheating 6:06 — Meet Pretty Ken: Atlanta Hip Hop Icon (Outkast, Jeezy, T.I.) 9:27 — Expectations of Privacy: Do They Exist in Public? 13:03 — Celebrity PR Moves: Gwyneth Paltrow, Deflection & Damage Control 35:04 — Pretty Ken’s Gross Celebrity Story + Hilarious Studio Memories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode start with a summer announcement from Kara and the RE-RELEASE of this episode. What happens on the Backstreet Boys tour bus definitely doesn’t stay on the tour bus. In this laugh-out-loud episode, Jennie and Molly dish on their pop star days, spilling the tea (and maybe some cringe-worthy truths) about a certain unexpected guest that hitched a ride: a tapeworm. Yep, you read that right—this isn’t your average behind-the-scenes story! Jennie, Kara and Molly are also thrilled to welcome the legendary Mama Jan Smith, the Grammy-winning vocal coach behind music's biggest stars, for an inspiring and hilarious chat just in time for Thanksgiving. Mama Jan shares motivational gems that’ll warm your heart—and reveals her own ‘Oh Gross!’ moment featuring worms in a way only she can. Tune in for all the laughs, the inspiration, and a few moments that’ll make you say, Oh Gross! 0:00 — Summer Announcement & The Music Icon Mama Jan  1:21 — Backstreet Boys Tapeworm Story 11:15 — Mama Jan Talks: Usher & More 23:35 — Saving Bieber’s Voice 42:00 — Sushi Parasites Explained: Anisakiasis, Tapeworm & Food Safety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every time your little one scratches their butt, you don’t need to freak out—but you should investigate pinworms. As the most common parasitic infection in the U.S., pinworms often stay under the radar despite how easily they spread. Kara, Jennie, and Molly get honest about how pinworms wriggle into your home (hint: nail biting is basically a worm expressway), why the classic tape test is the gold standard for pinworm diagnosis, and how racing thoughts at bedtime might be more than just too much screen time. And yes, even Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have battled these unwelcome guests. We’ll walk you through the grossest symptoms—from “scratch-scratch, there it is” to restless nights—and equip you with proven hygiene habits, home-disinfection routines, and treatment options that actually work. No more letting pinworm infections hide in the dark—let’s get ahead of them (and yes, we’re talking about the fecal matter). Key Takeaways Nail biting and finger licking create a direct route for pinworm transmission. The tape test is a simple, at-home way to confirm a pinworm infestation. Itching around the anus and insomnia are red-flag symptoms of pinworms. Pinworms spread easily within families—quick action stops the cycle. Consistent handwashing, clean bedding, and targeted treatments are your best defense. 0:00 – Welcome to Oh Gross: Today’s Topic: Pinworms 1:31 – Pinworm Basics & Kristen Bell  4:07 – How Pinworms Spread 10:06 – Nighttime Butt Party: Why You Need a Flashlight & Tape. 16:45 – How to Treat and Clean Tapeworms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Oh Gross!, Kara, Jennie and Molly  explore how anger is consistently mischaracterized as a bad emotion and get real about anger management and why “losing it” isn’t the shameful glitch we’ve been sold. This week's guest. licensed therapist, author and anger-management expert Anita Avedian—one of Kara’s own teachers—leads the conversation on how to smash the stigma around this vital emotion. Topics tackled about understanding your temper include: Anger vs. AggressionMaster the critical split between an emotion and a behavior—your first step to healthier emotional regulation. Taboo TriggerDiscover why even saying the word “anger” can spark defensiveness—and how normalizing it dissolves the shame. Inside Out IRLHow that Pixar moment taught Kara to name her feelings—and how labeling rewires your brain for better mental health. Body AlertsFrom racing heartbeats to clenched jaws, learn the physical “red flags” your body sends before your mind catches on. Unmasking Hidden FeelsAnger often masks hurt, fear, or shame—why curiosity trumps combativeness when you dig deeper. Pause & ResetTry our quick breathing hack (long exhale > inhale) to flip from reactive to responsive in seconds. Plus: real-world tips for role-modeling emotional literacy with your kids, why digital screens turbocharge frustration, and the forgiveness trick that turns conflict into connection. Stay curious, stay gross—and catch all the feels (not the shame) on Oh Gross! 9:03 — Anger as a Signal: Primary vs. Secondary Emotions  11:06 — Gender & Anger at Work: Why it is different for men and women. 23:11 — The Digital Age and Aggression: What You Need To Know About Screens. 40:07 — Rage vs. Aggression 42:14 — Anger Management Tools: Anger Logs, Triggers & Breathwork  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Oh Gross!, we’re all about the stuff that makes people squirm—and sometimes, that includes sitting still with our own thoughts. In this episode, the team unpacks one of the most misunderstood words in mental health and wellness: mindfulness. Kara, Jennie, and Molly are joined by mindfulness educator and MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) expert Cassie Schindler—the very person who first taught Kara how to practice mindfulness and helped launch her journey. Together, they break down what mindfulness actually is—and what it definitely isn’t. No incense. No chanting. No pressure to be “calm all the time.” Just real talk about how mindfulness can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and rewire your brain for resilience. This conversation covers:– The science behind mindfulness and how it improves brain function– Why you can’t fail at mindfulness (really)– What silent retreats, inbox anxiety, and baby mountain lions have in common– Simple ways to start mindfulness without changing your whole lifestyle Whether you're stressed, skeptical, or just curious, this episode offers a fresh, practical look at how mindfulness works—and why it’s more accessible (and powerful) than you think. 0:00 — Chaotic Week Recap: Tech Fails, School Mayhem & Why We Need Mindfulness 6:45 — Meet Cassie: MBSR Teacher Breaking Down Mindfulness Misconceptions 9:27 — You Can’t Fail at Mindfulness 20:03 — Cassie’s MS Story: And How She Found Mindfulness 37:03 — Start Mindfulness Today: Be Curious, Kind, Patient, an Example & Consistent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re continuing our Mindful May series with a deeper, more honest look at your relationship with money. Certified financial planner and Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast host Shannah Game is back, with powerful mindset shifts and unexpected stories. From giving your money shame a nickname (yep, it works) to recognizing how childhood experiences still influence your spending today, Shannah helps us unpack the emotional side of money management. She explains how guilt, anxiety, and societal expectations can trigger self-sabotaging habits—and what to do instead. You’ll learn: Why renaming your money shame helps take back control How to create healthy boundaries without restriction or guilt The surprising ways your inner child still shows up when you spend How to use “money dates” to transform financial stress into confidence Why fixing isn’t the goal—feeling is This episode is money therapy in the best way: no spreadsheets, no shame—just real talk and simple tools that help you rewrite your money story. 0:00 —  Money Makes Us Squirm 1:06 —  Meet Shauna Game & “Money As A Relationship” 2:54 —  Name Your Money Shame 8:54 —  How One Couple went from $3–4K Over Budget Monthly to Buying A House 27:23 — Five Steps to Reset Your Money Relationship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices