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Oh Gross! — Science
Oh Gross!

Don’t let the “ick” factor hold you back—we get to the bottom of life’s toughest and grossest moments, so nothing is off-limits or unspeakable. So if you are tired of asking awkward questions on Social Media or spiraling down a misinformation Doctor Google rabbit hole, welcome to the Oh Gross! Community.
Ever wonder how many times the average person gets bitten by a spider? Or what to do about germs on a plane? We pull back the curtain on life’s most unnerving mysteries by having real conversations with science to takeaways—that help you face the “ick” with clarity (and maybe a laugh). So don’t worry about that fuzz on your fruit in the fridge or panic about what to put in your “Bug Out Bag” for emergencies. We do the research so you can skip the stress—and get the answers you didn’t know you needed. Each episode Kara, Jennie and Molly dive into a squeamish or scary subject, blending expert-driven interviews, practical tips, and plenty of personal stories and wit to help you handle whatever life (or your leftovers) throw your way. We explain the science, delve into the history, and debunk the misinformation so you can tackle life’s sticky realities with confidence. No topic is too taboo—and yes, we’ll even tell you how many times you’re likely being bitten by spiders in a year.
In each episode, journalist and crime expert Kara Kurcz investigates the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, scientist Jennie Wickham breaks down the methodology behind the answers, and pop culture guru Molly Lucas shares relatable anecdotes that make even the gross stuff easier to digest. Together, these three friends make sure listeners walk away informed, intrigued, and ready for whatever creepy-crawly scenario comes their way because knowledge is the best antidote to “gross.”
Tune in to Oh Gross—we’rer here to make life’s messy moments more manageable.

Copyright: © All rights reserved. 2024

Latest Episodes:

Is It Self-Defense? | Tom Morris Jr. Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

On Oh Gross, we explore the complicated laws of self-defense.

Gun laws, self-defense rights, and use-of-force rules vary wildly by state, and most people have no idea what applies to them.

This week, Kara, Jennie, and Molly sit down with Kara’s dear friend, veteran crime journalist Tom Morris Jr., for a conversation everyone should hear, no matter where you stand on guns.

Kara and Tom have worked together for over two decades, on shows such as America’s Most Wanted and Live PD. Together, they break down how self-defense laws evolved in America, from the dueling Wild West to today, and why so many dangerous myths still exist, including misinformation shared in gun stores and online. Tom has been passionate about responsible gun ownership, legal awareness, and the real-world consequences of misinformation for the past 15 years.

They also cover:

What to do the moment you bring a firearm home
The self-defense and gun laws in your state, you need to understand
The most common and dangerous myths about firearms and the use of force
Why people avoid this conversation and why that can be risky
Tom’s real-life road rage incident involving his own legally owned firearm and what he did instead

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Trailer: Tom Morris Jr. on Self-Defense Laws and Common Misconceptions Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Next Thursday, veteran TV correspondent and “crime fighter” Tom Morris Jr. joins Kara Kurcz for a candid conversation on self-defense.

Reuniting as longtime colleagues from America’s Most Wanted and Live PD, the discussion brings firsthand experience from years of covering real cases. Joined by Jennie Lasater and Molly Brandenberger, the group shares behind-the-scenes stories while breaking down how self-defense laws vary by state, what people often misunderstand, and how real-world cases highlight the complexities of protecting oneself.

Full episode drops next week!

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Vote for Oh Gross to win the Webby Awards People's Voice!! Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

You can vote for Oh Gross to win the People's Voice here:

⁠wbby.co/57425N

Oh Gross! is nominated a 2nd time in a row for a Webby Award (Science & Education) for our episode “Gas Station Heroin: The Kratom Crisis.”

Just click Vote, sign up (free), and confirm. You can vote once per email through April 16.

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Sneak Peek: Self-Defense: What You Need to Know! with Tom Morris Jr. Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Here is a sneak peek of our conversation with veteran crime journalist and former America's Most Wanted correspondent Tom Morris Jr.

He tackles the self-defense conversation people are uncomfortable having, but everyone needs to hear.

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Earwax…or a Bug in Your Ear? Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Your ears have a secret life: bugs, buildup, and the truth about Q-tips with infectious disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld.

On this episode of Oh Gross!, Dr. Steve Threlkeld joins Kara and Jennie to break down the secret life of your ears! It is all about earwax and why trying to get rid of it might be the worst thing you can do. And whatever you do… put down the Q-tip.

Plus, the ER story you won’t forget involves a live cockroach on a Saturday night.

In this episode:

What earwax really is
How one gene can determine what’s inside your ears/
The bacteria, fungi, and mold living in your ears right now
The cockroach ER story that will change how you think about your ears
When to see an ENT and when to leave it alone
The surprising link between hearing loss and dementia

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St. Patrick’s Day: From Urine Olympics to Blarney Bacteria Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

St. Patrick’s Day is here, using the luck of the Irish to get down and dirty with the holiday’s grossest realities. Join Kara, Molly, and Jennie for an unfiltered look at the traditions that leave a trail of questionable decisions and bacteria in their wake.

This episode highlights:

The "Urination Olympics": Discover why St. Paddy's Day causes more than a “wee” spike in public urination offenses in major cities like Chicago and New York.
Top O’ The Morning After: We talk about the massive surge in green-tinted bathroom trips
The Blarney Stone: You may get the gift of gab from kissing it, but do you take home anything else from the two-billion-year-old rock that hundreds of thousands of people smooch every year?
Holiday Traditions: From "drowning the shamrock" to the secret history of green beer and green-dyed tuna fish to St. Patrick himself- we cover it all.

Grab a green drink—but maybe watch how much dye you use—and celebrate the holiday with us. Sláinte!

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Stop Fearing AI — And Why Crypto Isn’t Crazy | Armando Pantoja Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

AI “deepfakes,” crypto craziness, and the terrifying reality of today’s rapidly evolving technology—how do you know what’s real and what’s not? This episode cuts through the noise to tell you what you really need to know about technology, your future, and your money.

Kara sits down with best-selling author, futurist, and tech tycoon Armando Pantoja (the “Tall Guy Tycoon”) to explain the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and emerging technology in a way that even your grandma will get.

Armando explains the real forces shaping the tech landscape and what they mean for everyday people navigating a future increasingly influenced by AI systems, blockchain technology, and robots. Because understanding technology shouldn’t require a computer science degree and it shouldn’t be driven by fear.

In This Episode:

AI Slop — what it means when artificial intelligence begins training on its own synthetic content • Crypto Decoded — how blockchain is not going anywhere and why everyone will need to use it
• The Future Work Force— why human service may become even more valuable in an AI-driven economy• Robot Relationships- Yes they ain’t just coming they are already here

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Kratom: An Interview with Emmy-Nominated Producer Joanne Rubino Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

In the final installment of our special kratom series, Kara and Jennie speak with Emmy-nominated producer Joanne Rubino, creator of the documentary Kratom: Side Effects May Include. After a friend lost her 27-year-old son, Wyatt Wheeler, Joanne spent years investigating the growing and largely unregulated kratom industry.

Her research uncovered a complicated story—one that includes passionate supporters, heartbreaking loss stories, and serious questions about safety, addiction, and consumer protection.

In this episode we explore:

• The Regulatory “Wild West” – How kratom remains unapproved by the FDA and largely unregulated by the DEA• The Human Cost – The tragic death of Wyatt Wheeler after purchasing a kratom product off the shelf• A Growing Epidemic – The dramatic rise in kratom use across the United States• The Danger of Extracts – Concentrated products that can be up to 50x more potent than the raw plant• The National Debate – Supporters who claim benefits vs. families and experts raising serious safety concerns

Kratom is marketed as a natural supplement, but this conversation reveals how little most consumers actually know about its risks.

Learn more about the documentary Kratom: Side Effects May Include:https://kratomsideeffectsmayinclude.com/

At Oh Gross!, we ask the questions others won’t—especially when health topics live in the uncomfortable space between promise and risk.

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NEWS ALERT: Save Your Brain! Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

A public service message from Oh Gross!

Search Oh Gross and subscribe for our episodes on Spotify, Youtube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get yours.

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Kratom Under the Microscope with Dr. Chris McCurdy Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Kara and Jennie sit down with kratom researcher and University of Florida medicinal chemistry professor Dr. Chris McCurdy for a no‑BS look at how a traditional Southeast Asian leaf turned into today’s potent “gas‑station” products.

He explains where leaf‑only kratom may actually help with pain and opioid withdrawal, what changes when companies crank out 7‑OH shots and other concentrates, and why unregulated products are now tied to ER visits, deaths, and even newborns in opioid‑like withdrawal.

You’ll also hear his take on brain development, why he doesn’t want anyone using kratom, alcohol, or cannabis before around age 25, and what smart regulation, not prohibition, could look like.

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