A short podcast about everyday risks from germs

ChatGPT image description: A man carefully deconstructs a wedge of iceberg lettuce, rinsing each leaf under running water. Individual leaves are laid out to dry before being meticulously reassembled into a wedge. Signs and labels emphasize the elaborate step-by-step washing process.

978. Not Breaking Apart Iceberg Lettuce to Wash Every Leaf

September 09, 2026 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from not breaking apart iceberg lettuce to wash every leaf.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

912. Only Rinsing a Plastic Microwave Food Cover

April 08, 2026 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of using a plastic microwave food cover that you only rinse and do not wash.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

ChatGPT image description: An illustrated instructional diagram titled “How to Use a French Press” shows a circular process: add ground coffee, add hot water, press and brew, then rinse and clean. Arrows emphasize repetition, humorously suggesting the cycle of brewing coffee and cleaning the French press over and over.

876. Continuously Reusing an Unwashed French Press for Coffee and Tea

January 14, 2026 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from continuously reusing an unwashed french press for coffee and tea.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

ChatGPT image description: A cheerful hippie in a tie-dye shirt and headband steps out of a used clothing store, carrying a huge bundle of secondhand clothes. He smiles behind round sunglasses as he walks past the brick storefront, overflowing garments in his arms suggesting a successful thrift haul.

862. Wearing "New" Clothes Without Washing

December 12, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of wearing "new" (to you) clothes without washing first.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

DALL·E image text: A frustrated person furiously scrubs a glass under a stream of steaming hot water from a faucet. Their face is tense and teeth clenched, with steam rising and water splashing in all directions. No soap is used, and their reddened hands show the heat of the scalding water.

834. Washing Drinking Glasses With Only Hot Water and Friction

October 08, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of washing drinking glasses with only hot water and friction.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

A grimy, yellowed salad spinner sits on a worn wooden surface. Its translucent plastic walls are stained with residue and dirt, suggesting years of use without proper cleaning. The lid and handle are similarly discolored, giving the entire object a neglected, unhygienic appearance.

786. Never Washing the Salad Spinner

June 18, 2025 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from never washing your salad spinner with soap and water.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

A close-up of stainless steel cutlery—a fork, knife, and spoon—resting on a light-colored countertop. The utensils have small food remnants like breadcrumbs and sauce stains adhered to them, creating a slightly messy, casual scene. The countertop's smooth texture and soft natural lighting add to the realistic detail.

701. Reusing Unwashed Cutlery With Food Particles

December 02, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks reusing unwashed cutlery that has food particles attached.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

DALL·E: The image depicts a person washing a large turkey in a kitchen sink, with water splashing dramatically. The scene is lively and chaotic, featuring cluttered counters with cooking utensils and ingredients, evoking a sense of pre-holiday preparation. Warm lighting accentuates the dynamic splashes and the bustling atmosphere.

695. Rinsing Your Turkey in the Sink

November 18, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from rinsing your turkey in the sink.

Dr. Don - risky ☣️
Professor Ben - risky ☣️

DALL·E - A large container filled with liquid labeled 'Cleaning Vinegar.' Inside the container, there are various fruits and vegetables submerged in the liquid.

656. Eating Fruit and Vegetables Washed With Cleaning Vinegar

August 19, 2024 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from eating fruit and vegetables washed with cleaning vinegar.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

Dirty Coffee Carafe and Filter Basket in the style of Vermeer

411. Brewing More Coffee Without Cleaning the Carafe and Filter Basket

January 25, 2023 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks of brewing more coffee without cleaning the carafe and filter basket.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

Risky or Not? episodes with Coffee tag

344. Max's Unwashed Basil

August 22, 2022 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks making pesto from homegrown basil without washing it first.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

Full article: Surface decontamination of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli on sweet basil by ozone microbubbles

208. Not Washing Coffee Making Devices

October 08, 2021 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risks from not washing coffee making devices.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼
Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

79. Not Washing Sodastream Bottles

December 11, 2020 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben talk about the risk of rinsing (not washing) your Sodastream bottles between uses.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼

Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼

7: Unwashed Coffee Cups

February 17, 2020 by Don Schaffner

Dr. Don and Professor Ben discuss the risks of reusing your coffee cup without washing in between.

Dr. Don - not risky 👍🏼

Professor Ben - not risky 👍🏼