Why did the bacterium cross the road? To get to the Join the Docs podcast, of course! In this infectiously funny episode, Dr. Nigel Guest, our ever-curious family practitioner, sits down with none other than Yersinia pestis, the infamous bacterium behind the bubonic plague (). With a twinkle in his eye and a stethoscope around his neck, Dr. Guest dives into a conversation that's as infectious as it is informative, exploring the historical havoc wreaked by this notorious, nasty microbe.

‍

Ever wondered what it's like to be the life of the pandemic party? Yersinia pestis, doesn't hold back. Reflecting on its "achievements" with a mix of pride and humour, Yersinia boasts about its role in various outbreaks, including the infamous Black Death. "I was the original person to go viral ," the bacterium recounts its glory days, clearly demonstrating it does not know the difference between a virus and a bacterium butspreading faster than a juicy piece of gossip in a small town, and chuckles about its current status in the microbial hall of shame—er, fame.

‍

How does one bacterium manage to stay plague-fully relevant for centuries? Yersinia pestis attributes its longevity to a combination of adaptability and a flair for the dramatic. "I've always known how to make an entrance," it says with a wink, "and let's face it, who doesn't love a good comeback story?" The conversation takes a turn for the hilarious as Yersinia shares anecdotes from its plaguey past, including a particularly memorable stint in 14th-century Europe.

‍

Is it possible to make a deadly pathogen sound charming? Dr. Nigel Guest certainly thinks so, as he navigates the interview with the skill of a seasoned talk show host. "You've certainly left your mark on history," he says, barely suppressing a chuckle. Yersinia responds with a mischievous grin, "Well, you know what they say, go big or go home!" The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion on modern medicine and the bacterium's current status, proving that even the most sinister microbes can have a sense of humour.

This episode is a rollicking, germ-spreading ride through time, disease, and laughter, guaranteed to leave you both educated and entertained. So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to laugh your way through the plagues of infectious history with Dr. Nigel Guest and the ever-entertaining Yersinia pestis.