This week, Lisa and Aimee consider the years they spent freaking out about germs before the COVID pandemic had everyone stockpiling Purell, and how their behavior—and their rationalizations of it—has changed in the past year.

They’re joined by A.J. Jacobs, who’s written about overcoming his own germaphobia, and who offers all sorts of insights into how we can all be less consumed by germs in our daily lives.

Like the show? Send us a note at [email protected]. Follow us on Instagram @anxiouslypod and on Twitter @anxiouslypod.

Our theme music is by Low Cut Connie.

Check out all of Tablet’s podcasts at tabletmag.com/podcasts.