The last pandemic felt like a once-in-a-lifetime event, but scientists warn that "Disease X"—the next unknown global pathogen—is a matter of when, not if. In this episode, we tackle the monumental challenge of future pandemic preparedness. We pull back the curtain on the science of zoonotic spillover, the ambitious "100 Days Mission" to create vaccines at lightning speed, and the critical importance of resilient infrastructure and equitable global cooperation.

But this isn't just about science; it's about society. We also confront the "infodemic" of misinformation that can be as deadly as any virus and ask what it truly means to be prepared. Plus, in our "Focus on Language" segment, we break down 10 essential keywords like triage, bottleneck, and resilient, and offer a mini-lesson on how to discuss complex subjects with nuance and confidence. Are we doomed to repeat the past, or can we build a safer future? Let's discuss.

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