Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000—but it’s making headlines again. In this lab, we dig into why this highly contagious virus is resurfacing in places like West Texas. Plus, we talk about who’s most at risk, why public health experts are sounding the alarm, and how to separate medical fact from misinformation (yes, we’re looking at you, cod liver oil).

Titi and Zakiya are joined by epidemiologist and public health expert Dr. Katelyn Jetelina to help break it all down.

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Is it the beat? The instruments? The artist’s look? Or is genre just… vibes?

This week in the lab, Titi and Zakiya are joined by Cole Cuchna, host of Dissect, to explore the psychology behind why our brains create categories, how we apply this to music, and the artists who bend and break genre rules.

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From smart rings to glucose monitors, wearable technology is everywhere. But how much is too much? Titi and Zakiya unpack the promise, the privacy risks, and the hype with Wall Street Journal tech writer, Christopher Mims.

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Kendrick came with bars, and Drake clapped back with a lawsuit. That was a move that looked pathetic, but it might’ve exposed the real cracks in the streaming game. 

This week, Titi and Zakiya ask big questions about streaming: Who really gets paid? Who controls the charts? And are bots & AI inflating the numbers?

They’re joined by music industry expert Eric Drott to break down the hidden rules of streaming, the rise of click farms, and why owning your masters might be the real power move.

Plus, what today’s up-and-coming musicians should know about AI, algorithms, and why the dream of “going viral” might be more myth than method.

It’s deeper than rap—and it’s messier than you think.

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To follow along with a transcript, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/ shortly after the air date.

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Bird flu is here, and it’s not just for birds. How concerned should we be? With bird flu spreading across continents, it’s time to understand what’s at stake. Dr. Maurice Pitesky, veterinarian and epidemiologist at UC Davis, breaks down the science behind avian influenza, how it spreads, and what we can do to stop it. Learn about the growing risks, from poultry to public health, and the urgent need for better surveillance and prevention.

Stay up to date with us on Instagram at @DopeLabsPodcast and at DopeLabsPodcast.com

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We’ve seen all the reels and comments about astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They originally went to space for a short trip of ~10 days but ended up there for 9 months. But were they actually stuck? We asked Dr. Jordan Bimm, whose expertise is on US space exploration, to set the record straight.

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Titi and Zakiya are back in the lab talking all about relationships with Yung Pueblo, author of How to Love Better. If you’re tired of the internet convos about who should text first, balloon popping, or when to go no contact with the love of your life, this is the episode for you. Put your lab coat on!

Stay up to date with us on Instagram at @DopeLabsPodcast and at DopeLabsPodcast.com

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It’s been a minute, but Titi and Zakiya are back for Semester 5 of Dope Labs. Tune in for what they’ve been up to and to learn about the new exciting topics we’re tackling. Grab your lab coats, because this new semester will be better than ever. We’re going to dissect love and break ups, the possibility of being abandoned in space, the latest news on bird flu, and much MUCH more. Make sure you tune in every Sunday starting March 9th to laugh and learn!

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Dope Labs is back March 9, 2025. A new year of episodes with your same old friends - Titi and Zakiya. Line up all your burning questions and get ready to put them under the microscope. Follow us so you don’t miss out when we talk about falling in love, the latest in AI, what’s REALLY happening in space, and more!

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In the second part of our season finale, Titi and Zakiya revisit more of their favorite labs from Semester 4 and hear updates on reproductive health, the economy, HBCU homecoming season, and more. Plus, we hear from some of you! You can find more Dope Labs, show notes, and cheat sheets at http://dopelabspodcast.com

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