In 2014, when David Quammen’s book Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic, was published he did not realise that he was predicting our future.

Although Quammen wasn’t surprised when COVID-19 broke out, he was and has been astonished by our ill-prepared governments and has written about key aspects of the science that should inform our responses.

In this podcast, hear his insights into pandemics, his far-flung adventures and his enduring passion for telling the stories of science.

This podcast is hosted by Cat (Catharina) Vendl, presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and is supported by Inspiring Australia as a part of National Science Week.