When a deadly outbreak of bubonic plague hits San Francisco, a brilliant young bacteriologist named Joseph Kinyoun is tasked with stopping the spread. But as Kinyoun soon discovers, he is battling not just the disease, but a group of politicians more concerned about profits than the health of their city. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, ... Show More
Sep 2025
The Plague of San Francisco | Duty and Truth | 3
The sharks are circling for Joseph Kinyoun. After trying and failing to convince San Francisco to take the plague seriously, his sole objective is now to defend himself and save his career. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! S ... Show More
36m 13s
Dec 2021
23: Before COVID, there was Bubonic Plague in San Fran
121 years before COVID showed up, the U.S. nearly descended into chaos when the Bubonic Plague arrived in San Fran. The Black Death. When it began spreading in the city, politicians went to war with public health officials, claiming everything was blown out of proportion, even ca ... Show More
49m 37s
Mar 2020
News about books and tours, and "Our Plague Year"
Joseph has a few things to chat about with you, and then we present the first episode of our new show, Our Plague Year.
Introducing a new kind of current events podcast. An island in a storm of bad headlines. An experiment in public anxiety. Let's get through this year together ... Show More
22m 19s