Miasma Madness, from Foul Air to Fresh Starts

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Long before germ theory rewrote the rules of disease, people looked to the air—and their noses—for answers. This immersive episode of Info On The Go dives into the ancient and eerie world of miasma theory, where bad smells weren’t just unpleasant—they were dangerous. From the medical writings of Hippocrates to the steam-filled bathhouses of ancient Rome, we explore how disease was once thought to ride on the wind, and how foul air became linked not only to sickness, but to sin, class, and morality.

Discover why people in 17th-century Europe feared a warm bath, how perfumed powders replaced soap, and why the beaked plague doctor mask wasn’t for style—it was olfactory armor. Follow the rise, fall, and haunting legacy of miasma theory, and how its scented shadows still influence our ideas of hygiene, status, and self-worth today.

Whether you're a history buff, science sleuth, or just wondering why we’re so obsessed with “smelling clean,” this episode will make you think twice about what’s really in the air—and why it matters.

Thank You for listening and Stay curious,
Kat & William

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