COVID-19: What We Learned (and Didn’t) About Masks, Lockdowns, and Vaccines

In this episode of The Michael Shermer Show, Michael Shermer interviews Dr. Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist, about his new book, "The Big One," which discusses how to prepare for future pandemics. They discuss lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the ineffectiveness of lockdowns and the importance of focusing on medical care capacity. Osterholm critiques the politicization of public health measures, the spread of misinformation, and the need for better communication strategies. He advocates for a "snow days" approach to managing outbreaks, the development of better vaccines and treatments, and a non-partisan commission to analyze the COVID-19 response. They also touch on the anti-vaccine movement, vaccine injuries, and the challenges of communicating risk to the public.