As part of our summer hiatus, we’re bringing you an extended version of one of our favourite episodes – the doctor who was fired for washing his hands.

We originally released this episode in 2023 as a short story. Then this summer, as part of our CBC Radio Summer Series, we reworked and extended the episode – to become a full-length show.

Reminder we’re back in September resuming our regular season episodes. But for now, enjoy the crazy story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis.

Did you know in the late 1800s, doctors didn’t wash their hands? When Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis – an obstetrician in Vienna – realized women in his hospital were dying at staggering rates, he implemented staff-wide mandatory hand washing. Maternal death rates dropped by 90%. But doctors weren’t happy. Semmelweis was called "crazy," told his idea was superstitious, not scientific.

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A special encore put together by our chief sound engineer Geoff Devine. Featuring an intro from Geoff and a favourite episode, reworked and revisited.

The Sopranos is widely considered the greatest television show of all time. Just ask TV Guide, The Writer’s Guild of America and Rolling Stone. But before revolutionizing the one-hour drama and ushering in what’s become known as the second Golden Age of Television, the idea for The Sopranos was rejected. By every major network. At nearly 50 years old, the show’s creator David Chase nearly shelved his script – then his manager got an idea.

Ask us Anything:

Email us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca

Write to us on socials: @apostrophepod

Leave us a voicemail

We don’t regret to inform you – you can now listen ad-free! Plus bonus episodes, chats with Sidney, Terry, Allison & more. Subscribe here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear the full episode in Apostrophe All Ears. Try seven days, free.

Ask us Anything:

Email us: hello@apostrophepodcasts.ca

Write to us on socials: @apostrophepod

Leave us a voicemail

We don’t regret to inform you – you can now listen ad-free! Plus bonus episodes, chats with Sidney, Terry, Allison & more. Subscribe here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.