Today, Ali and Asif start off the episode by addressing some listener mail. Then they discuss the new documentary by Ron Howard out on Disney plus entitled “Jim Henson: Idea Man” (6:59). The guys go over Jim Henson’s early background, how he got into puppetry and his early successes appearing on American variety shows. Asif and Ali then discuss when they first encountered Henson’s work. They then discuss Henson’s lifelong collaboration with puppeteer and filmmaker Frank Oz. They then go over the successful and not so successful movies of Henson, the eventual sale of The Muppets to Disney and Henson’s legacy.

Jim Hensen died of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), so in the second half, Ali asks Asif about this diagnosis (36:19). Asif starts off by discussing the bacteria which cause TSS (Staph aureus and Group A strep) and how these bacteria produce toxins which cause TSS. He then talks about how common it is and the risk factors for developing TSS. Ali asks Asif about the relationship between hyper-absorbant tampons and TSS; Asif goes into detail about the history of this association and the increased incidence of this occurring in women using tampons in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. He then talks about the common presenting symptoms, the prognosis and how it is treated.

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

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• JFK Impersonator Vaughn Meader: Death of a Career: https://www.mobituaries.com/news/the-podcast/season-3/season-2/season-1/jfk-impersonator-vaughn-meader/
• Jim Henson: Idea Man: https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/jim-henson-idea-man/5oKOs85ntvJS
• Toxic Shock Syndrome: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459345/
• Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard–setting: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5436965/
• Toxic Shock Syndrome Treatment & Management: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/169177-treatment#d9
• Association of characteristics of tampon use with menstrual toxic shock syndrome in France: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(20)30052-3/fulltext