Let's Talk Micro

232: What's New at ASM Microbe 2026?

07 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Let's Talk Micro is pausing the Gram-negative cocci series to talk about one of the biggest microbiology meetings of the year: ASM Microbe ...

231: The Hockey Puck Bug: Moraxella catarrhalis

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we continue our gram-negative cocci series with a closer look at Moraxella catarrhalis—better known at the benc...

230: Same Gram Stain, Different Story: Neisseria meningitidis vs gonorrhoeae

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we continue our series on gram-negative cocci and take a closer look at two of the most important organisms: Neisseria meningi...

229: Gram-Negative Cocci: Beyond the Plate

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we continue our gram-negative cocci series by moving beyond the plate and into modern identification methods. From traditional systems...

228: Gram-Negative Cocci: What to Do After the Gram Stain

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we continue our gram-negative cocci series by focusing on what to do after the Gram stain. You've identified gram...

227: When Gram-Negative Cocci Show Up: How to Think at the Bench

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we kick off a new series on gram-negative cocci by starting where it all begins—the Gram stain. Seeing gram-neg...

226: CLSI M100 2026 Updates

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The CLSI M100 gets updated every year—but what do those changes actually mean for the microbiology lab? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is...

Quick Update from Let's Talk Micro

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Luis here with a quick update! We're taking a short break and will return the week of March 23rd. During this time, it's a great opportunity to explor...

225: Too Many Bugs, One Culture: A CMPH Guide to Wound Cultures

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Wound cultures are some of the most complex specimens encountered in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Unlike more straightforward cultures, wound...

224: Micro Minutes: Sometimes Gram Stains Lie

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Gram stain is one of the most trusted tools in clinical microbiology—but it doesn't always tell the full story. In this Micro Minutes episode, w...

223: SuperStat to Storytime: Building the Future of Laboratory Medicine

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we step beyond the microbiology bench to talk laboratory medicine, advocacy, and storytelling with fellow medical...

222: Parasites, Pediatrics, and the Lab: A Study from Guinea, West Africa

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by Dr. Joel Mortensen to discuss a study examining intestinal parasites in pediatric patients in G...

221: Beyond the Plate: Your Isolates and Genomic Epidemiology

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Genomic epidemiology is reshaping how we detect, investigate, and control infectious disease outbreaks—but what does that actually look like from th...

220: New Clinical Microbiology Certification Pathway at UF

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Luis is joined by faculty and collaborators from the University of Florida to discuss their new Clinical Laborato...

219: Tick-Borne Diseases: The Lab and Diagnostics

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tick-borne diseases continue to expand across North America, but diagnosing them in the clinical laboratory remains complex—especially when timing b...

218: Metagenomics in Clinical Microbiology

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we break down metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and how it's changing the way we diagnose complex inf...

217: Micro Minutes: Don't Let PEA Fool You

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PEA agar is often treated as "the gram-positive plate," but that shortcut can lead to real bench-level mistakes. In this MicroMinutes episode, we brea...

216: AMR Summit 2025: One Health, One Fight

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode, I'm joined by three leaders who helped shape the conversation at the 2025 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Summit in Detroit: D...

215: One Health, Many Species: AMR Through a Veterinary Lens

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does antimicrobial resistance look like when your patients range from dogs and cats to cattle, wildlife, and everything in between? And how do we...

214: Beyond the Bench: Optimization & Stewardship in Action

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode of our special four-part series in partnership with bioMérieux, we bring all the pieces together. Throughout the series, we exp...

213: Micro Minutes: When Bacteria Break the Rules

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this Micro Minutes episode, Luis breaks down classic microbiology traits that usually hold true, but not always.  From indole-negative E. coli to ...

212: Micro Minutes: Sometimes MacConkey Lies

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the very first Micro Minutes, a new quick-hit series from Let's Talk Micro designed for students, techs, and anyone who wants fast, practic...

211: At the Speed of AST: Diagnosing Resistance Faster

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the third installment of our special series in partnership with bioMérieux,  Luis welcomes back Dr. Sonali Kalathiya, infectious diseases pharmac...

210: IDWeek 2025 Highlights: From Bench to Bedside

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just back from IDWeek 2025 in Atlanta, Luis shares the sessions and posters that defined this year's meeting — from next-generation sequencing and d...

209: CLSI y resistencia antimicrobiana (In Spanish)

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

En este episodio en español de Let 's Talk Micro, el Dr. Germán Esparza Sánchez , microbiólogo clínico, miembro del CLSI y consultor de la OPS/OM...

208: The Microbiome Center of Puerto Rico

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Puerto Rico is entering a new era in microbiome research. In this episode,  Luis speaks with Dr. Filipa Godoy-Vitorino about the newly established Mi...

207: Micro Lab and Stewardship: Collaboration in Action (Pt.2)

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this second half of our discussion with Dr. Erin McCreary and Dr. Hannah Creager, we dive deeper into how microbiology and antimicrobial stewardshi...

206: Micro Lab and Stewardship: Collaboration in Action (Pt.1)

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good communication isn't optional—it's essential for patient care. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Erin McCreary and Dr. Hannah Creager join ...

205: Complicated UTIs: The New IDSA Guidelines

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released new guidelines for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. In this episo...

204: In the Bloodstream: Diagnosing Infections Faster

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bloodstream infections can progress rapidly to sepsis—bringing high costs, high mortality, and lasting effects. In the second episode of this serie...

203: What's New with Brucella?

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brucella is a familiar name in the lab—but recent updates to the sentinel guidelines are reshaping how we approach this pathogen. In this episode, I...

202: AI vs. Superbugs: Can AI Help?

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to grow as a global health threat, making infections harder to treat and leaving fewer options for patients. ...

201: Spotlight: Rethinking AST-Disk Diffusion on Early Growth

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, we discussed early growth isolates for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and the importance of obtaining results sooner. This week...

200: Early Growth, Faster Answers: Rethinking AST

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, Dr. Jennifer Dien Bard and Dr. Lucas Osborn discuss their recent study on early growth antimicrobial susceptibili...

199: Antibiotics: What's New in Treatment

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Luis is joined by Dr. Ashlan Kunz-Coyne to discuss some of the newest antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs). They explore why ext...

198: Let's Talk: The Evolution of AST

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Season 5 premieres today!  Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is essential for guiding effective treatment—but how has it evolved, and what...

TBT: Talking Breakpoints with Dr. Andrea Prinzi

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode of Let's Talk Micro features Dr. Andrea Prinzi, a clinical microbiologist and frequent contributor to the American Society for Microbiolo...

TBT: Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook (CMPH) has long been a trusted resource for laboratories.  With the release of its 5th edition, this es...

195: Diabetic Wound Cultures: From Chaos to Clarity in the Micro Lab

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Luis is joined by Dr. Christopher Doern from VCU Health to explore the complex world of diabetic wound cultures. How does diabetes impair w...

194: Live from ASM Microbe 2025: Poster Highlights, Trends & Takeaways

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live at ASM Microbe 2025, this episode captures the energy of the American Society for Microbiology's annual event. Luis shares his top takea...

193: ASM 2025: Fast Science. Big Cases

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we dive into the fast-paced world of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Recorded live from ASM Mic...

192: Stronger Together: Partnerships in Diagnostics

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

  How familiar are you with partnerships and collaborations between the laboratory and the diagnostics industry? In this episode Luis is joined by Dr...

191: TBT- Talking HIV with Dr. Hsu

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

TBT- This week Let's Talk Micro is talking about virology, specifically about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This episode features an intervi...

190: Aztreonam-avibactam

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luis is joined by Dr. Callan Bleick and Dr. Mohammed Al Musawa to talk about an antibiotic that was recently approved by the Food and Drug A...

189: Outbreak Detection System

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are many challenges when it comes to outbreak detection. It involves surveillance, time, and effort among other factors. Some of these challenge...

188: Haemophilus: ALA, susceptibilities, and more

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luis continues going over Haemophilus. This time he goes over biochemicals, testing systems, and susceptibility testing. What is the ALA tes...

187: Haemophilus

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Luis continues going over organisms. This time he goes over the genus Haemophilus. We start with an overview of the different species ...

186: Talking CPEP Fellowship

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you are part of the clinical microbiology community, you might have heard of a CPEP Fellowship, or might have met someone pursuing one. In this epi...

185: The Path to Microbiology: their journey pt. 3

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What led or inspired you to choose the field of microbiology or laboratory medicine? Has your profession changed within the field? In this series wher...

184: Lariocidin

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discovery of new potential antimicrobial compounds is important as we take many measures to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this episode Lui...

183: 101 Topics for Clinical Microbiology Lab Leaders

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are many challenges in the microbiology laboratory. As a leader, you have to deal with things like validations, verifications, and knowledge of ...

182: TBT- Next Generation Sequencing

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The field of Microbiology continues to change. Organisms were primarily identified in the clinical laboratory by biochemical testing. Then MALDI-TOF c...

181: Microbiology CAP Checklists: Latest Updates

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your laboratory accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) ? Are you familiar with their checklists? What are the latest updates to...

180: CLSI M100-Ed35: updates and more

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The latest edition of the CLSI M100 has been published. What are the latest updates? One of them is the deletion of breakpoints for Burkholderia cepac...

179: Eikenella

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luis continues going over organisms. This time he goes over Eikenella. Are there any other Eikenella species other than Eikenella corrodens?...

178: Talking Micro with Janet Hindler

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Talk about a great career! In this episode Luis is joined by Janet Hindler. Janet is a microbiologist with a career that has spanned over many decades...

177: MLS Clinical Certificates : Loyola University Chicago

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Luis is joined by Dr. Kristen Pesavento from Loyola University in Chicago. She was a guest in 2023 when she came to talk about the MS ...

176: Microbiology kits: Carolina Distance Learning

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does your institution teach distance microbiology courses? What do you use to teach students those critical skills required in microbiology? In this e...

175: The Path to Microbiology: their journey pt. 2

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A great conversation between three microbiologists! In this episode Luis is joined by Kelli Maddock and Jessica D'Angelo to talk about their careers. ...

174: The Path to Microbiology: their journey

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you work in laboratory medicine or microbiology, what led or inspired you to choose that career? What have you learned? Do you have a different occ...

173: Acid- fast bacilli (AFB) : An Introduction

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to talk about AFB! What is acid fastness? What are some stains used for acid-fast bacilli? In this episode Luis is joined by Dr. Filipe Cerq...

172: Talking AMR: Macrolides and Lincosamides

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The next episode of the AMR series is here! This time Luis and Andrea are joined by Sonali Kalathiya, a pharmacist and Medical Science Liaison. Sonali...

171: Microbiology and Blood Bank Simulation Lab

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A simulation laboratory? In this episode Luis is joined by Emily Matthys, an Assistant Professor at Northern Michigan University. Emily teaches at a M...

170: Sulopenem

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let's Talk Micro kicks off 2025 with a great new episode. This time Luis is Joined by Dr. Sam Aitken to talk about sulopenem. Have you heard about thi...

169: Health Care Linens: outbreaks and more

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Working in the microbiology field you might be familiar with outbreaks and health care associated infections (HAI). What about linens in health care? ...

168: Pasteurella: species, media, and more

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following the episode with Dr. Kelli Maddock, Luis decided to talk about his favorite organism: Pasteurella! This time Luis goes into more detail. Wha...

167: Talking AMR: Oxazolidinones

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luis and Andrea are back to talk antibiotics! This time they are joined by David Allen, an infectious diseases (ID) pharmacist to talk about another c...

166: Pasteurella multocida: capsular groups and more

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A Pasteurella multocida episode! In this episode Luis is joined by Dr. Kelli Maddock to talk about P. multocida. Kelli was a previous guest and this t...

165: E. coli: NDM and PBP variants

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a new microbiologist sometimes terms like beta-lactams, beta-lactamases, or penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) can be confusing. Are you familiar w...

164: MicroClinUy (En Español/ In Spanish)

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

En este episodio en español, Luis conversa con la Dra. Verónica Seija. La Dra. Seija es especialista en microbiología y tiene un blog, redes social...

163: Talking AMR- Glycopeptides

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luis and Andrea return with a new episode of the AMR series. This time, they are joined by Dr. Nikunj Vyas, and they go over glycopeptides. Whether yo...

TBT: Veterinary Microbiology

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

🎙️ Throwback to a great episode! Ever wondered what it's like to work in a veterinary diagnostic lab? What kind of training is needed—and can a...

TBT: Biochemicals- catalase and coagulase

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the very first—and still one of the most downloaded—episodes of Let's Talk Micro dives into biochemicals and how they help us identify bact...

TBT: Media

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The first episode! Share it with students and peers, In it Luis talks about agar. What is agar? What do we use it for? Various types of agar are discu...

159: A novel microbicide for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A microbicide for Neisseria gonorrhoeae? In this episode Luis is joined by Dr. María Rendón from the University of Arizona. Dr. Rendón joins the po...

158: Joint Infections PCR Panel

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you familiar with the BioFire system? If you work in microbiology you probably are. How about a joint infections panel for this system? In this ep...

157: Lactobacillus

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luis continues going over gram-positive rods: this time Lactobacillus. What is the morphology of Lactobacillus? Biochemicals? Which species ...

156: Actinotignum schaalii

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you work with MALDI-TOF MS and you read urine cultures, you probably have seen this organism : Actinotignum schaalii. Is this organism significant?...

155: ASCP: Microbiology Certifications

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thinking about getting certified in microbiology but not sure where to start? In this episode  Luis chats with Dr. Amanda Harrington about certific...

154: Dengue

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Rodney Rohde returns to the podcast! This time he joins Luis to talk about dengue. You might hear reports about increases in cases in some areas, ...

153: Bone and Joint Infections

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you work in a clinical microbiology laboratory, you might have worked with bone and joint samples. In this episode we dive deeper into bone and joi...

152: Potential antibiotics: lolamicin

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Season 4 is here! Tune in for the first episode. Luis talks to Dr. Paul Hergenrother about lolamicin. Dr. Hergenrother is a Professor of Chemistry at ...

TBT: Streptococcus anginosus group

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Originally published in May 26, 2022, in this episode Luis continues going over beta hemolytic strep: this time Streptococcus anginosus group. What ar...

TBT: LPC-233: An LpxC inhibitor

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Originally published in November 30 2023, in this episode, Dr. Pei Zhou from the Duke University School of Medicine joins the podcast and talks to Lui...

TBT: Fabimycin: an antibiotic candidate

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Originally published on October 13, 2022, this episode features Luis in conversation with Dr. Paul Hergenrother from the University of Illinois. Dr. H...

151: Ace the Boards: Microbiology

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A great way to end season 3! In this episode Dr. Cullen Lilley talks to Luis about his textbook : A Concise Review of Clinical Microbiology . Dr. Lill...

150: Sterile body fluids and Multiplex PCR

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the laboratory we routinely use molecular testing to identify organisms in blood cultures. We also incubate body fluids in blood culture bottles. W...

Spotlight: Respiratory cultures

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro, we're revisiting the topic of respiratory cultures — a cornerstone in clinical microbiology. We'll go over the ...

149: Talking Microbiome

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Luis is joined by Dr. Crystal Icenhour to talk about the microbiome, more specifically, the human microbiome. What organisms typically...

148: Bonus: Live from ASM Microbe 2024

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

ASM Microbe 2024 took place in Atlanta Georgia from June 13-17. Check out this bonus episode where Luis discusses his two events, favorite posters, an...

147: Research in Medical Laboratory Science: moose, bears, ESBL, and more

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Research in MLS? In this episode Grace Leu-Burke, director of the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program at the University of Alaska in Anchorage, ...

146: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Luis talks to Dr. Madeline Barron about urinary tract infections (UTIs). Clinical Microbiologists work closely with urine cultures and...

145: Talking AMR: Polymyxins (lipopeptides)

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luis and Andrea are back to talk AMR! This time they are joined by Dr. Alyssa Walker to go over polymyxins . As usual they go over important questions...

144: Serie en Español: Tinción de Gram

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Regresa la serie en Español. Luis y Maridaliz discuten la tinción de gram. Cómo se prepara la laminilla? Cúales son los reactivos y el proceso? Qu...

143: Navigating your Path

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been in a job or career that you feel is not a good fit for you? Perhaps you want to try something different but do not know how to get there...

142: UAA MLS : Microbiology and Research

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Luis talks to Grace Leu-Burke, Program Director and professor at the University of Alaska in Anchorage (UAA) Medical Laboratory Scienc...

141: AR Isolate Bank

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a microbiologist, you might have worked on a project or validation that involved organisms from the AR Isolate Bank. You might have asked where the...

140: Talking AMR: Tetracyclines

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The next episode of the AMR series is here! Luis and Andrea are joined by Dr. Brandon Hill to talk about the Tetracyclines. What is the mechanism of a...

139: Bacillus: morphology and media

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Originally released as episode 76, in this episode Luis continues going over Bacillus. Now that we know its groups and what diseases they are implicat...

138: Bacillus species

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Originally released as episode 75, in this episode Luis talks about Bacillus and related genera. What are the species that are part of this genus? Whi...