In this episode, bioinformatics PhD candidate Brooke Wolford describes the role played by data in scientific research and in the broader world of the pandemic.

My guest this week is an author from Ohio who knows firsthand how difficult it can be communicating and compromising with siblings and parents who see the risks of the pandemic in different ways. Ultimately, during our conversation my guest says what's on all of our minds: "I am scared of people I love dying."

Health reporter Hannah Smoot shares a little bit of what life is like as a journalist with local Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, the Charlotte Observer. Hannah's perspective comes from her years as a journalist covering a variety of beats, particularly the last ten months knees deep in covering the pandemic.

Methodist pastor Rev. Uiyeon Kim shares his perspective of the pandemic, talking about life at the church during the pandemic as a "never-ending improvisation," as he and the rest of the staff work to provide support for people in the community and for each other. Uiyeon describes the pandemic as a season of both opportunities and challenges, and perhaps the season "where we genuinely let go of our addiction to control."

Todd's perspective comes from experiencing the pandemic after a long career in the healthcare industry spanning several states in the country.

Megan's perspective comes from her experience as a sixth grade English teacher, instructing students remotely during the pandemic and changing social tides.

Bobby Warren returns to the show to discuss the recent announcements made about vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Bobby talks about what stands out as significant to him and key takeaways from what we currently know about these new advances in science and medicine.

The perspective of this week's guest comes from adapting to changing company regulations over the months of the pandemic, dealing with poor management during an outbreak of positive COVID tests at their place of work, and contemplating having to choose between work and health.