EHO Knows

Welcome to EHO Knows – the podcast for Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).

Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch, each episode dives into the highs and lows of our daily work, offering valuable tips, insights, and a dose of humour. Whether you’re a seasoned EHO or just starting out, this channel provides a unique opportunity to learn from others' experiences and discover how hindsight can guide us to better practices. Join us and our diverse guests as we navigate the ever-evolving world of environmental health.

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22 episodes
weekly
Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 22

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S1 · E36
Yesterday · 26 min
E36: A Grave Mistake w/ Ben Lees
In Part Two of Ben Lees discussion, he continues to explore the unusual world of cemetery work and environmental health, looking at the different legal and public health considerations surrounding exhumations. Get a front row to history and learn about the evolution of burial and cremation practices, from Victorian concerns about overcrowded graveyards and infectious disease through to the rise of cremation and the changing way society deals with human remains. ** One small correction: The Welsh physician was called William Price (not Edward Price)** Thank you to our guest, Ben Lees (Ben's LinkedIn) Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E35
September 15 · 31 min
E35: Dead End Job w/ Ben Lees
In this episode of EHO Knows, Shane speaks with Ben Lees about the unusual beginnings of his EHO which had him overseeing the exhumation of human remains. They explore some of Ben’s most memorable experiences working in one of the UK’s largest cemeteries, from unexpected discoveries and challenging exhumations to the responsibility of protecting the dignity of the dead. Thank you to our guest, Ben Lees. Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E34
September 9 · 31 min
E34: Return of the Rambo w/ Sarah Ainsworth
Fan favourite Sarah Ainsworth is back in the hot seat with a real-world food safety scenario: what would you do if you witnessed poor food handling while eating out? Where do you draw the line between a minor issue and a genuine public health risk and can EHOs really 'leave work at work?'. Thank you to our guest, Sarah Ainsworth.Check out Glow 2 Show Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E33
August 11 · 39 min
E33: Dunn Explaining w/ Louise Dunn
In Part Two of Shane's interview with Louise Dunn, moving beyond what Environmental Health Officers do, they explore how practitioners actually apply their knowledge, skills and experience across four key areas: protecting, helping, collaborating, and leading and innovating. They also explore how the framework could support students, graduates, experienced practitioners, team leaders and the wider profession in explaining the value and impact of environmental health. Read the Thesis Here Thank you to our guest, Dr. Louise Dunn. Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E32
July 29 · 31 min
E32: Dunn Thinking w/ Louise Dunn
In Part One of Shanes interview with Louise Dunn they strive to once more explore one of the biggest challenges facing the environmental health profession: explaining what Environmental Health Officers actually do. Louise reflects on the motivations behind her current work and why a lack of understanding about the profession has far-reaching consequences for recruitment, professional recognition and public health. Despite the title, there's plenty of thinking that needs to be done. Read the Thesis here Thank you to our guest, Louise Dunn. Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E31
July 7 · 1 hr 1 min
E31: Ward Off w/ Kareen Dunlop
In this episode, Shane is joined by Kareen Dunlop, an operating theatre nurse educator and infection control specialist, to explore the remarkable transformation of one of the world's most challenged public hospitals. Facing a post-operative death rate of 38%, limited resources, overcrowding, and almost non-existent infection control, Kareen shares how practical, evidence-based changes turned the hospital into a model for the entire country. Kareen's Website: https://www.kareen.biz/ Thank you to our guest, Kareen Dunlop. Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E30
June 30 · 39 min
E30: Historic Hygiene w/Barry Palmer
In this episode, Shane is joined by Barry Palmer for a fascinating journey through the history of hand hygiene. From the earliest evidence of soap and washing practices to the breakthroughs of Semmelweis, Pasteur and modern infection control, they explore how our understanding of hygiene has evolved over thousands of years and why something as simple as washing your hands remains one of the most effective tools for preventing disease. Thank you to our guest, Dr. Barry Palmer. Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E29
June 24 · 1 hr 7 min
E29: Brand New Day w/ Jason Barnes
In this episode, Shane is joined by Jason Barnes for a new take on one of the biggest challenges facing the environmental health profession: its identity. Why are EHOs so often misunderstood? why does the profession struggles to articulate its value? and what does this mean for public health, workforce sustainability, and the future of environmental health practice? Read Jason's article, Environmental Health Practice: An Identity in Crisis: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010090 Thank you to our guest Jason Barnes. Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch.
S1 · E28
June 3 · 35 min
E28: Pierce The Veil w/ Lisa Hughes
CW: This episode gets pretty gross and covers topics including skin penetration, suspension hooking and being sprayed with bodily fluids. In this episode Shane is once again joined by Environmental Health Officer Lisa Hughes for a deep dive into the strange, confronting, and often overlooked world of skin penetration practices. Through three unforgettable this episode explores the unexpected ways public health can intersect with human behaviour, body modification, and modern trends. Check out https://www.eh.org.au/ for details on the upcoming EHA 90th National conference Thank you to our guest Lisa Hughes Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E27
May 26 · 57 min
E27: Zombie Town w/ Stephen Stout
In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer and educator Stephen Stout, who shares a series of confronting and unforgettable stories from the frontline of environmental health. Drawing on years of field experience, Stephen explores the moments that test not only technical knowledge, but judgement, resilience, and the ability to respond calmly under pressure. Routine inspections quickly shifts into a collection of real-world incidents involving serious public health risks, unexpected hazards, and the unpredictable nature of frontline regulatory work. Thank you to our guest Stephen Stout Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E26
May 19 · 39 min
E26: Barf Blog w/ Dr Douglas Powell (Part 2)
In this episode Shane is once again joined by internationally renowned food safety expert Dr. Douglas Powell. Through the story of Barf Blog, one of the earliest and most influential food safety blogs Dr. Powell shares how a passion for storytelling, science, and public education transformed the way food safety information was shared across governments, industries, and everyday consumers. Listen to a thoughtful and deeply personal reflection on legacy, communication, and resilience, as Dr. Powell demonstrates that effective environmental health is not only about science and enforcement, but about consistently sharing knowledge, telling stories, and empowering others to make safer choices. Thank you to our guest Dr. Douglas Powell Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S25 · E1
May 14 · 42 min
E25: Global Gut Quiz w/ Dr Douglas Powell (Part 1)
In this episode Shane is joined by globally respected food safety expert Dr. Douglas Powell, whose decades of experience in foodborne illness research are put to the test in a fast-paced quiz. From deadly E. coli outbreaks and salmonella scandals to waterborne disasters and the risks of modern consumer trends, this episode highlights just how universal the consequences of food safety failures can be and that when it comes to foodborne illness, what we don’t know can absolutely hurt us. Thank you to our guest Dr. Douglas Powell Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E24
May 5 · 36 min
E24: Sushi Happens w/ Kylie D'Alton
In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Kylie D’Alton to tackle what may be one of the most underestimated food safety threats in modern society: sushi. One of the world’s most popular convenience foods quickly reveals a perfect storm of food poisoning risks. From raw seafood and cooked chicken to acidified rice, large-scale batch preparation, and widespread room-temperature storage, Kylie unpacks why sushi has become an “ultimate food poisoning weapon” when proper controls fail. Thank you to our guest Kylie D’Alton Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E23
April 22 · 33 min
E23: Under the Microscope w/ Jacob Shaw
In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Jacob Shaw, who shares his unique journey from the confines of a microbiology lab to the frontline of public health. Jacob reveals just how powerful modern diagnostics have become, and why many Environmental Health Officers may be underutilising the expertise and resources available to them. Thank you to our guest Jacob Shaw Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E22
April 1 · 28 min
E22: Cruise Control w/ Cameron Smith (Part 2)
In part two of Cruise Control Shane is re-joined by Environmental Health Officer Cameron Smith, continuing the conversation on life at sea as a Public Health Officer aboard international cruise ships. From managing difficult crew and enforcing strict public health standards to navigating the pressures of working 70+ hour weeks for months at a time, Cameron shares what it truly takes to operate in one of the most demanding EHO roles in the world. Tune back in for a story of resilience, perspective, and trade-offs, as Cameron reflects on the personal and professional realities of cruise ship life and why, despite everything, it’s an experience that’s hard to walk away from. Thank you to our guest Cameron Smith Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E21
March 30 · 32 min
E21: Cruise Control w/ Cameron Smith (Part 1)
In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Cameron Smith, who shares his journey from flood response in Australia to life at sea as a Public Health Officer aboard international cruise ships. Set against the backdrop of post-COVID cruising, Cameron reveals the realities of working in a tightly regulated, multicultural environment where a single mistake can shut down an entire ship. From managing gastro outbreaks and pest risks to navigating the unique hierarchy and pressures of ship life, this episode explores the complexity, responsibility, and unexpected rewards of environmental health on the open ocean. Thank you to our guest Cameron Smith Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
March 26 · 36 min
Bonus: Hāngī Hygiene w/ Monique Goodhew (NZIEH Special)
In this episode Shane is joined by Environmental Health Officer Monique Goodhew, who brings a unique perspective shaped by her deep cultural roots and professional experience in New Zealand, exploring the rich traditions of Māori food practices and how they continue to shape large community gatherings today. Monique demonstrates that protecting public health isn’t just about enforcing rules, but about bridging worlds to keep both people and traditions thriving. Thank you to our guest Monique Goodhew Hosted by Shane van de Vorstenbosch
S1 · E20
February 25 · 32 min
E20: The Trachoma Project w/ Melissa Stoneham
In this episode Shane is joined by Associate Professor Melissa Stoneham for one of the most powerful reminders of what environmental health is really about. As the lead of the Ending Trachoma Project in Western Australia, Melissa shares how a disease that is 100% preventable is still causing blindness in some of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities. This episode explores the power of prevention, the politics of providing basic hygiene, the challenges of remote housing maintenance, and what sustainable, community-led environmental health really looks like in practice. Thank you to our guest: Melissa Stoneham
S1 · E19
February 10 · 29 min
E19: The Rising Sun w/ Lisa Hughes
**Content Warning** This episode discusses adult themes including sex work, sex trafficking, drug use, exploitation, and sexually transmitted infections, which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode Shane is joined by environmental health veteran and advocate Lisa Hughes for one of the most confronting and eye-opening episodes of EHO Knows to date. Lisa lifts the curtain on sex-on-premises venues. From infection control and worker safety to organised crime and exploitation. Thank you to our guest: Lisa Hughes
S1 · E18
February 3 · 48 min
E18: Rooster Gate w/ Tanya Morrison
In this episode of EHO Knows, Shane is joined by Tanya Morrison to unpack the absurd yet true story of Rooster Gate. What begins as a single noisy rooster crowing at dawn spirals into a decade-long saga of neighbour complaints, environmental health investigations, sound monitoring, lockdown complications, and eventually a landmark court case the first of its kind in New Zealand. Equal parts comedy and cautionary tale, this episode pulls back the curtain on how seemingly minor nuisance issues can escalate into criminal prosecution, proving that in environmental health, even a rooster can end up before a judge. Thank you to our guest Tanya Morrison

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