Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine transformed America and the world in ways that seemed unimaginable. But in 1955, there was a moment when everything was in doubt. This week, Josh Levin talks with Dr. Paul Offit about the medical mystery that threatened to derail one of history’s most important scientific breakthroughs.
Josh Levin is One Year’s editorial director. One Year’s senior producer is Evan Chung.
This episode was produced by Kelly Jones, Evan Chung, and Sophie Summergrad.
It was edited by Josh Levin, Joel Meyer, and Derek John, Slate’s executive producer of narrative podcasts.
Merritt Jacob is our senior technical director.
Join Slate Plus to get a bonus 1955 episode at the end of the season. Slate Plus members also get to listen to all Slate podcasts without any ads. Sign up now to support One Year.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1977: Anita Bryant's War on Gay Rights
Introducing: One Year
Slow Burn S4 Ep. 1: White Knight
Slate Presents: Lockdown
The Queen | An Audiobook Preview
The Queen | How to Write This Book
The Queen | The Kidnapping of Baby Fronczak
The Queen | 4. Bobbie and Diana
The Queen | 3. Constance
The Queen | 2. An Incredible Con
The Queen | 1. Coronation
Season 3 Trailer | The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth
Charged | Ep 6: The Other Side
Charged | Ep 5: The Long Tail
Charged | Ep 4: The Escape Hatch
Charged | Ep 3: The Ghost of Tyrone Howard
Charged | Ep 2: Criminogenic
Charged 1+: The Making of Charged
Charged | Ep 1: Born In Brooklyn
Season 2 Trailer | Charged: A True Punishment Story
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Slow Burn
Slate Debates
What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Decoder Ring
The Gist