Podcast · Film & TV

The Biollywood Podcast

by Asha M. George, DrPH; John ”J.T” O’Brien, MS · English · Film & TV

Podcasts evolve. So do viruses and other biological threats. In response, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at Atlantic Council has taken its examination of scenarios involving biological weapons, accidents, and naturally occurring pandemics to the next level and created The Biollywood Podcast

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 19 min
Latest: 10 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

10 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

Virus 32 (2022)

In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, and Wendy Villalta, Assistant Director for Operations, discuss the 2022 foreign language film "Virus 32" and its implications for disease outbreaks, transmission, and mutation. Premise: A virus spreads throughout the city, causing the infected to become vicious hunters. Iris and her daughter become caught in the massacre, discovering…

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Earlier episodes 25 most recent

E25 · 27 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 34 min
Doom (2005)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 2005 film "Doom" - starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Karl Urban - and its implications for astrobiodefense, biosafety and biosecurity, and genetic modification. Premise: In the year 2046, the Union Aerospace Corporation (UAC) operates a top-secret research facility on Mars called Olduvai. When a distress signal…
E24 · 30 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
NCIS: Origins S02E10 - Lean on Me (2026)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss S02E10 of NCIS: Origins, Lean on Me. We are joined by special guest, Patrick Cady, who directed the episode. Patrick is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer-turned-director known for his visual storytelling on acclaimed series like Bosch and Insecure. He began his career working with legendary filmmaker John Sayles on films…
E23 · 8 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Pluribus (2026)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 2026 Apple TV+ series, Pluribus. Premise: Pluribus begins with astronomers at the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico detecting a mysterious signal originating 600 light-years from Earth, repeating every 78 seconds. The signal is initially mistaken for Morse code split four ways, but scientists eventually decode it…
E22 · 5 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
The Matrix (1999)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 1999 film, The Matrix, and its implications for the convergence of artificial intelligence and biological science. Premise: In a dystopian future, a war between humanity and sentient machines has ended in humanity’s total defeat. The machines, cut off from solar energy after humans scorched the sky in a desperate…
E21 · 29 May 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Project Hail Mary (2026)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 2026 film, Project Hail Mary. Premise:Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of a mysterious substance called Astrophage that is causing…
E20 · 28 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
28 Years Later: Bone Temple (2026)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 2026 film, 28 Years Later: Bone Temple. Premise: Set immediately after the events of 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple explores a fractured mainland where the uninfected survivors have become more dangerous than the virus. Young Spike is pulled deep into the violent, lawless cult of The Fingers, led by the charismatic…
E19 · 27 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 38 min
NCIS: Origins S02E03 - The Edge (2025)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss S02E03 of NCIS: Origins, The Edge. We are joined by special guest, Patrick Cady, who directed the episode. Patrick is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer-turned-director known for his visual storytelling on acclaimed series like Bosch and Insecure. He began his career working with legendary filmmaker John Sayles on films…
E18 · 30 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
Dr. Who: The Waters of Mars (2009)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 2009 Dr. Who special, The Waters of Mars. Premise: Mars, 2059. At Bowie Base One, an international crew begins succumbing to “The Flood,” a sentient, water-borne infection released from a subsurface glacier. As the base falls, the Tenth Doctor confronts a “fixed point” in history and his own hubris as Time Lord…
E17 · 15 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 28 min
The Thing (1982)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense at the Atlantic Council, Dr. Asha M. George, Associate Director for Research, J.T. O'Brien, and Associate Director for Government Relations and Policy, Robert Bradley, discuss the 1982 film, The Thing. Premise: Set in a remote Antarctic research station, The Thing tells the story of a group of American scientists who encounter a parasitic, shape-shifting extraterrestrial organism. This organism can assimilate and imitate other life forms with terrifying accuracy. The team must figure out how to…
E16 · 5 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
V for Vendetta (2005)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss the 2005 film, V for Vendetta. Premise: In a near-future United Kingdom ruled by the fascist Norsefire regime, a masked vigilante known only as V seeks to topple the government through theatrical acts of sabotage. He rescues Evey Hammond and catalyzes a year-long campaign culminating on Guy Fawkes Night. As Chief Inspector Eric Finch investigates, he uncovers that the regime itself…
E15 · 17 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
The X Files: The Pine Bluff Variant (1998)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss the 1998 episode of The X Files titled, The Pine Bluff Variant (S05E18). Premise: In The Pine Bluff Variant, FBI agent Fox Mulder goes undercover to infiltrate a domestic terrorist group suspected of possessing a genetically engineered biological weapon. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the group plans to release the agent in a public space, and that the U.S. government may…
E14 · 29 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Superman (2025)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, Policy Principal, Robert Bradley, and our new intern, Madi Kim, tackle James Gunn’s Superman (2025), the first film in DC Studios’ new shared universe. Premise: Gunn’s film drops us into a world where Superman is already an established hero. After stopping Boravia from invading Jarhanpur, Clark faces backlash and is publicly outmatched by the “Hammer of Boravia,” later revealed as Ultraman, a clone orchestrated by Lex Luthor.…
E13 · 15 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
28 Years Later (2025)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss the new 2025 film, 28 Years Later Premise: 28 Years Later is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a highly contagious virus, known as the Rage Virus, has decimated the population of the United Kingdom. Learn more about the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense here. Follow us on X (@Biodefensecomm), LinkedIn, and Facebook for more updates. Email us with recommendations on what to review…
E12 · 13 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
28 Days Later (2003)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss the iconic 2003 film, 28 Days Later Premise: 28 Days Later is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a highly contagious virus, known as the Rage Virus, has decimated the population of the United Kingdom. The story follows a group of survivors as they navigate the dangers of this new world, including infected individuals and other hostile survivors. The film explores themes of survival,…
E11 · 16 May 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Mission Impossible 2 (2000)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss the second film in the Mission Impossible franchise. Premise: Mission: Impossible 2 follows IMF agent Ethan Hunt as he is tasked with recovering a deadly virus known as Chimera and its cure, Bellerophon. The virus has been stolen by a rogue IMF agent, Sean Ambrose, who plans to release it and profit from the sale of the cure. The film explores themes of espionage, betrayal, and the race…
E10 · 4 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 39 min
The Last of Us: Season 1 (2023)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss the first season of the HBO show, The Last of Us (2023), based on the hit video game. Premise: "The Last of Us" is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection, known as the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI), has decimated humanity. The story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to curing the infection. Together, they navigate the…
E9 · 7 Mar 2025 · 57 min
Vikings: Valhalla - Honor and Dishonor (2024)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss Season 3 Episode 2 of Vikings: Valhalla - Honor and Dishonor (2024). In this episode, the Vikings face numerous challenges as they navigate their way through political intrigue and warfare. One of the key plot points involves the use of a biological weapon—fungi—to attack the stronghold of Jomsburg. This tactic showcases the strategic and ruthless nature of Viking warfare. Learn more about the Bipartisan Commission on…
E8 · 7 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Dune: Prophecy (2024)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss the TV Series Dune: Prophecy (2024). The series is set 10,000 years before the events of Dune, following the aftermath of the Battle of Corrin. It focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful social, religious, and political force. The story follows sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen as they combat forces that threaten the future of humanity, including a mysterious fear-based virus. Learn more about the…
E7 · 3 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
The 100, S1E10: I Am Become Death (2014)
Premise: The series is set 97 years after a devastating nuclear war wiped out almost all life on Earth. The only known survivors are the residents of twelve space stations in Earth's orbit prior to the war. The space stations banded together to form a single massive station named "The Ark", where about 2,400 people live. Resources are scarce and all crimes no matter their nature or severity are punishable by death ("floating") unless the perpetrator is under 18 years of age. After the Ark's life support systems are found to be critically failing, one hundred juvenile prisoners are declared…
E6 · 30 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
Life (2017)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss the film Life (2017). In the film, a six-member crew of the International Space Station uncovers the first evidence of extraterrestrial life on Mars. When members of the crew conduct their research, the rapidly evolving life-form proves to be far more intelligent and dangerous than expected. Learn more about the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense here. Follow us on X (@Biodefensecomm), LinkedIn, and Facebook for more…
E5 · 1 Nov 2024 · 1 hr 36 min
Project Hail Mary (2021)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss the novel Project Hail Mary (2021) by Andy Weir. Premise: Set in the near future, it centers on school-teacher-turned-astronaut Ryland Grace, who wakes up from a coma afflicted with amnesia. He gradually remembers that he was sent to the Tau Ceti solar system, 12 light-years from Earth, to find a means of reversing a solar dimming event that could cause the extinction of humanity. The story follows two storylines, each…
E4 · 4 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 27 min
The West Wing S05E20: No Exit (2004)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, and Policy Principal Robert Bradley, discuss The West Wing S05E20: No Exit (2004). Premise: After a black-tie dinner, the President and his staff are locked down inside the White House when a foreign substance is detected inside. Learn more about the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense here. Follow us on X (@Biodefensecomm), LinkedIn, and Facebook for more updates. Email us with recommendations on what to review next:…
E3 · 6 Sep 2024 · 1 hr
Alien: Romulus (2024)
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss Alien: Romulus (2024). Premise: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonists come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. Romulus takes place after the events of Alien (1979) and before the events of Aliens (1986). The film was written and directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Ridley Scott. Learn more about the Bipartisan Commission on…
E2 · 2 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 36 min
The Alien Franchise
In this episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss the Alien film franchise. The Alien franchise depicts a series of deadly encounters, predominantly spanning the 21st and 24th centuries, between humanity and the Aliens. Humanity is depicted as a space-faring species with an interstellar dominion; space journeys typically last months, even years, and require the use of cryosleep. Throughout the series, characters are repeatedly manipulated and endangered by the…
E1 · 1 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 25 min
Hidden (2015)
In this inaugural episode of The Biollywood Podcast, the Executive Director of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense, Dr. Asha M. George, and Research Principal, J.T. O'Brien, discuss the film Hidden (2015). Hidden is a 2015 American psychological thriller film written and directed by the Duffer Brothers in their feature film debut. The film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Andrea Riseborough, and Emily Alyn Lind. In this film, an unknown strange outbreak has devastated the United States. A family of three, Ray, Claire, and their daughter Zoe, have taken refuge in an abandoned fallout shelter…

About The Biollywood Podcast

The Biollywood Podcast is a English film & tv podcast from Asha M. George, DrPH; John ”J.T” O’Brien, MS. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Asha M. George, DrPH; John ”J.T” O’Brien, MS
Language: English
Category: Film & TV
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 19 min
Latest episode: 10 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1756546749

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