In this interview, we discuss the genesis story of John’s book The Great Influenza, and the lessons of the pandemic of 100 years ago to today. We discuss some of the most interesting aspects of the 1918 pandemic, while also getting into some of the deeper scientific details in comparing the influenza virus and the coronavirus. We also talk about the critical importance of honesty and transparency of leadership in the face of this crisis, the failures of the federal government in its response to COVID-19, and a variety of other topics.