Public Health On Call
Evidence and experts to help you understand today's public health news—and what it means for tomorrow. The podcast features insights from Johns Hopkins experts on topics like infectious diseases, health policy, and global health challenges.
Episodes
Abel Wolman, "Friend of the Thirsty": A Life and Legacy of Water Sanitization
About this episode: At the turn of the 20th century, waterborne diseases like typhoid and dysentery posed a significant threat to public health, accounting for a large part of infant mortality and overall morbidity. Enter Abel Wolman, an early graduate of Johns Hopkins' engineering program and a professor at the university's school of public health. In this episode: the story of the Baltimore-bo
The Workplace Hazard of Radiation—For Flight Crews
About this episode: Long flights at high altitudes can expose pilots and flight attendants to dangerous levels of cosmic radiation over their careers, potentially increasing their risk for a variety of cancers and posing special dangers to pregnant crewmembers. In this episode: a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine urges action on in-flight radiation exp
Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable, Not Inevitable
About this episode: Millions of children will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18, either in-person or online and often at the hands of people they know. The mental, behavioral, and physical health consequences can linger into adulthood. In this episode: Elizabeth Letourneau, director of the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, explains why child sexual abuse is one of
A Settlement in the Gardasil Lawsuits
About this episode: This summer, Merck & Co. settled more than 200 lawsuits alleging that the company's HPV vaccine, Gardasil, caused cases of autoimmune conditions and fertility issues in young women. But that $50 million settlement is not an admission of fault on the part of the company or the vaccine. In this episode: Vaccine law expert Dorit Reiss details the lawsuits, including why evidence
The Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines
About this episode: In the latest move to alter the childhood vaccine schedule, the president has signed an executive order seeking to scale back and restructure routine immunizations. In this episode: what's in the executive order, what it means, and what comes next. Guest: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and forme
Building a Better World with Prevention Thinking
About this episode: Could applying a public health approach to issues like education, crime, and the environment help tackle some of society's most pressing challenges? That's what one researcher argues in a new book titled "Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything." In this episode: Author and professor Paul Fleming discusses his new book, a
Senator Andy Kim on the MediKids Act
About this episode: Over four million children in the United States are uninsured, while many more lack health insurance that adequately meets their care needs. A proposed bill aims to fix that by providing universal health coverage for everyone aged zero to 26. In this episode: Senator Andy Kim, sponsor of the MediKids Act, on why now is the right time for this bill to become law and how it can
Are Humans Hot Enough to Survive a Fungal Apocalypse?
About this episode: New research has identified massive fungal blooms in North America in the Cretaceous period, suggesting significant ecological upheaval before and after the asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. In this episode: Arturo Casadevall, senior author of the study, explains why these findings are so significant and his hypothesis that fungi gave mammals an evolutionary leg-up over repti
The HPV Vaccine, 20 Years Later
About this episode: In the two decades since the HPV vaccine was approved, women's risk of developing cervical cancer has dropped by 80% for those vaccinated before age 16 and 66% in those vaccinated after age 16. It has also lowered the risk of other HPV-related cancers in men. In this episode: Journalist Liz Szabo recounts the incredible successes of this intervention in preventing cancer and
Prescription Denials Are on the Rise
About this episode: If you've ever been prescribed a new medication from your doctor only to be told by the pharmacy that your insurance won't cover it, you're not alone. In fact, new research shows that denials and requirements for prior authorizations are happening more frequently and that, in half of these cases, patients are subsequently forgoing their prescriptions. In this episode: Joseph
The Peptide Episode
About this episode: In June, the FDA convened an advisory committee to discuss whether seven selected peptides should be permitted for legal sale under pharmacy compounding laws despite little research into safety and efficacy. Agency scientists oppose the decision while some committee members with ties to the growing industry support it. In this episode: Dr. Josh Sharfstein, who previously serv
An Early Start to West Nile Virus Season?
About this episode: West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S., and while most people who contract it won't even know they're infected, it can be debilitating for older adults and the immunocompromised. In this episode: an expert in insect-borne diseases gives listeners the essential information on West Nile, offers a forecast on this year's disease season, and answers
Immigration Crossfire in Tennessee Threatens Children's Health
About this episode: Children in Tennessee who need ventilators, chemotherapy and other essential medical treatments—but who have no means to pay for them—turn to the Children's Special Services program. But as a result of a new state law, hundreds of children and their families were told to withdraw from the program or risk being reported to immigration officials. In this episode: Dr. Morgan McD
All About Legionnaires' Disease
About this episode: Cooling towers rife with Legionella bacteria are fueling an outbreak of a serious respiratory disease in New York City. Legionnaires' disease is common in the summer months as the water we use to shower and cool our air conditioning systems warms, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. In this episode: Environmental scientist Natalie Exum details the symptoms of Legionnaire
Are SSRIs Being Overprescribed?
About this episode: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most widely used class of antidepressants. While these medications have undoubtedly saved lives, they have also gained scrutiny for having significant side effects and being difficult to taper off of. In this episode: Two psychiatrists talk about the existing recommendations for deprescribing and why SSRIs remain a cr
Curbing Urban Sprawl: Why Better City Planning Could Mean Better Health
About this episode: Recent research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that living in a compact metropolitan setting could yield more health benefits than living in a more sprawling suburban area. In this episode: the report's lead researcher, Shima Hamidi, explains why this is the case and how communities can reshape infrastructure to foster mobility and connection.
Could GLP-1s Help Treat Addiction?
About this episode: As GLP-1 use surges among U.S. adults for weight loss and diabetes management, researchers are exploring whether these medications could play a role in treating substance use disorders. In this episode: an addiction medicine doctor gives a research update, discusses promising early results, and ponders the larger questions these treatments pose about satiety. Guest: Dr. Sara
The Explosive Diarrhea Episode
About this episode: A parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort is sickening people across the country. While cyclosporiasis cases are common in summer months, recent outbreaks in states like Michigan have far exceeded typical numbers. In this episode: Food safety expert David Acheson talks about how cyclosporiasis differs from other foodborne illnesses and the importance of a s
How Storytelling Can Advance Public Health
About this episode: When it comes to solving big public health issues, personal storytelling can turn abstract research into real impact. In this episode: Monica L. Wang, an award-winning public health researcher and educator, discusses her new book, "The Collective Cure: Upstream Solutions for Better Public Health," and how individual stories can help to identify and solve collective health cha
As Baby Boomers Age, Caregiving Trends Are Shifting
About this episode: Between a growing aging population, the emergence of new technologies, and cuts to Medicaid spending, the landscape of American caregiving is shifting. In this episode: Researcher Jennifer Wolff walks through changes in caregiving trends, underscores the importance of more research on the topic, and highlights new programs that aim to support older adults and their caregivers
A Forecast for the 2026 Hurricane Season
About this episode: Strong El Niño activity in the Pacific could mean a quieter Atlantic hurricane season, but recent events like tropical storm Arthur show that extreme weather can still impact the U.S. this summer. In this episode: Hurricane specialist Michael Lowry returns to the podcast to give an update on the 2026 hurricane season, the promising role of AI in storm forecasting, and the sta
$168 Million in Federal Dollars for Rural Health in Maryland
About this episode: Late last year, the federal government awarded the state of Maryland $168 million for projects advancing rural health. In this episode: Elizabeth Kromm of the Maryland Department of Health explains how the state plans to use this Rural Health Transformation grant to bolster the state's health workforce, connect more people to primary care, get more locally-grown, nutritious f
Should Cities Be Welcoming Autonomous Vehicles?
About this episode: As self-driving cars reach new corners of the country, there is more data on crashes and safety. But is there enough data to confidently assess the benefits and dangers? In this episode: Road safety expert Johnathon Ehsani parses the complexities of the existing data, shares in which contexts driverless cars could be safer, and offers advice to mayors and city residents. Gues
From the Research Lab to Open Mic Night: Comedy in Science Communication
About this episode: Telling a good joke is a science—it requires gathering data, thoughtful analysis, and constant experimentation to get it right. A good joke can also help us better communicate about science. In this episode: A stand-up comedian with a research background explains why comedy is a useful tool in science communication and shares tips for using humor to illustrate academic concep
A New School of Public Health is Coming to Detroit
About this episode: Established in 1868 as a medical school, Wayne State University has championed decades of community-engaged research and interventions in the Detroit community and throughout the state of Michigan. That work will soon take center stage with a new school of public health. In this episode: Bernard Costello, who oversees the institution's health sciences enterprise, explains why
Right-Sizing Traffic Enforcement for Safer Roadways
About this episode: The U.S. stands out among peer countries for having the worst rate of traffic deaths. Approaching this issue from a public health angle can help to make roadways safer by focusing on population-level interventions rather than directing resources towards policing "bad apple" individuals. In this episode: Tiffany Joyce Smith, lead author of a new report on the role of enforceme
Harnessing the Power of Social Media to Find Organ Donors
About this episode: Individuals awaiting organ transplants are often encouraged to reach out to family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to ask if they will consider becoming a living organ donor. As social media expands our reach beyond our immediate communities, it could become a powerful tool in connecting recipients with donors. In this episode: Macey Levan, a kidney donor and researcher,
Animal Diseases and Human Health: The Sloth and Screwworm Episode
About this episode: Headlines about sick sloths in Florida and the reemergence of the New World screwworm in the southwest are raising concerns about potential animal-to-human spillover of certain diseases. In this episode: an update on gammaherpesvirus at Sloth World, why experts are concerned about new screwworm cases, and what both of these situations may mean for human health. Guest: Dr. Me
The Ethics of Including Pregnant People in Clinical Trials
About this episode: Research on the potential impacts of certain medications, vaccines, and interventions on pregnant people and their fetuses is lacking. Much of this is due to culturally perceived risks associated with pregnancy and fears of litigation. In this episode: Ruth Faden, an expert in bioethics, explains how this gap in data can fuel other risks and how to ethically and responsibly i
Two Federal Changes to Support Children and Families in the Foster Care System
About this episode: Data from 2025 shows that over 300,000 children are living in foster care in the United States. The Administration for Children and Families—the federal agency that oversees child welfare programs—aims to keep more children out of the system and with their families. In this episode: a conversation with Assistant Secretary Alex Adams about recent changes to grants and policies
Juneteenth: Celebration, Reflection, and Recommitment with Janice Bowie
About this episode: Juneteenth is a holiday that asks Americans to balance celebration with the continued pursuit of freedom and equality. In this classic episode from 2022: Professor Janice Bowie talks about the meaning of Juneteenth and issues a call to reflect and recommit to championing progress within our own communities. Guest: Janice Bowie, PhD, MPH, is professor emeritus in Health, Be
A New Test for Lyme Disease, Developed by High Schoolers
About this episode: A group of students from suburban Atlanta has developed a new method for detecting Lyme disease using the gene-editing tool CRISPR. In this episode: why there's such a desperate need for a new diagnostic, how the students' model works, and why it's so promising for the treatment of Lyme and other diseases. Guest: Nicole Baumgarth, PhD, DVM, is Bloomberg Distinguished Profes
The Rise of "Big Wellness"
About this episode: The wellness industry covers everything from fitness to biohacking, yoga to peptides, and it's backed by culturally and financially powerful players. In this episode: a new paper in the Milbank Quarterly covers how social media fuels the industry's proliferation, the growing skepticism of traditional medicine that allows it to thrive, and the tension between the concepts of w
The Race for a Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Vaccine
About this episode: Vaccines for the Zaire ebolavirus have been licensed since 2019, but no such treatment exists for the current outbreak of Bundibugyo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this episode: Anna Durbin, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research, introduces listeners to three candidate vaccines and discusses the hurdles to deploying new treatments. Guest
An Unlikely Alliance to Lower Healthcare Costs
About this episode: Two health policy experts could not disagree more about the Affordable Care Act. Yet they're working together to tackle what they see as a root cause of unaffordability. In this episode: A 1954 change to federal tax code made employer-provided health benefits tax-free, incentivizing employers to cover workers' health insurance—but this policy is one explanation for high healt
What We Must Learn From Ebola—A "Disease of Compassion"
About this episode: Dr. Craig Spencer became sick with Ebola while treating patients in West Africa in 2014. He ultimately recovered at a treatment center back in the United States before returning to Guinea to continue his work. In this episode: he talks about what scares him about the current Ebola outbreak, what it's like to treat the disease on the ground, and what lessons he fears we still
How College Campuses Can Support Students in Recovery
About this episode: Recovering from a substance use disorder while in college is a unique challenge mired by stigma and social pressures to drink or use drugs. But collegiate interventions for young adults can change the trajectory and even save lives. In this episode: Noel Vest, an addiction recovery researcher, explains what makes a good collegiate recovery program and why now is a great time
Violence Against Healthcare in Conflict: 2025 Report
About this episode: An annual report from the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition assesses attacks on healthcare facilities and workers in conflict. In this episode: the implications for international humanitarian law as drone warfare surges, state forces increasingly perpetrate attacks, and cuts to foreign aid exacerbate healthcare gaps. Guest: Joe Amon, PhD, MSPH, is the director of the Jo
The Legal Challenges Facing Mifepristone
About this episode: In May, the Supreme Court issued an order preserving access to the abortion medication mifepristone by telemedicine—for now. In this episode: a breakdown of Louisiana v. FDA and other cases involving mifepristone as legal and political battles continue after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Guest: Joanne Rosen, JD, MA, is an expert in public health law and a co-director of the C
1057 - Five Baltimore Health Commissioners Walk into an Auditorium
About this episode: In the city of Baltimore, the health department works to prevent overdose, reduce violence, provide vaccinations, inspect restaurants, and so much more. In this episode: Host Stephanie Desmon leads a panel discussion with five Baltimore City Commissioners of Health who collectively served over three decades. They swap stories and speak candidly about the challenges and opportun
1056 - An Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa
About this episode: A deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been declared a global public health emergency by WHO. In this episode: infectious disease epidemiologist Emily Gurley explains why this outbreak is particularly concerning for a region managing existing crises and how public health systems are working to contain transmission and treat patients. Gues
1055 - Rethinking Humanitarian Health
About this episode: A new report from the CHH-Lancet Commission on Health, Conflict, and Forced Displacement establishes a new blueprint for humanitarian health, including giving more agency to impacted communities. In this episode: Dr. Paul Spiegel, chair of the commission, details the fundamentals of the report and the dire need for a more effective approach to helping people in desperate need a
1054 - Interview With a Graduate: A Newly Minted DrPH in Louisiana
About this episode: It's graduation time at the Bloomberg School! In this episode: New graduate Della Wright shares how a passion for community engagement and a drive to sharpen her skills steered her towards public health, and how a DrPH degree is supercharging her work bringing researchers and communities together to protect the environment. Guest: Della Wright, DrPH, MPH, is a Bloomberg Fellow
1053 - Health Commissioner Michelle Taylor is Betting on Baltimore
About this episode: Not even a year into her job as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health, Dr. Michelle Taylor is balancing leading a diverse team with tackling major public health issues. In this episode: She speaks with Dr. Josh Sharfstein, who served as commissioner from 2005 to 2009, about what drew her to Baltimore, her early priority initiatives, and how she applies her public
1052 - Should AI Renew Your Prescription?
About this episode: In a first-of-its-kind program, the state of Utah is partnering with an AI health platform to offer prescription renewals to nearly 200 medications. In this episode: the director of the state's office of artificial intelligence explains how the program works, responds to concerns that have been raised, and discusses what's next. Guest: Zach Boyd, PhD, is the director of the Off
1051 - The Fate of Foreign Aid in 2026
About this episode: A recent study by the Rockefeller Foundation and ISGlobal estimates that cuts made to foreign aid last year could result in 23 million more deaths globally by 2030. In this episode: how researchers calculated this figure, why funding has slowed, and what global development leaders are trying to do about it. Guest: Eric Pelofsky, JD, MPP, is the vice president of international p
1050 - A Doctor Uses Social Media to Advocate for Children in Immigration Detention
About this episode: Dr. Anita K. Patel emerged as a prominent online educator during the pandemic. Today, she's leveraging social media to advocate for the humane treatment of children in ICE detention. In this episode: her work to help detained children obtain much-needed medical attention and her advice for doctors on using social media to make a wider impact. Guest: Dr. Anita K. Patel is an att
1049 - What to Know About Hantavirus
About this episode: An outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship has triggered a global public health response to treat those infected and trace those exposed. In this episode: why this type of hantavirus is unique, what the symptoms and severity are, and why experts are assuring the public that the risk of pandemic-level transmission is low. Guest: Kari Moore Debbink, PhD, MEd, is a virologist at t
1048 - Understanding and Ending Violence
About this episode: What would change if we thought of violence as an infectious disease? In this episode: a trailblazer in the movement for community-based solutions to violence, Dr. Gary Slutkin, explains how treating violence like an epidemic can point the way to solutions. Guest: Dr. Gary Slutkin is a physician and epidemiologist who founded the organization Cure Violence Global. He is also th
1047 - Food Access at Your Neighborhood Y
About this episode: Connecting community members with nutritious foods can also open the door to other resources for improving wellbeing, from nutrition education to legal services to housing support. In this episode: Devonne Franklin and Shikera Shelton of the Y in Central Maryland talk about the organization's Fresh Mart program and how providing a good meal opens the door to improving community
1046 - "The Service is the Message": A Conversation with New York's Commissioner of Health
About this episode: Appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani earlier this year, Dr. Alister Martin is developing creative ways to make life healthier and more affordable for New Yorkers. In this episode: Dr. Martin shares how his office is meeting problems head on, finding innovative ways to connect with neighbors, and serving through a public health trust deficit. Guest: Dr. Alister F. Martin, MPP, is t
1045 - What's Next for a New Lyme Vaccine
About this episode: A new vaccine shows 70% efficacy in preventing Lyme disease, but limitations to the clinical trials put the fate of this intervention in limbo. In this episode: Anna Durbin, an expert in experimental vaccines, explains where this vaccine shows promise, where it falls short, and what could happen next for licensing and regulation. Guest: Dr. Anna Durbin is a professor of Interna
1044 - A Peek Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with Our Resident in Residence
About this episode: Amid a major turning point for the field of public health, physicians and public health experts are reckoning with their approach to their work, especially in the context of public outreach. In this episode: a discussion with a preventive medicine resident who is spending a month working with the podcast team. Topics include his experiences, interplay between new media and publ
1043 - How Community Health Workers Improve Research
About this episode: Many people know community health workers for their work supporting clinical care and connecting people to resources. In this episode: the role of community health workers in crafting research questions, recruiting study participants, sharing results, and making a broader impact. Guest: Donald Young Jr. is a community outreach engagement specialist for the D.C., Maryland, Virg
1042 - The Red Hill Water Crisis: How Jet Fuel Contaminated the Water Supply of More Than 60,000 People
About this episode: A 2021 leak of jet fuel into the drinking water supply on O'ahu has caused neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory conditions and prompted outrage from community members. In this episode: the story of an in-depth investigation into the disaster, which covered how to measure exposure and support the individuals and families compromised by this crisis. Guest: Natalie Exum
1041 - World Malaria Day: Promising Tools for Elimination Amidst Research Cuts
About this episode: Exacerbated by cuts to research funding and on-the-ground interventions, malaria remains one of the deadliest and most burdensome health crises across the globe. In this episode: Jane Carlton of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute details the state of the disease in 2026 and how tools like improved vaccines and genetically modified mosquitoes can bring us closer to eli
1040 - Growing Demand for Menopausal Hormone Therapies Brings Excitement—and New Concerns
About this episode: Following the FDA's removal of black box warnings for hormone therapy drugs, demand has skyrocketed for menopause treatments. In this episode: why this explosion in popularity marks a trend in the right direction for quality reproductive care while also raising concerns about "menowashed" products and blanket prescribing of hormonal interventions. Guests: Dr. Wendy L. Bennett,
1039 - Spending Down Billions in Opioid Settlement Money: The Debatable, The Inventive, and The Innovative
About this episode: A collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, KFF Health News, and Shatterproof is tracking how communities across the country are spending opioid settlement funds. In this episode: Abigail Winiker of the Bloomberg Overdose Prevention Initiative details the good, bad, and the ugly of the expenditures the team has tracked, from EMS-delivered harm r
1038 - Cannabis Use Disorder in Adolescents Linked to Other Psychiatric Conditions
About this episode: New findings suggest that, compared to adults with similar habits, teens with patterns of problematic cannabis use are at an elevated risk for developing other mental disorders like schizophrenia and depression. In this episode: Johannes Thrul breaks down a study on this potential link and outlines what it may mean for the growing field of cannabis research. Guest: Johannes Thr
1037 - Chatbots, Mental Health, and Suicide
About this episode: People are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for therapeutic purposes—but these platforms are built for engagement, not mental health care. In this episode: Laura Reiley, whose daughter took her own life after confiding in a chatbot, explains why this technology is ill-equipped to treat those struggling with their mental health and how a transparent regulatory system could es
1036 - Geopolitics and Humanitarian Health in Iran, Cuba, and Ukraine
About this episode: Humanitarian crises don't exist in a vacuum—they are shaped by geopolitical actions like blockades, sanctions, and armed conflicts between countries. In this episode: Stanford University scholar Ruth Gibson details how geopolitical decisions impact civilians on the ground and how this framing applies to current situations in Iran, Cuba, and Ukraine. Guest: Ruth Gibson, PhD, is
1035 - The Epic Struggle for Public Health
About this episode: Public health efforts have led to tremendous gains throughout history—and sparked backlash. That's the argument made by Michelle A. Williams in her new book "The Cure for Everything The Epic Struggle for Public Health and a Radical Vision for Human Thriving." In this episode: why community interventions often go underappreciated, the economic benefits of a healthy society, and
1034 - An Update on Measles and the U.S.'s Elimination Status
About this episode: The U.S. is on track to surpass 2025's alarming number of measles cases in 2026. At the same time, the nation's measles elimination status remains under review as health entities use genome sequencing to better understand the state of transmission. In this episode: Infectious disease specialist William Moss explains what's at stake with the verification of the U.S.'s eliminatio
1033 - Chemical Contaminants and Fungal Fixes in Wastewater and Agriculture
About this episode: Biosolids created by the wastewater treatment process are useful fertilizers in agriculture, but they often contain chemical compounds from the pharmaceutical and personal care products we send down our drains. In this episode: Researcher Carsten Prasse details new findings that suggest that fungi could reduce our risk of exposure to these compounds in our drinking water and fo
1032 - A Judge Rules on Vaccines
About this episode: A federal judge has halted changes from the Department of Health and Human Services to the childhood immunization schedule and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice. In this episode: the impact of this decision and what comes next. Guest: Sarah Despres, JD, is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience in public health policy and advocacy and is an expert on immunizati
1031 - What is Prediabetes?
About this episode: Prediabetes—a diagnosis characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that can progress to Type 2 diabetes—is embroiled in debate about whether the condition is clinically "real," and, if so, what the threshold for diagnosis should be. In this episode: Epidemiologist and diabetes expert Elizabeth Selvin breaks down the controversy surrounding prediabetes and why she thinks the d
1030 - An Endgame for the Tobacco Industry?
About this episode: Despite sizable decreases in tobacco use in high-income countries, 7 million people around the world die every year from tobacco-related causes. In this episode: an approach that seeks not to manage the $880 billion tobacco industry but to end it. Guest: Eline Goethals is a communications specialist and a fellow at the School of Moral Ambition. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is dis
1029 - What We Know About CTE
About this episode: A neurodegenerative disease that can only be diagnosed after death, CTE has made headlines for its prevalence in professional football players. But where does it stand as a public health issue? In this episode: Jesse Mez of the Boston University CTE Center gives an overview of what we know and don't yet know about CTE, as well as tips for parents of children who play contact sp
1028 - Vaccine Policy in the States
About this episode: As policy has shifted at the federal level, state legislatures are considering a broad range of vaccine-related bills. In this episode: Jennifer Herricks and Northe Saunders of American Families for Vaccines talk about the landscape of vaccine policy, from "medical freedom" bills to those seeking shore up vaccine access. Guests: Jennifer Herricks, PhD, is the founder of Louisia
1027 - The EPA's Approval of Two New Pesticides
About this episode: In late 2025, the EPA approved two pesticides for agricultural use that opponents argue contain PFAS—"forever chemicals" that pose hazards to human health. In this episode: the debate around what constitutes PFAS and the EPA's role in regulating these harmful chemicals. Guest: Rachel Frazin covers energy and environmental policy for The Hill and is the co-author of the book "Po
1026 - A Mental Health Crisis for Adults with IDDs
About this episode: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than those without IDDs. Barriers like cost, a lack of trained providers, and societal biases keep many from accessing the care they need. In this episode: what's fueling this crisis hidden in plain sight and what needs to change in order to fix it. Guests: Kayte Barton is
1025 - Advancing the Elimination of Schistosomiasis
About this episode: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to human hosts via freshwater snails. It can cause serious and debilitating chronic conditions, but the Pan American Health Organization is leading a charge to end transmission in the Americas. In this episode: PAHO Parasitologist Ronaldo Scholte details how locations like Puerto Rico are successfully working to eliminate schis
1024 - "Healing in a Changing America"—Starting with Florida
About this episode: From working in immigrant health care under the Reagan administration to tackling today's measles outbreak in Florida, George Rust has decades of experience caring for the disadvantaged. In this episode: Dr. Rust discusses the state of public health in Florida, the need to return to a community-focused model, and his new book "Healing in a Changing America: Doctoring in a Natio
1023 - How Social Media is Changing the Way We Talk About Health
About this episode: Once a useful tool for sharing critical information during the pandemic, social media has evolved into an oversaturated and underregulated marketplace for health disinformation. In this episode: Infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera analyzes the online landscape and advises listeners on how to approach alarmist and misleading health co
1022 - Preventing Teen Car Crashes and Deaths
About this episode: Getting your license as a teenager is an exciting time but it's also a dangerous one. In this episode: Johns Hopkins researcher Johnathon Ehsani discusses why teens are more vulnerable to serious crashes, how driving tests and licensing laws can improve safety, and how parents can best support their new drivers. Please send this podcast to a new driver or their parents—today. G
1021 - Antibiotic Overuse in Dentistry
About this episode: Dentists prescribe about 10% of all antibiotics in the U.S., but research shows that a large share may be unnecessary. In this episode: the grave public health risks of inappropriate antibiotic use, how this can be curbed, and the questions you should ask next time you're in the dentist's chair. Guest: Liz Szabo, MA, is an investigative health reporter with CIDRAP News. Host: D
1020 - TrumpRx and High Drug Prices
About this episode: The Trump administration's online prescription drug platform promises the world's lowest prices on medications. In this episode: Dr. Mariana Social explains how the site's discounts work, who they benefit, and whether they're truly the most affordable prices. Guest: Dr. Mariana Socal, PhD, MPP, MSc, studies the pharmaceutical market and is an associate professor in Health Polic
1019 - Medical Aid in Dying
About this episode: Often referred to as "physician-assisted suicide," medical aid in dying poses complex ethical, medical, and policy questions. In this episode: why some individuals with a terminal illness choose MAiD, the eligibility requirements in U.S. states, and the tension between individual health choices and public policy. Guests: Jeffrey Kahn, PhD, MPH, is the Robert Henry Levi and Ryda
1018 - Health and Wealth With Baby Bonds
About this episode: Baby bonds programs, which create state-managed trust funds for low-income children, are associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes for recipients and their families. New research shows that a majority of Americans support these early wealth-building tools. In this episode: Professor Catherine Ettman talks about the growing excitement behind baby bonds and the
1017 - Getting More Health Out of Health Care—By Paying for It
About this episode: Private insurers and the government typically reimburse providers based on metrics of appointments and procedures. An innovative approach to health care finance asks doctors and clinicians to measure success differently: by tangible health outcomes. In this episode: Dr. Darshak Sanghavi details the early promise of this approach and how it's empowering communities to focus on b
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