Public Health On Call
Evidence and experts to help you understand today’s public health news—and what it means for tomorrow.
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948 - Recent “Expert Panels” Could Undermine the FDA’s Credibility
09/17/2025
948 - Recent “Expert Panels” Could Undermine the FDA’s Credibility
About this episode: The FDA has long convened scientifically rigorous advisory committees to review data and offer recommendations for regulating a range of food and drug products. However, it has recently pulled back and leaned heavily into ad-hoc “expert panels” that are not held to the same standards. In this episode: Caleb Alexander, an epidemiologist and drug safety expert who has served on over a dozen FDA advisory committees, raises concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in these new panels and suggests that their lax standards might undermine the agency’s credibility. Guest: , MS, is a practicing internist and drug safety expert at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —STAT —NPR —FDA Transcript Information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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947 - “Taxpayer Money Went to Buy Food to Feed People… Now It’s Being Burned”
09/16/2025
947 - “Taxpayer Money Went to Buy Food to Feed People… Now It’s Being Burned”
About this episode: Over the past few months, USAID has been dismantled, forcing the abandonment of aid projects and flushing away millions of dollars worth of food and medicine. In this episode: Journalist Hana Kiros talks about her reporting on the thousands of USAID-funded projects that have been terminated, the potential PR nightmare for the U.S., and what is happening to lifesaving supplies. Guest: is a writer and an assistant editor at The Atlantic, where she covers human rights and technology. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —The Atlantic —Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine —Public Health On Call (February 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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946 - Baltimore’s Back-to-Back Mass Overdoses
09/15/2025
946 - Baltimore’s Back-to-Back Mass Overdoses
About this episode: This July, a dangerous influx of opioids triggered two mass overdose events in the Penn North neighborhood of Baltimore. A swift and nimble response from the city and community stakeholders resulted in zero fatalities. In this episode: Dr. Letitia Dzirasa and Sara Whaley from the City of Baltimore explain what happened, detail the multipronged emergency response, and share how the city plans to move forward in addressing the opioid crisis. Guest: Dr. Letitia Dzirasa is the Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services with the City of Baltimore. Sara Whaley, MPH, MSW, is the executive director of the City of Baltimore’s Overdose Response Team. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —City of Baltimore —WEAA —WBAL Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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945 - Keeping Cool in One of America’s Hottest Cities
09/11/2025
945 - Keeping Cool in One of America’s Hottest Cities
About this episode: Through the summer, the city of Phoenix consistently hits temperatures upwards of 110 degrees, creating dire conditions for vulnerable populations like outdoor workers and those with substance use disorders. In this episode: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and City Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington detail the city’s extreme heat challenges, how other communities can deal with rising temperatures, and the successful cooling interventions championed by local leaders in the Valley of the Sun. Guest: is the 62nd mayor of Phoenix, AZ. During her time in office, she has focused on diversifying the city’s economy, investing in infrastructure, and forwarding sustainability. is the District 8 city councilmember for the city of Phoenix. She serves on the Audit Committee, the Economic Development and Housing and Transportation Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittees. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —U.S. News & World Report —City of Phoenix —Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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944 - How Credit Scores Impact Your Health
09/10/2025
944 - How Credit Scores Impact Your Health
About this episode: Credit scores are more than just a number—they can determine your ability to access critical financial assets like loans, leases, and jobs that, in turn, have a huge impact on your health. In this episode: Professor Catherine Ettman shares new research that explores the relationship between low credit scores and mental health, and discusses a recent ruling reinstating medical debt as a metric of creditworthiness. Guest: , PhD, is an assistant professor in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she studies population mental health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —NPR —American Journal of Epidemiology —JAMA Health Forum Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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943 - Who Can Get a COVID Vaccine This Fall?
09/08/2025
943 - Who Can Get a COVID Vaccine This Fall?
About this episode: The FDA and CDC are tightening eligibility requirements for COVID-19 vaccines this year, pushing effective treatments out of reach for millions of Americans including young children. In this episode: Dr. Fiona Havers, formerly a senior adviser on vaccine policy at the CDC, draws on recent hospitalization rates to identify who is most at risk for severe COVID-19 infection and in need of immunization for protection. Guest: Dr. Fiona Havers, MHS, is an infectious disease physician, a medical epidemiologist, and an expert on vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases and vaccine policy. She previously led the Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network Team at the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —WBAL —Your Local Epidemiologist —Stateline Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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942 - Could One Health Prevent the Next Pandemic?
09/04/2025
942 - Could One Health Prevent the Next Pandemic?
About this episode: Animal-to-human transmission of bacteria and viruses have triggered outbreaks of diseases like avian influenza, COVID-19, and Ebola. A public health approach called One Health can help us to better understand these cases—and possibly help prevent future pandemics. In this episode: Professors Emily Gurley and Raina Plowright explain how One Health investigations work, why they’re an effective tool for addressing spillover events, and a new One Health Coursera course that you can preview for free: Guest: , PhD, MPH, is a professor in Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she focuses on infectious disease and outbreak investigation. , PhD, MS, is a veterinarian and the Rudolf J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Emerging Infectious Diseases —Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine —Global Health Now —Public Health On Call (November 2021) Transcript Information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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941 - Back to School: How Vermont is Addressing Chronic Absence
09/03/2025
941 - Back to School: How Vermont is Addressing Chronic Absence
About this episode: Post-pandemic rates of absenteeism continue to climb across the country as many students navigate concerns that include anxiety and food insecurity. One state is fostering new partnerships and using a public health approach to directly address hurdles to school attendance. In this episode: Pediatricians Deanna Haag and Heidi Schumacher detail their work alongside educators, policymakers, and other medical professionals to advance health and educational equity across rural Vermont. Guest: is a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Vermont and a pediatrician at Monarch Maples Pediatrics in Enosburg Falls, VT. is a general pediatrician and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Vermont. She serves as faculty for the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program, a statewide initiative focused on improving children’s health outcomes. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —University of Vermont Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —The 74 Transcript Information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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940 - A Brief Update: CDC in Crisis
09/02/2025
940 - A Brief Update: CDC in Crisis
About this episode: Last week the CDC was rocked by the abrupt removal of director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four other senior officials, following months of budget and personnel cuts. In this episode: a quick update from former CDC Director Tom Frieden about these concerning developments, how they might impact vaccine access this fall, and what they mean for public health writ large. Guest: is a physician and the president and CEO of , a global health mission focused on stopping preventable deaths. He previously served as the director of the CDC and commissioner of the New York City Health Department. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —New York Times —CBS News —Public Health On Call (April 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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939 - Unfiltered Conversations to Restore Trust in Public Health
08/28/2025
939 - Unfiltered Conversations to Restore Trust in Public Health
About this episode: Back-to-back crises of the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 have pummeled American communities, eroding trust in public health. But what if restoring that trust could start with a simple conversation? In this episode: Maggie Bartlett shares how she’s using her platform as co-host of the podcast, “Why Should I Trust You?”, to forge human connections with those who feel left out of public health conversations and to debunk misinformation about measles, vaccines, and corporate influence. Watch the video episode on YouTube: Guest: , PhD, is an assistant research professor in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the co-host of . Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Why Should I Trust You? —Your Local Epidemiologist — Transcript Information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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938 - Book Club—There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America
08/27/2025
938 - Book Club—There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America
About this episode: Official measures of homeless Americans omit the millions of individuals and families that make up the “working homeless”—a segment of the population that, despite working full time, cannot secure stable housing. In this episode: Journalist Brian Goldstone pulls back the curtain on America’s worsening homelessness crisis and interrogates the fractured relationship between employment and financial stability. Guest: , PhD, is a journalist and the author of . His work has appeared in The New York Times, Harper’s, The New Republic, Guernica, and Jacobin. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Penguin Random House —Vox —The New Republic Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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937 - Meet the Future of Public Health
08/25/2025
937 - Meet the Future of Public Health
About this episode: Since the fifth grade, high schooler Nayesha Diwan has been fascinated by the world of public health. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, she has immersed herself in research and advocacy, delivering speeches at her state’s capitol and interning at an elite neurophysiology lab. In this episode: Nayesha explains how her mother’s cancer diagnosis drew her to public health and reminds us how complex and impactful the field can be. Guest: Nayesha Diwan is a rising high school junior with a passion for science, health care, and public health. She is a semifinalist for the USA Biology Olympiad exam and is currently researching the blood brain barrier and neurological disorders. Nayesha is the host of the . Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Spotify —www.influencethechoice.org Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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936 - The New Reality Facing Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA
08/21/2025
936 - The New Reality Facing Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA
About this episode: The reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July is set to unravel key aspects of the Affordable Care Act that have expanded health coverage to millions of Americans. In this episode: One of the architects of the ACA, Liz Fowler, outlines how work requirements, truncated enrollment periods, and higher premiums will change health care for Americans on Medicaid and Medicare and for those buying coverage through their state’s marketplace. Guest: Elizabeth Fowler, PhD, JD, is a distinguished scholar in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and previously served as the director of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —Center for American Progress —KFF Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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935 - World Mosquito Day: Harnessing New Tools to Jumpstart the Fight Against Malaria
08/20/2025
935 - World Mosquito Day: Harnessing New Tools to Jumpstart the Fight Against Malaria
About this episode: Progress in the global mission to eradicate malaria has stalled due to mosquito evolution, drug resistance, and underfunding. In this episode: Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles discusses what it will take to get this mission back on track, promising new tools recommended by WHO, and why a multisector approach to defeating malaria is crucial for achieving healthy outcomes. Guest: , MPH, is the Chief Executive Officer of the which brings together over 500 international partners dedicated to eliminating the disease. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs —African Arguments Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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934 - Sickle Cell Disease: Genetic Therapies and Treatment Hurdles
08/18/2025
934 - Sickle Cell Disease: Genetic Therapies and Treatment Hurdles
About this episode: Sickle cell disease affects an estimated 100,000 people in the United States. Recent advancements in gene therapies and medicines like hydroxyurea are diminishing extreme pain, reducing strokes, and extending survival times for those afflicted by the disease. In this episode: leading sickle cell disease expert Dr. Mark Gladwin explains how revolutionary new treatments work and discusses the challenges to accessing life-saving care. Guest: is a physician-scientist and the Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His research focuses include sickle cell disease and hypertension. Host: is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —CNBC —Sickle Cell Disease Association of American —Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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933 - Fall Vaccine Confusion with Your Local Epidemiologist
08/15/2025
933 - Fall Vaccine Confusion with Your Local Epidemiologist
About this episode: Fall vaccines for flu, RSV, and—more recently—COVID have long followed a uniform rollout schedule allowing clinics and pharmacies ample time to order and administer shots. But that process looks different this year, raising concerns about access. In this episode: Katelyn Jetelina, publisher of Your Local Epidemiologist, explains how changes to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the FDA are pushing back the timeline and changing recommendations for routine vaccinations. Guest: , PhD, MPH, is an epidemiologist and scientific communicator. She is the co-founder of Health Trust Initiative, an adjunct professor at Yale School of Public Health, and a Senior Scientific Advisor to several government and non-profit agencies, including the CDC. In addition, Jetelina is the publisher of . Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Your Local Epidemiologist —The Guardian —AARP Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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932 - Cuts to mRNA Vaccine Development
08/13/2025
932 - Cuts to mRNA Vaccine Development
About this episode: The Department of Health and Human Services has cancelled nearly $500 million in funding for the development of mRNA vaccines, including for vaccines against potential new pandemic threats. In this episode: Professor Bill Moss delves into the misinformation surrounding mRNA vaccines, explains their potential to treat diseases like cancer and HIV, and warns of the national security threats posed by cuts to development. Guest: , MPH, is an infectious disease specialist and the executive director of the at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —WBAL-TV 11 —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —Axios —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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931 - A Big Setback for Nutrition Education
08/13/2025
931 - A Big Setback for Nutrition Education
About this episode: Since 2010, the nonprofit ChopChop Family has published magazines, cookbooks, and other tools to help pediatricians and nutrition educators inform families about the positive health outcomes of cooking nutritious foods. But deep cuts to SNAP-Ed, the federally-funded nutrition education program, are placing programs like ChopChop Family in limbo. In this episode: ChopChop Family founder and president Sally Sampson explains how the rapid rollback of SNAP-Ed is crippling nutrition education. Guest: Sally Sampson is a cookbook author and the founder and president of , a nonprofit publisher of cooking magazines, cookbooks, digital content, cooking curricula, and learning decks for children and families. Host: is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —STAT —Apple Podcasts —Substack Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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930 - Peace Building in a Polarized Public Health Landscape
08/11/2025
930 - Peace Building in a Polarized Public Health Landscape
About this episode: As the United States grows more polarized along regional, political, and ideological lines, it is critical to resolve conflict civilly—particularly when it comes to pressing public health concerns that implicate all of us. In this episode: Peace building experts David Addiss and John Paul Lederach draw on their careers in conflict resolution and public health to share strategies for building relationships, restoring trustworthiness, and fostering solutions-oriented conversations to bridge ideological gaps. Guest: , MPH, is a public health doctor whose career has involved migrant health, mountain medicine, neglected tropical diseases, research, philanthropy, and global health. He is the Director of the Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics at the Task Force for Global Health. , PhD, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame and a Senior Fellow with Humanity United. He is widely known for the development of culturally-based approaches to conflict transformation and the design and implementation of integrative and strategic approaches to peace building. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Washington Post —www.johnpaullederach.com —Public Health On Call (June 2025) —Public Health On Call (December 2023) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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929 - How To Spot Unregulated Pharmacies and Falsified Medications
08/06/2025
929 - How To Spot Unregulated Pharmacies and Falsified Medications
About this episode: Trying to save money on antibiotics, GLP-1 antagonists, or other medications using online pharmacies can pose serious health risks. These sites are flush with substandard and falsified drugs, which can cause adverse side effects, leave serious conditions untreated, and, in some instances, lead to death. In this episode: Dr. Henry Michtalik shares how providers and patients can spot unregulated suppliers and report counterfeit drugs. Guest: , MHS, MPH, is a hospitalist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and an assistant professor at both the School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. He is a co-principal investigator with the School of Public Health’s . Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —DW —Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine —National Association of Boards of Pharmacy —U.S. Food and Drug Administration Transcript Information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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928 - When Pharmacists Prescribe Medication for Abortion
08/04/2025
928 - When Pharmacists Prescribe Medication for Abortion
About this episode: Following the rise of restrictive abortion laws around the country, a pilot program in Washington state is training pharmacists to screen for and prescribe medication abortion. In this episode: Dr. Beth Rivin talks about the Pharmacist Abortion Access Project and how it’s creating more options for safe, convenient, and effective care for women—especially those living in rural and low-income communities. Guest: , MPH, is the President and CEO of , an organization focused on improving health and human rights with a particular emphasis on family planning and reproductive rights. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —New York Times —NPR —Public Health On Call (July 2024) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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927 - World Breastfeeding Week: Creating Sustainable Support Systems
08/01/2025
927 - World Breastfeeding Week: Creating Sustainable Support Systems
About this episode: Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in babies’ development and new research is even suggesting that breast milk can provide benefits to the microbiomes and immune systems of adults. In this episode: Meghan Azad, a breastfeeding researcher from the University of Manitoba, explains the chemical compounds that make human breast milk unique from other mammals, the opportunities to build more community support for breastfeeding, and the benefits of lactation for mothers. Guest: , PhD, is a professor of pediatrics and child health at the University of Manitoba, where she leads a lab studying breastfeeding and breast milk. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —World Health Organization —UM Today —The Economist Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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926 - A Disability Advocate Speaks Out on Medicaid Cuts
07/31/2025
926 - A Disability Advocate Speaks Out on Medicaid Cuts
About this episode: Medicaid cuts from the recent budget reconciliation law are raising fears of cutbacks among Americans with disabilities who rely on the program for services that allow them to live independently. In this episode: Demi Eckhoff, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and who relies on Medicaid in North Carolina, explains the uncertainty and what people with disabilities are doing to advocate for themselves. Guest: , MPH, is a disability advocate, a registered dietitian, and an incoming doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —New York Times —The Assembly —Public Health On Call (July 2025) —Public Health On Call (March 2025) Transcript information: Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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925 - Starvation in Gaza
07/30/2025
925 - Starvation in Gaza
About this episode: The World Health Organization is reporting thousands of cases of malnutrition and 74 civilian deaths resulting from mass starvation in Gaza in 2025. In this episode: Dr. Paul Spiegel discusses the origins of the crisis and recent developments and shares what this dire situation means for the future of the international humanitarian system. Guest: is a physician, epidemiologist and the director of the at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr Spiegel has worked in humanitarian emergencies for the last 30 years. Host: is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —New York Times —World Health Organization —Public Health On Call (June 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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924 - The Shocking Hazards of Louisiana's “Cancer Alley”
07/28/2025
924 - The Shocking Hazards of Louisiana's “Cancer Alley”
About this episode: Since the 1980s, petrochemical production along an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River has designated the corridor as “Cancer Alley,” but recent research shows that the risks from air pollution in the region have been seriously underestimated. In this episode: Pete DeCarlo and Keeve Nachman of the Johns Hopkins University discuss their concerning findings about compounding chemical exposure on human health and explain what these conclusions mean for how the United States should regulate carcinogens. Guest: , PhD, is an associate professor in Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. , PhD, MHS, is the Robert S. Lawrence Professor in Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —ABC News 4 —Environmental Science and Technology —The Hub Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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923 - A Critical Moment in the Fight Against HIV
07/24/2025
923 - A Critical Moment in the Fight Against HIV
About this episode: The United States stands at a pivotal juncture in eliminating HIV. Despite recent advancements, including the development of an effective new form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an uncertain future marked by cuts to Medicaid and research hurdles threatens to undo the country’s progress. In this episode: Jeremiah Johnson, Executive Director of PrEP4All, sheds light on the urgent need for equitable access to PrEP and what’s at stake if we fail to scale up initiatives to test, prevent, and treat HIV. Guest: Jeremiah Johnson is the Executive Director of —an organization that seeks to prevent the spread of HIV by identifying data-driven policy solutions to increase access to PrEP. Host: is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —Tradeoffs —CNBC —Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics —Public Health On Call (April 2022) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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922 - Book Club—Valley of Forgetting: Alzheimer's Families and the Search for a Cure
07/23/2025
922 - Book Club—Valley of Forgetting: Alzheimer's Families and the Search for a Cure
About this episode: In the 1980s, Colombian neurologist Francisco Lopera discovered a rare genetic mutation afflicting residents of a village outside Medellín that could hold the key to understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease. In this episode: Author Jennie Erin Smith talks about her new book and how families in the Paisa region of Colombia have forever changed the study of neurodegenerative diseases. Guest: is an author and a regular contributor for The New York Times, whose work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Times Literary Supplement, The New Yorker, and more. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Penguin Random House —The Atlantic —New York Times Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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921 - Is Bird Flu Gone for Good?
07/21/2025
921 - Is Bird Flu Gone for Good?
About this episode: In early July, the CDC deactivated the United States’ H5N1 emergency response, citing lowered rates of infection among animals and humans. But fewer cases might not indicate an end to the years-long emergency. In this episode: Dr. Erin Sorrell of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security details the timeline of the virus, its impacts on American farmers, and how to prepare for the return of migratory birds later this year. Guest: , PhD, MSc, is an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —ScienceNews —Live Science —Public Health On Call (January 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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920 - Changes to the CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee
07/17/2025
920 - Changes to the CDC's Vaccine Advisory Committee
About this episode: The recent dismissal of all members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has stirred questions about vaccine safety and immunization protocols. In this episode: Dr. Grace Lee—a former ACIP chair—shares insights on the committee's crucial role in recommending vaccines uses, the importance of transparent decision-making, and dangers of abandoning strong processes. Guest: is the Chief Quality Officer and the Christopher G. Dawes Endowed Director of Quality at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and Associate Dean for Maternal and Child Health (Quality and Safety) and Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. She previously served as the Chair of ACIP. Host: is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: —STAT —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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919 - The Texas Floods and the Future of Forecasting
07/16/2025
919 - The Texas Floods and the Future of Forecasting
About this episode: The deadly Fourth of July floods in Kerr County, TX are raising urgent concerns about flash flooding risks and the future of storm response. In this episode: Hurricane specialist and storm surge expert Michael Lowry discusses what causes increasingly intense storms, details the significant strides made in forecasting, and outlines what’s at stake with potential cuts to NOAA. Guest: is a hurricane specialist and storm surge expert for WPLG-TV in Miami, FL. He previously served as a senior scientist at the National Hurricane Center and as disaster planning chief at FEMA. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the , an editor for , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: —Eye on the Tropics —Intelligencer —New York Times Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us or . Follow us: Here's our Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
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