Public Health On Call
Evidence and experts to help you understand today’s public health news—and what it means for tomorrow.
info_outline
The HPV Vaccine, 20 Years Later
08/06/2026
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 discusses the existing misinformation surrounding the vaccine, still considered by some to be too “new.” Guest: , MA, is an investigative health reporter with CIDRAP News. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —CIDRAP News —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —International Vaccine Access Center 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42327915
info_outline
Prescription Denials Are on the Rise
08/05/2026
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 Levy, lead author of the study, explains why this is the case and discusses the tradeoffs between controlling drug spending and ensuring access to necessary treatments. Guest: , PhD, is a health economist and assistant professor in 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: —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —The Baltimore Banner 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42316610
info_outline
The Peptide Episode
08/03/2026
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 served as the Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, explains what is happening and what it may mean for consumers and patients. Note: That this episode was updated on August 5, 2026. Guest: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. 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: —Science —FDA —The New Yorker —Washington Post —Public Health On Call (August 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42278235
info_outline
An Early Start to West Nile Virus Season?
07/30/2026
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 the most important question: can we just get rid of mosquitoes? Guest: , PhD, is a professor of who studies vector-borne diseases. 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: —CDC —CNN —Public Health On Call (May 2024) —Public Health On Call (June 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42254085
info_outline
Immigration Crossfire in Tennessee Threatens Children's Health
07/29/2026
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 McDonald explains what happened—and how a lawsuit is aiming to preserve lifesaving care. Guest: Dr. Morgan McDonald is a pediatrician, a public health physician, and a member. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Washington Post —Tennessee Justice Center —Public Health On Call (May 2026) 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42242550
info_outline
All About Legionnaires’ Disease
07/27/2026
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 Legionnaires’ disease, who is most at risk of infection, and how cities can monitor and treat water systems to reduce exposure. Guest: , PhD, MS, is an assistant professor of 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: —NBC News —NYC Health —Science of the Total Environment 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42197765
info_outline
Are SSRIs Being Overprescribed?
07/23/2026
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 critical treatment tool despite pressure from federal health officials to wean Americans off of them. Guest: is an associate professor of who studies the epidemiology of suicide and serves as the primary supervising psychiatrist for the . , MPH, is the director of and psychiatrist-in-chief at . 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 New York Times —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —Lancet Psychiatry —BMJ —JAMA 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42184590
info_outline
Curbing Urban Sprawl: Why Better City Planning Could Mean Better Health
07/22/2026
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. Guest: , PhD, MSc, is a Bloomberg Associate Professor of American Health in the and director of the . 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 Bloomberg School of Public Health @bloombergamericanhealth via Instagram —International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health —Health & Place 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42164720
info_outline
Could GLP-1s Help Treat Addiction?
07/20/2026
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: is the director of addiction medicine services at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute and an assistant professor of psychiatry at PennState Health. (Full disclosure: Public Health On Call Host Dr. Josh Sharfstein is the proud brother of Dr. Kawasaki) 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: —The New Yorker —CNN —Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42119330
info_outline
The Explosive Diarrhea Episode
07/17/2026
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 strong public health system for catching contaminants like this. Note: This episode was recorded on July 15, just before the investigation identified lettuce from Taylor Farms, the supplier to Taco Bell, as the culprit. Guest: is the President & CEO of The Acheson Group Consulting Company. With more than 40 years of medical and food safety experience, Acheson has served in prominent roles at the FDA and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —AP —CDC —CIDRAP —Animal Frontiers —USDA —Public Health On Call (November 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42114240
info_outline
How Storytelling Can Advance Public Health
07/16/2026
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 challenges. Guest: , ScD, MS, is an associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health and an adjunct professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is also the editor at large 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: —Penguin Random House —STAT 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42103945
info_outline
As Baby Boomers Age, Caregiving Trends Are Shifting
07/15/2026
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. Guest: is an expert in policy relating to the care of persons with complex health needs and disabilities, in , and director 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: —NHATS —Health Affairs — — —Public Health On Call (July 2025) —Public Health On Call (March 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42082420
info_outline
A Forecast for the 2026 Hurricane Season
07/13/2026
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 state of meteorology amidst federal funding cuts. 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 —CBS News —ABC News —Public Health On Call (July 2025) —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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42035540
info_outline
$168 Million in Federal Dollars for Rural Health in Maryland
07/09/2026
$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 foods on Marylander’s plates—and the massive effort to turn around a grant proposal like this on a very tight timeline. Guest: , PhD, is assistant secretary of population health and strategic initiatives at the and adjunct assistant professor of 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: —Maryland Department of Health —Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs — —Public Health On Call (January 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/42015410
info_outline
Should Cities Be Welcoming Autonomous Vehicles?
07/08/2026
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. Guest: , PhD, MPH, is an internationally recognized road safety researcher and an associate professor in at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Waymo —Health Equity —Public Health On Call (March 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41992760
info_outline
From the Research Lab to Open Mic Night: Comedy in Science Communication
07/06/2026
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 concepts. Guest: , MPH, is a stand-up comic, screenwriter, and former scientist. She is also the creator, host, and executive producer of the original social media series “.” 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: —Nautilus —Science Communication —Journal of Science Communication —Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences —Public Health On Call (December 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41745900
info_outline
A New School of Public Health is Coming to Detroit
07/02/2026
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 now is the right time for a devoted public health curriculum and how a university goes about starting a new school. Guest: , MD, DMD, is senior vice president for health affairs at , where he oversees the , , , and development of the emerging school of public health. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —WDET —Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41745835
info_outline
Right-Sizing Traffic Enforcement for Safer Roadways
07/01/2026
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 enforcement in road safety, explains the value of a proactive approach to preventing crashes versus a reactive one. Guest: Tiffany Joyce Smith, MPH, is a public health and mobility expert and program advisor with the . Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Vision Zero Network —NPR —Public Health On Call (November 2023) ?—Public Health On Call (July 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41745765
info_outline
Harnessing the Power of Social Media to Find Organ Donors
06/29/2026
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, explains why social media can be so useful in forging life-saving connections and what to consider when making the ask of an online community. Guest: , PhD, JD, is an associate professor of surgery and population health at . She also serves as director of policy and external affairs for the and director of the qualitative core in the . Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —Current Transplantation Reports —American Journal of Transplantation —National Kidney Foundation 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41742650
info_outline
Animal Diseases and Human Health: The Sloth and Screwworm Episode
06/25/2026
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: , PhD, MPH, is a veterinarian and chair of the Master of Public Health program 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: —Inside Climate News —USDA —Public Health On Call (September 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41794810
info_outline
The Ethics of Including Pregnant People in Clinical Trials
06/24/2026
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 include pregnant people in clinical trials. Note: This conversation builds on a recent episode of playing god?, the podcast from the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. . Guest: , PhD, MPH, is the Philip Franklin Wagley Professor of Biomedical Ethics and the founding director of the . Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —playing god? —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics —Public Health On Call (October 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41740665
info_outline
Two Federal Changes to Support Children and Families in the Foster Care System
06/22/2026
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 that seek to support families affected by substance use and reform practices around survivor benefits for children who have lost their parents. Guest: , PharmD, MPH, is the Assistant Secretary for Family Support, leading the Administration for Children and Families. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —The Imprint —Idaho Capital Sun —Administration for Children and Families —Administration for Children and Families 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41680010
info_outline
Juneteenth: Celebration, Reflection, and Recommitment with Janice Bowie
06/18/2026
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: PhD, MPH, is professor emeritus in Health, Behavior, and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Smithsonian Institution — —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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41679955
info_outline
A New Test for Lyme Disease, Developed by High Schoolers
06/17/2026
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: , PhD, DVM, is Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in and the director of the at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Sankalp Yeleti is a recent graduate of Lambert High School and a rising freshman at New York University, where he plans to study biomolecular science. 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: —CBS News —Lambert iGEM 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41665130
info_outline
The Rise of “Big Wellness”
06/15/2026
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 wellness and public health. Guest: , PhD, is a researcher of public health interventions at the University of Cambridge. , PhD, MPH, is a senior lecturer in inequalities and global health policy at the University of Edinburgh. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Millbank Quarterly —Public Health On Call (February 2026) —Public Health On Call (October 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41622375
info_outline
The Race for a Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Vaccine
06/11/2026
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: is a professor of International Health and the director of the . Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the . Show links and related content: —BBC —The Hill —STAT —Regeneron —Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health —Public Health On Call (May 2020) 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41599225
info_outline
An Unlikely Alliance to Lower Healthcare Costs
06/10/2026
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 healthcare costs for Americans today. Guests: , JM, MA, is the director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute. , PhD, JD, is a distinguished scholar in at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Washington Post —Public Health On Call (August 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41590240
info_outline
What We Must Learn From Ebola—A “Disease of Compassion”
06/08/2026
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 haven’t learned about this “disease of compassion.” Guest: , MPH, is an emergency medicine physician, public health researcher, and associate professor of Health Services, Policy, and Practice at . 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 New York Times —KFF —STAT —Washington Post —Associated Press —ABC News —Public Health On Call (May 2026) —Public Health On Call (May 2020) 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41573195
info_outline
How College Campuses Can Support Students in Recovery
06/04/2026
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 for higher education institutions to expand support for students. Guest: , PhD, is an assistant professor of community health sciences at 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: —Times Higher Education —The White House —SAFE Project 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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41522765
info_outline
Violence Against Healthcare in Conflict: 2025 Report
06/03/2026
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: , PhD, MSPH, is the director of the . Host: is distinguished professor of the practice in , a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: —Safeguarding Health in Conflict —Public Health On Call (May 2026) —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.
/episode/index/show/johnshopkinssph/id/41507425