The NPR Politics Podcast

The American Trade-Off: Guns And Cars For A Much Shorter Lifespan

Mar 29, 2023

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR's health correspondent, sheds light on America's declining life expectancy and the policies contributing to it. The discussion delves into the alarming rise of gun violence as a leading cause of child mortality and the emotional toll it takes on families. Simmons-Duffin also touches on how urban design and economic pressures negatively shape middle-class health outcomes. Political divides around gun control laws in Florida are explored, revealing their broader implications for public health.

15:09

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Episode guests

Selena Simmons-Dufffin

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Episode notes

Intro

6min

Exploring the Intersection of Pessimism, Health, and Urban Design

2min

The Rising Toll of Gun Violence on Child Mortality

3min

Political Divides and Public Health Challenges

5min

In 2013, researchers published a landmark study on why Americans of all incomes and demographics die years before their peers in comparable countries. In the decade since the report was published, that gap has only grown. We examine the policy choices behind Americans' shorter lives.

This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and health correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin.

The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It is edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.

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