Ashish Jha

Lauren Bard, a dedicated nurse at Dignity Health, shares her heart-wrenching story of facing a shocking $1.7 million medical bill after her daughter Sadie's premature birth. Dr. Ashish Jha, a public health expert, joins to unpack the systemic issues that led to such a financial burden. They discuss the emotional toll of navigating insurance enrollment, the stark realities of nonprofit hospital operations, and the disconnect between compassion and overwhelming medical costs. It's an eye-opening conversation about the struggles families face in health crises.

Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert, joins Apoorva Mundavilli, a science reporter, and Ashish Jha, a public health dean, to discuss America's complex relationship with the World Health Organization. They delve into the implications of the U.S. potentially withdrawing from the WHO and the impact on global health responses, particularly during pandemics. The conversation highlights the organization's crucial role in disease prevention and the importance of funding, alongside scrutiny of its pandemic response and accountability for the future of international health.

Ashish Jha, former White House Covid-19 coordinator, discusses the need for a different approach to the winter 'flu season. Topics include living with COVID, future antivirals, vaccines, and surveillance. They also talk about long COVID, investment requirements, and the US role in global health response.

Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, shares insights on navigating the holidays amid the Omicron surge. He emphasizes this isn't a repeat of early pandemic fears, offering strategies to keep gatherings safe through vaccinations and testing. With at-home tests becoming available, listeners learn how to balance caution and celebration. The discussion also addresses travel concerns and the importance of staying informed about local health guidelines to enjoy the festive season responsibly.

Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, shares crucial insights on the emerging Omicron variant and its implications for public health. Kal Penn, an actor and former Obama staffer, discusses his new book, bringing humor and personal anecdotes from his journey in politics and entertainment. The conversation dives into the White House's strategies for tackling COVID-19 and offers a critical look at political dynamics surrounding health responses, interspersed with light-hearted reflections on celebrity culture.