Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and science communicator, joins Stacey Abrams to discuss the incoming Trump administration's threat to public health. They unpack controversial nominations like RFK Jr. and stress the need for science-driven policies. The conversation highlights the necessity of robust public health systems and local preparedness, while emphasizing the economic importance of Medicaid. Lastly, they explore grassroots activism as a vital tool for change, empowering communities to engage and address health issues effectively.

Céline Gounder, an internationally renowned infectious disease specialist, discusses the intersection of demographic shifts and health issues like opioid overdoses. Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist, shares insights on groundbreaking findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, including methane emissions from distant celestial bodies. Kevin Reed, a chief climate scientist, highlights the urgency of addressing climate change through renewable energy innovations while connecting these challenges to public health and technological advancements.

Stacey Abrams chats with Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist and editor at KFF Health News, about the potential public health threats from the incoming Trump Administration. They delve into the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the urgent need to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Dr. Gounder emphasizes the role of citizens in advocating for informed health policies and critiques the growing skepticism towards science, all while stressing the necessity for grassroots activism to drive meaningful change.

Céline Gounder, an epidemiologist and host of the podcast Epidemic: Eradicating Smallpox, dives into the fascinating history of smallpox eradication. She shares thrilling stories from the 'speedboat epidemiology' efforts in Bangladesh, highlighting the innovative strategies used to overcome logistical challenges. Gounder discusses the crucial role of empathy in public health, especially in vaccination outreach. She also emphasizes building trust within communities and the importance of equitable vaccination methods for marginalized populations.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, recounts the tragic death of her husband, soccer journalist Grant Wahl, and dispels the misleading conspiracy theories surrounding it. She shares her emotional struggle in combating misinformation that tied his death to the COVID vaccine, highlighting the impact of such narratives on grieving families. Gounder emphasizes the importance of truth and public health advocacy while honoring Wahl’s legacy and the supportive community that rallied around her.