America Dissected

Guests Nat Kendall-Taylor and Julie Sweetland from the Frameworks Institute discuss vital communication strategies around vaccine hesitancy and public health. They emphasize the importance of framing discussions to rebuild trust, focusing on shared values instead of just data. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in public health with workforce reductions and rising anti-vaccination sentiments, while underscoring the role of storytelling in effectively conveying scientific concepts and fostering emotional connections.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest in the world of public health including: RFK Jr’s problematic new strategy on avian influenza A new report showing heavy metals in some US baby formulas Trump’s attack on higher education Trump’s new pick to lead the CDC A shadow CDC website, created by the non-profit founded by RFK Jr. Katelyn and Abdul’s reaction to that episode of The Daily (iykyk) How the DOGE cuts are hitting the VA. Then Abdul interviews urologist Dr. Maria Uloko about her groundbreaking work in sexual health, and the deep gender disparities that she’s working to erase. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts!This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:de Beaumont Foundation: Find new, research-tested messaging to communicate about public health, plus useful tips for the real-world situations you face, at debeaumont.org.

Abdul and Katelyn round up all the latest health news, including: The growing measles outbreak out of Texas RFK Jr’s false claim that the measles vaccine causes death The withdrawal of Dave Weldon’s nomination at CDC, and who could take his place Dr. Oz’s confirmation hearings, and what could be next for Medicare and Medicaid The Covid-era healthcare programs that were extended by the government funding bill West Virginia’s move to ban food additives, including red dye The latest round of DOGE cuts A new COVID variant in South Africa Then Abdul interviews author Charles Duhigg about his new book Supercommunicators, about the ways physicians and public health workers can have more productive conversations with patients.Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts!This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:de Beaumont Foundation: Find new, research-tested messaging to communicate about public health, plus useful tips for the real-world situations you face, at debeaumont.org.Boll & Branch: Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at bollandbranch.com/AD.

Abdul and Katelyn talk about the current measles outbreak, the danger of relitigating the MMR vaccine again, and the latest round of DOGE cuts to public health. They also peek into the confirmation hearings for Trump’s picks to lead NIH and the FDA, where Senators pressed hard against vaccine skepticism. Then Abdul talks to Adrienne Ammerman, founder of the public health communications platform Arclet.Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts!This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. Thrive Market: Head to thrivemarket.com/AD and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!

This week Abdul is joined by physician and writer Dr. Dhruv Khullar, who is subbing in for Dr. Katelyn Jetelina this week. Abdul and Dhruv discuss a rash of alarming news out of HHS, including its uneven measles response, more cancelled meetings, a policy change to end public comment, and the re-evaluation of a key bird flu vaccine contract. They also break down the Republican budget plan and explain why its proposed cuts would likely gut Medicaid.Then Abdul sits down with Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, about the impact of ICE raids on the immigrant community.Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts!This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out! This episode was brought to you by:Quince: Get free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/AD

Robert Califf, Former FDA Commissioner and current Duke University instructor, shares insights on pressing public health issues. He discusses the consequences of recent workforce cuts at the FDA, impacting medical device approvals and public safety. Califf also highlights the urgent vaccine efforts needed amidst the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and the risks posed by misinformation in public health policy. The conversation emphasizes the critical need for investment in health agencies to tackle future challenges effectively.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and New Yorker writer, dives into the health impacts of ultra-processed foods, linking their consumption to rising obesity rates. He highlights the manipulative marketing tactics of the food industry and emphasizes the importance of home-cooked meals and educational initiatives for healthier choices. The conversation also touches on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial health policies, including his scrutiny of pediatric vaccines and mental health medications, provoking thoughts on transparency in public health.

Dr. Joseph Wright, a leading pediatric emergency physician and health equity advocate, joins forces with Dr. Helen Burstin, CEO of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Together, they tackle the pervasive issue of race-based clinical algorithms and their detrimental impact on healthcare outcomes. Their conversation dives deep into historical biases, the misdiagnosis of children, and the urgent need for inclusive data practices in medicine. With a call for equity in healthcare, they challenge outdated views and advocate for a more nuanced understanding of health determinants.

Dr. Allen Sills, a neurosurgeon and the NFL's Chief Medical Officer, shares his expertise on player safety and injury prevention in football. He discusses innovative strategies like the redesign of kickoff plays and advancements in helmet technology that are helping to reduce concussions. The conversation highlights the cultural shift towards prioritizing athlete welfare and the importance of education regarding head injuries. Sills emphasizes the ongoing efforts to enhance safety without sacrificing the excitement of the game.

Abdul and Katelyn pose questions for RFK’s Senate Confirmation hearings. Then they discuss the fallout from Trump’s sledgehammer on our government agencies, including: A freeze on most federal grants and aid, here and abroad (now rescinded) A pause on health agency communication and travel Removing all DEI programs from the federal government, including diverse clinical trials Offering all federal employees 6-months of pay to resign from their jobs Then Abdul talks to epidemiologist and author Dr. Caitlin Rivers about her new book Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks. Caitlin tells us where we are in the current flu season, and how public health professionals can build back trust with Americans. You can find Caitlin Rivers’ newsletter Force of Infection here.Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our brand new "Science Won't Be Silenced" long-sleeved t-shirts!This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Our Big Shot: This new podcast series explores one of the biggest achievements in human history: the worldwide effort of immunization. You can listen to “Our Big Shot” wherever you get podcasts.