America Dissected

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sledgehammer on our government agencies, including: A freeze on most federal grants and aid, here and abroad (now rescinded) A pause on health agency communication and travel Removing all DEI programs from the federal government, including diverse clinical trials Offering all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.

Joining the discussion is Sabeel Rahman, a Cornell Law professor and Marguerite Casey Foundation Freedom Scholar, who delves into the legal protections vital for safeguarding public health institutions. They explore the implications of Trump's executive orders on public health, spotlighting the urgent need for global cooperation in health policy. Topics also include the humanitarian challenges in Gaza and a critical look at recent Biden administration actions, like Medicare drug negotiations and a preemptive pardon for Dr. Fauci.

Dora Varga, a historian specializing in historical epidemics, and Hanan Balki, a pediatric infectious disease consultant with the WHO, discuss bold visions for a disease-free world. They share fascinating insights on the impactful history of polio vaccination efforts and the essential collaboration between scientists like Salk and Sabin. The dialogue unpacks the ongoing challenges in eradicating polio, particularly in conflict zones, and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and public trust in health initiatives.

Linda Eckert, a physician and public health consultant, joins to discuss her book "Enough," focusing on the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer. The conversation highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine and the barriers people face in accessing it. They also delve into the health impacts of urban fires in LA and rising concerns about bird flu outbreaks. Additionally, the discussion uncovers the troubling links between ultra-processed foods and public health, advocating for better nutrition policies and dispelling misinformation affecting health choices.

Abdul and Katelyn take your questions after catching up on some of the most pressing health headlines over the holidays–including a new fluoride study, the first H5N1 death, and the passing of public health hero Jimmy Carter.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:Calm: Get 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library at calm.com/DISSECT.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.

Abdul and Katelyn talk about a promising bipartisan bill that could disrupt Pharmacy Benefit Managers, a miracle drug that prevents HIV--at a serious cost, and new data that show that US obesity rates may have fallen for the first time in more than a decade. Then they talk about RFK Jr’s chances of being confirmed to lead HHS after news broke last week that his attorney asked the FDA to repeal approval of the polio vaccine back in 2022. Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Umair Shah, Washington State’s Secretary of Health, about the role of state health departments over the next four years.We will be back with more episodes in 2025. We wish you all a restful holiday season!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:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Sign up now to get your free Boston Review issue delivered to your door at CaseyGrants.org/State.Calm: Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/DISSECT.Lumen: If you want to stay on track with your health this holiday season, head to http://lumen.me/AD for 15% off your purchase.Reclaimed: This podcast takes you back to the very beginning when the Navajo reservation was first created. And it reveals the history of oppression and exclusion that led the Navajo to this point — and why their future is still uncertain. You can listen to “Reclaimed” wherever you get podcasts.

Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, a board-certified dermatologist, dishes out expert insights on navigating the chaotic world of skincare trends, especially among Gen Z. He discusses how social media, particularly TikTok, is shaping young people's skincare habits, often leading to unrealistic expectations and misinformation. Dr. Riyaz emphasizes the importance of a proper skincare education, debunking myths around products and procedures. Plus, he highlights the essentials of sun protection and effective ingredients for maintaining healthy skin.

Abdul and Katelyn break down the latest in appointments to the new administration. They also discuss the latest news about H5N1 (hint, it’s still bad), and new study’s findings about how the HPV vaccine decimated cervical cancer rates among young women. Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Bill Foege, the public health leader and former CDC director who led the effort to eradicate smallpox, to talk about his new book “Change is Possible: Reflections on the History of Global Health.”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:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Sign up now to get your free Boston Review issue delivered to your door at CaseyGrants.org/State.Quince: Gift luxury this holiday season, without the luxury price tag. Go to quince.com/AD to get free shipping and 365-day returns.Blueland: To take advantage of their best sale of the year for up to 30% off your entire order, go to blueland.com/america.Reclaimed: This podcast takes you back to the very beginning when the Navajo reservation was first created. And it reveals the history of oppression and exclusion that led the Navajo to this point — and why their future is still uncertain. You can listen to “Reclaimed” wherever you get podcasts.And don’t forget to visit the America Dissected store for the Holiday sale! We’ve got our logo mugs, t-shirts, and hoodies and our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” shirts on sale now! Go to store.americadissected.com, promo code “Holiday.”

Happy Thanksgiving friends!We are dark this week, but we are excited to share that America Dissected merch is back!We have t-shirts, hoodies and mugs at store.americadissected.comUse the promo code HOLIDAY for 15% off!We will see you here next Thursday with a brand new episode.

Abdul and Katelyn break down the week’s top headlines, including what Trump’s troubling cabinet picks say about his priorities, the latest H5N1 case in Canada, and some good news about vaccination rates this fall. And then later, Abdul talks to strength training coach and physician Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum about his approach to evidence-based strength training in a world full of fitness influencers. 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:Marguerite Casey Foundation: Join the MCF Book Club at CaseyGrants.org/BookClub.Reclaimed: This podcast takes you back to the very beginning when the Navajo reservation was first created. And it reveals the history of oppression and exclusion that led the Navajo to this point — and why their future is still uncertain. You can listen to “Reclaimed” wherever you get podcasts.You can find Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum at www.barbellmedicine.com