America Dissected

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

Sharing an episode of the podcast Reclaimed. It centers on a group of Americans who’ve been denied a basic human right: water. I’m talking about the Navajo people. More than one-third of households in the Navajo Nation do not have access to clean water. Right now, there’s a landmark bill in front of Congress that could change this — but it took more than 150 years to get here. “Reclaimed” 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 more episodes of Reclaimed at https://abcaudio.com/podcasts/reclaimed-navajo-nation/

Abdul introduces America Dissected’s new co-host: Dr. Katelyn Jetelina. He and Katelyn break down “Make America Healthy Again,” Project 2025, and what it will take to protect the institutions of public health and healthcare over the next 4 years.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.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.

Abdul reflects on the meaning of a second Trump term.

It’s been a … stressful … couple of months. And if past elections are any indication, that anxiety may not go away any time soon. Though we all know that sleep is critical, few of us get enough of it, particularly during stressful moments. Abdul reflects on the quest for a good night’s sleep. Then he sits down with sleep expert Dr. Chris Winter to talk through the most important things all of us can do to get a good night.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.To See Each Other: A podcast that complicates the narrative about small town Americans in our most misunderstood communities. You can listen to more episodes of To See Each Other at https://link.chtbl.com/toseeeachother?sid=americadissected.

Eric Klinenberg, a NYU professor and author of "2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year That Changed Everything," dives into the lasting impact of pandemic trauma on public health trust. He emphasizes the need for honest dialogues about experiences from 2020, particularly for marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the complexities of public health politics and the importance of community resilience. Klinenberg also urges for collective emotional healing as a prerequisite for moving forward and rebuilding trust in health institutions.