America Dissected

Mara Einstein, a marketing expert and professor, delves into the powerful branding of breast cancer awareness. She discusses the commercialization of health causes, particularly the pink ribbon's paradox, and challenges the effectiveness of awareness campaigns versus real health priorities. Einstein critiques the disparity in funding for diseases and the authenticity of corporate social responsibility. The conversation also touches on the complexities of charitable initiatives and how corporate motives often overshadow genuine health advocacy.

Over the past several years, cities, counties, and states have elected to relieve their residents’ medical debt. That’s cascaded into a national movement to relieve it — which has been picked up by the likes of Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. Abdul reflects on the particular pain of medical debt. Then he interviews Allison Sesso, President and CEO of Undue Medical Debt, the nation’s leading non-profit for medical debt relief. 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.Rhone: Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use AD to save 20% at  https://www.rhone.com/AD.   Blueland: Reinvent cleaning essentials to be better for you and the planet, with the same powerful clean you’re used to. Right now, get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/america.

Bob Martin, a Senior Policy Advisor at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future and co-editor of a vital book on industrial farm animal production, joins the discussion on the perils of factory farming. They dive into how financialization worsens environmental degradation and public health issues. Bob reveals the harsh realities faced by animals and workers, highlights antibiotic resistance, and examines the impact of large corporations on agriculture policies. The conversation urges consumers to push for regulatory reforms toward sustainable farming practices.

Is a hospital the best place for childbirth? That question is driving a revolution in birthing, focused on creating outpatient birth centers. This National Birth Center Week, Abdul reflects on the birth experience — and who it leaves behind. Then he sits down with the co-founder and CEO of the birth center Birth Detroit Leseliey Welch to talk about why birth centers are a key public health intervention against racial inequities in maternal and infant mortality — and her fight to expand them.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 for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.Liquid I.V.: Turn your ordinary water into extraordinary hydration with Liquid I.V.® Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V.® when you go to liquidiv.com and use code DISSECT at checkout.Lumen: If you want to take the next step in improving your health, visit go.lumen.me/AD for 15% off your purchase.Rhone: Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use AD to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/AD.   

In a thought-provoking discussion, Prof. Wendy Kline, an author and historian, delves into the troubling history of pelvic exams and their evolution in healthcare. She highlights the discomfort many feel regarding these procedures and examines the ethical implications linked to consent. Kline discusses innovative self-collection tools that could revolutionize pelvic health care, stressing the importance of a patient-centered approach. The conversation also touches on systemic disparities in medical practices and the need for improved communication in women's health.

It’s back-to-school season — and that means back-to-school vaccines. Abdul reflects on the roles that ritual and trust play in shaping vaccination. Then he sits down with Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician, to discuss the conversations she has with hesitant families and the future of family medicine.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 for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.

Dr. Michael Boyle, President and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, discusses the groundbreaking drug Trikafta, which has transformed cystic fibrosis treatment and extended life expectancy. He highlights the ethical dilemmas of its staggering $326,000 price tag and the ongoing fight for universal affordability. The conversation delves into the historical evolution of cystic fibrosis care, the challenges of access, and the exciting future of genetic therapies like CRISPR. Boyle also touches on the importance of advocacy in ensuring equitable healthcare for all.

Darren Riley, CEO of JustAir, is dedicated to tackling environmental injustice through innovative air monitoring solutions. In this conversation, he illuminates the dire impact of air pollution on marginalized communities, especially highlighting the health risks of asthma. Darren discusses leveraging technology for improved air quality data and community engagement. He shares insights on addressing systemic issues from redlining to public health disparities, all while advocating for environmental justice and community-driven solutions.

Public health is universal–or at least it should be. But since the pandemic, it’s been politicized in ways that threaten critical work in conservative communities. Abdul reflects on how the way we talk about public health may be contributing to that. Then he sits down with Dr. Dwayne Proctor, President and CEO of the Missouri Foundation for Health to learn about the pioneering work they sponsor in Missouri, and what we can learn from their experiences. 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 for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.Henson Shaving: Go to https://hensonshaving.com and enter AD at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.)Blueland: Reinvent cleaning essentials to be better for you and the planet, with the same powerful clean you’re used to. Right now, get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/america.

The concept of “excited delirium” has been used to justify extreme force from law enforcement and to cover up police violence. Coined by a medical examiner in Florida in the ‘80s, it has its roots in eugenics. Abdul reflects on the way that pseudoscience has too often been used by the medical establishment to justify racist maltreatment. Then he interviews Prof. Aisha Beliso-De Jésus, an anthropologist and author of a new book about the history and consequences of “Excited Delirium.”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 for their new Summer School program at CaseyGrants.org/SummerSchool.Article: Check out their spring and summer home collection at article.com/AD. Make sure to use promo code AD at checkout to save $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more.Liquid I.V.: Turn your ordinary water into extraordinary hydration with Liquid I.V.® Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V.® when you go to liquidiv.com and use code DISSECT at checkout.