926 - A Disability Advocate Speaks Out on Medicaid Cuts Public Health On Call 2025-07-31 | Find a transcript of this episode here: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/a-disability-advocate-speaks-out-on-medicaid-cutsMedicaid cuts from the recent budget reconciliation law are raising fears of cutbacks among Americans with disabilities who rely on the program for services that allow them to live independently. In this episode: Demi Eckhoff, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and who relies on Medicaid in North Carolina for home and community-based care, explains the uncertainty and what people with disabilities are doing to advocate for themselves.Guest:Demi Eckhoff, MPH, is a disability advocate, a registered dietitian, and an incoming doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.Host:Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department.Show links and related content:Disabled Americans Fear What Medicaid Cuts Could Do to Them [nytimes.com/2025/07/21/well/medicaid-bill-disabled-americans.html]—New York TimesFive Ways the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Make It More Difficult to Get Health Insurance in N.C. [theassemblync.com/politics/legislation/nc-medicaid-one-big-beautiful-bill/]—The AssemblyAmerica’s Caregiver Crisis [https://podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/915-americas-caregiver-crisis]—Public Health On Call (July 2025)The Potential Impacts of Cuts To Medicaid [https://podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/874-the-potential-impacts-of-cuts-to-medicaid]—Public Health On Call (March 2025)Contact us:Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email at publichealthquestion@jhu.edu or visit our website [https://publichealth.jhu.edu/headlines/public-health-on-call-podcast].Follow us:@PublicHealthPod on Bluesky@JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram@JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook@PublicHealthOnCall on YouTubeHere's our RSS feed: feeds.libsyn.com/251651/rssNote: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
U.S. Healthcare Failures: Is Neoliberalism to Blame? Public Health On Call 2026-09-21 | About this episode: A new book argues that a wave of Reagan-era policies grounded in limited government intervention in the free market has given way to deregulation and corporate consolidation in healthcare, driving up costs and yielding poor health outcomes. In this episode: John McDonough, author of “America’s Wrong Turn: U.S. Healthcare in the Neoliberal Era,” walks through the pivotal policies of past political eras and provides his insights on where the country is headed next. Guest: John McDonough, DrPH, MPA, is a health policy expert, author, and professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: America’s Wrong Turn: U.S. Healthcare in the Neoliberal Era—Johns Hopkins University Press (book) Why Are Americans Dying So Much Earlier Than Some Of Their Counterparts?—Public Health On Call (January 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
The Rabies Episode Public Health On Call 2026-09-17 | About this episode: According to the CDC, rabies cases are on the rise nationwide. This aggressive RNA virus, primarily transmitted through biting, can infect any mammal—including household pets and humans—with horrific and fatal consequences. In this episode: Veterinarians Meghan Davis and Monica Murphy discuss how to identify a rabid animal, why preventing infection is critical to saving lives, and the fascinating cultural history of rabies with ties to werewolves, vampires, and zombies. Guest: Meghan Davis, PhD, MPH, DVM, is a veterinarian and chair of the Master of Public Health program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Monica Murphy, MPH, DVM, is a veterinarian and author of the book “Rabid: A Cultural History of the World’s Most Diabolical Virus.” Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Rabid: A Cultural History of the World’s Most Diabolical Virus—Penguin Random House Disease experts urge safe animal practices amid ‘unusual’ rabid beaver attacks—Maryland Matters Nationwide Increase in Reported Human Rabies Exposures: Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis Administration—CDC Stopping Dog Bites Helps Stop Rabies—Johns Hopkins Center for Communications Programs Why We Vaccinate Our Dogs and Cats—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Private Equity in Healthcare Public Health On Call 2026-09-16 | About this episode: Private equity is purchasing hospitals, long-term care facilities, laboratories, and clinics—often promising to introduce efficient, cutting-edge care. But what's actually happening in communities? In this episode: Two health policy researchers explain one way that private equity operates in the healthcare system and its consequences for patients. Guest: Karen Davenport, MPA, is a senior research fellow at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Kennah Watts, MSPH, is a research fellow at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: Hollowed Out - How Private Equity Destabilized Safety-Net Hospitals in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island—Center on Health Insurance Reforms Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
After a busy summer of public health headlines, things arent slowing down as we dive into fall 🍁 Public Health On Call 2026-09-15 | Learn more about topics like foodborne illnesses, measles, and respiratory vaccines on our channel.
Meta Settled a Case Over Social Media Addiction Claims. What Happens Now? Public Health On Call 2026-09-14 | About this episode: In August, Meta—the parent company of Instagram and Facebook—agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to 54 states and U.S. territories over claims that it harmed children by fostering unhealthy digital habits. In this episode: An addiction researcher and an expert in adolescent mental health explain the terms of the agreement, what comes next, and what parents should take away from the larger conversation on youth social media use. Guest: Tamar Mendelson, PhD, MA, is a professor of Mental Health and Population, Family and Reproductive Health, as well as the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Adolescent Health. Johannes Thrul, PhD, MS, is an associate professor of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Meta to Pay Up to $17.1 Billion in Landmark Settlement Over Social Media Addiction Claims—New York Times Mental Health in the Scroll Age—Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine Social Media and Youth Mental Health—Office of the Surgeon General A College Course for Digital Detoxing—Public Health On Call (February 2026) Social Media and Adolescent Health—Public Health On Call (February 2024) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Does Legalizing Marijuana Affect Alcohol and Other Drug Use? Public Health On Call 2026-09-11 | About this episode: New research examines the relationship between the legalization of medicinal or recreational cannabis and patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and opioid use. In this episode: Lead author of the study, Sarah Windle, explains what her team’s systematic review, published in the Milbank Quarterly, can tell us about whether legal cannabis is being used to substitute or to complement other substances. Guest: Sarah Windle, MPH, is a PhD student in epidemiology at McGill University. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: Impacts of Global Cannabis Policy Changes on Substance Use: A Systematic Review of Quasi-Experimental Studies—The Milbank Quarterly Here’s how cannabis legalization affected tobacco, alcohol and opioid use: McGill study—CTV News The Hazy World of Cannabis Policy—Public Health On Call (February 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Hot Topics This Fall: Food Recalls, Measles, Respiratory Vaccines Public Health On Call 2026-09-10 | About this episode: Between the cyclosporiasis outbreak and other food safety issues, the ongoing measles outbreak, and the coming respiratory season, there's a lot going on in public health. In this episode: Dr. Josh Sharfstein, a pediatrician, former principal deputy commissioner of the FDA, and Public Health On Call host, covers these and other hot topics in public health. Guest: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts—U.S. Food and Drug Administration Measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania mark first 2 US fatalities this year—CIDRAP AAFP Announces Fall Immunization Recommendations to Protect Patients and Communities—American Academy of Family Physicians The Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines—Public Health On Call (August 2026) The Explosive Diarrhea Episode—Public Health On Call (July 2026) An Update on Measles and the U.S.’s Elimination Status—Public Health On Call (April 2026) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Taking Public Health from the Classroom to the Community Public Health On Call 2026-09-09 | About this episode: Malcolm Cunningham and Amelia Hulbert both work in local government, spearheading violence prevention programs and reducing barriers to food access, respectively. Through the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, they’ve supercharged their work with MPH degrees and instruction from leaders in their fields. In this episode: Malcolm and Amelia discuss their work to create better health outcomes in their communities and how programs at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have guided them. Guest: Malcolm Cunningham, MPH, is the director of the Toledo, OH, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and an alumnus of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. Amelia Hulbert, MPH, is the Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) specialist with Boulder County Public Health and an alumna of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: The Cost of Gun Violence: The Direct Cost to Tax Payers—National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform To get fresh vegetables to people who need them, one city puts its soda tax to work—NPR The Bloomberg Fellows Program—Bloomberg American Health Initiative Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of filler words and improve audio quality. If you have any questions about our use of AI, please reach out to PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Were bee-ing so real about the importance of pollinators to human health 🐝 Public Health On Call 2026-09-04 | Learn more about the important connection between biodiversity and public health on our channel.
Challenges in Global Access to Life-Saving Medications and Vaccines Public Health On Call 2026-09-03 | About this episode: During the recent pandemic, low-income countries struggled to access the COVID-19 vaccine, despite a global framework that had been established for this purpose. In this episode: Tahir Amin, a leader in the access to medicines movement, shares his perspective on what failed during the pandemic and how this experience reflects larger challenges in the availability and affordability of critical medications. Guest: Tahir Amin, DPLP, is a founder and CEO of the Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge (I-MAK), a nonprofit organization working to address the inequities in how medicines are developed and distributed. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. Show links and related content: Pharma Monopoly: The Battle for the Future of Medicines—Polity Books (book) Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs—KFF Patently imperfect—Science Could Patent Reform Lower Drug Prices?—Public Health On Call (March 2023) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Why Does A Bee Matter to My Health? Public Health On Call 2026-09-02 | About this episode: Wild pollinators like bees and hoverflies play a direct role in human health. A recent study in Nepal shows that flourishing pollinator populations lead to higher agricultural yields, bolstering both human economic wellbeing and access to ample, nutrient-rich foods. In this episode: Dr. Samuel Myers of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health details the link between biodiversity and human health and the risk that mankind’s ecological footprint poses to this complex and essential relationship. Guest: Sam Myers, MD, MPH, is the founding director of the Planetary Health Alliance and the faculty director at the brand new Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Pollinators support the nutrition and income of vulnerable communities—Nature Why Pollinators Matter for Human Health: Five Questions With Samuel Myers—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health The Case for Planetary Health—Can We Change?—Public Health On Call (April 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Saving Babies’ Lives by Preventing Neonatal Sepsis Public Health On Call 2026-08-31 | About this episode: Global infant mortality has fallen dramatically since 1990, but neonatal sepsis—a serious bloodstream infection occurring in newborns—still accounts for a significant portion of preventable deaths. Simple interventions like good hygiene practices and sufficient staffing in delivery rooms could reduce infections and prevent fatalities. In this episode: Pablo Duran, a perinatal health expert with the Pan American Health Organization, explains how providers, parents, and public health can prevent, recognize, and treat neonatal sepsis early on for better outcomes. Guest: Dr. Pablo Duran, PhD, MPH, is a pediatrician and neonatologist who serves as the regional advisor on perinatal health for the Pan American Health Organization. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: A Simple Action, a Major Impact: Hand Hygiene Against Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis—Pan American Health Organization Strategies to prevent, detect, and treat neonatal sepsis in the face of AMR—PAHO TV via YouTube Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
When you reach for a glass of water today, be sure to thank Abel Wolman Public Health On Call 2026-08-28 | A Hopkins alumnus and longtime professor, Wolman developed the method for chlorination that we still use today to rid our water of disease-causing bacteria. A Baltimore native, he traveled around the world, advising governments in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and beyond on clean water systems. Dubbed a “friend to the thirsty,” Wolman’s work completely changed water and public health across the globe, curbing fatal waterborne diseases like typhoid and dysentery. Hear more about his life and legacy from medical historian Graham Mooney on our channel.
How Safe Are E-Bikes and E-Scooters? Public Health On Call 2026-08-27 | About this episode: As electric scooters and bikes explode in popularity in cities across the globe, concerns about safety abound. Early data shows that injuries from collisions and falls on these devices can include severe head trauma and injuries to internal organs, culminating in increased visits to the hospital. In this episode: Road safety expert Johnathon Ehsani provides an epidemiological overview of the safety data and offers advice for parents and policymakers to prevent injuries. Guest: Johnathon Ehsani, PhD, MPH, is an internationally recognized road safety researcher and an associate professor in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: E-Scooters and Micromobility Are Potential Public Health Game Changers for Transportation and Equity—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Injuries From Electric Bikes and Scooters: Illinois, U.S., 2021–2023—American Journal of Preventive Medicine Crash-Related Protective and Risky Behaviors Among Micromobility Riders: A Nationally Representative Survey—American Journal of Public Health Riding an electric scooter: the rules—gov.uk Should Cities Be Welcoming Autonomous Vehicles?—Public Health On Call (July 2026) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Gas Stoves Are Worsening Breathing Issues, According to Canceled Study Public Health On Call 2026-08-26 | About this episode: Accumulating research has linked nitrogen dioxide emissions from gas stoves to exacerbated respiratory issues. A recent study from Case Western Reserve University set out to conduct a large analysis of whether switching to electric stoves could improve breathing conditions, but funding was halted just as early results came in showing significantly improved asthma symptoms. In this episode: what this truncated study can tell us about air quality inside our homes and what’s lost when public health research is canceled. Guest: Ana Rule, PhD, MHS, is an associate professor of Environmental Health and Engineering. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Asthma Control Before and After Changing Gas Stoves to Electric Stoves—The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology The EPA halted a study on gas stoves and asthma. But even partial results were striking.—Washington Post Gas stoves might pose risks to both our planet and health—The Hub How States Can Better Regulate Indoor Air Quality—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Abel Wolman, “Friend of the Thirsty”: A Life and Legacy of Water Sanitization Public Health On Call 2026-08-24 | About this episode: At the turn of the 20th century, waterborne diseases like typhoid and dysentery posed a significant threat to public health, accounting for a large part of infant mortality and overall morbidity. Enter Abel Wolman, an early graduate of Johns Hopkins’ engineering program and a professor at the university’s school of public health. In this episode: the story of the Baltimore-born pioneer of water sanitization and how his work in water chlorination and infrastructure set the stage for better health across the globe. Note: This episode was produced in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University sesquicentennial campaign. Guest: Graham Mooney, PhD, is an associate professor of history of medicine and epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Host: Ari Goldstein, MD, is a family medicine physician and a recent alum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health General Preventive Medicine Residency program. This year, Dr. Goldstein served a one-month rotation with Public Health On Call. Show links and related content: Heroes of Public Health: Abel Wolman—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Friend of the Thirsty—New York Times
The Workplace Hazard of Radiation—For Flight Crews Public Health On Call 2026-08-20 | About this episode: Long flights at high altitudes can expose pilots and flight attendants to dangerous levels of cosmic radiation over their careers, potentially increasing their risk for a variety of cancers and posing special dangers to pregnant crewmembers. In this episode: a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine urges action on in-flight radiation exposure, including mandating airline safety programs and developing new ways to measure hazards. Guest: Tom Burke, PhD, MPH, is an emeritus professor at Johns Hopkins and a former top official with the Environmental Protection Agency in the Obama administration. Lindsay S. Fenwick is an accomplished pilot with over 21,000 flight hours spanning military, corporate, VIP, and major airline operations. He also has extensive experience in aviation safety management. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: Assessing Radiation Exposure, Health Outcomes, and Mitigation Strategies for Flight Crewmembers—National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Aircrew and Cosmic Ionizing Radiation—CDC Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable, Not Inevitable Public Health On Call 2026-08-19 | About this episode: Millions of children will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18, either in-person or online and often at the hands of people they know. The mental, behavioral, and physical health consequences can linger into adulthood. In this episode: Elizabeth Letourneau, director of the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, explains why child sexual abuse is one of the nation’s most pressing public health crises and what can be done to prevent it. Guest: Elizabeth Letourneau, PhD, MA, is a professor of mental health and the director of the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. She is also the co-author of “One in Five: Why Child Sexual Abuse Is Our Biggest Public Health Crisis—and What We Can Do to Stop It.” Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: One in Five: Why Child Sexual Abuse Is Our Biggest Public Health Crisis—and What We Can Do to Stop It—Hachette Book Group Dr. Elizabeth Letourneau and Luke Malone (on child sexual abuse prevention)—Armchair Expert Preventing Child Sexual Abuse—Public Health On Call (January 2023) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
A Settlement in the Gardasil Lawsuits Public Health On Call 2026-08-17 | About this episode: This summer, Merck & Co. settled more than 200 lawsuits alleging that the company's HPV vaccine, Gardasil, caused cases of autoimmune conditions and fertility issues in young women. But that $50 million settlement is not an admission of fault on the part of the company or the vaccine. In this episode: Vaccine law expert Dorit Reiss details the lawsuits, including why evidence isn’t stacking up for plaintiffs and how headlines about the dollar amount can misconstrue the facts of the case. Guest: Dorit Reiss, PhD, is an expert on vaccine policy and a professor of law at UC San Francisco. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Merck to Settle Bulk of Gardasil Suits for About $50 Million—Bloomberg Kennedy played key role in Gardasil vaccine case against Merck—Reuters What VAERS Is (And Isn't)—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health The HPV Vaccine, 20 Years Later—Public Health On Call (August 2026) Vaccines 101: The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program—Public Health On Call (February 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
The Executive Order on Childhood Vaccines Public Health On Call 2026-08-14 | About this episode: In the latest move to alter the childhood vaccine schedule, the president has signed an executive order seeking to scale back and restructure routine immunizations. In this episode: what's in the executive order, what it means, and what comes next. Guest: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Delivering Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations for Americans—The White House HHS Changes Its Pediatric Vaccine Recommendations: What’s Different, What Remains, and What It Means for American Health—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health What Exactly is in a Vaccine?—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health A Judge Rules on Vaccines—Public Health On Call (April 2026) The Evidence on Vaccines and Autism—Public Health On Call (March 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Building a Better World with Prevention Thinking Public Health On Call 2026-08-13 | About this episode: Could applying a public health approach to issues like education, crime, and the environment help tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges? That’s what one researcher argues in a new book titled “Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything.” In this episode: Author and professor Paul Fleming discusses his new book, a generational approach to policymaking, and the power of collective action. Guest: Paul Fleming, PhD, MPH, is an associate professor of health behavior and health equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and co-founder of the Collaborative for Transformative Public Health. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything—Johns Hopkins University Press Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Senator Andy Kim on the MediKids Act Public Health On Call 2026-08-12 | How it works and who will pay for it.
Senator Andy Kim on the MediKids Act Public Health On Call 2026-08-12 | About this episode: Over four million children in the United States are uninsured, while many more lack health insurance that adequately meets their care needs. A proposed bill aims to fix that by providing universal health coverage for everyone aged zero to 26. In this episode: Senator Andy Kim, sponsor of the MediKids Act, on why now is the right time for this bill to become law and how it can be implemented by building on the existing Medicaid framework. Guest: Andy Kim, PhD, is a U.S. Senator from New Jersey. He previously held roles at the Pentagon, State Department, and White House. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: MediKids Act—Congress.gov U.S. and State-by-State Child Health Coverage Trends—Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Underinsurance Among Children in the United States—Pediatrics Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
What you should know about peptides Public Health On Call 2026-08-10 | "Putting a substance with unknown risks benefits into your body is a risky proposition."Dr. Josh Sharfstein, a former FDA leader, talks about peptides and the recent FDA advisory committee meeting on the products. Hear more on our channel.
Are Humans Hot Enough to Survive a Fungal Apocalypse? Public Health On Call 2026-08-10 | About this episode: New research has identified massive fungal blooms in North America in the Cretaceous period, suggesting significant ecological upheaval before and after the asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. In this episode: Arturo Casadevall, senior author of the study, explains why these findings are so significant and his hypothesis that fungi gave mammals an evolutionary leg-up over reptiles. Guest: Dr. Arturo Casadevall, PhD, MS, is chair of the department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a global expert in host defense mechanisms, fungi, and antibody-based therapies. He is also co-author of the book What If Fungi Win? with Stephanie Desmon. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Fungal Surges Marked Cretaceous Mass Extinction that Ended Age of Dinosaurs—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health What zombie show ‘The Last of Us’ gets right about fungus in a warming world—Washington Post What If Fungi Win?—Johns Hopkins University Press The Discovery of a New Clade of Candida Auris—A “Critical Pathogen”—Public Health On Call (August 2024) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
The HPV Vaccine, 20 Years Later Public Health On Call 2026-08-06 | About this episode: In the two decades since the HPV vaccine was approved, women’s risk of developing cervical cancer has dropped by 80% for those vaccinated before age 16 and 66% in those vaccinated after age 16. It has also lowered the risk of other HPV-related cancers in men. In this episode: Journalist Liz Szabo recounts the incredible successes of this intervention in preventing cancer and discusses the existing misinformation surrounding the vaccine, still considered by some to be too “new.” Guest: Liz Szabo, MA, is an investigative health reporter with CIDRAP News. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: 20 Years of HPV Vaccine Success—CIDRAP News Do I Need an HPV Vaccine?—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Preventing Cancer: The Far-Reaching Impact of Vaccines—International Vaccine Access Center Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Researching and regulating peptides Public Health On Call 2026-08-05 | Peptides are exploding in popularity online, and they're inching closer to FDA approval for compounding.Dr. Josh Sharfstein, former Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, chimes in. Hear more on our channel.
The Peptide Episode Public Health On Call 2026-08-05 | About this episode: In June, the FDA convened an advisory committee to discuss whether seven selected peptides should be permitted for legal sale under pharmacy compounding laws despite little research into safety and efficacy. Agency scientists oppose the decision while some committee members with ties to the growing industry support it. In this episode: Dr. Josh Sharfstein, who previously served as the Principal Deputy Commissioner of the FDA, explains what is happening and what it may mean for consumers and patients. Guest: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: FDA committee votes to make peptides more widely available—Science July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee—FDA Why Are People Injecting Themselves with Peptides?—The New Yorker Peptide boom has states scrambling to protect consumers, Post investigation finds—Washington Post How to Spot Unregulated Pharmacies and Falsified Medications—Public Health On Call (August 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Prescription Denials Are on the Rise Public Health On Call 2026-08-05 | About this episode: If you’ve ever been prescribed a new medication from your doctor only to be told by the pharmacy that your insurance won’t cover it, you’re not alone. In fact, new research shows that denials and requirements for prior authorizations are happening more frequently and that, in half of these cases, patients are subsequently forgoing their prescriptions. In this episode: Joseph Levy, lead author of the study, explains why this is the case and discusses the tradeoffs between controlling drug spending and ensuring access to necessary treatments. Guest: Joseph Levy, PhD, is a health economist and assistant professor in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Insurance Denials for Brand-Name Prescription Drugs Rose Sharply From 2018 to 2024—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Insurance deny your prescription? You’re far from alone, Hopkins study finds—The Baltimore Banner Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
No, seriously, can we just get rid of all the mosquitoes? Public Health On Call 2026-08-04 | Hear more about mosquitoes and West Nile virus on our channel 🦟
More peptides could hit the market soon Public Health On Call 2026-08-03 | An FDA advisory committee recently recommended that six specific peptides should be permitted to be compounded and legally sold.Dr. Josh Sharfstein explains what's happening, what comes next, and what you should know about these products. Hear more on our channel.
The CDC issued a statement that the 2026 West Nile virus season is off to an early start. Public Health On Call 2026-07-30 | West Nile Virus is the U.S.'s most common mosquito-borne pathogen. Introduced to the states in 1999, it only took a matter of years for it to spread across the continental U.S.Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health professor Douglas Norris dives into the details of the disease and why transmission picks up in the summer months. Listen on our channel.
An Early Start to West Nile Virus Season? Public Health On Call 2026-07-30 | About this episode: West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S., and while most people who contract it won’t even know they’re infected, it can be debilitating for older adults and the immunocompromised. In this episode: an expert in insect-borne diseases gives listeners the essential information on West Nile, offers a forecast on this year’s disease season, and answers the most important question: can we just get rid of mosquitoes? Guest: Douglas Norris, PhD, is a professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology who studies vector-borne diseases. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: CDC Encourages Americans to Stay Mosquito Bite-Free during America's 250th Independence Day holiday weekend—CDC Early, intense West Nile season may signal a severe year for the mosquito-borne illness, CDC says—CNN How to Prevent Dengue or “Break-Bone Fever”—Public Health On Call (May 2024) Why Are Some Humans’ Scents More Preferable to Mosquitoes?—Public Health On Call (June 2023) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Immigration Crossfire in Tennessee Threatens Childrens Health Public Health On Call 2026-07-29 | About this episode: Children in Tennessee who need ventilators, chemotherapy and other essential medical treatments—but who have no means to pay for them—turn to the Children’s Special Services program. But as a result of a new state law, hundreds of children and their families were told to withdraw from the program or risk being reported to immigration officials. In this episode: Dr. Morgan McDonald explains what happened—and how a lawsuit is aiming to preserve lifesaving care. Guest: Dr. Morgan McDonald is a pediatrician, a public health physician, and a Nashville Metro Health board member. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: Tennessee to restrict medical aid for critically ill undocumented children—Washington Post Snader v. Tennessee Department of Health—Tennessee Justice Center A Doctor Uses Social Media to Advocate for Children in Immigration Detention—Public Health On Call (May 2026) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Whats going on with New Yorks Legionnaires outbreak? Public Health On Call 2026-07-28 | The Upper East Side of New York City is embroiled in a Legionnaires' outbreak that has sickened over 80 people and resulted in five deaths.Environmental scientist Natalie Exum explains what's happening and what the city is doing right in its response on Public Health On Call. Listen to the full episode on our channel.
New York City is in the middle of a Legionnaires outbreak Public Health On Call 2026-07-28 | Cooling towers on large office and apartment buildings are a common culprit behind Legionnaires' outbreaks—and they're responsible for the current situation on the Upper East Side. These appliances, which are used to keep air conditioning systems from overheating, contain water that, at the right temperature, can serve as an ideal bacterial breeding ground. Natalie Exum, assistant professor in Environmental Health and Engineering, joins the Public Health On Call podcast to talk about the current outbreak and what it can teach us about our water systems. Listen on our channel!
All About Legionnaires’ Disease Public Health On Call 2026-07-27 | About this episode: Cooling towers rife with Legionella bacteria are fueling an outbreak of a serious respiratory disease in New York City. Legionnaires' disease is common in the summer months as the water we use to shower and cool our air conditioning systems warms, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. In this episode: Environmental scientist Natalie Exum details the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, who is most at risk of infection, and how cities can monitor and treat water systems to reduce exposure. Guest: Natalie Exum, PhD, MS, is an assistant professor of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an affiliate of the Johns Hopkins University Water Institute. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Fourth death confirmed in NYC Legionnaires’ disease outbreak—NBC News Legionnaires’ Disease—NYC Health Two-Year Evaluation of Legionella in an Aging Residential Building: Assessment of Multiple Potable Water Remediation Approaches—Science of the Total Environment Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Are SSRIs Being Overprescribed? Public Health On Call 2026-07-23 | About this episode: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are the most widely used class of antidepressants. While these medications have undoubtedly saved lives, they have also gained scrutiny for having significant side effects and being difficult to taper off of. In this episode: Two psychiatrists talk about the existing recommendations for deprescribing and why SSRIs remain a critical treatment tool despite pressure from federal health officials to wean Americans off of them. Guest: Dr. Paul Nestadt is an associate professor of Mental Health who studies the epidemiology of suicide and serves as the primary supervising psychiatrist for the Johns Hopkins Hospital Anxiety Disorders Clinic. Dr. Jimmy Potash, MPH, is the director of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and psychiatrist-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Kennedy Starts a Push to Help Americans Quit Antidepressants—The New York Times Prescriptions for Antidepressants Increasing among Individuals with no Psychiatric Diagnosis—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms—Lancet Psychiatry Changes in antidepressant use by young people and suicidal behavior after FDA warnings and media coverage: quasi-experimental study—BMJ Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Older Adults in Primary Care—JAMA Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Curbing Urban Sprawl: Why Better City Planning Could Mean Better Health Public Health On Call 2026-07-22 | About this episode: Recent research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that living in a compact metropolitan setting could yield more health benefits than living in a more sprawling suburban area. In this episode: the report’s lead researcher, Shima Hamidi, explains why this is the case and how communities can reshape infrastructure to foster mobility and connection. Guest: Shima Hamidi, PhD, MSc, is a Bloomberg Associate Professor of American Health in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and director of the Center for Smart Transportation. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Sprawl Rankings Reveal Health Benefits and Cost Offsets in Compact, Connected U.S. County and Metro Areas—Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Mapping Urban Sprawl in the U.S.@bloombergamericanhealth via Instagram Associations between Urban Sprawl and Life Expectancy in the United States—International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Relationship between urban sprawl and physical activity, obesity, and morbidity - update and refinement—Health & Place Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Health isnt created or solved by any one particular individual system alone. Public Health On Call 2026-07-21 | Monica Wang discusses her new book "The Collective Cure: Upstream Solutions for Better Public Health" and why everyone has a responsibility to improve health. Listen to the full episode on our channel 🔗
Could GLP-1s Help Treat Addiction? Public Health On Call 2026-07-20 | About this episode: As GLP-1 use surges among U.S. adults for weight loss and diabetes management, researchers are exploring whether these medications could play a role in treating substance use disorders. In this episode: an addiction medicine doctor gives a research update, discusses promising early results, and ponders the larger questions these treatments pose about satiety. Guest: Dr. Sarah S. Kawasaki is the director of addiction medicine services at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute and an assistant professor of psychiatry at PennState Health. (Full disclosure: Public Health On Call Host Dr. Josh Sharfstein is the proud brother of Dr. Kawasaki) Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: Can Ozempic Cure Addiction?—The New Yorker Could popular weight loss drugs become the new treatment for addiction? Evidence is starting to mount—CNN Efficacy of the GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, in abstinence from illicit and nonprescribed opioids in an outpatient population with OUD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol—Addiction Science & Clinical Practice Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
What is a super El Niño? Public Health On Call 2026-07-17 | Hurricane expert Michael Lowry explains what this is and what it means for storms and hurricane preparedness this summer on Public Health On Call. Tune in on our channel 🎧
Summer is all about... avoiding the explosive diarrhea parasite? Public Health On Call 2026-07-17 | As cases balloon in states across the country, food safety expert David Acheson joins Public Health On Call to talk about cyclosporiasis and food safety surveillance. Tune in on our channel!
Data-driven research and deeply personal stories Public Health On Call 2026-07-17 | Talking about her book "The Collective Cure: Upstream Solutions for Better Public Health," Monica Wang explains how she uses personal stories to illustrate the scope of and solutions for structural public health issues.Hear the full conversation on our channel 🎧
The Explosive Diarrhea Episode Public Health On Call 2026-07-17 | About this episode: A parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort is sickening people across the country. While cyclosporiasis cases are common in summer months, recent outbreaks in states like Michigan have far exceeded typical numbers. In this episode: Food safety expert David Acheson talks about how cyclosporiasis differs from other foodborne illnesses and the importance of a strong public health system for catching contaminants like this. Note: This episode was recorded on July 15, just before the investigation identified lettuce from Taylor Farms, the supplier to Taco Bell, as the culprit.Guest: Dr. David Acheson is the President & CEO of The Acheson Group Consulting Company. With more than 40 years of medical and food safety experience, Acheson has served in prominent roles at the FDA and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland’s Health Department. He served as the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health from 2005 to 2009. Show links and related content: Lettuce at Taco Bell in 5 states confirmed as source of a diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak—APSurveillance of Cyclosporiasis—CDCCDC cuts back foodborne illness surveillance program—CIDRAPThe outbreak that changed meat and poultry inspection systems worldwide—Animal FrontiersPeanut Outlook: Impacts of the 2008-09 Foodborne Illness Outbreak Linked to Salmonella in Peanuts—USDAWhat’s Behind All the Food Recalls—Public Health On Call (November 2024)Transcript information:Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel.Contact us:Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website.Follow us:@PublicHealthPod on Bluesky@PublicHealthPod on Instagram@JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook@PublicHealthOnCall on YouTubeHere's our RSS feedNote: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
Effective storytelling for science communication Public Health On Call 2026-07-16 | Effective storytelling can play a critical role in science communication and help fuel public health interventions.Monica L. Wang joins Public Health On Call to talk about her new book and how to weave data and evidence into personal narratives. Hear more on our channel.
How Storytelling Can Advance Public Health Public Health On Call 2026-07-16 | About this episode: When it comes to solving big public health issues, personal storytelling can turn abstract research into real impact. In this episode: Monica L. Wang, an award-winning public health researcher and educator, discusses her new book, “The Collective Cure: Upstream Solutions for Better Public Health,” and how individual stories can help to identify and solve collective health challenges. Guest: Monica L. Wang, ScD, MS, is an associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health and an adjunct professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is also the editor at large of the Public Health Post. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: The Collective Cure: Upstream Solutions for Better Public Health—Penguin Random House What public health can learn from the MAHA movement—STAT Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
The pillars of Marylands rural health plan Public Health On Call 2026-07-15 | The Maryland Department of Health's plan for rural health transformation focuses on building up the health workforce, connecting people to care, and bringing locally-grown, nutritious foods to Marylander's plates.Hear more from Elizabeth Kromm about the state's rural health efforts on our channel 🔗
As Baby Boomers Age, Caregiving Trends Are Shifting Public Health On Call 2026-07-15 | About this episode: Between a growing aging population, the emergence of new technologies, and cuts to Medicaid spending, the landscape of American caregiving is shifting. In this episode: Researcher Jennifer Wolff walks through changes in caregiving trends, underscores the importance of more research on the topic, and highlights new programs that aim to support older adults and their caregivers. Guest: Dr. Jennifer Wolff is an expert in policy relating to the care of persons with complex health needs and disabilities, the Eugene and Mildred Lipitz Professor in Health Policy and Management, and director of the Roger and Flo Lipitz Center to Advance Policy in Aging and Disability. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: About NHATS & NSOC—NHATS The Number Of Family Caregivers Helping Older US Adults Increased From 18 Million To 24 Million, 2011–22—Health Affairs Cognitive assessment & care plan services—http://Medicare.gov GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model—http://CMS.gov America’s Caregiver Crisis—Public Health On Call (July 2025) The Potential Impacts of Cuts to Medicaid—Public Health On Call (March 2025) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @PublicHealthPod on Instagram @JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.
How El Niño patterns shape hurricane season Public Health On Call 2026-07-14 | Hear more from hurricane specialist Michael Lowry on our channel.
