America Dissected

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest news in public health, which includes: Trump’s $100,000 H1-B visa fee, which is could significantly hurt staffing in rural hospitals A new 100% tariff on certain imported brand-name drugs RFK Jr’s announcement that the FDA is re-evaluating the abortion medication mifepristone A new scientific breakthrough that’s giving hope to people with Huntington’s Disease Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Aziz Rahman, an American physician who recently completed a medical mission in Gaza. Dr. Rahman offers a gripping account of the devastation in Gaza, and the heroic efforts of doctors serving there. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” 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: Boll & Branch: For a limited time get 20% off your first set of sheets plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/AD. Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. APHA: Listeners of this podcast get a 10% discount for the 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo using code: Dissected25.

Abdul begins the show with a major announcement about America Dissected. Then, he and Katelyn discuss: RFK Jr’s Autism report, which points to an unproven link between autism and acetaminophen Last week’s ACIP meeting, where RFK Jr’s new appointees approved new recommendations on the Covid booster and MMRV vaccines The end of the Covid summer wave, and how it compared to last year Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who recently resigned in protest from the FDA. They discuss the chaos at the agency and the future of public health under RFK Jr. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code DISSECTED at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code DISSECTED at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/dissected APHA: Listeners of this podcast get a 10% discount for the 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo using code: Dissected25.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the week in public health, which includes: Former CDC Director Susan Monarez’s Senate testimony, where she revealed a series of bombshell revelations about the chaos in the department This week's ACIP meeting, and how it might affect access to the Hepatitis B vaccine The good news that private insurers will be covering the cost of vaccines as normal The Trump Administration’s move to clamp down on pharmaceutical ads Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Annette Campbell-Anderson, Deputy Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, to discuss why more schools across the country are implementing cell phone bans. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” 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: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code DISSECTED at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/dissected NPR Life Kit: Listen now to the Life Kit podcast from NPR. ExpressVPN: Secure your online data today by visiting ExpressVPN.com/Dissected to find out how you can get up to four extra months FREE.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the week in public health, which includes: RFK Jr’s MAHA Report, and why it fails to deliver meaningful change The leaked report that revealed RFK Jr will tie Tylenol use to autism The firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, and the mass resignations that followed RFK Jr’s Senate testimony, which included a grilling from top Republicans Then Abdul talks to Natalie Foster, president of the Economic Security Project, about the power of guaranteed income in health outcomes. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. APHA: Listeners of this podcast get a 10% discount for the 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo using code: Dissected25. Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code DISSECTED at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/dissected

Abdul and Katelyn discuss another inundating week in public health, which includes: The sudden departure of the CDC Director, Susan Monarez, just weeks after her confirmation The resignations of three other top leaders at HHS FDA’s approval of the fall Covid booster, which limits the vaccine to seniors and people at high risk, as well as new alternative recommendations from major medical organizations A Supreme Court ruling that puts a new legal wrinkle in the fight to restore NIH grants The rise of radioactive shrimp and flying fresh-eating maggots! Then as we look ahead to Labor Day, Abdul sits down with Dr. Taylor Walker, president of the largest labor union representing physicians. We are dark next week for the holiday. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” 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: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code DISSECTED at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/dissected OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code DISSECTED at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Abdul and Katelyn are energized by the first meeting of the Vaccine Integrity Project, which was founded to serve as an alternative to RFK Jr’s ACIP. They also discuss: A new letter to Congress, signed by more than 700 CDC employees, which calls HHS Secretary Kennedy complicit in endangering the nation's health and the recent shooting at the CDC headquarters The fallout from a draft report on childhood chronic disease, which suggests RFK Jr is folding on his promise to ban agricultural pesticides The future of vaccines in the US without mRNA research, following RFK Jr’s decision to cut $500 million in research grants Then, Abdul sits down with Dr. Michael Osterholm, a founding member of the Vaccine Integrity Project Steering Committee, to discuss the goals, processes and future of the organization. To read and/or add your name to the CDC’s letter to Congress, click 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 “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: NPR Life Kit: Listen now to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.

Abdul and Katelyn condemn the violence at the CDC headquarters last week, and the startlingly weak response from lawmakers. Then they unpack Trump’s newest executive order, which seeks to give his own appointees the power to approve federal grants. They also discuss the future of the FDA as Vinay Prasad makes his return, following his resignation last month. Then Abdul talks to Sherrell Byrd, founder of SOWEGA Rising, which has organized in rural Georgia to bring fresh produce to rural communities that lack grocery stores. They discuss the health implications of food deserts, and how food justice can change lives. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Abdul unpacks the week in public health, which includes: Vinay Prasad’s exit from FDA Susan Monarez’s confirmation to lead CDC New childhood vaccination data The EPA’s move to rollback the endangerment finding Why more experts have been ousted from ACIP Then Abdul interviews professor Dr. Brian Willoughby about his research on porn use among young people, and what parents should know about modern porn content. Note: We recorded this episode before RFK Jr announced the cancellation of $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development. However, Abdul and Katelyn discussed the threat of mRNA research cuts in our May 7 and June 3 episodes. (their May convo begins at 00:11:00 / their June convo begins at 00:16:00) Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Work. Science Matters.” t-shirts!

Abdul and Katelyn unpack the latest headlines on RFK Jr and HHS, followed by some optimistic news on the spread of measles and Covid. Then Abdul talks to public health educator Dorian Johnson about the wild world of TikTok and Instagram - and how health professionals can harness it to build more trust and goodwill with the public. This episode was made in collaboration with our sponsor deBeaumont Foundation. You can follow Dorian Johnson on social media @thephuncle on TikTok and Instagram. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts!

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest in public health including: Congress’ vote to reinstate $400 million in funding for global AIDS treatment Trump’s budget proposal to cut 40% of the NIH budget The health differences in Coca Cola sweetened with sugar vs high fructose corn syrup Why heart attack is no longer the leading cause of death in the US A comprehensive review of GI cancer research that show sharp rise in cases among young people Then Abdul talks to Dr. Elaine Batchlor from Martin Luther King Jr Community Healthcare about how the impending Medicaid cuts will strain hospitals that serve low-income patients. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: NPR Life Kit: Listen now to the Life Kit podcast from NPR. Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest in public health news, including: Why the cancellation of key federal health meeting could spell trouble for the future of preventative care in America The Trump Department’s latest move to intimidate doctors Medicare’s plan to use AI to help make decisions on prior authorizations Moderna’s new Covid vaccine, and why it’s only authorized for kids at high risk Then Abdul talks to fitness influencer Dr. Mike Israetel about his approach to explaining evidence-based science on bodybuilding, and how to build trust with an audience prone to fringe theories. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by:Ground News: Go to groundnews.com/AD today to get forty percent off the Ground News Vantage plan and get access to all of their news analysis features.

Abdul and Katelyn catch up on a harrowing week in public health, after Republicans passed Trump’s mega bill. They discuss: New work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries Why rural hospitals risk closure due to the upcoming changes to Medicaid New renewal requirements for people who buy health insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces A new high in measles cases, which now jeopardize our “elimination status” distinction A recent court ruling that halts RFK Jr’s plans to restructure HHS Then Abdul talks to Dr. Andres Lopez from the Coalition of Communities of Color about their organization's innovative work in community data collection. This interview was produced in collaboration with our sponsor deBeaumont Foundation. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Boll & Branch: Get 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com /AD.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss a busy week in health news including: The most troubling aspects of this week's ACIP meeting, after RFK Jr's appointees convened to set vaccine policy for next fall. A flimsy deal among the nation's biggest health insurers, who mutually pinky-promised to improve their prior authorization processes. RFK Jr's announcement that the US will no longer fund GAVI, the global organization that vaccinates poor children around the world. A new court order that demands the Trump Administration reinstate hundreds of NIH grants. Then Abdul sits down with author and legal expert Leah Litman to discuss the biggest SCOTUS rulings of the year, and what it means for the future of public health. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: Boll & Branch: Feel the difference an extraordinary night’s sleep can make. Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at bollandbranch.com/ad

Abdul shares a scheduling note, as we closely track this week's ACIP meeting.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss a rocky week in public health including: RFK Jr gutting ACIP to replace every member with his own appointees. The LA protests, and how immigration raids hurt community health Good trouble at NIH, as staff band together and demand director Jay Bhattacharya defend their research Then Abdul talks to Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, about the Trump Administration's effort to weaponize the government against LBGTQ+ Americans, including cutting the 988 suicide Lifeline. We are off next week for the Juneteenth holiday. We will be back with another episode on June 26. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest in science and health including: Senator Joni Ernst’s “we’re all going to die” townhall moment The CDC and FDA’s conflicting guidance on Covid boosters The errors in RFK Jr's MAHA report More devastating funding cuts to medical research, including a future HIV vaccine Then Abdul sits down with Dr. Carmen Rojas, the President and CEO of the Marguerite Casey Foundation to talk about the role of philanthropy over the next four years, and why MCF has dramatically increased their funding to non-profits to meet this moment. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest in public health including: The FDA’s new rules on Covid boosters RFK’s claim that Americans shouldn’t take his advice Florida’s decision to remove fluoride from the drinking water New proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP A genetic breakthrough that saved the life of a 9 month old baby Then Abdul talks to prescription drug policy expert Dr. Aaron Kesselheim about Trump’s feeble attempt to address drug prices, and what could actually be done to bring them down. NOTE: We are dark next week for the Memorial Day holiday. We will be back with a new episode on June 5. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org.

Katelyn and Abdul break down the latest news in public health and policy, including: RFK’s appearance at the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Health Committee The House budget proposal to cut Medicaid Donald Trump’s Executive Order to bring down drug prices Trump’s nominee for Surgeon General Then Abdul interviews former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler about his new book Diet, Drugs and Dopamine. Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. Lumen: Go to lumen.me/AD to get 15% off your Lumen. Our Big Shot: Search for and subscribe to “Our Big Shot: Wiping Out Disease” on Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.

Abdul and Katelyn break down the latest in public health, including: RFK’s Jr’s push to test all future vaccines against placebos Why the phrase “Do Your Own Research” often leads to mis and disinformation New threats to MRNA vaccine research A huge NIH investment toward a future universal flu vaccine Why some leading medical journals received accusatory letters from a Trump surrogate A new poll that shows Americans agree on the most pressing public health needs, but disagree on the solutions Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. Quince: Go to Quince.com/AD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Our Big Shot: Search for and subscribe to “Our Big Shot: Wiping Out Disease” on Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.

Abdul and Katelyn discuss the latest news in health and policy, including: Trump’s proposal to increase the birth rate by giving women $5000 baby bonuses The political divide over measles Why RFK Jr is being asked to testify at the Senate HELP committee in May The closure of nine schools in Milwaukee due to lead contamination Then Abdul and Katelyn talk to Princeton political science professors Dr. Frances Lee and Dr. Stephen Macedo about their new book “In Covid’s Wake.” Check out our shop at store.americadissected.com for our new America Dissected merch – including logo shirts, hoodies and mugs. And don’t miss our “Vaccines Matter. Science Works.” t-shirts! This show would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. America Dissected invites you to check them out. This episode was brought to you by: de Beaumont Foundation: For 25 years, the de Beaumont Foundation has worked to create practical solutions that improve the health of communities across the country. To learn more, visit debeaumont.org. Ground News: Go to groundnews.com/AD today to get forty percent off the Ground News Vantage plan and get access to all of their news analysis features. Our Big Shot: Search for and subscribe to “Our Big Shot: Wiping Out Disease” on Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.