The Nation's Health Podcast | Podcast on RSS.com

The Nation's Health Podcast

The Nation's Health Podcast

by The American Public Health Association

Season 2

Health insurance and employment: A complicated relationship

The U.S. is an outlier among high-income countries when it comes to health insurance. Rather than relying on a public system, employer-sponsored insurance is the nation's largest source of health coverage. What does that mean for workers, employers and public health? Host Sophia Meador talks with KFF's Matt Rae, MPH, MPA, about the costs, tradeoffs and history behind employer-sponsored insurance.

The search for a surgeon general: Who deserves to be the nation’s top doctor?

The nation's top doctor has been absent for more than 18 months as the Trump administration has advanced surgeon general nominees with limited public health and medical experience. Host Sophia Meador speaks with former Acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak, MD, MPH, and former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, about what they expect from the nation's next chief health officer.

The next outbreak is coming. America may be less prepared than you think

Recent outbreaks are raising concerns about the nation’s preparedness for the next pandemic. Host Sophia Meador speaks with Jay Butler, MD, and Colin Carlson, PhD, about what the next pandemic could look like — and why the nation is not prepared to respond.

Fluoridation: Your secret hack for better health

Fluoride — one of public health’s most effective and equitable tools — is facing a growing wave of policy rollbacks, misinformation and public skepticism. Host Sophia Meador talks with Wade Rakes, MBA, CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and pediatrician Susan Fisher-Owens, MD, MPH, to unpack what’s at stake for oral health, who could be most affected by potential bans and how to build trust in fluoride.

AI chatbots and teens: What’s concerning public health professionals

As loneliness and isolation grow among U.S. teens, some are turning to AI chatbots for companionship, sparking new concerns for public health professionals. Host Sophia Meador talks to experts about what the trend could mean for teen mental health.

Reducing uncertainty: Talking with parents about vaccines

As public confidence in vaccines ebb, clinicians and public health workers are increasingly addressing concerns and confusion with parents. In the latest episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Alexandra Cvijanovich, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss common parental concerns, strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and what lies ahead as federal guidance challenges established vaccine science.

Season 1

Public health isn’t giving up: What’s fueling hope for 2026

Despite setbacks in 2025, the public health workforce remains resilient in protecting the nation’s health. Host Sophia Meador speaks with Aryn Melton Backus of the National Public Health Coalition on how advocates are continuing the fight.

The hunger gap: Higher prices, less assistance means emptier plates for Americans

Millions more Americans are expected to be food insecure as new restrictions on nutrition programs collide with rising prices. What does that mean for our health — and for the families already struggling to get by? Host Sophia Meador digs into the stakes with leading policy and food insecurity experts.

BONUS | Lessons from the dead: CDC reporting system helping prevent violent deaths

Violent deaths were once just statistics — but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Violent Death Reporting System is changing that. In this special bonus episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador talks with two recipients of the Catherine Barber Research Award, whose groundbreaking work is revealing the stories behind violent deaths and helping shape smarter prevention policies.

Silence isn’t science: Why public health needs to get loud

The line between advocacy and lobbying can be confusing — especially for public health professionals. As the Trump administration continues to devastate the nation’s public health infrastructure, the need for strong, informed voices has never been greater. In this episode, host Sophia Meador talks with Shelley Hearne, DrPH, MPH, director of the Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy, and Rebecca Boulos, PhD, MPH, of the Maine Public Health Association, on the ways public health supporters can use their expertise to shape policy and champion the health of their communities.

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