The Nation's Health Podcast

The Nation's Health Podcast

by The American Public Health Association

Season 1

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.

E-cigs, pouches and teens: Why the tobacco fight isn’t over

Youth tobacco use has hit record lows. But will it last? With the rise of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, decades of hard-won progress could be at risk. In this episode, host Sophia Meador sits down with Brian King, PhD, executive vice president for U.S. programs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, to explore what’s next for youth tobacco use in the U.S. — and whether we’re on the brink of a new public health crisis.

CDC attack signals lack of support for public health workforce

Following the Aug. 8 attack on CDC's Atlanta offices, members of the public health community are raising concerns about federal leadership's role in promoting vaccine misinformation. Two APHA leaders speak with The Nation's Health Podcast about what's at stake and what needs to be done.

Voices to trust amid vaccine chaos

As the Trump administration continues to undermine science, the need for trustworthy voices on vaccines is growing. In the latest episode of The Nation's Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Molly O'Shea, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss the growing threats to the nation's vaccine infrastructure, where the public can turn for reliable vaccine guidance, and what public health professionals can do to rebuild trust and keep communities safe.

The Heat Rx, episode 3: Policy to practice: Leading the way in climate health

Extreme heat is one of the most significant health threats facing communities across the country. In the third episode of our extreme heat series, The Nation’s Health Podcast talks with public health leaders who are taking action to address extreme heat in their communities, from creating a heat health warning system to passing a citywide cool roof policy.

The budget breakdown: Public health on the line

President Trump’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year calls for deep cuts to public health — which could severely weaken the ability of local public health departments to carry out their essential work. This episode of The Nation's Health Podcast breaks down the federal budget process, what the proposed funding changes could mean, how they may impact local health programs and what listeners can do to help protect public health.

The Heat Rx, episode 2: educating health workers to reduce harms of extreme heat

As temperatures rise, so do health risks — particularly for vulnerable communities. In the second episode of our extreme heat series, The Nation's Health speaks with public health experts about how heat affects health, and steps health workers can take to keep communities safe during extreme heat waves, including training and education.

The Heat Rx, episode 1: Smart surfaces for public health

Climate change is making U.S. cities hotter. But smart surfaces, such as reflective pavements, solar panels or even trees, can go a long way in cooling them down. In this first of a three-part series on extreme heat, we talk to experts about urban heat islands and how communities use smart surfaces to create healthier places to live.

Season 1

Magic mushrooms go mainstream

The use of psilocybin — or "magic mushrooms" — is rapidly growing, but so are possible poisonings. In this episode, host Sophia Meador speaks with researcher Karilynn Rockhill, PhD, about what’s driving this trend and how public health professionals can help keep people safe.

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