In this episode of 'A Shot in The Arm Podcast,' host Ben Plumley reconnects with his longtime friend and colleague, Andy Seale from the World Health Organization. The conversation spans decades of their personal and professional journeys across global health, with a primary focus on HIV, TB, and malaria. Ben and Andy discuss the challenges and triumphs of their work, including Andy's experience with HIV diagnosis and the global fight against pandemics such as Ebola. They also tackle critical issues like WHO’s evolving role in global health, the impacts of reduced funding, and the necessity for integration with broader policy fields like security and economics. The transcript also reveals Andy as an enthusiastic fan of Taylor Swift, humorously contrasting with Ben’s musical preferences. The episode highlights past collaborations, current challenges, and the future of global health in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

01:43 A Special Guest: Andy Seale

02:42 The ERAS Tour: Reflecting on the Past

04:08 Growing Up During the HIV Epidemic

05:31 Early Careers and Professional Crossroads

09:48 Community and Personal Impact of HIV

20:53 Transition to Global Health Initiatives

23:54 Responding to Health Emergencies

29:51 The Role of Media and Communication

37:05 The Massive Effort and Global Fund

41:33 A Murder Mystery at the UN

42:29 Golden Era of Epidemic Responses

42:55 Roles and Contributions in UNAIDS and Global Fund

44:21 Challenges and Changes in Global Health

45:36 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Strategy

47:03 Integration and Sustainability in Health Services

51:19 Reflections on Global Health and WHO's Role

56:56 The Future of Global Health and Security

01:17:30 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism

Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Ben's Colon, Meet Cancer Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW7yagTEtywrzqAXsYp8gYw3LJpjcnnSB

Read Emily Bass’ Substack:

https://substack.com/@emilysbass

Check Out Ben’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@benplumley1

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.

In this episode Ben Plumley catches up with Dr. Seth Berkley, founder of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, former CEO of GAVI and amongst other responsibilities, now a senior advisor at Brown University's School of Public Health's Pandemic Center. Seth has recently published a new book “Fair Doses: An Insider's Story of the Pandemic and the Global Fight for Vaccine Equity” and he and Ben discuss the book’s topics of vaccine equity, misinformation, and the rapid innovations in vaccine development, particularly the success and future potential of mRNA vaccines. Dr. Berkley highlights the challenges posed by misinformation and the political landscape, as well as the importance of global collaboration in addressing pandemics. They also explore his defining role in Covax's efforts to distribute COVID vaccines, the need for local manufacturing, and the impacts of nationalistic policies on global health. Dr. Berkley stresses the critical role of ongoing innovation and funding in preparing for future health crises and ensuring equitable access to health technologies. And he pulls no punches on the current US administration’s failures in supporting global health research and partnerships.

https://www.ucpress.edu/books/fair-doses/hardcover

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:05 Current State of Misinformation and Disinformation

03:56 Challenges in Public Health Communication

09:19 Reflections on COVID-19 and Vaccine Equity

12:44 Global Health and Future Pandemics

16:41 Vaccine Nationalism and Local Manufacturing

23:38 Preparedness for Future Health Threats

31:01 The Future of Clinical Research and Innovation

36:03 Seth Berkeley's Current Work and Future Plans

38:13 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Read Emily Bass’ Substack:

https://substack.com/@emilysbass

Check Out Ben’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@benplumley1

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.

Ben’s journey of battling stage four colorectal cancer with chemotherapy brings him to a fairly predictable pit stop; what significance does faith have in spiritual and physical care? , Whether its unravelling deeper issues of self-acceptance and self-faith., the episode explores faith from various perspectives, including personal conviction and religious doctrine, questioning the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing God amidst the presence of widespread suffering. The psychological and spiritual impacts of cancer treatment are discussed, including the what may be a gradual transition from atheism to an almost agnostic faith as a coping mechanism. The episode concludes with an update on treatment progress and a contemplation on the broader implications of faith, love, and legacy.

This wee’s t shirt is from St. Javelin, a Ukrainian-based clothier. Find out more about them at www.saintjavelin.com

00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Faith

00:17 A Lunch With A Pop Star Gone Awry

03:47 Reflections on Faith and Self-Esteem

04:51 Chemotherapy Update

06:23 Exploring the Concept of Faith

08:30 Faith in the Context of Cancer

10:33 Religious Perspectives on Faith

19:30 Personal Reflections and Legacy

22:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💬 Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🔔Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions:

www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

In this episode of 'Colon Meet Cancer,' Ben recounts the surprising success story of Henrik Gretzky's Symphony Number Three, how badly it was initially received by the musicology world and draws a surprising parallel to his chemotherapy journey. He shares the complex experience of managing an increasing range of chemo side effects, including white blood cell treatments, pain, and hair loss. Ben candidly discusses his struggles with memory fog, the challenges it brings, and the ensuing emotional toll manifested as depression and self-reflection. Despite the adversities, he highlights the importance of humor, intellectual stimulation, and staying hopeful. One of the tools he has used has been late night reflections on controversial topics, and he closes out the episode with Ben by sharing one of those midnight reflections - the potential risks and benefits of AI in healthcare.

This week's t-shirt, gifted by Andy Seale, features the slogan 'Make America Democratic Again.'

00:00 Introduction: A Surprising Symphony

02:53 The Onset of Chemotherapy

04:37 Managing Side Effects

10:13 Chemo Brain and Memory Fog

14:59 Depression and Self-Reflection

18:45 AI and Its Implications

23:35 Humor as a Coping Mechanism

25:32 Conclusion: Gratitude and Hope

Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Subscribe & Stay Updated!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions:

www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

It’s a Paul Revere moment, “RFK Junior is coming!”

Ben is joined by author and journalist Emily Bass and UCSF Professor Eric Goosby, co-host of the Global Health Diplomats podcast to diagnose and propose solutions to the Trump Administration’s assault on US public health. From the hollowing out of the CDC, to vaccine skepticism at the heart of the federal leadership, and savage, unconstitutional cuts to public health home and abroad, they delve into the broader ramifications of these attacks on scientific integrity, US democracy and security. They round upon what could be profoundly damaging political consequences, particularly for Republicans, if the health of their voters’ children and elderly relatives is put directly at risk by this willful dismantling of US public health services. And in conclusion, Ben, Eric and Emily explore how to support the emerging regional health coalitions of states, cities and professional bodies to fill the gap.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:50 Recent Developments in Global Health

02:08 Legal Challenges and Public Health Implications

03:18 Impact on Democracy and Public Health

12:04 Interview with Eric Goosby

14:27 Concerns About CDC and Public Health Surveillance

19:36 Future of Public Health and Science

34:46 Potential Solutions and Local Efforts

39:09 Coalitions and Surveillance Systems

44:23 Challenges in Public Health Funding

48:24 The Role of Philanthropy in Public Health

50:37 Political Ramifications and Public Health

56:22 Vaccine Misinformation and Public Trust

58:27 Accountability in Public Health Leadership

01:04:33 COVID Variants and Vaccination Strategies

01:10:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Emily’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@emilysbass

Ben’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@benplumley1

Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley engages in a comprehensive discussion with journalist and author Emily Bass about the current state of global health, specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS. Recorded in sunny Sacramento, they reflect on the extraordinary events of the past few months and assess the alignment of innovation and equity in global health. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of community-based care and accountability, the evolving role of international NGOs, and the critical nature of differentiated service delivery in HIV treatment. They also discuss the geopolitical uncertainties affecting global health funding and the influence of recent political changes in the US on the future of the global HIV response. They touch upon the significant role of entities like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS, and the necessity for national contributions and regional procurement in sustaining HIV programs. Emily emphasizes the need to preserve community-based accountability and the value of innovative, country-led solutions for delivering healthcare. They conclude with a commitment to delve deeper into HIV prevention in a future episode, recognizing the ongoing challenges and opportunities in achieving global HIV/AIDS objectives.

Emily’s book:

To End a Plague: America's Fight to Defeat AIDS in Africa

https://www.amazon.com/End-Plague-Americas-Defeat-Africa/dp/1541762436

Emily’s recent essay in the New York Times:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/14/opinion/pepfar-hiv-foreign-aid.html

Emily’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@emilysbass

Ben’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@benplumley1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:36 Guest Introduction: Emily's Expertise

02:26 Global Health Check-In

03:11 Humanitarian Crises and HIV

05:00 Impact of Global Health Policies

06:44 HIV Treatment Challenges

08:57 Sustainability and Ownership in HIV Response

12:47 Global Health Architecture and Funding

16:33 The Role of PEPFAR and Global Fund

22:25 Future of Global Health Initiatives

38:25 Global Fund's Role in Procurement and National Contributions

40:33 US Congress and Global Health Budget

42:15 Innovation in Global AIDS Response

49:30 The Importance of Differentiated Service Delivery

01:00:58 Community Accountability in Public Health

01:09:38 Challenges and Future of HIV Prevention

Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

As Ben starts his first chemotherapy cycle, he explores the controversial yet essential role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. He looks at its historical roots and tries to understand the scientific mechanisms of various chemotherapies. He shares an intimate look at the highs and lows of his first cycle of treatment, the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, as well as the physical and emotional aspects of cancer therapy.

Ben’s t-shirt this week celebrates the Ukrainian Alliance for Public Health. You can find out more about the Alliance and how you can help at https://aph.org.ua/en/home

00:00 Introduction and Preface

00:45 The Origins of Chemotherapy

02:33 Personal Experience with Chemotherapy

04:30 The Chemotherapy Process

07:25 Side Effects and Challenges

11:15 Living with Chemotherapy

17:25 Understanding Chemotherapy

22:16 The Vagal Response Incident

28:20 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

💬 Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🔔Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

Ben and Yvette catch up with Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, as the joint UN program on HIV and AIDS launched a global AIDS update report entitled “AIDS, crisis and the power to transform”. They explore what levers are left to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, including ending AIDS as a public health crisis by 2030, the continuing relevance of UNAIDS to lead the world’s response to one of the greatest zoonotic infections of the 21st century, and what the real trajectory of an epidemic that even a year ago seemed entering its last mile.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:54 Introducing the Guest: Winnie Byanyima

01:23 UNAIDS Report Highlights

06:37 Community Leadership and Challenges

15:02 Integration and Health Systems

30:18 Decolonizing Health Systems

32:56 Fast Tracking African Market Integration

34:08 UN's Own Story and Decolonization

35:37 Youth Perspectives on Decolonization

38:06 Global Solidarity and Economic Injustices

44:01 Immediate Actions for Health Crisis

47:58 UNAIDS' Future Vision and Challenges

57:30 Call to Action and Closing Remarks

💬 Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🔔Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley discusses the Kigali International AIDS Society Conference with guests Solange Baptiste from ITPC and Rosemary Mburu from WACI Health. They explore the importance of community voices in global health innovations, the challenges of funding cuts, and the significance of long-acting antiretroviral therapies. Additionally, they touch upon the roles of UNAIDS and the Global Fund, advanced HIV disease, and the critical need for prioritizing global health and HIV funding.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:16 Kigali International AIDS Society Conference Overview

00:40 Community Involvement and Clinical Trials

00:51 Introducing the Guests: Solange Baptiste and Rosemary Mburu

02:13 Discussion on the Kigali AIDS Conference

04:48 Challenges and Strategies in Global Health Funding

11:32 Community Leadership and Global Health Architecture

14:54 UNAIDS and Global Fund Presence at the Conference

26:00 Scientific Innovations and Long-Acting Treatments

31:59 Integration and Efficiency in Global Health

35:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💬 Join the Conversation!

How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🔔Subscribe & Stay Updated:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions:

www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

Ben delves into the multifaceted experience of pain, beginning with a literary reference from Margaret Atwood. He shares personal anecdotes about blood draws, the insertion of a chemotherapy port, and the challenges of effectively communicating pain levels to healthcare professionals. Ben reflects on his nearly forty years’ experience living with Crohn's disease, exploring different ways to describe pain, and examines various strategies for pain management, including medications like acetaminophen and oxycodone, and the antidepressant duloxetine. The episode also highlights historical and cultural contexts of pain and invites listeners to contribute to a virtual medicine cabinet of motivational and entertaining resources.

00:00 Introduction and Literary Preface

01:34 Personal Anecdotes and Blood Tests

02:08 Chemotherapy Port Installation

05:31 Experiencing and Describing Pain

13:38 Pain Management Strategies

18:25 Upcoming Chemotherapy and Final Thoughts

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pain

💬 Join the Conversation

How should people share their experiences of life-threatening disease? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🔔Subscribe & Stay Updated

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions:

www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast