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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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In this special episode of the podcast, host Yvette Raphael and a panel of young female advocates take over the discussion at the IAS 2025 held in Kigali, Rwanda. The episode features insightful conversations with Sinehlanhla Gogela, Sihle Magwentshu, Siviwe Gaika, who are active members of the Young Women's HIV Prevention Council and ground forces with the organization APA. The panel discusses the impact of recent funding cuts on HIV prevention efforts, their experiences in promoting HIV awareness, and the importance of community engagement. They also highlight promising developments in HIV prevention, including the introduction of the long-lasting injectable Lenacapavir and the dual prevention pill (DPP). The advocates express their hopes for the future and the need for continued support and funding to sustain their vital work.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 Meet the Guests

01:44 Impact of Funding Cuts

05:50 Conference Highlights and Key Takeaways

09:57 Future of HIV Prevention

16:30 The Role of Ground Forces

20:42 Closing Remarks and Celebrations

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In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley welcomes Dr. mike Reid, Associate Director of Global Health Delivery and Economics at UCSF. The discussion centers on Reid's analysis of the 'seven dead ideas' in global health, criticizing outdated approaches such as the overreliance on donor directives and vertical programs. Reid emphasizes the need for context-sensitive solutions informed by rigorous implementation science and local realities. The conversation also touches on how health, intrinsically political, demands both donor and recipient nations to prioritize equitable solutions. Additional insights include the inefficiencies in current funding models, the dangers of overly technical approaches, and the underutilized role of faith communities and AI in future health strategies. The episode concludes with a call for integrated efforts and sustainable practices as the path forward.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:43 Guest Introduction: Dr. mike Reid

01:23 State of Global Health: Key Issues

02:17 Seven Dead Ideas in Global Health

03:42 Dead Idea #1: We Know What Works

07:19 Dead Idea #2: Health is a Technical Problem

11:27 Dead Idea #3: Donors Know Best

13:07 Dead Idea #4: More Money Means More Impact

15:35 Dead Idea #5: Vertical Programs are Efficient

20:35 Dead Idea #6: Measurement Equals Progress

24:44 Dead Idea #7: We Are on Track to Achieve SDG Goal 3

27:10 The Role of Faith Communities in Global Health

30:18 Artificial Intelligence in Global Health

33:57 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, co-founder of the Global Listening Project, and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, managing director of Yemaya Health Advisory. Recorded in during IAS 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the discussion centers on the essential contributions of faith leaders to global health, particularly in engaging communities and influencing public health decisions. The episode explores findings from the Global Listening Project's studies in Kenya and Nigeria, highlighting the deep trust communities place in faith leaders and the necessity of including them in health initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for health professionals to rethink their engagement strategies with faith communities, the role of digital technologies, and the importance of co-creating health solutions with faith leaders.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Meet the Guests: Professor Heidi Larson and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo

00:35 The Role of Faith Leaders in Global Health

02:20 Insights from the Global Listening Project

03:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Engaging Faith Leaders

05:17 Deep Listening Techniques and Findings

07:49 Faith Leaders' Perspectives on Health Issues

09:53 The Importance of Trust and Engagement

19:11 Digital Technologies and Faith Communities

24:27 Future Directions and Final Thoughts

28:30 Closing Remarks and Thanks

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