A cancer epidemiologist walks into the Australian outback, builds a field camp at 22, and accidentally sparks a small-town “cookie war” between two rival grandmothers. That’s the tone of this conversation with Dr. Christopher Loffredo of Georgetown University, whose new book Globe Trotting for Science blends global fieldwork stories with the real stakes of cancer prevention and public health research.

We talk about what science looks like outside the lab: the messy logistics, the teamwork, and the people skills that make international research possible. Chris shares how he moved from bench science to epidemiology through a life-changing data analyst job, and why mentors who “take care of their people” can shape not only careers but also better outcomes. We also dig into science communication and why humor isn’t a distraction it’s often the fastest path to trust across cultures, especially when you’re trying to do hard work in unfamiliar places.

Then the conversation turns to the heart of his mission: preventing cancer before it takes hold. Using liver cancer as a key example, Chris explains why prevention often matters more than treatment, how hepatitis B and C and alcoholism drive risk in different regions, and why solutions have to be culturally realistic. His Thailand research on liver fluke exposure from raw fish shows the challenge clearly: you can’t “educate” people out of a staple food without offering a workable alternative, so interventions like cooking or fermentation and credible local advocacy become essential. If you care about global health, epidemiology, cancer prevention, or how to build a meaningful career by saying yes to uncertainty, this one will stick with you. Find the book here: https://amzn.to/4ea99ml

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Elsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she’s also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today’s topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW’s career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels. 

Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units .  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more tha...