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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