In this week’s episode, Miles and Dr. Rob break down a pivotal week in public health and politics. From thousands of white coats marching on Washington to election results that reshaped the map in Virginia and Pennsylvania, they unpack how doctors and scientists are finally stepping off the sidelines to defend truth, democracy, and affordable care.

Later, Miles talks with Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, whose grassroots movement has mobilized researchers and public health workers around the world to fight disinformation and anti-science extremism. Together they explore what it means to “stand up for science” in an age of lies, fear, and political attacks, and why the next year could decide the future of American health.

Background reading:

Stand Up for Science website: StandUpForScience.net

The March for Health & Science website: 911forhealthandscience.org

Virginia Mercury: Blue wave rebuilds the House: Democrats soar to at least 64 seats in Virginia

ABORTION, EVERY DAY: Abortion is on the Ballot, Here's What You Need to Know

Virginia Scope: Youngkin vetoes Prescription Drug Affordability Board

NBC News: Pennsylvania voters retain three state Supreme Court justices, preserving Democrats' 5-2 majority

CBS News: Democrats sweep key races in 2025 elections in early referendum on Trump

AP: California voters approve new US House map to boost Democrats in 2026

The Hill: Speaker Johnson says GOP working on Republican health care plan amid shutdown

The Hill: Greene: GOP shoulders blame for not correcting ACA as health premiums set to rise

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “SCIF” tweet

CBS News: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for nuclear option to end shutdown, slams GOP's health care plans

The Hill: Trump summons GOP senators to White House to call for end to filibuster

CBS News: Government shutdown prompts FAA to float flight cancellations as Senate talks continue

Oct. 29 Navigator poll

ABC News: Americans increasingly concerned about government shutdown, more blame Republicans and Trump than Democrats: Poll

CNN: Trump’s HHS orders state Medicaid programs to help find undocumented immigrants

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