Dr. Annie Andrews and Dr. Mark Shapiro discuss the critical intersection of climate change and healthcare, particularly focusing on the recent IV fluid shortage caused by Hurricane Helene. They explore the implications of climate change on healthcare systems, the importance of physician engagement in advocacy, and the power of storytelling in raising awareness.

The conversation emphasizes the shared experiences of healthcare professionals and the communities they serve, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change as a threat multiplier affecting health outcomes. They emphasize the importance of civic duty, the impact of local elections, and the legacy we leave for future generations. The dialogue highlights the need for courage in advocacy and the significance of taking action, no matter how small, to inspire others and create change.

Dr. Sallie Permar and Annie Andrews discuss the ongoing pediatric workforce crisis, highlighting the economic factors that deter medical students from pursuing pediatrics. They explore the disparities in reimbursement between pediatric and adult care, the role of Medicaid and Medicare, and the urgent need for political engagement to advocate for children's health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of access to subspecialty care and the necessity of building a coalition to address these issues effectively. They also touch on upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and fostering community involvement in pediatric health advocacy.

Annie Andrews and Kristen Moldenhauer discuss the urgent need for gun violence prevention, focusing on secure firearm storage and the impact of recent school shootings. They emphasize the importance of community conversations about gun safety, the legislative challenges faced in South Carolina, and the consequences of permitless carry laws. The discussion highlights the role of voters in advocating for change and encourages listeners to get involved with organizations like Moms Demand Action to promote gun safety and prevent tragedies.

Dr. Annie Andrews discusses the public health crisis of gun violence in the wake of a recent school shooting in Georgia. She emphasizes the need for better communication and understanding of the problem, as well as the importance of taking action and advocating for common-sense gun laws. Dr. Andrews highlights the failures of both individuals and lawmakers in addressing this crisis and calls for accountability and political engagement. She urges listeners to support Gun Sense champions and work towards a Democratic trifecta to pass meaningful gun safety legislation at the federal level.

Annie Andrews and Dr. Michael O'Brien discuss the vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his controversial statements, as well as the positive qualities of Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz. They emphasize the importance of political engagement and the need to support local candidates. They also highlight the impact of politics on children's lives and the urgency of electing leaders who prioritize their well-being.

Their Future. Our Pod. is presented by the Law Office of Bill Nettles. Learn more at billnettleslaw.com.

Annie Andrews interviews Scarlett Harper, a youth activist, about her journey in environmental activism and her accomplishments in advocating for bee conservation and pesticide regulation. Scarlett shares how her passion for wildlife and plants led her to take action in her own town and eventually work on passing a state bill.

Scarlett emphasizes the importance of young voices in creating change and encourages other young people to trust themselves and speak up about the issues they care about. Scarlett also discusses the interconnectedness of various social and environmental issues and the need for collaboration and prioritization in addressing them.

Dr. Annie Andrews and Dr. Kelsey Gastineau record from the National Pediatric Hospital Medicine Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The two discuss the importance of pediatricians engaging in politics and advocating for children. They emphasize the need for pediatricians to go beyond research and advocacy and actively participate in politics to create meaningful change for children. They provide practical tips for pediatricians to get involved, such as supporting child health candidates, phone banking, door knocking, and donating.

Annie also interviews other attending pediatricians to ask why they will be voting kids in November.

On the 7th episode of Their Future. Our Pod., Annie sits down with Charlotte Clymer.

Charlotte Clymer is a writer, communications consultant, transgender activist, and military veteran.

She writes “Charlotte’s Web Thoughts,” a popular Substack newsletter about politics, religion, and culture. It has been named a finalist for Outstanding Blog at the 2023 and 2024 GLAAD Media Awards, featured at the 2022 SXSW Conference & Festival, and will be anthologized in a forthcoming textbook for young writers by W. W. Norton & Co

She was most recently named to the 13th class of political fellows at the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service in the Fall of 2021 and previously served as the Director of Communications & Strategy at Catholics for Choice, a reproductive rights advocacy organization.

Prior to that, she was the Press Secretary for Rapid Response at the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ equality. Her day-to-day work involved running the organization’s messaging in response to the White House and federal policy.

Her political and social commentary has been quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and numerous other outlets. Her writing has been published in USA Today, The Washington Post, NBC News, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, GQ, The Independent, and other publications. She has also been a guest commentator on MSNBC, CNN, BBC, CBS Sunday Morning, and various public radio programs.

In 2021, she became the first openly-transgender woman appointed to the Board of Directors for LPAC, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to advancing queer women in politics.

In 2022, she was nominated by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser—and unanimously confirmed by the City Council—to serve on the D.C. Human Rights Commission, the first openly-transgender person to do so. She previously served on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities as a Mayoral Appointee.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for Running Start, an organization that trains and empowers young women and nonbinary youth to get involved in politics. Additionally, she volunteers on the advisory councils for Modern Military Families of America, an advocacy org for LGBTQ service members and their families, and the Lone Star Parity Project, which works to increase the representation of women elected officials in Texas.

She was selected for the Truman National Security Project’s Class of 2019 and has served as the co-lead of the D.C. Chapter and the Executive Committee for membership applications.

She was honored as “Best Transgender Advocate” in 2018 and “Most Committed Activist” in 2019 in the Best of Gay D.C. Awards by readers of The Washington Blade. She was named to Fortune Magazine’s 2020 40 under 40 list in the “Politics & Government” category and the 2019 40 under 40 Queer Women of D.C. by the Mayor’s Office and The Washington Blade. In 2022, she received Equality North Carolina’s Visibility Award.

In her free time, she works as a film and television critic for Metro Weekly, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ print magazines.

She is a proud graduate of Georgetown University and resides in Washington, D.C.

Follow her on X at @cmclymer and Instagram at @charlotte.clymer.

On the 6th episode of Their Future. Our Pod, Dr. Annie Andrews sits down fellow pediatrician Dr. Michael O’Brien to discuss President Biden’s decision to step down and the enthusiasm around Kamala Harris’ candidacy.

Follow Michael O’Brien on X at @DrObrienMD.

Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder of Vote Mama, shares her origin story and the mission of her organization. She explains how her personal experience as a mother and a candidate for Congress led her to create Vote Mama, which supports Democratic moms running for office. Liuba discusses the structural barriers that hold back moms from running and staying in office, and the legislative priorities of Vote Mama, including campaign funds for childcare and security.