Wellness Unmasked: MAHA, Vaccine Trust & Iran Threats: Dr. Josh McConkey on Health Policy, Military Readiness & Leadership

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Saphier sits down with board-certified physician, Air Force Reserve Colonel, and author Dr. Josh McConkey to break down the biggest health and national security headlines shaping America right now. They unpack what wasn’t said in the State of the Union about the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement, vaccine policy, and public health transparency. The conversation dives into the controversial Senate confirmation hearing for Surgeon General nominee Dr. Casey Means, the hepatitis B vaccine debate, COVID-era messaging failures, and what it will take to restore trust in the medical establishment. Dr. McConkey also shares firsthand insight as a military commander, discussing recruitment challenges, the rollback of vaccine mandates, DEI priorities inside the armed forces, and how national security readiness has shifted under new leadership. The episode then turns to rising tensions with Iran, nuclear breakout concerns, Operation Midnight Hammer, and what’s at stake globally if deterrence fails. Plus, Dr. McConkey discusses his Pulitzer Prize–nominated book and his new children’s leadership series focused on resilience, accountability, and raising the next generation to lead. Topics Covered: MAHA movement and vaccine controversy Surgeon General confirmation hearing analysis COVID vaccine mandates and public trust Military recruitment and readiness Iran nuclear threat and U.S. strategy Leadership, resilience, and raising strong kids Learn more about Dr. Josh McConkey HEREFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.