The Nation's Health Podcast

Fluoride — one of public health’s most effective and equitable tools — is facing a growing wave of policy rollbacks, misinformation and public skepticism. Host Sophia Meador talks with Wade Rakes, MBA, CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and pediatrician Susan Fisher-Owens, MD, MPH, to unpack what’s at stake for oral health, who could be most affected by potential bans and how to build trust in fluoride.

As loneliness and isolation grow among U.S. teens, some are turning to AI chatbots for companionship, sparking new concerns for public health professionals. Host Sophia Meador talks to experts about what the trend could mean for teen mental health.

As public confidence in vaccines ebb, clinicians and public health workers are increasingly addressing concerns and confusion with parents. In the latest episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Alexandra Cvijanovich, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss common parental concerns, strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and what lies ahead as federal guidance challenges established vaccine science.

Despite setbacks in 2025, the public health workforce remains resilient in protecting the nation’s health. Host Sophia Meador speaks with Aryn Melton Backus of the National Public Health Coalition on how advocates are continuing the fight.

Millions more Americans are expected to be food insecure as new restrictions on nutrition programs collide with rising prices. What does that mean for our health — and for the families already struggling to get by? Host Sophia Meador digs into the stakes with leading policy and food insecurity experts.

Violent deaths were once just statistics — but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Violent Death Reporting System is changing that. In this special bonus episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador talks with two recipients of the Catherine Barber Research Award, whose groundbreaking work is revealing the stories behind violent deaths and helping shape smarter prevention policies.

The line between advocacy and lobbying can be confusing — especially for public health professionals. As the Trump administration continues to devastate the nation’s public health infrastructure, the need for strong, informed voices has never been greater. In this episode, host Sophia Meador talks with Shelley Hearne, DrPH, MPH, director of the Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy, and Rebecca Boulos, PhD, MPH, of the Maine Public Health Association, on the ways public health supporters can use their expertise to shape policy and champion the health of their communities.

Youth tobacco use has hit record lows. But will it last? With the rise of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, decades of hard-won progress could be at risk. In this episode, host Sophia Meador sits down with Brian King, PhD, executive vice president for U.S. programs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, to explore what’s next for youth tobacco use in the U.S. — and whether we’re on the brink of a new public health crisis.

Following the Aug. 8 attack on CDC's Atlanta offices, members of the public health community are raising concerns about federal leadership's role in promoting vaccine misinformation. Two APHA leaders speak with The Nation's Health Podcast about what's at stake and what needs to be done.

As the Trump administration continues to undermine science, the need for trustworthy voices on vaccines is growing. In the latest episode of The Nation's Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Molly O'Shea, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss the growing threats to the nation's vaccine infrastructure, where the public can turn for reliable vaccine guidance, and what public health professionals can do to rebuild trust and keep communities safe.

Extreme heat is one of the most significant health threats facing communities across the country. In the third episode of our extreme heat series, The Nation’s Health Podcast talks with public health leaders who are taking action to address extreme heat in their communities, from creating a heat health warning system to passing a citywide cool roof policy.

President Trump’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year calls for deep cuts to public health — which could severely weaken the ability of local public health departments to carry out their essential work. This episode of The Nation's Health Podcast breaks down the federal budget process, what the proposed funding changes could mean, how they may impact local health programs and what listeners can do to help protect public health.

As temperatures rise, so do health risks — particularly for vulnerable communities. In the second episode of our extreme heat series, The Nation's Health speaks with public health experts about how heat affects health, and steps health workers can take to keep communities safe during extreme heat waves, including training and education.

Climate change is making U.S. cities hotter. But smart surfaces, such as reflective pavements, solar panels or even trees, can go a long way in cooling them down. In this first of a three-part series on extreme heat, we talk to experts about urban heat islands and how communities use smart surfaces to create healthier places to live.

The use of psilocybin — or "magic mushrooms" — is rapidly growing, but so are possible poisonings. In this episode, host Sophia Meador speaks with researcher Karilynn Rockhill, PhD, about what’s driving this trend and how public health professionals can help keep people safe.

In this episode, host Sophia Meador speaks with Paul Offit, MD, about the implications of HHS Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s misguided stances on vaccines — and what it could mean for the future of disease prevention in the U.S.

Soon after taking office, President Trump issued an executive order ending federal diversity, equity and inclusion positions and programs. In this episode, host Sophia Meador talks with experts on the order's implications for public health, and how the field can continue to promote health equity.

APHA Executive Director George Benjamin, MD, discusses the potential impact of leadership changes in the White House and Capitol Hill on the public health system, who might be affected and how the workforce can take action to safeguard the health of the public.