Rolin Forward

Ebola is back in the headlines -- and so are debates about travel restrictions, airport screening, and public health preparedness. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin explain what’s happening in the current Ebola outbreak, how the virus spreads, why experts are criticizing some travel policies, and why this is not another COVID situation. They also discuss the role of public trust, CDC staffing cuts, and the challenges of containing outbreaks in a connected world.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

This week on Rolin Forward, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down why hantavirus is suddenly dominating headlines from the tragic death of Betsy Arakawa linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome to the recent Andes virus cruise ship outbreak raising fears of another pandemic. They explain what hantavirus actually is, how it spreads, why the Andes strain is different, and why experts say this is not another COVID situation. Plus: what to do (and absolutely not do) if you find mouse droppings in your garage, attic, or cabin.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

Why do sibling fights escalate so fast—from playing to hitting in seconds? In this episode, Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin break down what’s actually normal, what’s driving the behavior, and the practical, research-backed strategies that help you intervene earlier and reduce physical conflict.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

You go out to eat expecting a relaxing meal… and within 10 minutes, everything falls apart. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin explain why restaurants are developmentally hard for kids— and what actually helps, from timing and expectations to simple strategies that reduce meltdowns.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

Why does your pharmacy suddenly not have a medication you’ve filled a hundred times? Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin break down why medication shortages happen, why they’re becoming more common, and what you can actually do when your prescription is out of stock.As mentioned in the episode - FDA Drug Shortage Database: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-shortagesThis is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

Wait…AI is prescribing medications? Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin explain the new Utah pilot, what the research says about AI in medicine, and what parents need to know before trusting AI with their child’s health. This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

Wait… are parents really supposed to “do their own research”? In this episode, Drs. Stephanoie and Alicia Rolin break down why that advice sounds empowering but often leads to confusion, misinformation, and impossible decisions in today’s algorithm-driven world.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

Wait…did the vaccine schedule just change again? In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the court ruling that paused major vaccine changes, why the ACIP overhaul matters, and what this means for families right now.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

Why do toddlers suddenly refuse foods they used to love? In this episode of Rolin Forward, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down the science behind picky eating. We talk about why picky eating is actually a normal developmental phase, what research says about helping kids expand their diets, and which common parenting strategies may backfire.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the history of Daylight Saving Time, the science of circadian rhythms, and what the research actually shows about sleep loss, health risks, and cranky kids.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack why kids often struggle on vacation -- and why it’s not “bad behavior,” but a predictable nervous system response to travel and change. We explore what’s happening beneath the surface, why meltdowns show up when you least expect them, and how a small shift in expectations can make trips with kids feel a lot more manageable.This is not intended to be medical advice and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of their employers or funders.

With so many milk options, it’s easy to feel confused. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin walk through what the science actually says about milk for kids, so parents can make choices that fit their family.

In this episode, sisters and physicians Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about kindness and service through a child-development lens. They walk through what kids at different ages actually understand about helping others. Practical, research-grounded, and designed for real families trying to do something thoughtful together.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

It’s school choice season, and “diversity” is often treated as a buzzword. In this episode, Drs. Rolin break down what research from developmental psychology and education actually shows about how diverse schools shape kids’ learning, fairness, and mental health, and why inclusion and belonging matter more than optics.

The holidays have a way of putting fairness front and center. Gifts, cousins, friends, and comparisons - all at once. In this special holiday bonus episode, we unpack what kids really mean when they say, “That’s not fair,” and what helps regulate emotions instead of escalating them. Grounded in developmental science, with practical language you can actually use during a busy, emotionally loaded season.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

With new headlines suggesting the U.S. could model its vaccine schedule after Denmark’s, many parents are asking what that actually means. In this episode, we explain how vaccine schedules are built, how Denmark’s system really works, and why public health context matters as much as the number of vaccines on a list.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Measles is back in the headlines - again... In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin review what’s new in measles activity and why public health officials are increasingly concerned. Tune in to learn what it means for families right now.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Winter viruses are here, and families are feeling it. We unpack the latest on flu, including the fast-growing H3N2 subclade K, RSV patterns, COVID updates, and what this all means for kids. Pediatrician Dr. Alicia Rolin and psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Rolin translate the science into simple takeaways and a realistic plan for the months ahead.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

As the holiday season begins and gratitude fills the air, we take a moment to look deeper into your brain. This week on Rolin Forward, we explore how gratitude isn’t just a warm feeling but a real force in the brain: changing neural circuits, boosting resilience, and helping shape emotional health. Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin break down the latest research on how thankfulness affects mood, stress, and relationships. Tune in to learn simple, science-backed ways to make “thanks” a habit for your whole family this Thanksgiving.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

This week, we break down what youth sports actually do for kids’ brains, bodies, and mental health - beyond the trophies and team photos. We dig into the neuroscience of movement, the research on belonging and resilience, and what helps kids thrive without burning out. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed here are our own. If you have questions about how this applies to you or your family, please talk with your clinician.

The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel ACIP delayed a vote on changing when newborns get the hepatitis B shot, a move that could reshape how infants are protected from a virus once common in children. In this episode, Drs. Stephanie and Alicia Rolin explain what’s behind the proposal, why timing matters, and what parents need to know before leaving the hospital.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

Halloween is the perfect time to talk about fear & why kids need it. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the neuroscience of fear and anxiety, how children learn to self-soothe, and what exposure, empathy, and candy can teach growing brains about courage.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent their institutions or funders.

.California will ban ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2035, while the USDA’s new national standards cut added sugar and sodium starting 2025. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin explain what’s changing on the lunch tray and why it matters for kids’ health.Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

When the government shuts down, parenting doesn’t. Stephanie and Alicia walk through how the federal shutdown touches kids’ care — vaccines, prescriptions, WIC, Head Start, even research. The systems that keep families healthy are still standing, but stretched thin. What to expect this week, and how to prepare.This episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily represent the official positions of their employers, funders, or affiliated institutions.

.This fall, families are running into a vaccine patchwork: the FDA pulled key COVID authorizations in August, the American Academy of Pediatrics is still recommending shots for little ones, and states are making their own rules. Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin untangle the mess including why pharmacies are turning some kids away, how state alliances are filling the gaps, and what parents can do right now to keep their families protected.Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

.Phones are everywhere in kids’ lives: classrooms, bedrooms, buses. This week on Rolin Forward, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack the evidence on phones, social media, and teen health. Because in 2025, the debate isn’t just about distraction, it’s about mental health, community, and safety in a world where every crisis goes viral.Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

Scary headlines claim Tylenol in pregnancy may be linked to autism - but what does the science actually say? In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin cut through the noise. We explain the anticipated report from HHS, what the strongest studies show, and why professional groups like ACOG still recommend acetaminophen as the safest option for pain and fever in pregnancy. Note: This is general information, not medical advice. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

Backpacks packed, alarms set, and … chaos everywhere? It’s back to school season, and with it come the challenges of shifting sleep schedules, first-day jitters, parent stress, and the pressure to do it all.In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down what this transition means. From sleep deprivation to forgotten pajama days, we share strategies (and some laughter) to make the return to routine a little smoother, and a lot more human.Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

Oklahoma tried to launch the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school. And the Supreme Court jumped into action and delivered ... a split decision!? How? This episode is the latest in our SCOTUS Summer series, where we tackle Supreme Court cases, and deliver a song that explains it all.NOTE: This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.ABOUT US: I'm Dr. Alicia Rolin; I work in emergency pediatrics and do research.I'm Dr. Stephanie Rolin, an emergency psychiatrist and grant-funded researcher.And yes, we're sisters. We break down the biggest stories affecting your health, so you can keep moving forward. #RolinForward.

This week on Rolin Forward, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, a 2025 Supreme Court case with major implications for students with disabilities. At the heart of the case: whether students face a higher burden of proof when suing schools for discrimination under the ADA and Section 504. We explain what the Court ruled, why this decision matters for civil rights in education, and what happens next for A.J.T. and other students across the country.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

****Episode Evidence versus Ideology. This is Kennedy v. Braidwood, the 2025 Supreme Court Case challenging the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. We break down the case, explain what the Court ruled, and what powers now rest with the HHS Secretary.***Series:This episode is part of our SCOTUS Summer, where we unpack the recent Supreme Court cases reshaping health in America. ** HostsI'm Dr. Alicia Rolin; I work in emergency pediatrics and do research.I'm Dr. Stephanie Rolin, an emergency psychiatrist and grant-funded researcher.And yes, we're sisters. We break down the biggest stories affecting your health, so you can keep moving forward. With #RolinForward.*Note:This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

This week as part of SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack FDA v. Wages and White Lion, a unanimous 2025 Supreme Court decision affirming the FDA’s authority to regulate flavored e-cigarettes. At first glance, this case might seem like it’s just about mango vapes, but it’s really about science, safety, and how far public health agencies can go to protect youth from addiction.And yes: we close with a song 🎶This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

This week as part of SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack Mahmoud v. Taylor, a landmark 2025 Supreme Court decision on parental rights in public schools. The case centers on how much control parents have over what their children are taught, and how much discretion school systems retain to support diverse student needs. We break down what the Court decided, why it’s generating debate, and what it means for educators, families, and kids navigating public education in 2025 and beyond.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

In this kickoff to SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin introduce their summer series exploring the intersection of medicine, education, and the law, and how the Supreme Court’s 2025 decisions are reshaping children’s lives. Each week this summer, we’ll choose one major case from 2025 and break it down: what the Court decided, why it matters, and what it means for kids and families across the country.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act sounds grand, but what’s behind the flashy name? In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down the sweeping healthcare changes hidden inside the bill. From Medicaid block grants and work requirements, to cuts in protections for gender-affirming care and undocumented immigrants, and major rollbacks to the Affordable Care Act, this bill could reshape millions of Americans’ access to care.Recorded on 6/30, this episode reflects the bill’s status as of that date. Changes are expected as the bill moves between the Senate and House.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.(An earlier version of this episode misstated the name of the OBBBA; hopefully understandable since its name has changed several times)

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met June 25–26 for the first time since HHS Secretary RFK Jr orchestrated a complete overhaul of its membership. In this episode of Rolin Forward, we break down the key takeaways of this meeting and what it means for public trust in science.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

HHS Secretary RFK Jr. abruptly fired the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the group that sets vaccine recommendations in the U.S. He has selected new members, several of whom are known for vaccine skepticism or have limited immunization expertise. This significant change in the advisory panel represents a major shift in U.S. vaccine policymaking. In this episode, we analyze who these new members are, their backgrounds and views, and what this shake-up could mean for public trust, vaccine guidance, and family health.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

Will doctors get arrested for saving a patient’s life? In this episode, the Drs. Rolin examine the current administration’s decision to roll back federal guidelines that previously protected abortion access under EMTALA during pregnancy-related emergencies. With those protections revoked, hospitals and providers face growing uncertainties, especially in states with abortion bans. Tune in as the Drs. Rolin explore what this means for emergency care, legal obligations, and patient safety on the front lines. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.Note: EMTALA refers to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, enacted by Congress in 1986 to provide public access to emergency medical services regardless of ability to pay.

In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin provide an in-depth analysis of the Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) report, released on May 22, 2025. The report, commissioned by the Trump administration and led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases among American children. Listen to unpack the report and note some key takeaways. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

We’re on vacation, but couldn’t resist a quick detour into some statements made by RFK Jr! In this fun-sized episode, we’re bringing you a public health news quiz—just the facts, with a few hot takes along the way. No prep required, just press play!This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

In 1998, a now-infamous paper by Andrew Wakefield claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Though the study was quickly debunked and later retracted, the damage had already been done. In this episode, we unpack how one fraudulent claim helped spark a modern anti-vaccine movement, leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases and a deepening distrust in public health.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

This week, President Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means to be Surgeon General. In this episode, we talk about what this job entails and what changes we might expect if Dr. Means is confirmed.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

On April 16, RFK Jr held his first press conference as secretary of health and human services. Listen as Drs Rolin break down RFK Jr’s claim and talk about what he got right and what he got wrong.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.

Fluoride has been making headlines this week, sparking questions and confusion for many families. Join Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin as they unpack the latest news, break down the science, and separate fact from fiction on what fluoride is, why it's in our water, and what it really means for your family's teeth.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.CDC Water Fluoridation Tool: https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx

Measles is spreading, with over 600 cases in the US in 2025. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin go into more details about measles including what's the status of the outbreak and more about steps you can take to protect you and your family.If you haven't listened to Episode 13, 'Measles 101' - we recommend you start there then jump into this one!This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

There's been a flurry of executive orders - so many it's hard to keep track. In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin will discuss 5 major policy changes from the Trump administration that affect families' access to health care. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or fundersCMS pricing tool: https://www.cms.gov/webpricer

While the first GLP-1 inhibitors (a class of weight loss drugs) was FDA approved over ten years ago, it seems like they've recently become a part of everyday conversations. Dive into this episode with Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin to learn what these medications are, how they work, and why they're all anyone can talk about. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

Dr. Oz was appointed by President Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). His confirmation hearing is this week - Friday March 14th at 9am. In anticipation, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin delve into Dr. Oz's background, what leading CMS entails, and why some health experts are concerned about his nomination. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

This week, President Trump made his joint address to Congress, where he outlined his priorities. Following his lead, in this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin outline their top five health concerns for 2025.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders

There's a measles outbreak spreading in Texas, with nearly 100 cases so far. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about that outbreak, the disease, and, most importantly, steps you can take to protect yourselves and your family.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders