Public Health Insight

When a disaster is prevented, it doesn't make the news and most don't hear about it; and that's exactly the problem. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast with Dr. Barry Davis, biostatistician and author of The Preventioneers, we explore why prevention's biggest successes stay invisible. We discuss why climate warnings have gone unheeded for 170 years, why treatment beats prevention for the "popular vote," and how to rebuild trust with a public that distrusts experts. The answe...

A doctor proves handwashing saves lives and gets destroyed for it. A president dies of a preventable stroke. Scientists spend decades proving smoking kills while the industry fights back. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Barry Davis, author of The Preventioneers, introduces us to people in history who saw catastrophe coming, built the evidence, and ran straight into resistance from industries, institutions, and a public that didn't want to hear it. If prevention saves...

We often have the evidence to prevent harm long before we actually do something about it, and that delay costs lives. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we sit down with a physician and mathematician whose career spans early machine learning research in the 1980s, landmark hypertension trials, and over 150 data monitoring committees. Dr. Davis reflects on the experiences that shaped his thinking and how resistance to change repeats throughout history. References for Our ...

Daniella wanted to make a podcast for years, but she waited for the right idea. Then she noticed no one had made a public health show this honest and this bold, especially from a Black perspective. So she made it herself. In this episode, Daniella shares how she started Public Health Is Dead, built on years of teaching herself to record and edit on her own. It grew out of a frustration she kept running into: public health is known for holding the world accountable, but can fall short when it ...

A cannabis conference. A front-row seat she wasn't supposed to have. A question to Snoop Dogg about racial justice in cannabis legislation that she absolutely was not going to leave unasked. In this episode of a 4-part series in collaboration between Public Health Insight Podcast and Public Health Is Dead, Gordon Thane rewinds to the early beginnings of Daniella Barreto's story, which includes a childhood in Zimbabwe, a mother who made immunology a dinner-table subject, immigration to Vancouv...

Ever wonder why people ignore free health services, conveniently placed in their community, even when their life could depend on it? Looking back to the 1950s gives us some clues, and what researchers discovered led to the creation of one of public health's most enduring frameworks for understanding human behavior. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane unpacks the Health Belief Model and why it still shapes health promotion practice today. Source Material ...

An MPH can cost two years, tens of thousands of dollars, the salary you would have earned if you continued to work instead, and the promise of the other degree that you decided not to pursue. So is it worth it? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane breaks down how to think through the real return on investment of a Master of Public Health, from tuition and debt to opportunity cost and the alternatives most people never seriously compare. Whether you are...

Health isn't created only in hospitals. It's achieved in housing, food systems, workplaces, and political decisions. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane traces the arc of health promotion through its defining milestones, from the Ottawa Charter to the Geneva Charter, revealing how each global conference pushed the field to see further: beyond behavior, beyond healthcare, beyond borders. Yet the gap between what we know and what we do remains wide. This epis...

Could hantavirus become the next pandemic? After a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship, that question is on everyone's mind. And "don't panic" isn't a real answer. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane explores what we know about hantaviruses so far, how Andes virus compares to COVID-19, and what the early science suggests about its potential to spread. He examines the key biological and ecological factors shaping the risk picture, and offers a way of thinking t...

How did sanitation become one of public health's greatest triumphs, while being its oldest unfinished problem? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane traces the story from Victorian Britain's overcrowded streets to Edwin Chadwick's groundbreaking 1842 report, which reframed disease as a product of "removable circumstances" rather than individual fate. We revisit the Great Stink of 1858, when London's sewage crisis finally reached Parliament, where swift ...

Teaching is one of the most underrated ways to advance public health. In this episode, Gordon reflects on his first semester teaching Health Promotion in Western University's MPH program and what the experience revealed about the field itself. From designing a course to classroom moments that genuinely surprised him, Gordon shares the thinking behind his approach and the lessons that stayed with him. Because public health advances not only through programs and policy but through the people we...

What really happens when a reviewer opens your MPH application? Host Gordon Thane has been on the other side of the table and what he saw might surprise you. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, he breaks down the most common mistakes applicants make: ignoring instructions, leaning on weak references, writing generic statements that sound like everyone else, and confusing healthcare with public health. More importantly, he shares what actually makes a file stand out. If you'r...

By the end of your practicum, you'll land in one of three boxes — and you don't get to pick which one.. or do you? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane draws on his own journey to show why the students who thrive aren't the ones who wait for direction. From an unpaid MPH practicum placement to now being on the advisory board of that same organization member; he explores: how to tailor your practicum experience to the next job opportunity you’d l...

You can disagree on policy. You can't disagree on facts. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Brian Castucci unpacks what it really means when science bends to political power, whether silencing dangerous voices is ever justified, why public health is losing the war it should be winning - culminating in an uncomfortable truth: if you can't stand the people you're trying to reach, you've already lost. References for Our Discussion ◼️About Brian C. Castrucci ◼️A Ne...

How often do public health organizations decide what a community needs — without actually asking them? This episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast sees Gordon sit down with Alexandra Piatkowski, epidemiologist and founder & CEO of Piat Public Health, to unpack one of public health's most foundational — and often misused — tools: the community needs assessment. They explore why existing quantitative data is never enough on its own, how health equity moves from buzzword to practice,...

What does it take to hit the ground running after grad school? For Alexandra Piatkowski, the answer started long before graduation — by deliberately building real-world experience while still a student. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Gordon sits down with the founder of Piat Public Health to trace a career that blends epidemiology, health policy, and project management into something entirely her own. Alexandra shares how stacking hands-on experience during school set...

Prevention is the most powerful public health tool we have and yet the hardest to fund. Dr. Hope Ferdowsian of Phoenix Zones Initiative explains how her organization is changing that: informing global health strategies, training cross-sector professionals, and advancing a justice-centered framework called Just One Health that targets root causes, not symptoms. She also shares a bold 10-year vision — where well-being replaces GDP, animals gain rights recognition, and prevention is the default....

Animal abuse is a predictor child abuse. Slaughterhouse locations correlate with violent crime. Over three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases trace back to how we treat animals and ecosystems. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Hope Ferdowsian connects these patterns to a single root cause: systems built on hierarchies that reduce living beings to their financial worth. She challenges public health to stop treating symptoms, expand its moral circle beyond humans, ...

Healing people requires healing animals and the systems we share. Dr. Hope Ferdowsian traces that conviction from a sheep named Crystal on an Oklahoma farm to sanctuary chimpanzees with PTSD, to asylum seekers she's evaluated across borders. The through-line isn't a coincidence — it's a career built on understanding humanity through animals, following suffering wherever it leads, and finding resilience on the other side. References for Our Discussion ◼️Phoenix Zones Website Guest ◼️Ho...

What if the prescription wasn't a pill, but cash? Rx Kids gives expecting and new mothers up to $7,500, no questions asked. Laura Keen from GiveDirectly explains why giving money to everyone — not just the poorest — actually works better, why nearly every eligible mom in Flint signed up, and what happened to preterm births, evictions, and depression when communities invested in families from day one. Plus, how a program centered on babies united both sides of the political aisle. Reference...

Flint, Michigan was once known as one of America's most prosperous industrial cities. Decades of deindustrialization and a water crisis changed that, but crisis isn't the whole story. Laura Keen of GiveDirectly joins the podcast to explore the resilience behind the popular headlines, the gaps in America's safety net, and what the expanded Child Tax Credit revealed about child poverty. All of it set the stage for Rx Kids — one of the most ambitious social programs in the country. References ...

She studied philosophy at UPenn, sharpened her Spanish watching telenovelas with a host mom in silk robes and kitten heels, then moved to Peru and built staircases so families wouldn't fall carrying water. Laura Keen's path wound through cocoa farms in West Africa, anti-trafficking work in the Amazon, and the inner workings of fair trade — each stop ultimately leading her to GiveDirectly and a radically simple idea that's reshaping how we think about poverty. References for Our Discu...

Imagine surviving a snake bite only to battle depression for years. Half of hospitals can't properly treat snake bites and almost all healthcare workers struggle to administer life-saving anti-venom in many ways. Dr. David Lalloo illuminates a crisis killing more people than many familiar diseases, yet receiving a fraction of the funding. From recent strides in quality control to universal antivenom approaches and simple prevention measures, this conversation reveals the challenges of...

Right now, someone is being bitten by a venomous snake. Over the course of a year, 138,000 deaths and 400,000 disabilities. Yet snake bite remains one of the world's most neglected health crises. Professor David Lalloo explains why this preventable tragedy persists—from the science of venom to the economics of anti-venom, and why the right treatment might not exist where people need it most. References for Our Discussion ◼️Snakebites kill 130,000 people a year. This UK lab may have the ans...

A young doctor faces a choice: wait in line after a lecture or go to the pub. He waits. Fast forward, he's on a plane to Papua New Guinea. He arrives expecting malaria research—but finds 25% of ICU beds filled with snakebite victims. Professor David Lalloo didn't plan to dedicate his life to one of the world's most neglected health crises. He stumbled into it. And it took until 2017 for the WHO to even recognize snakebite as a disease worth fighting. This is the story of how one split-s...

Public health says "don't drink and drive." Bud Light says "don't let the party stop—have a designated driver". One feels like a lecture, the other made millions take notice. That communication gap is why public health messaging still misses the mark despite saving millions of lives. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Brian Castrucci explains how AI platforms and influencer partnerships could go a long way in helping public health step out of the shadows. From the De Be...

79% of Americans support childhood vaccine requirements—including the majority of Republicans. So why does it feel like everyone in the U.S. is against public health? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Brian Castrucci reveals what public opinion polling actually shows: Americans are far more united on health issues than we think. The problem isn't what people believe—it's the messages we're sending and who's delivering them. References for Our Discussion ◼️Poll: 100 ...

If you just look at his resume, it sounds almost made up: Political Science at NC State, a Master’s at Columbia, a DRPH at UNC, and a decade in the trenches as an epidemiologist across three states. Then, employee number three at a “tiny foundation”—now president and CEO, shaping how America thinks about public health. This episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast dives into the forks in the road, the mentors, and the scars that turned Dr. Brian Castrucci into the leader he is today. Re...

Welcome to the Public Health Insight Podcast, where we go beyond the headlines to explore the ideas, challenges, and people shaping health in communities around the world. Every Tuesday, host Gordon Thane brings you conversations with researchers, practitioners, and changemakers tackling the most urgent questions in public health. From the former CEO of Gavi to the attorney who exposed DuPont's forever chemicals—these are the stories that matter. 🎧 Start with any episode that sparks your c...

Find out why brilliant candidates still miss out on job opportunities and why Gordon thinks we’re in the midst of a job interview crisis, where candidates often show up underprepared. Host & Producer ◼️Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and ...

Collective action is the engine of public health transformation. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Vinu Ilakkuvan shares the tactics that turn community frustration into real-world victories, like Pittsburgh’s fight for public water. The conversation also explores how building coalitions, fostering local connections, and embracing joy can challenge entrenched power and spark lasting change. References for Our Discussion ◼️An overview of the commercial determin...

What if the real force shaping our health isn’t our doctor, our diet, or even our zip code - but the invisible hand of corporate power? In this eye-opening episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we go beyond the usual talk of social determinants to expose the deeper, upstream forces that shape our health: the commercial and political power wielded by corporations. Tune in as we sit down with public health disruptor Vinu Ilakkuvan, who unpacks how corporate interests manipulate narrativ...

What drives someone to leave a traditional career path and take on the hidden forces shaping our health? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Vinu Ilakkuvan traces her journey from an early interest in journalism to biomedical engineering and economics, and ultimately to public health. She reflects on the pivotal moments, values, and experiences that inspired her to found Pop Health and Gaslit, and explains why empowering communities is at the heart of her mission. Refe...

What does it take to get vaccines to everyone who needs them? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Seth Berkley, former CEO of Gavi, joins us to break down the global fight for vaccine access, from the spread of misinformation to the race against new pandemics. We explore why vaccine equity matters, what’s at stake when funding and trust falter, and the lessons we need to learn to protect everyone, everywhere, in the present and future. References for Our Discuss...

A billion children. Millions of lives saved. And you’ve probably never heard the full story—until now. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon sits down with Dr. Seth Berkley, the mastermind behind Gavi and author of "Fair Doses," to pull back the curtain on the alliance that quietly changed global health forever. From high-stakes decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic to the relentless pursuit of vaccine equity, this episode is packed with the real stories, hard les...

When the world was in a health crisis, Dr. Seth Berkley didn’t just watch—he was at the centre of the storm. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we rewind to his early days and trace his path through global health’s toughest challenges. References for Our Discussion ◼️Fair Doses: An Insider's Story of the Pandemic and the Global Fight for Vaccine Equity ◼️How children will be impacted by U.S. cuts to global vaccine alliance ◼️The diseases that could return as vaccination ...

How do we move from talking about health equity to making it a reality in public health practice? In this episode, we dive into the findings of the report ‘From Words to Action: Equipping the Public Health Workforce to Advance Health Equity.’ In this episode of Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Jamila Porter and Kay Schaffer share their insight on what it really takes to embed equity into the daily work of public health professionals. References for Our Discussion ◼️From Words to Action...

There’s a lot that we can learn from a nationally representative sample of public health workers from local and state health departments. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we dive into the nation’s largest public health workforce survey, the PH WINS, to uncover what’s really happening on the frontlines. Guests, Kay Schaffer and Jamila Porter, from the De Beaumont Foundation as they break down the data, reveal surprising gaps between intention and action, and share how real...

What does it take to turn health equity from a talking point into real, lasting change? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Jamila Porter and Kay Schaffer of the de Beaumont Foundation—two leaders whose personal journeys and professional missions collide at the intersection of justice, data, and community. The central question of this series explores the hard questions about whether public health is truly equipping its workforce for equity. References for Our Discu...

In the chaos of a global pandemic, clarity and trust became as vital as any vaccine. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Tista Ghosh reveals the untold stories behind rural and urban divides, the confusion of shifting public health guidance, and the fragile foundation of trust that shapes our collective response. This conversation cuts through the noise to spotlight the real challenges and urgent lessons that public health must face before the next crisis arrives. Re...

We treated the world as if everyone was living the same pandemic. But what if that was our biggest mistake? Dr. Tista Ghosh takes us inside her new book, Before The Next Crisis, sharing untold stories from the frontlines—stories that challenge what we thought we knew about COVID-19. This episode dives deep into the chaos, confusion, and courage that defined the crisis, and asks: how do we rebuild trust in science, and what should we do differently next time? References for Our Discussion ...

From family stories of freedom fighters to the chaos of COVID-19, Dr. Tista Ghosh’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, she opens up about growing up between cultures, navigating political minefields as Colorado’s Chief Medical Officer, and what she learned listening to frontline workers, which she captures in her new book, Before The Next Crisis. References for Our Discussion ◼️Tista Ghosh | Author ◼️Bird flu’s deadly return: Are we flyi...

Child trafficking isn’t just a distant headline—it’s a reality in many communities. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we break down misconceptions, highlight the importance of prevention education, and discuss the policy changes making a difference. Erin Williamson shares hard-won lessons from the field and paints a hopeful vision for the future. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of child trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. While the conversation ...

What if we did a rethink of child trafficking—beyond criminology—and started seeing it as a public health issue, shaped by poverty, trauma, and the systems around us? In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Williamson, Chief Programs and Strategy Officer at Love146, who brings two decades of experience working to keep kids safe from exploitation, as we dig into the real reasons kids become vulnerable and why true prevention means more than just catching the bad guys. Trigger Warning:&nb...

How do you help vulnerable kids not just survive, but thrive? Erin Williamson’s journey in social work and anti-trafficking reveals what it takes to build programs that truly change lives. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Erin shares the pivotal moments, tough decisions, and practical strategies that she’s used in her career to leave a lasting impact. References for Our Discussion ◼️Love146 - Ending Child Trafficking and Exploitation ◼️4 Approaches to Anti-Trafficking ...

Vaccines have saved millions of lives, but questions and doubts persist. We dig into the roots of vaccine hesitancy, the history of immunization, and the challenges of making informed choices in a world full of information (and misinformation). In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk with Dr. Christopher Stobart about why vaccine skepticism isn’t new, how risk and trust shape our decisions, and what it really means to protect ourselves—and each other. References for O...

What’s lurking inside in the environment, inside of us, and what’s waiting to emerge? Virologist Dr. Christopher Stobart joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to explore the vast universe of viruses—how they infect, adapt, and sometimes leap from animals to humans. We break down the science behind how they spread, the resurgence of diseases like measles, and what could be the next big threat. References for Our Discussion ◼️ How the anti-vaccine movement weaponized a 6-year-old's measle...

Step into the invisible world of viruses, academia, and health research with Dr. Christopher Stobart, Associate Professor and virologist at Butler University. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Stobart shares his journey from aspiring heart surgeon to leading virologist, revealing how curiosity and unexpected opportunities shaped his path. References for Our Discussion ◼️ How the anti-vaccine movement weaponized a 6-year-old's measles death ◼️ Butler University Public...

What if we could vaccinate minds against misinformation before people encounter it? Dr. Stephen Barnard reveals the breakthrough science of "prebunking" - psychological inoculation that builds our resistance to manipulation tactics. Explore why traditional fact-checking fails and how rebuilding trust through relationships might be our most powerful defense against the post-truth era. References for Our Discussion ◼️ The new science of prebunking: how to inoculate against the spread of misi...

What's the difference between an honest mistake and a deliberate lie? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Stephen Barnard breaks down the spectrum of problematic information and the psychological vulnerabilities that make us susceptible to false information—from echo chambers and political identity to our eroding trust in institutions. This conversation episode examines how misinformation spreads accidentally while disinformation campaigns deliberately exploit our ...

While Twitter was still seen as a platform for users to provide seemingly trivial updates, sociology graduate student Stephen Barnard began a decade-long deep dive into how the platform was reshaping journalism and democracy itself. This episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast explores Dr. Barnard's unexpected path into pioneering digital media research and his reflections on citizen journalism during the Ferguson protests and the dismantling of information gatekeeping that gave us today...

In the thrilling conclusion to our mini‑series with Dr. Don Weiss, we crack open three of New York City’s most chilling public health case files. From the anthrax bioterrorism attacks that rattled a nation to a toddler’s X‑ray that revealed a murderous heavy‑metal plot, to a bacterial “serial killer” hiding in plain sight. All these stories from Dr. Weiss' new book illuminates the fascinating world of epidemiology. References for Our Discussion ◼️ [New Book] Disease Detectives: True Stori...

What does it take to track down an outbreak in one of the world’s busiest cities? Dr. Don Weiss reveals his step-by-step playbook for disease surveillance and investigation in New York City—a global crossroads where public health threats can escalate fast. From rapid detection to pinpointing sources, discover how Dr. Weiss and his team used science, strategy, and detective work to protect millions in a city where every second counts. References for Our Discussion ◼️ [New Book] Disease Detec...

A curious 8-year-old with a love for chemistry grows up to investigate some of America's most dangerous disease outbreaks—then risks his entire career to speak truth to power. Dr. Don Weiss spent more than two decades as an epidemiologist, investigating everything from post-9/11 anthrax letters to lead poisoning outbreaks. But one of his biggest challenges would come later in his career, when he decided to become a whistleblower. During the 2022 Mpox outbreak in New York City, Dr. Weiss belie...

The research that gave us COVID vaccines in record time, that's working on cancer cures, and that's preparing us for climate change is under unprecedented threat. Massive budget cuts are shutting down labs, halting breakthrough research, and dismantling America's scientific infrastructure. But scientists aren't sitting idle. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane speaks to one of such scientists, Dr. James Alwine, about how researchers are mobilizing to defend...

In 1970, a young man, from a paper mill town in Pennsylvania, borrowed his roommate's car and drove 11 miles to see a new medical school. That casual drive would lead to one of the most widely used techniques in molecular biology and biomedical research. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. James (Jim) Alwine reflects on the fortuitous moments behind his career, how science builds on centuries of knowledge, the power of NIH funding, why "silly science" saves lives, and th...

The Ottawa Charter offered a bold idea: that health isn't just shaped in hospitals or clinics, but in the everyday decisions we make about policy, environments, education, and empowerment. Nearly four decades later, that idea feels more urgent than ever. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane unpacks the story of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. From its origins in Ottawa, Ontario, to the movement it tried to spark, we’ll explore why the Charter felt r...

One morning in February 2025, EngenderHealth received the kind of email every global health leader dreads—three major USAID grants were gone. No warning. No appeal. Just: “not in the national interest.” In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we unpack the real-world consequences: canceled surgeries, programs being stretched to their limit, and the ripple effects that reach far beyond borders. EngenderHealth’s CEO, Traci Baird, returns to share how her team acted fast—redirectin...

The path to global reproductive rights often begins in the most local of places—a single clinic, a single conversation, a single patient. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Purva Mehta explores how Traci Baird’s career unfolded from counselling women in a North Carolina clinic to scaling abortion access across five continents. Along the way, she redefined what quality care looks like, led bold expansions into medication abortion, and championed inclusive sexual health ...

By 1981, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office was a shadow of its former self—no ships, no quarantine stations, barely a dozen staff, and one statutory duty: publish the annual smoking report. Yet the Reagan White House still saw an opportunity. They tapped Dr. C. Everett Koop, a pediatric surgery legend whose outspoken pro-life views looked perfect for them in shoring up the administration’s social-conservative base. In the final chapter of this three-part mini-series on the Public Health Insig...

Pediatric surgery as a specialty hasn’t been around for as long as you might think. Before 1946, it wasn’t even a line item in most hospitals—children simply waited for whichever general surgeon happened to be on call. In the second chapter of this three-part mini-series on the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane continues his conversation with biographer Nigel M. de S. Cameron to trace the journey of a young Dr. C. Everett Koop—from his first day at Children’s Hospital of Philad...

Dr. C. Everett Koop was one of the most iconic figures in U.S. public health—instantly recognizable by his beard and bow tie, but much less known for the deeper convictions that guided his work. Despite his groundbreaking contributions to pediatric surgery, tobacco control, and AIDS education, his full story has remained largely untold—until now. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we speak with Dr. Nigel M. de S. Cameron, the author of the first full biography of Dr. Koop. ...

It started with an eye condition, a laptop, and a growing sense that public health professionals deserved more support. What came next? A mentorship model shaking things up across Canada. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Carly La Berge shares the story behind the Canadian Public Health Hub, including its triad mentorship model, how she’s keeping it inclusive and burnout-free, and why she believes mentorship should be accessible, flexible, and community-driven. She also re...

Carly La Berge never planned to work in public health. After years of pursuing a career in medicine, rejection letters, and frustrations in healthcare clinics sent her down an unexpected path — one fueled by advocacy, system change, and a lot of detours. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Carly shares how working as a medical office assistant opened her eyes to deeper health inequities, why she pursued an MPH in Social Policy, and how policy writing became a tool for accoun...

When public health stories are told right, they don’t just inform—they move people. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast with Alexson Calahan, Founder of Small Adventures Communications, we dive deep into the ‘how’ of public relations in public health and explore tangible takeaways to do it better. From building trust with patients to crafting campaigns that change behavior, Alexson shares the tools, strategies, and lessons she’s learned across two decades in the field, includ...

What does public health have to gain from public relations? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we speak with Alexson Calahan—Founder of Small Adventures Communications and a seasoned public relations expert with nearly 20 years of experience about her unconventional journey from selling classified ads to how she turned a data inquiry from the Today Show into a $100K gift for congenital heart defect research. Whether you're in public health, comms, or curious about how stori...

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the world’s vulnerabilities—and reignited global conversations about how to prepare for the next one. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Garry Aslanyan returns to unpack the proposed WHO Pandemic Treaty and how it builds on existing tools like the International Health Regulations. We explore what makes this treaty different, the debates shaping its negotiation, and what it could mean for countries like Canada. From vaccine equity to intell...

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) might not make headlines today, but it was the first treaty negotiated under the World Health Organization—and it changed the global public health landscape forever. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Garry Aslanyan returns to unpack the story behind this groundbreaking treaty. We explore how the FCTC was negotiated in an era before Zoom calls and WhatsApp, the political and economic tensions that shaped its development...

You’ve heard of the World Health Organization (WHO), but do you know how it actually works and why it matters in your everyday life? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Garry Aslanyan, Manager of Partnerships and Global Engagement at the WHO’s TDR programme in Geneva, Switzerland. We dive into the fascinating origins of the WHO, explore how it's structured and funded, and unpack how its global decisions directly impact local public health efforts.&n...

Gun violence is now a leading cause of death in many demographics but how do you intervene when many of the underlying causes don’t have anything to do with guns in the first place? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Lori Toscano, Director of Justice Technical Assistance at WestEd, discusses using data analytics and machine learning to identify and address risk and protective factors for community violence. The conversation covers a new framework, the Violence Prevent...

What does a meticulous career in criminal justice and violence prevention look like? Look no further than Lori Toscano. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Lori joins to share her initial ambition to become a grade 5 teacher to now a devoted career in community violence intervention. The conversation dives into the importance of data, community involvement, and the challenges Lori faced while trying to balance enforcement and support. The episode concludes with insight...

It’s understandable why many might think that burnout is inevitable when working in the field of public health? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Marissa McCool, The Public Health Burnout Coach, joins to shatter those misconceptions. She discusses the signs, causes, and impacts of burnout, particularly within the public health field. The conversation explores how burnout can manifest in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and health. Maris...

A career in public health can twist and turn in almost limitless directions. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Marissa McKool shares insights from her educational journey, her persistence in networking, and her time working at government institutions. The discussion includes her unexpected shifts due to personal and political events, her work at UC Berkeley, and her eventual burnout. The conversation provides valuable lessons on the importance of professional persist...

The potential of blockchain and AI in revolutionizing healthcare is immense. In this episode of the Public Health Podcast, social change futurist Sheila Phicil discusses how these technologies empower patients with data ownership and control. Introducing her startup 'Phicil-Itate Change,' she explains her mission to guide healthcare organizations in developing patient-centered solutions. The conversation highlights the need for innovation in the healthcare system, the importance of social lis...

Who is a social change futurist? Whether you’re aspiring to make an impact in public health or curious about the intersection of finance, healthcare administration, and project management, Sheila’s career journey offers valuable insights into the future of social change in health. Learn more in this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast. References for Our Discussion ◼️ Phicil-Itate Change Guest ◼️ Sheila Phicil, MPH, MS, PMP, FACHE Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gord...

Why are hospitals closing and what is their role in addressing health disparities? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Sheila Phicil, a social change futurist, joins to talk about the complexities and challenges faced by the U.S. healthcare system in addressing social determinants of health. The discussion begins with defining health equity in simple terms then delves into framing healthcare as a 'sick care' system. The conversation shifts to unpacking the dispro...

“There are consultants for healthcare and public health making more than $1,200 an hour..." "Why does Quisha make more than some of the on-call docs?” "Close your business or be terminated.” “Nobody becomes an entrepreneur to live paycheck to paycheck” Tune into this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, where Quisha Umemba, CEO of Umemba Health, recounts her transition from a nurse facing an ultimatum to a successful public health consultant. She details overc...

Career paths in public health are rarely linear, and today’s guest proves it. From discovering the unexpected challenges of clinical nursing to earning an MPH for a broader perspective, Quisha Umemba shares how bold practical decisions—like taking a pay cut to leave nursing for public health—shaped her leadership journey. Along the way, she uncovered the power of social determinants of health and how individual motivation influences health. References for Our Discussion ◼️Quisha Umemba Biog...

Harvard has launched a Master's program that empowers students to use creative mediums to tackle critical healthcare issues, moving from raw data to emotional narratives that inspire action. Tune in to hear from writer, producer, and program co-director, Dr. Neal Baer, about how this innovative approach is driving change in public health and beyond. References for Our Discussion ◼️ Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health Program at Harvard Medical School Guest ◼️ Dr. Neal Ba...

The stories that resonate often do more than entertain, they can inspire change and save lives. Tune in to hear how this physician and TV writer/producer uses well-crafted stories in some of his shows like ER and Designated Survivor to tackle complex issues such HIV treatment, access to insulin, exploding healthcare costs, and growing social inequities. Guest ◼️ Dr. Neal Baer, MD Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Ha...

In this special end of year wrap-up episode, the Public Health Insight Podcast expresses gratitude to everyone who listened to and supported the show in 2024, including sharing a few memorable comments from fans. This episode features snippets from the five most listened to episodes of the year: Dr. Paul Dolan's insights on happiness and luck, Linda Holbrook's take on social determinants of health, Dr. Charlotte Hughes Huntley's journey in pharmaceutical epidemiology, Dr. Jennifer Loeffler-Co...

How accurate are the social, health, and political issues you see on TV shows and what kind of impact do they actually have in the real world? Tune in for a discussion with Dr. Neal Baer, award-winning writer, producer, and showrunner of popular TV shows like ER, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Under The Dome, and Designated Survivor. Guest ◼️ Dr. Neal Baer, MD References for Our Discussion ◼️ Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health Program at Harvard Medical Schoo...

With a pen in one hand and a stethoscope in the other, this multi-hyphenate physician, author, award-winning show runner, and television writer and producer, has brought gripping narratives to life on hit TV shows like ER, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, A Gifted Man, Under The Dome, Designated Survivor, and Baking Impossible. Tune in as we welcome Dr. Neal Baer to talk about how he champions medicine and public health through creative media. Guest ◼️ Dr. Neal Baer, ...

Did you know there’s a certification for data management as well as for consulting? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we break down how two lesser known certifications can be beneficial for public health professionals, along with their eligibility requirements, details about the exam, and potential return on investment for your career. References for the Discussion ◼️ CDMP® certification Levels and requirements ◼️ How to Become a Certified Management Consultant® Host...

Don’t miss out on your chance to network, seek internships, and participate in extracurricular activities while in your undergraduate program. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, the hosts share their personal experiences and advice on leveraging university internships and learning opportunities, gaining practical skills like project management, and a secret about market competition and geographical location. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® ...

Finding your way to a rewarding public health career can be tricky if you don’t know someone to help you navigate the field. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we respond to the most frequently asked questions from students in Bachelor of Public Health and in other health-related undergraduate programs. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room S...

The betting and gambling industry have been around for a while but in some ways, it feels like they are just getting started. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we explore the impacts of online gambling and sports betting, the role of governments, and explore whether public health has already lost the fight against gambling. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® References for the Discussion ◼️ The Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling ◼️ Gambling...

We can all think of at least one person who has helped us move through key professional milestones. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about the importance of giving back to the field of public health in your own way - whether through mentorship or volunteering. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe...

What does it mean to spot business opportunities or pursue entrepreneurship in public health? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we share our journey into public health entrepreneurship and consulting, as well as what we learned from this experience. References ◼️ DrCHHuntley ◼️ Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast ◼️ Public Health Entrepreneurs Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ...

In this episode, we explore the realities of building a career while balancing life’s unexpected challenges. We unpack the impact of external factors on professional ambitions, share strategies for achieving a healthy life-work balance, and remind listeners that, beyond career success, staying connected to all facets of life is essential for overall well-being. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny ...

What’s the difference between a career and a job? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we explore topics like what distinguishes a job from a career, building out a career that matches your uniqueness and ambitions, questions to ask yourself when taking those steps, and can your dream evolve over time? Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscr...

What is your value to your team, department, division, company, or industry? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about the importance of knowing the worth you bring to the table, how insufficient compensation can reveal other factors that leave you dissatisfied, and recognizing the elements that are important for you to thrive. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room ...

Don’t feel like you’re sufficiently prepared after going through a rigorous academic program at school? Well, learning and professional development doesn’t stop. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about certifications, credentials, courses, and continuing formal education. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newslette...

Whether it's going above and beyond or doing the bare minimum at work, everyone has their reasons. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about effective ways you can use to stand out by listening, asking questions, understanding high value skills for the specific work environment, and exploring growth opportunities. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: Th...

Don’t sleep on the significance of getting your first job post MPH! In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about just how big of a step this may prove to be. Along the way, we share key lessons learned such as not being too picky, spending time to understand competitive job markets based on geography, and how to identify an entry level job. Hosts & Producers ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® ◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music fr...

What if public health had more access to data than was previously thought imaginable? Dr. Serina Chang joins this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss how AI and novel data sources like cell phone mobility data can shed insights on human behaviour at scale, why health disparities exist, and the various ethical considerations that hang in the balance. Guest ◼️ Serina Chang, PhD Host ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH,...

Machine learning, natural language processing, rule-based systems, neural networks, deep learning…these are all terms used in the artificial intelligence space. But what does it all mean? Dr. Serina Chang knows a thing or two about this AI stuff and joins the Public Health Insight Podcast for a deep dive into the basics of AI as well as some key concepts to lay the foundational knowledge required to apply computer science in a population health context. Guest ◼️ Serina Ch...

What does a career look like exploring the intersection of AI, public health, and social science? Look no further than Dr. Serina Chang, who is an incoming Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley and she joins the Public Health Insight Podcast to talk about her research to develop AI methods to improve public health, understand human behavior, and guide data-driven policymaking. Guest ◼️ Serina Chang, PhD Host & Producer ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from J...

Physiotherapy is an integral part of pregnancy care, helping to prevent and manage postpartum conditions. In reality, it remains underutilized as there are barriers to access including lack of time, financial constraints, and lack of awareness. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, a Pelvic and Orthopaedic Physiotherapist joins to discuss how virtual services can increase accessibility as well as the benefits of culturally competent physiotherapy as a preventative and t...