The Health Advocates

Global Healthy Living Foundation

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

  1. S9, Ep 14- How America Learned to Live Longer: 250 Years of U.S. Health Policy

    1h ago

    S9, Ep 14- How America Learned to Live Longer: 250 Years of U.S. Health Policy

    As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, The Health Advocates takes a look at a different kind of American history, the story of our nation's fight against disease and the policies that have shaped the health of millions. Host Steven Newmark traces 250 years of U.S. health policy, beginning with George Washington's bold decision to inoculate the Continental Army against smallpox and continuing through the development of life-saving vaccines, the creation of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The episode also explores America's response to major public health emergencies, from the 1918 influenza pandemic and HIV/AIDS to COVID-19, including the remarkable development of mRNA vaccines and what they may mean for the future of medicine. Whether you're a history buff, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how science, public policy, and innovation have transformed American life, this special Independence Day episode offers a fascinating look at the milestones that helped Americans live longer, healthier lives over the past two and a half centuries. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 min
  2. S9, Ep 13- What Patients Need to Know: Research, Innovation, and the Patient Voice At EULAR 2026

    6d ago

    S9, Ep 13- What Patients Need to Know: Research, Innovation, and the Patient Voice At EULAR 2026

    What happens at one of the world's largest rheumatology conferences, and why should patients care? In this special episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark is joined by Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam, Director of Patient-Centered Research at the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF), to discuss the biggest takeaways from EULAR 2026, the annual congress of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology. The conversation explores why conferences like EULAR are so important for advancing patient care, how researchers, physicians, and patient advocates work together to shape the future of rheumatology, and why the patient voice has become an essential part of medical research. Steven and Shilpa also highlight GHLF's contributions to this year's conference, including two original research posters examining barriers to the early recognition of hidradenitis suppurativa and the unmet informational and support needs of people living with Sjögren's disease. Along the way, they discuss exciting emerging trends in rheumatology and clinical care, especially the increasing emphasis on patient-reported outcomes. Whether you're living with a rheumatic disease, caring for someone who is, or simply interested in the future of healthcare, this episode offers an inside look at how today's research is helping shape tomorrow's treatments—and why patient perspectives are more important than ever. Access the GHLF HS Diagnosis Accelerator: https://ghlf.org/hscheck/ Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min
  3. S9, Ep 12- What’s Coming For Rheumatology: Why Conferences Like EULAR Matter for Patients

    Jun 9

    S9, Ep 12- What’s Coming For Rheumatology: Why Conferences Like EULAR Matter for Patients

    What actually happens at a major international medical conference — and why should patients care? In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark reports from EULAR 2026 in London, one of the world’s largest rheumatology conferences, to explain how meetings like this help shape the future of patient care. The episode explores why conferences matter not just for doctors and researchers, but for patients and advocacy organizations as well. Steven discusses how practicing clinicians learn about the latest medical advances, how researchers connect directly with physicians treating patients every day, and why organizations like GHLF play an important role in bringing real-world patient experiences into scientific and medical conversations. The episode also highlights several emerging themes already generating excitement at EULAR this year, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in rheumatology and the potential future of CAR-T and cell therapies for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Most importantly, the conversation explains how scientific innovation ultimately connects back to what matters most: improving the daily lives of patients. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    8 min
  4. S9, Ep 11- Inside the Growing Fight Over Vaccine Science

    May 21

    S9, Ep 11- Inside the Growing Fight Over Vaccine Science

    Something bigger than a single vaccine debate is unfolding inside America’s public health system. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark explores the growing tension surrounding vaccine policy, scientific transparency, and public trust. From the FDA’s decision not to review a new mRNA flu vaccine application to reports of delayed vaccine safety studies and shifting federal recommendations, the episode connects a series of recent developments that together point to a broader transformation inside federal health agencies. The conversation examines why some officials argue these changes are restoring scientific rigor, while many scientists and public health advocates worry they are creating confusion and weakening confidence in vaccines. Most importantly, the episode focuses on what this means for patients trying to navigate healthcare decisions in an increasingly uncertain environment. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    8 min
  5. S9, Ep 9- Proposed Cuts, Real Impact: Understanding the New Healthcare Budget

    Apr 13

    S9, Ep 9- Proposed Cuts, Real Impact: Understanding the New Healthcare Budget

    The federal budget may feel distant, but its impact on healthcare is anything but. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the Trump administration’s newly proposed budget, which includes significant cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, reductions in research funding, and a major restructuring of federal public health programs. But this conversation goes beyond what’s proposed. We also examine what’s already happening on the ground following last year’s federal policy changes, including substantial reductions in Medicaid funding that are placing pressure on state budgets and leading to coverage losses for millions of Americans. This episode connects the dots between federal decisions and real-world consequences — from access to care and public health preparedness to the future of medical research. For patients, caregivers, and advocates, it offers a clear look at where healthcare policy is heading and why these budget decisions matter now. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    7 min
  6. S9, Ep 8- Courts vs. Vaccine Policy: Who Decides?

    Mar 27

    S9, Ep 8- Courts vs. Vaccine Policy: Who Decides?

    A federal court has halted sweeping changes to U.S. vaccine policy, raising fundamental questions about who shapes public health decisions and how those decisions are made. In this episode, we break down the ruling, the role of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, and why the court found the administration’s actions unlawful. We also explore what this means for patients, providers, and the future of evidence-based policymaking. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Amelia Violet Prouse, Associate Podcast & Video Producer at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    5 min
  7. S9, Ep 7- What an NDA Means for Patients with Osteoarthritis

    Feb 24

    S9, Ep 7- What an NDA Means for Patients with Osteoarthritis

    For people living with osteoarthritis, news about potential new treatments often comes with more questions than answers. In this episode of The Health Advocates, we slow things down to explain what it really means when a company submits a New Drug Application, or NDA, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Steven Newmark is joined by Erich Horsley and Dr. Yusuf Yazici from Biosplice Therapeutics to walk through this important regulatory milestone and why it matters for patients. Together, they break down what an NDA is, what happens during FDA review, and what patients should and should not expect while a therapy is under evaluation. The conversation also explores the current osteoarthritis treatment landscape, why progress in this disease has been so challenging, and what researchers mean when they talk about disease-modifying approaches. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
  8. S9, Ep 6- Vaccine Crossroads: FDA Scrutiny, TrumpRx, and the Fight Over Public Trust

    Feb 19

    S9, Ep 6- Vaccine Crossroads: FDA Scrutiny, TrumpRx, and the Fight Over Public Trust

    This week on The Health Advocates, we unpack a series of developments that signal a pivotal moment in U.S. health policy. The FDA has refused to review Moderna’s new mRNA-based flu vaccine, raising questions about regulatory standards and the future of vaccine innovation. At the same time, the Trump administration has launched TrumpRx, a new prescription drug discount platform that promises savings but faces scrutiny over its scope and real-world impact.We also examine new polling showing declining confidence in flu, COVID-19, and MMR vaccines, and the growing legal battle over changes to the federal childhood vaccine schedule. With public trust, regulatory rigor, and patient access all in play, this episode breaks down what these headlines mean for patients — and why clarity and credible science matter more than ever. Contact Our HostSteven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.orgA podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.orgListen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    8 min
See All (100)

4.8
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

Information

  • Creator
    Global Healthy Living Foundation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 GHLF 2021
  • Show Website
    The Health Advocates

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