Public Health Group Chat

Ariel, Olivia, and Mattie
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast more reliable than your federal government. Hosted by public health professionals Ariel, Mattie, and Olivia, this podcast breaks down what’s actually happening in the world of health—without the jargon or spin, no background required. Each episode feels like catching up with friends who know how the system works and can explain why it matters to your everyday life. Expect the topic of the week, public health in pop culture, weekly recall updates, and the good news we all need to hear. Informative, honest, and occasionally unhinged…in the best way. All views shared in this podcast are our own. Episodes drop every other Friday. 

  1. 10h ago

    Don't Drink Your Sunscreen

    In this episode, Ariel breaks down the science and history of sunscreen, covering UVA/UVB/UVC radiation, how SPF actually works, mineral vs. chemical filters, and the newly FDA-approved ingredient bemotrizinol — the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved in the U.S. since the 1990s. The group chat then myth-busts the biggest sunscreen claims making the rounds online: hormone disruption, "sunscreen causes cancer," reef damage, skin irritation, and the viral watermelon-smoothie trend claiming lycopene can protect you from the sun. Olivia presents some good news: A Lancet study showing HPV and measles vaccines prevent more deaths per dose than any other vaccine funded through Gavi, giving global health leaders a clearer way to prioritize funding amid tighter budgets. Also, stick around to hear Mattie's takes on Meta's Muse Image AI feature and the backlash that got it pulled. Recalls: Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts Referenced Research Article (if you wanna be a nerd and read it):  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00555-6/fulltext Send us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  2. Jul 3

    WICked Games: Congress Plays with Benefits

    In this episode, Ariel breaks down the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) as Congress moves to cut its benefits. She covers what WIC provides — cash benefits for healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services — plus eligibility and its history dating back to the early 1970s. She shares the data on WIC's impact, including major health care savings and improved birth and child health outcomes, then unpacks a House-passed bill that would strip $141 million in produce benefits from over 5.4 million participants, even as the administration's own MAHA report praises the program. The bill now heads to the Senate, and Ariel shares how to make your voice heard before the vote. This episode's good news is the reinstated flu vaccine mandate for U.S. service members after a major base outbreak. Also, stick around to hear Mattie talk about World Cup hospitality and what it says about public health. Recalls: Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts Clipped News & Media:  Forbes Breaking News: Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-CT) criticized cuts to WIC.4 News Now: "WIC prepares for, pushes back against potential funding cuts".Send us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  3. Jun 19

    This is an Ebola Episode

    In this episode, Mattie walks us through Ebola as it returns to the headlines for the first time in years. She covers what the virus is, its history dating back to the 1976 outbreak near the Ebola River, how it spreads, and the treatments and vaccines in development. Then she gets into the current Bundibugyo outbreak in the DRC's Ituri province (now spilled into Uganda and declared a public health emergency), and why the response is not ideal, thanks to the dismantling of USAID, the US withdrawal from the WHO, and CDC cuts. She also unpacks the Trump administration's plan to build an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, a country that has never recorded a case. This episode's good news revolves around 1) a judge overturning the cancellation of $82.1 million in clean energy grants, and 2) major health insurers committing to cover all vaccines at no cost through 2027. Also, stick around to hear Ariel discuss Ladies First on Netflix and how she connects it to public health. Recalls:  Find all recent recalls at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts 6/13/2026: Nara Organics, Whole Milk Powdered Infant Formula, Botulism Risk.6/12/26: Azuma Foods, Seasoned Octopus with Wasabi, may contain undeclared fish.06/12/26: Beekeeper's Naturals, Saline Nasal Spray, may contain Aspergillus spp.06/11/26: TNVitamins (VITA-MINS) and Doctor's Pride, possible Salmonella contamination06/09/26: Clover Hill Dairy, Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese, potentially contaminated with Listeria06/08/26: BD, ChloraPrep Clear, possible fungal contamination 06/08/26: Freeze Dried Chicken Recipe Cat & Dog Food, may contain low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1)06/05/26: Requeson 1lb Clamshell packages, possible listeria contamination06/05/26: Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes AND Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes, may be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia and Burholderia gladioli06/05/26: Pearl Milling Company, Mezcla Para Panqueques Y Waffles, Debido a la presencia no declarada de leche y soya06/04/26: No brand, Dried Herring Fish, may harbor botulinum 06/04/26: Gas-X Extra Strength (softgels 120 & 72ct), potential chemical contamination06/03/26: TNVita Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Capsules and Doctor's Pride, Salmonella06/01/26: Motor City Pizza Cheese Bread Single, SalmonellaSend us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  4. Jun 5

    Oh SNAP

    In this episode, Ariel walks us through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She traces its history from the Food Stamp Program of 1939 to its most recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (spoiler alert: changes made due to OBBBA aren’t good). In addition to reviewing major changes to SNAP through the years, she discusses what SNAP is and the eligibility criteria, why food assistance is important, the hypocrisy of the MAHA movement’s actions (they’re not making meaningful impacts to public health in the USA), and what is happening now in the SNAP landscape. Today’s good news revolves around 1) decreased gun sales in CO, and 2) increased inclusivity in birdwatching. Also, stick around to hear Mattie discuss Summer House and how she connects it to public health. Recalls: 05/23/2026 Angel Specialty Products, Royal Gold, Boba Time, Fanale, Denda specialty beverages - contamination of Salmonella 05/23/2026 Boner Bears chocolate - contains sildenafil05/22/2026 Raaw Energy dog food - possible Listeria contamination 05/18/2026 Kroger Cheese and Garlic Croutons - potential for Salmonella contamination05/18/2026 Malazi Tahina - contamination of Salmonella05/18/2026 Best Supplements Best Prices dietary supplement for sexual enhancement - undeclared Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Flibanserin05/15/2026 Straus Family Creamery various ice cream - presence of metal fragments05/15/2026 Blackstone Parmesan Ranch seasoning - Potential Foodborne Illness - SalmonellaSend us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  5. May 22

    It Hantas Me: Part II

    If the MV Hondius Hantavirus outbreak hit the US tomorrow, would we be ready? In Part II of our Hantavirus/Andes virus coverage, Mattie and Olivia sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Soda, MD, infectious disease physician and former CDC insider who spent nearly a decade at the agency before resigning on principle in September 2025. Drawing on her years working from within, Dr. Soda explains why the systems that are supposed to protect us from outbreaks like this one are in a more precarious state than most people realize. She breaks down the mass exodus of career staff, the erosion of trust coming from within the agency itself, and why, if something like COVID hit tomorrow, we would be in serious trouble.  Also, Mattie connects the Met Gala to public health (yes, really), and Olivia runs through a packed recalls roundup. See the most recent FDA recalls here.  If you haven't listened to Part I yet, go back and do that first...and consider getting a therapist. Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Soda, MD. Infectious Disease Physician & Public Health Advocate, former CDC EIS Officer and staff member (2016–2025). Currently based in Italy and volunteering with the National Public Health Coalition and Fired, but Fighting. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  6. May 14

    It Hantas Me: Part I

    In this episode (Part I of II), Olivia breaks down Hantavirus: what it is, how it spreads, and why the outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has the world paying attention. She walks through the science of the Andes Virus (the only known Hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission), the full outbreak timeline as of May 13th, 2026, and what key dates to watch in the coming weeks. Spoiler: this is probably not our next pandemic...but it is a warning sign we can't ignore. Also, Ariel starts us off by sharing her public health good news: FDA Commissioner Marty McCary is out, and we break down why almost nobody is sad about it, but why we're still a little nervous about what comes next. --- In part two (coming soon!), Mattie & Olivia sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Soda, an infectious disease physician and former CDC employee, to discuss how mass federal layoffs and political appointees have dismantled U.S. public health infrastructure — and what that means for our ability to respond when the next serious outbreak hits. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  7. May 8

    Who Really Pays the Price of War?

    In today’s episode, Ariel walks us through the public health impacts of war. We start by providing a very brief history of human conflict. Next, we talk about technological advances during WWI, WWII, and the Cold War that have made modern warfare extremely deadly. We then discuss the on-going Iran War, and finish out the discussion on why war is terrible for public health. Spoiler alert: it affects more than just service members. Mattie also discusses global wins in renewable energy, more analysis of Survivor as it relates to public health, and a whole long list of recalls. Recalls: 4/14/26 Good Brain Tonic 16 oz & 32 oz - potential botulism4/13/26 Morovan Gel Nail Polish Remover (15ml) - Prohibited Methylene Chloride and Chloroform4/10/26 Vital Nutrient Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy4/08/26 Revitaderm, Tridergel Antiseptic wound care gel bottles and tubes - Lysinibacillus fusiformis, an environmental organism4/07/26 DTF Sexual Chocolate - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil4/03/26 Karns FoodsMini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups - May contain undeclared peanut allergen4/03/26 Wawa Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch - Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Milk4/02/26 RAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block - Potential E. coli4/01/26 Kian Pee Wan Dietary supplement capsules marketed for treatment for gaining weight and stimulating appetite - Device & Drug Safety/Unapproved Drug4/01/26 Christopher Ranch, Garland Peeled Garlic - Potential Clostridium BotulinumSend us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

  8. Apr 24

    The Implications of RFK Jr.'s Infectious Influence

    In this episode, Olivia breaks down measles. She explains what it is, how the US reached measles elimination status in 2000, why it is making a comeback, and whether or not we will keep our measles elimination status. A combination of decreased immunizations during the covid-19 pandemic and the anti-vaxx rhetoric coming from our highest ranking federal officials (and spreading on social media) have contributed to a perfect storm that has allowed measles to find its footing and spread through vulnerable populations like wildfire. Also, Mattie shares a few tidbits of public health good news and analyzes Survivor with a public health lens. You don’t want to miss this episode. Recalls: Vital Nutrient Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy DTF Sexual Chocolate - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil Karns Foods Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups  - May contain undeclared peanut allergenRAW FARM Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block  - Potential E. coliChristopher Ranch, Garland Peeled Garlic -  Clostridium BotulinumEinstein Bros Bagels Honey Cream Cheese - Undeclared almonds Falcon Trading Company Black Beans Organic , Chili Bean Blend Organic, Sunset Soup Mix Organic - contains pesticide residue Gold Lion, ilum Chocolate - contains sildenafil and tadalafilSend us Fan Mail Support the show Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes or donate as a supporter.  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here. Give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a friend! --- The views expressed on this episode are our own. We are available by email at publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful.

See All (15)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A podcast more reliable than your federal government. Hosted by public health professionals Ariel, Mattie, and Olivia, this podcast breaks down what’s actually happening in the world of health—without the jargon or spin, no background required. Each episode feels like catching up with friends who know how the system works and can explain why it matters to your everyday life. Expect the topic of the week, public health in pop culture, weekly recall updates, and the good news we all need to hear. Informative, honest, and occasionally unhinged…in the best way. All views shared in this podcast are our own. Episodes drop every other Friday. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ariel, Olivia, and Mattie
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Public Health Group Chat
  • Show Website
    Public Health Group Chat

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