On Background - A Healthcare Podcast

OBG Podcast

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GOVERNMENT

Health policy analysis and interviews.

JAN 4

EP12 (Look Back-n-Ahead)

In this year-end review, hosts Stephen Parente, Thom Gunderson, and Matt Stoll discuss key topics covered throughout 2025 in the On Background podcast: the impact of AI, investment trends, market uncertainties, and the future of MedTech. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in healthcare, the need for clear direction in investment, and the importance of innovation in drug development. The conversation also touches on healthcare costs, consumer engagement, and the regulatory landscape, setting the stage for future discussions in the coming year.

28 min
12/29/2025

EP11 (CHES 2025 Round Table on Health Data)

In this episode of On Background, host Stephen Parente leads a conversation around the challenges and opportunities in health economic analysis, particularly focusing on the missing data that hinders optimal policy-making. The participants discuss the difficulties in accessing health data, the need for standardization, and the importance of linking health data with other social determinants. They also explore future directions for improving data transparency and the role of technology in facilitating better access to health information.

15 min
12/29/2025

EP10 (CHES 2025 w/Eric Hargen)

In this episode of the On Background podcast, host Steve Parente and former Deputy Secretary of HHS Eric Hargan discuss the current state of healthcare legislation, particularly focusing on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and the implications of the recent government shutdown. The two explore the political dynamics surrounding the ACA, the impact of enhanced subsidies, and the potential future challenges in Congress. The conversation delves into the complexities of legislative processes, public perception, and the role of discharge petitions in shaping healthcare policy.

31 min
12/22/2025

EP9 (Rena Conti)

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the 340B Drug Pricing Program, its origins, current issues, and potential reforms. Rena Conti provides insights into how the program, initially designed to help underinsured patients, has expanded and been misused, leading to significant concerns about its effectiveness. The conversation also touches on emerging business models that exploit the program, legislative challenges, and the need for bipartisan support to address these issues. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable populations.

30 min
12/22/2025

EP8 (Joe Antos)

In this episode of On Background, health policy professionals discuss the complexities of healthcare costs, innovations, and the evolution of payment mechanisms. Joe Antos shares insights on the inefficiencies in healthcare delivery, the impact of consumer demand, and the challenges of pharmaceutical pricing. The conversation also touches on the implications of employer-sponsored insurance and the future of drug pricing in the U.S. healthcare system.

35 min
11/25/2025

EP7 (Marta Wosinska)

In this episode, Marta Wosinska discusses the complexities of pharmaceutical quality oversight, focusing on the roles of the FDA and the differences in regulations between the US and EU. She highlights the importance of good manufacturing practices, the challenges faced by manufacturers, and the implications of cost-cutting on drug quality. The conversation also touches on the future of drug manufacturing regulations and the potential for increased oversight in response to supply chain issues.

33 min
11/25/2025

EP6 (Tomas Philipson)

In this episode, Tomas Philipson, a professor at the University of Chicago and former acting chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, alongside financial analyst Thom Gunderson and pharmaceutical expert Briana Mayer, discusses drug innovation, pricing policies, and the role of the FDA in the drug approval processes. Philipson shares insights on the impact of U.S. pharmaceutical spending on global health, critiques the Most Favored Nation pricing model, and emphasizes the importance of innovation in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on drug development and the feedback from the pharmaceutical sector regarding recent policy changes.

33 min
11/02/2025

EP5 (Tony Losasso)

In this episode, Tony Losasso, a professor of economics and Driehaus Fellow at Depaul University, discusses his experiences in public service, particularly his role in the Center for Program Integrity at CMS during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He shares insights on the challenges of government work, the importance of translating academic research into public understanding, and the role of pharmaceuticals in addressing obesity from his recent Wall Street Journal op-ed.

35 min
05/13/2025

EP4 (Doug Holtz-Eakin)

In EP4, Bryana Meyer joins us to talk with Doug Holtz-Eakin, former CBO head and president of the American Action Forum.

25 min
03/20/2025

EP3 (Marta Wosinska)

On this episode, Marta Wosinska of the Brookings Institution talks about drug shortages and the challenges of preventing them.

37 min
03/07/2025

EP2 (Karen Mandelbaum)

In EP2, we interview Karen Mandelbaum at Epstein Becker Green and discuss her work at CMS drafting privacy standards for the public health exchanges after the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

33 min
03/07/2025

EP1 (Paul Howard)

In the first episode of On Background, we talk to Paul Howard, former senior advisor to the commissioner of the FDA, about the developing role of AI in healthcare.

41 min

12 Episodes

Health policy analysis and interviews.

Creator

OBG Podcast
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 OBG Podcast