The Nation's Health Podcast

The American Public Health Association
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The Nation's Health Podcast from the the American Public Health Association brings you the latest in public health news. Tune in for updates, expert insights and perspectives from leaders in the field.

  1. The next outbreak is coming. America may be less prepared than you think

    Jun 1

    The next outbreak is coming. America may be less prepared than you think

    Recent outbreaks are raising concerns about the nation’s preparedness for the next pandemic. Host Sophia Meador speaks with Jay Butler, MD, and Colin Carlson, PhD, about what the next pandemic could look like — and why the nation is not prepared to respond.

    26 min
  2. Fluoridation: Your secret hack for better health

    Apr 24

    Fluoridation: Your secret hack for better health

    Fluoride — one of public health’s most effective and equitable tools — is facing a growing wave of policy rollbacks, misinformation and public skepticism. Host Sophia Meador talks with Wade Rakes, MBA, CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and pediatrician Susan Fisher-Owens, MD, MPH, to unpack what’s at stake for oral health, who could be most affected by potential bans and how to build trust in fluoride.

    17 min
  3. AI chatbots and teens: What’s concerning public health professionals

    Mar 18

    AI chatbots and teens: What’s concerning public health professionals

    As loneliness and isolation grow among U.S. teens, some are turning to AI chatbots for companionship, sparking new concerns for public health professionals. Host Sophia Meador talks to experts about what the trend could mean for teen mental health.

    15 min
  4. Reducing uncertainty: Talking with parents about vaccines

    Feb 6

    Reducing uncertainty: Talking with parents about vaccines

    As public confidence in vaccines ebb, clinicians and public health workers are increasingly addressing concerns and confusion with parents. In the latest episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Alexandra Cvijanovich, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss common parental concerns, strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and what lies ahead as federal guidance challenges established vaccine science.

    12 min
  5. Public health isn’t giving up: What’s fueling hope for 2026

    12/19/2025

    Public health isn’t giving up: What’s fueling hope for 2026

    Despite setbacks in 2025, the public health workforce remains resilient in protecting the nation’s health. Host Sophia Meador speaks with Aryn Melton Backus of the National Public Health Coalition on how advocates are continuing the fight.

    9 min
  6. The hunger gap: Higher prices, less assistance means emptier plates for Americans

    11/22/2025

    The hunger gap: Higher prices, less assistance means emptier plates for Americans

    Millions more Americans are expected to be food insecure as new restrictions on nutrition programs collide with rising prices. What does that mean for our health — and for the families already struggling to get by? Host Sophia Meador digs into the stakes with leading policy and food insecurity experts.

    13 min
  7. BONUS | Lessons from the dead: CDC reporting system helping prevent violent deaths

    11/20/2025

    BONUS | Lessons from the dead: CDC reporting system helping prevent violent deaths

    Violent deaths were once just statistics — but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Violent Death Reporting System is changing that. In this special bonus episode of The Nation’s Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador talks with two recipients of the Catherine Barber Research Award, whose groundbreaking work is revealing the stories behind violent deaths and helping shape smarter prevention policies.

    11 min
  8. Silence isn’t science: Why public health needs to get loud

    10/29/2025

    Silence isn’t science: Why public health needs to get loud

    The line between advocacy and lobbying can be confusing — especially for public health professionals. As the Trump administration continues to devastate the nation’s public health infrastructure, the need for strong, informed voices has never been greater. In this episode, host Sophia Meador talks with Shelley Hearne, DrPH, MPH, director of the Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy, and Rebecca Boulos, PhD, MPH, of the Maine Public Health Association, on the ways public health supporters can use their expertise to shape policy and champion the health of their communities.

    13 min
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The Nation's Health Podcast from the the American Public Health Association brings you the latest in public health news. Tune in for updates, expert insights and perspectives from leaders in the field.

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