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.

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.

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.

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.

Youth tobacco use has hit record lows. But will it last? With the rise of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, decades of hard-won progress could be at risk. In this episode, host Sophia Meador sits down with Brian King, PhD, executive vice president for U.S. programs at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, to explore what’s next for youth tobacco use in the U.S. — and whether we’re on the brink of a new public health crisis.

Following the Aug. 8 attack on CDC's Atlanta offices, members of the public health community are raising concerns about federal leadership's role in promoting vaccine misinformation. Two APHA leaders speak with The Nation's Health Podcast about what's at stake and what needs to be done.

As the Trump administration continues to undermine science, the need for trustworthy voices on vaccines is growing. In the latest episode of The Nation's Health Podcast, host Sophia Meador speaks with Molly O'Shea, a pediatrician and official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. They discuss the growing threats to the nation's vaccine infrastructure, where the public can turn for reliable vaccine guidance, and what public health professionals can do to rebuild trust and keep communities safe.

President Trump’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year calls for deep cuts to public health — which could severely weaken the ability of local public health departments to carry out their essential work. This episode of The Nation's Health Podcast breaks down the federal budget process, what the proposed funding changes could mean, how they may impact local health programs and what listeners can do to help protect public health.