Free Daily Podcast Summary
Public Health On Call: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Evidence and experts to help you understand today's public health news—and what it means for tomorrow.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday18 min
Responding to an AI-Generated Pandemic
About this episode: Previously on the podcast, we covered the emerging threat of bad actors using AI to create novel bioweapons. In this episode: how can we prepare countermeasures for if—or when—it happens? Johns Hopkins Professor Jeff Coller explains why mRNA vaccines can be quickly developed to serve as countermeasures to synthetic pandemics—and why the U.S. must invest in these tools before it's too late. Note: Jeff Coller is a co-founder of Alliance for mRNA Medicines, a non-profit organization advancing mRNA technology; Rare REPAIRx, a public-private mRNA consortium building genetic medicines; and Tevard Biosciences, a tRNA-based therapeutics company. He receives research funding from the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins University. Guest: Jeff Coller, PhD, is a Bloomberg distinguished professor of biomedical engineering and the director of the Johns Hopkins RNA Innovation Center. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: We Aren't Ready for the New Age of Biological Threats—The New York Times <a href= "https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/risks-of-cuts-to-mrna-vaccine-development" data-prosemirror-content-ty
- 4 days ago17 min
Ebola Rages on in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
About this episode: The geographical footprint of the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak that began in DRC earlier this year has expanded, with imported cases appearing in Kenya and Nigeria. Experts fear that the case count could eventually surpass that of the 2014–2016 Western Africa Ebola epidemic—currently the largest outbreak in history. In this episode: an update on the outbreak, including the status of vaccine trials, how civil unrest is complicating response, and what this epidemic can tell us about the state of global health. Guest: Dr. Daniel Bausch, MPH, is a physician-scientist trained in internal medicine, infectious diseases, tropical medicine, and public health. He is currently visiting faculty at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Nigeria—WHO Two new candidate vaccines to join Ebola trial as treatment research advances—WHO The Race for a Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Vaccine—Public Health On Call (June 2026) What We Must Learn from Ebola—"A Disease of Compassion"—Public Health On Call (June 2026) <a href= "https://podcast.publichealth.jhu.edu/1056-an-ebola-outbreak-in-central-africa" data-prosemirror-content-type="mark" data-prosem
- 5 days ago16 min
The Primary Care Crisis
About this episode: Seeing a primary care provider has benefits for long-term wellbeing and financial security. But workforce shortages and the rise of concierge medicine have left roughly 30% of U.S. adults without access to primary care. In this episode: Could changing how we invest in primary care connect more people with the services and guidance they need to live a healthy life? Guest: Dr. Zirui Song, MD, PhD, is a professor at Harvard Medical School and a general internist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Primary Care as a Public Utility: The Case for a Common Fund—JAMA Primary Care — From Common Good to Free-Market Commodity—New England Journal of Medicine Fee-based primary care is rapidly rising in U.S., hastening doctor shortages for public—The Hub Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. AI disclosure (as of September 2026): The conversations you hear on the podcast are happening between real humans, and real humans are developing and researching episodes behind the scenes. In addition to real human audio engineers, Public Health On Call uses AI production tools to assist with the removal of fi
- 6 days ago19 min
A Community Bridge to PrEP
About this episode: Pharmacists and community leaders are both on the frontlines of improving access to HIV prevention services, but often their efforts are siloed. What can it look like when they work together? In this episode: Host Lindsay Smith Rogers interviews Leisha McKinley-Beach and Natalie Crawford, two implementation scientists asking this question in Georgia and Louisiana. Guest: Leisha McKinley-Beach, MPH, is a national HIV prevention expert and the CEO and founder of Black Public Health Academy. Natalie Crawford, PhD, MPH is an associate professor and the co-director of the Prevention and Implementation Sciences Core in the Center for AIDS Research at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Host: Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast, an editor for Expert Insights, and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Show links and related content: National Coalition Announces Initiative to Help Community Pharmacies Expand HIV Prevention Services—Emory Rollins School of Public Health PharmacistInitiated PrEP and PEP—National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) A Critical Moment in the Fight Against HIV—Public Health On Call (July 2025) <a href= "https://centerforhealthsecurity.org/our-work/research-projects/voices-in-print-elevati
- 1 weeks ago14 min
How Community Workers Are a Bridge to Immigrant Families
About this episode: Families that have immigrated to the United States face financial, legal, and healthcare challenges. Health professionals often struggle to connect to their patients in office settings, especially today—but community health workers who can do home visits can bridge the gap. In this episode: Professor Kiara Álvarez discusses the indispensable role that community health workers play as navigators, connectors, and promotores in the healthcare system. Guest: Kiara Álvarez, PhD, EdM, is a Bloomberg associate professor in the Department of Health, Behavior, and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a clinical psychologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: Uniendo Voces – Uniting Voices: Community Health Workers Serving Baltimore's Latine Immigrant Community—CentroSOL LaToya Ruby Frazier, More Than Conquerors: A Monument for Community Health Workers of Baltimore, Maryland 2021–2022—Baltimore Museum of Art Mitigating The Health Impacts Of Exclusionary Immigration Policies: An Evidence Review—Health Affairs How Community Health Workers Improve Research—Public Health On Call (April 2026) Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our po
- 1 weeks ago17 min
What's Happening to the Federal Task Force that Oversees Prevention?
About this episode: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes recommendations for preventive services that insurers in the United States must cover. Its rigorous process, however, is getting a makeover from the new administration. In this episode: Host Josh Sharfstein and former USPSTF chair Michael Silverstein discuss the panel's operations and how recent changes to the task force will shape the future of healthcare. Guest: Dr. Michael Silverstein, MPH, is a pediatrician, former chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and professor at the Brown University School of Public Health. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: Kennedy Fires Leaders of Key Health Task Force—The New York Times The ACA Preventive Services Coverage Requirement—Congressional Research Service US Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. Adds Eight New Members to Key Health Committee—U.S. News & World Report Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. You can also email PublicHealthQuestion@jhu.edu to request a transcript. <h3 data-prose
- 1 weeks ago14 min
Is MAHA Making Food Great?
About this episode: The Make America Healthy Again movement has embraced the cause of reform of federal food policy. Two years after one of its prominent leaders came into government, what has—and what has not—been accomplished? In this episode: Two food systems experts from Johns Hopkins provide an interim assessment. Guest: Patti Anderson, PhD, MPH, is an assistant practice professor of Environmental Health and Engineering and the policy director of the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Tom Philpott is a senior research associate at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: Glyphosate is driving a rift in MAHA. Here's what the science says about its effects on health—Scientific American The MAHA Strategy and Food Systems—Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future Marion Nestle on the New Dietary Guidelines—Public Health On Call (January 2026) <p data-prosemirror-content-type="node" data-prosemirror-node-name= "paragraph" data-prosemirror-node-block="true"
- 1 weeks ago17 min
Raising Kids in the Digital World
About this episode: Talking about tech and social media with kids can be stressful, but according to a new resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics, intentional conversations about social media use rooted in shared values can help families connect over healthy habits. In this episode: Dr. Megan Moreno, co-author of "Connecting: Raising Kids in the Digital World," addresses common concerns about technology use and youth mental health, the benefits of digital connection, and how to set boundaries with devices. Guest: Dr. Megan Moreno, MSEd, MPH, is a pediatrician and professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She also serves as the co-medical director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence: Creating a Healthy Digital Ecosystem for Children and Youth. Host: Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs. Show links and related content: Connecting: Raising Kids in the Digital World—American Academy of Pediatrics (book) Mental Health in the Scroll Age—Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine Meta Settled a Case Over Social Media Addiction Claims. What Happens Now?—Public Health On Call (September 2026) Chatbots, Mental Health, and Suicide—Public Health On Call (April 2026) <li data-prosemirror-conte
Get Public Health On Call summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Who the Health Cares? with Prof Michael Sparer
A public health expert explores the history, challenges, and importance of America’s local health departments.
Health Discovered
Doctors explore surprising stories to uncover insights about health and well-being.
Unbiased Science
Dr. Jess Steier and guests analyze viral health claims using scientific evidence and explain key findings for everyday conversations.
Health Matters
NewYork-Presbyterian
The Pulse
Explores surprising stories in health and science, from operating rooms and labs to breakthrough innovations.
A Shot in the Arm Podcast
Ben Plumley
Health Check
BBC World Service
Hoosier Health Matters
Discusses Indiana’s health policy, legislation, and equity through expert conversations on improving patient care and public health.
Pathogen Perspectives
pathogenperspectives
Osterholm Update
An infectious disease expert analyzes the latest COVID-19 data, guidance, and pandemic preparedness issues in weekly updates.
Health vs Hype with the American Medical Association
A medical expert debunks viral health trends and misinformation with science-backed insights from physicians.
Plagues with Dr. Keith
A physician examines the science, history, and societal impact of major diseases and pandemics.
About Public Health On Call
Evidence and experts to help you understand today's public health news—and what it means for tomorrow.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Public Health On Call in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Public Health On Call daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Public Health On Call as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Public Health On Call podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Public Health On Call product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Public Health On Call release new episodes?
Public Health On Call publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Public Health On Call cover?
Public Health On Call covers topics including News, Medicine, Fitness, Health & Fitness. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Public Health On Call summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.