WICked Games: Congress Plays with Benefits

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 [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts] Clipped News & Media:  * Forbes Breaking News: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdQSElyIfmo]Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-CT) criticized cuts to WIC. * 4 News Now: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUHe7d6fvfI]"WIC prepares for, pushes back against potential funding cuts". Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/support] Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new] or donate as a supporter [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new].  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here [https://www.teepublic.com/user/public-health-group-chat-podcast]. 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 [publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful [https://soundful.com/].

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 [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 contamination * 06/09/26: Clover Hill Dairy, Soft Ricotta/Requeson Cheese, potentially contaminated with Listeria * 06/08/26: 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 contamination * 06/05/26: Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes AND Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Baby Wipes, may be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia and Burholderia gladioli * 06/05/26: Pearl Milling Company, Mezcla Para Panqueques Y Waffles, Debido a la presencia no declarada de leche y soya * 06/04/26: No brand, Dried Herring Fish, may harbor botulinum  * 06/04/26: Gas-X Extra Strength (softgels 120 & 72ct), potential chemical contamination * 06/03/26: TNVita Ultra Potent Complete Green Superfood Capsules and Doctor's Pride, Salmonella * 06/01/26: Motor City Pizza Cheese Bread Single, Salmonella Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/support] Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new] or donate as a supporter [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new].  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here [https://www.teepublic.com/user/public-health-group-chat-podcast]. 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 [publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful [https://soundful.com/].

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 [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts]: * 05/23/2026 Angel Specialty Products, Royal Gold, Boba Time, Fanale, Denda [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sks-copack-recalls-various-specialty-beverages-because-possible-health-risk] specialty beverages - contamination of Salmonella  * 05/23/2026 Boner Bears [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jxk-enterprises-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-boner-bears-chocolate-due-undeclared] chocolate - contains sildenafil * 05/22/2026 Raaw Energy [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/raaw-energy-expands-recall-dog-food-because-listeria-monocytogenes-health-risk] dog food - possible Listeria contamination  * 05/18/2026 Kroger [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/sugar-foods-issues-recall-specific-lots-kroger-homestyle-cheese-garlic-croutons-due-possible-health] Cheese and Garlic Croutons - potential for Salmonella contamination * 05/18/2026 Malazi [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nassar-investments-recalls-malazi-tahina-due-salmonella-contamination] Tahina - contamination of Salmonella * 05/18/2026 Best Supplements Best Prices [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/best-supplements-best-prices-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-wap-sensual-enhancement-capsules-due] dietary supplement for sexual enhancement - undeclared Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Flibanserin * 05/15/2026 Straus Family Creamery [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/straus-family-creamery-voluntarily-recalls-select-flavors-organic-ice-cream-due-potential-presence] various ice cream - presence of metal fragments * 05/15/2026 Blackstone [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blackstone-products-recalls-parmesan-ranch-seasoning-because-possible-salmonella-health-risk] Parmesan Ranch seasoning - Potential Foodborne Illness - Salmonella Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/support] Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new] or donate as a supporter [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new].  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here [https://www.teepublic.com/user/public-health-group-chat-podcast]. 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 [publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful [https://soundful.com/].

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 [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts].  If you haven't listened to Part I [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/episodes/19178409] 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 [https://www.nationalphc.org] and Fired, but Fighting. [https://firedbutfighting.org] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/support] Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new] or donate as a supporter [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new].  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here [https://www.teepublic.com/user/public-health-group-chat-podcast]. 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 [publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful [https://soundful.com/].

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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/support] Want to support PHGC?  Subscribe for special episodes [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new] or donate as a supporter [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2588939/supporters/new].  Want some PHGC merch? We now have a store on TeePublic! Check it out here [https://www.teepublic.com/user/public-health-group-chat-podcast]. 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 [publichealthgroupchat@gmail.com] and on Instagram and TikTok at @publichealthgroupchat. Theme music generated in Soundful [https://soundful.com/].