The Implications of RFK Jr.'s Infectious Influence

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/].

Who Really Pays the Price of War?

In today’s episode, Ariel walks us through the public health impacts of war. We start by providing a very brief history of human conflict. Next, we talk about technological advances during WWI, WWII, and the Cold War that have made modern warfare extremely deadly. We then discuss the on-going Iran War, and finish out the discussion on why war is terrible for public health. Spoiler alert: it affects more than just service members. Mattie also discusses global wins in renewable energy, more analysis of Survivor as it relates to public health, and a whole long list of recalls. Recalls [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts]: * 4/14/26 Good Brain Tonic [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/liquid-blenz-corp-recalls-product-due-possible-health-risk] 16 oz & 32 oz - potential botulism * 4/13/26 Morovan [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/product-recall] Gel Nail Polish Remover (15ml) - Prohibited Methylene Chloride and Chloroform * 4/10/26 Vital Nutrient [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blueroot-health-expands-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-hazelnut-and-soy-vital-nutrients] Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy * 4/08/26 Revitaderm, Tridergel [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blaine-labs-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-wound-care-gel-products-due-microbial] Antiseptic wound care gel bottles and tubes - Lysinibacillus fusiformis, an environmental organism * 4/07/26 DTF Sexual Chocolate [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nalpac-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-dtf-sexual-chocolate-due-presence-pharmaceutical] - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil * 4/03/26 Karns Foods [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/karns-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-mini-dark-chocolate-raspberry-cups-due-undeclared-peanuts]Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups - May contain undeclared peanut allergen * 4/03/26 Wawa [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wawa-issues-product-recall-16-oz-wawa-brand-iced-tea-lemon-iced-tea-diet-lemon-diet-lemonade-and] Iced Tea Lemon, Iced Tea Diet Lemon, Diet Lemonade and Fruit Punch - Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Milk * 4/02/26 RAW FARM [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall] Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block - Potential E. coli * 4/01/26 Kian Pee Wan [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/aphreseller-buy-herbalcom-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-kian-pee-wan-capsules-due-presence] Dietary supplement capsules marketed for treatment for gaining weight and stimulating appetite - Device & Drug Safety/Unapproved Drug * 4/01/26 Christopher Ranch, Garland [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tops-issues-recall-christopher-ranch-peeled-garlic-garland-fresh-peeled-garlic-because-possible] Peeled Garlic - Potential Clostridium Botulinum 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/].

The Implications of RFK Jr.'s Infectious Influence

In this episode, Olivia breaks down measles. She explains what it is, how the US reached measles elimination status in 2000, why it is making a comeback, and whether or not we will keep our measles elimination status. A combination of decreased immunizations during the covid-19 pandemic and the anti-vaxx rhetoric coming from our highest ranking federal officials (and spreading on social media) have contributed to a perfect storm that has allowed measles to find its footing and spread through vulnerable populations like wildfire. Also, Mattie shares a few tidbits of public health good news and analyzes Survivor with a public health lens. You don’t want to miss this episode. Recalls: * Vital Nutrient [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blueroot-health-expands-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-hazelnut-and-soy-vital-nutrients] Aller-C Dietary Supplement - Undeclared egg, hazelnut and soy  * DTF Sexual Chocolate [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nalpac-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-dtf-sexual-chocolate-due-presence-pharmaceutical] - Undeclared Sildenafil and Tadalafil  * Karns Foods [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/karns-foods-issues-voluntary-recall-mini-dark-chocolate-raspberry-cups-due-undeclared-peanuts] Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups  - May contain undeclared peanut allergen * RAW FARM [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall] Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block  - Potential E. coli * Christopher Ranch, Garland [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tops-issues-recall-christopher-ranch-peeled-garlic-garland-fresh-peeled-garlic-because-possible] Peeled Garlic -  Clostridium Botulinum * Einstein Bros Bagels [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/schreiber-foods-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nuts-almonds-product] Honey Cream Cheese - Undeclared almonds  * Falcon Trading Company [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/falcon-trading-company-inc-issues-recall-following-organic-black-bean-items-contain-pesticide] Black Beans Organic , Chili Bean Blend Organic, Sunset Soup Mix Organic - contains pesticide residue  * Gold Lion, ilum [https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/gear-isle-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-chocolate-product-due-undeclared-sildenafil-and] Chocolate - contains sildenafil and tadalafil 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/].