In this episode, host Steven Newmark breaks down four critical public health stories making headlines:

• Senators Angus King and Elizabeth Warren introduce a resolution to defend the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force amid reports that RFK Jr. may fire its members.
• What’s really at stake if the Task Force is dismantled—and how evidence-based guidelines are already saving lives, from colon cancer screenings to heart health.
• A deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Harlem has claimed two lives and sickened dozens. What you need to know if you live in the area.
• The alarming defunding of mRNA vaccine research.

Science, policy, and prevention—all in one sharp, timely episode.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, is joined by Clayton Ruley, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Mission Advancement & Impact at the Community Liver Alliance. Clayton shares his decades-long journey from frontline harm reduction work to shaping national health policy. Together, they discuss the need for compassion in healthcare, the importance of patient-centered policymaking, and the urgent challenges facing programs like 340B and Medicaid. Clayton also highlights how community-level work and federal health policies intersect — and why transparency and access matter now more than ever.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:04: Clayton describes his background and early career, influenced by a family of social workers and his work in harm reduction clinics

04:04: Clayton explains what policymakers often miss: the need for options, compassion, and respect in patient care, especially for people facing stigma or systemic barriers

07:05: Clayton outlines the mission of the Community Liver Alliance and his evolving role in expanding national and global impact

09:56: Clayton discusses the top policy priorities for the Community Liver Alliance, including improving transparency and accountability in the 340B program

14:30: Clayton gives real-life examples of how 340B funding can transform communities through housing, outreach, and treatment access

15:55: Clayton and Steven discuss the harms of non-medical switching and the need to protect patient stability in treatment

16:52: They highlight concerns about potential Medicaid and Medicare cuts and the downstream impact on underserved communities

17:22: Steven reminds listeners of the delayed consequences of the Build Back Better bill, with millions projected to lose Medicaid access by 2027

18:54: Clayton warns that rising premiums could force patients to forgo insurance entirely — a dangerous outcome for people with chronic diseases

To learn more about the Community Liver Alliance or support their advocacy efforts, visit: https://communityliveralliance.org/

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What exactly are reconciliation and rescission—and why do they matter for your health? In this episode, Steven Newmark, Chief Policy Officer at GHLF, demystifies two powerful — and often misunderstood — budget tools: reconciliation and rescission. What do they mean? How do they bypass the normal budget process? And why do they matter for healthcare, public programs, and patients?

Steven breaks down the differences between these mechanisms, explains where they fit into the broader federal budget process, and examines Congress’s recent $9.4 billion rescission vote. If you care about how Congress funds — or defunds — healthcare, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Tune in to learn:

• What reconciliation really is, and how it’s used to pass major healthcare policy
• Why rescission gives presidents the power to cancel already-approved spending
• How these tools operate outside the regular appropriations process
• What the latest moves in Congress mean for public health funding in 2025

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:15: Steven explains how budget reconciliation works, including its origins in the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act

01:57: Steven breaks down why reconciliation is such a powerful tool: it allows bills to pass with a simple majority in the Senate

02:19: Steven introduces rescission, the process for canceling already approved spending, and details President Trump’s recent $9.4 billion rescission request

03:34: Steven discusses the impact of reconciliation and rescission on health care, including potential threats to Medicaid, Medicare, and public health programs

04:32: Steven warns that the use of rescission discourages bipartisan negotiation and risks undermining trust in the budget process

05:23: Steven urges listeners to stay informed, as funding for essential programs could quietly disappear without public scrutiny

05:35: Steven zooms out to explain how reconciliation and rescission fit within the larger federal budget process

06:49: Steven concludes by emphasizing the need for Congress to follow regular order and for advocates to understand budget mechanisms to be effective

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark takes a deep dive into the high-stakes lawsuit against Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Six major medical organizations, and a pregnant physician are challenging Kennedy’s directive to remove COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant people — and they’re asking the courts to intervene. Steven unpacks the legal arguments, explains key concepts like standing and injunctions, and explores what’s at risk for public health, the rule of law, and the integrity of vaccine policy in the U.S.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:24: Steven introduces a major legal battle against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who removed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant people

00:53: Overview of the lawsuit filed by top medical organizations and a pregnant physician in Massachusetts

01:27: Steven explains how Kennedy bypassed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and why that matters

03:02: What the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) is and why the plaintiffs argue Kennedy violated it

03:17: The importance of legal standing: How the plaintiffs demonstrate direct harm from the directive

04:11: Steven describes how the directive undermines doctors’ ability to provide evidence-based care and increases patient confusion

05:17: Public health implications: vaccine confidence, potential erosion of trust, and the danger of political interference in scientific guidance

06:09: Steven wraps up with the legal stakes and what this case could mean for future public health policymaking

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode of The Health Advocates, host Steven Newmark unpacks a whirlwind of health news that could reshape the foundation of U.S. public health. From a major lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to record-high measles cases and the quiet cancelation of a critical preventive care meeting, Steven explains what’s at stake. Plus, he shares a hopeful update on bird flu and the importance of defending science-based health policy amid political disruption.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:56: Steven explains the lawsuit against HHS Secretary RFK Jr. for bypassing CDC and ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) input in changing COVID-19 vaccine guidance

01:33: Steven emphasizes how sidelining scientific advisors erodes public health trust and transparency

02:02: Measles cases hit a 30-year high; Steven explores how vaccine hesitancy has contributed to this preventable public health failure

02:47: Steven discusses how vaccine misinformation puts vulnerable groups like children and immunocompromised people at risk

03:06: Steven shares encouraging news: the CDC has ended its emergency response to the bird flu outbreak due to declining animal infections

03:36: Steven explains how a well-functioning public health system should respond to outbreaks like H5N1

04:11: A last-minute cancellation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force meeting raises concerns about potential political interference

04:37: Steven connects this move to a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows the HHS Secretary to replace members of this influential panel

04:47: Steven warns that this could lead to fewer no-cost preventive services covered by insurance under the ACA

05:12: Steven announces the new season of Let’s Get Personal, which focuses on rheumatoid factor levels in RA. Tune in to the new episodes and explore our related resources at: https://creakyjoints.org/lets-get-personal/

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down two urgent public health threats: a Senate proposal that would deeply cut Medicaid funding and an extreme heat wave affecting more than 265 million Americans. Steven explains how the Senate bill could gut essential health services for millions, all to fund tax cuts—and how this could impact everyone, not just Medicaid enrollees. He then turns to the record-breaking heat, sharing crucial safety tips and resources. Finally, Steven discusses a new COVID-19 variant known for its painful “razor blade throat” symptom.

Tune in to stay informed and take action.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:15: Steven outlines the Senate bill’s key provisions, including stricter work requirements, caps on funding, and efforts to undermine state Medicaid expansions

02:30: Steven explains the motivation behind the cuts: funding extensions for Trump-era tax breaks and limiting government support

03:13: Why Medicaid is more efficient than private insurance and how the cuts could increase mortality and reduce care access

04:29: A real-world example of how the cuts could harm families caring for medically complex children

05:29: Steven warns that the broader fallout will impact hospitals, insurance premiums, ER costs, and jobs—even for people not on Medicaid

06:03: How to take action: call your Senator, share your Medicaid story, and put public pressure on policymakers

06:18: Steven discusses the brutal U.S. heat wave: who is at risk and why early-season heat can be especially dangerous

07:48: Key symptoms of heat-related illness and advice for hydration, using cooling centers, and checking on vulnerable people

To learn more about NOAA’s new tool, visit: NWS HeatRisk at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

08:47: Introduction of the new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, known for causing a severe sore throat—“razor blade throat”

09:55: Final reminders: stay up to date on vaccines, and be vigilant if you get sick

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark sits down with Jon Erlichman — founder of Ticker Take and a well-known financial journalist whose videos have reached nearly a billion views across platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and X. Jon shares his personal journey of living with Crohn’s disease and what inspired him to open up about it publicly. He also talks about the importance of family support, how he manages daily life in the spotlight, and why he’s optimistic about the future of IBD research and care.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of sharing your story.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:58: Jon Erlichman describes his initial Crohn’s diagnosis while working at Bloomberg in NYC and managing new parenthood at the same time

04:29: Jon recalls the whirlwind of juggling work, a newborn, and worsening health symptoms before being properly diagnosed

06:34: Steven asks Jon about deciding to share his condition publicly despite having a highly visible career

06:48: Jon explains how family encouragement and growing confidence led him to speak up — and how going public lifted a weight and connected him with community support

10:12: Jon opens up about managing Crohn’s daily as a journalist: planning around TV schedules, live events, and knowing “where every bathroom is”

12:38: Jon shares advice for others who want to talk more openly about chronic illness: the reward of community and the mental health benefits of being vulnerable

14:21: Jon reflects on his family’s support and how caregiving and family impact are vital parts of any chronic illness story

16:45: Jon and Steven close with optimism for the future of IBD research and improved treatments, and gratitude for patient advocacy communities

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s special episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a major and alarming development in U.S. public health policy: the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Steven explains what ACIP does, why its role is crucial to vaccine access and confidence, and how this sudden and sweeping dismissal could erode trust, limit insurance coverage, and leave vulnerable populations at risk.

Tune in to learn what’s at stake, why it matters for people living with chronic illness, and how patients can raise their voices in support of science-based policy.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:46: Steven explains what ACIP is, what it does, and how it supports CDC vaccine policy

01:45: Steven outlines the importance of ACIP recommendations for real-world vaccine access and insurance coverage

02:05: Steven details RFK Jr.’s justification for the ACIP purge and why it is cause for concern

02:48: Steven warns of the dangerous consequences: loss of expertise, misinformation, and reduced access for patients

03:33: Steven highlights the risks for immunocompromised patients and families with children

04:30: Steven encourages patient action; contact Congress, speak to your doctor, and stay informed

05:08: Steven urges listeners to submit comments for the upcoming ACIP meeting and shares how GHLF will be responding

You can submit comments online for the Committee at regulations.gov

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.