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.

This week on The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, breaks down two major stories: sweeping proposed cuts to key federal health agencies in the 2026 U.S. budget, and a new national partnership between GHLF and Walgreens aimed at improving care for chronic skin conditions. Steven explains what’s at stake, how advocacy can influence policy decisions, and why pharmacists are essential allies in supporting skin health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:34: Steven breaks down the proposed 26% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 40% cut to NIH and 44% to CDC

01:00: Steven explains the impact of these cuts on medical research, vaccine surveillance, and chronic disease care

01:56: Steven discusses how Indian Health Services and HRSA programs would also be severely reduced, putting vulnerable populations at further risk

02:43: Steven emphasizes that this is a proposed budget and not a done deal—public advocacy still has power

03:10: Steven urges listeners to contact their members of Congress and help make budget policy personal for patients

03:40: The episode pivots to good news: GHLF’s new campaign with Walgreens: Your Skin, Your Health: How Pharmacists Help You Take Control

To watch the videos from the campaign and explore more resources from GHLF and Walgreens, visit: https://linktr.ee/YourSkinYourHealth

03:58: Steven introduces the campaign’s focus on empowering patients with HS, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia through pharmacist guidance

04:28: Steven explains why pharmacists are ideal allies in chronic skin care—offering support from symptom recognition to navigating insurance

05:01: Steven outlines how the campaign will reach millions across GHLF and Walgreens channels, with weekly videos and actionable resources

05:40: He reflects on why this campaign matters: for many patients, it provides long-overdue validation and support from trusted professionals

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.

The FDA just made a surprising move that could reshape COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. going forward, and the House passed a major budget bill with proposed cuts to Medicaid. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down the changes, debates, and potential impacts on people living with chronic conditions.

Tune in to understand what these updates mean and what steps advocates can take to make their voices heard.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:08: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, opens the episode by introducing two major health policy developments: the FDA’s shift in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the House’s proposed changes to Medicaid

00:50: Steven explains the new FDA policy: COVID-19 vaccines will now only be recommended for adults 65+ or those with at least one chronic condition

01:27: He breaks down the reasoning behind the FDA’s decision, including population-level immunity and a desire for stricter trial standards for boosters

02:38: Steven details critics’ concerns about the lack of transparency and the ethical issues surrounding placebo-controlled vaccine trials

04:10: He highlights the risk that this decision could undermine CDC efforts and lead to public confusion or lower vaccine uptake

04:52: Steven shifts to the second major story: the House’s fiscal year 2026 budget resolution, which includes dramatic proposed cuts to Medicaid

05:13: He outlines three major proposed changes: capped federal funding, work requirements for Medicaid, and restrictions on Medicaid expansion

05:58: Steven emphasizes who this could affect—over 80 million people, including those with chronic conditions, disabilities, or long COVID

06:23: He encourages listeners to take action by contacting their senators and participating in public hearings, reminding them that advocacy matters

Join GHLF’s 50 State Network, share your story, and get involved in advocacy to make a difference, email us at advocacy@ghlf.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

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 is joined by Rob Long, Executive Director of Uplifting Athletes. Rob shares his journey from All-American punter at Syracuse University to rare brain cancer survivor and patient advocate. Diagnosed during his senior season, Rob’s football career was cut short, but his passion for teamwork and purpose found new life in advocacy. Through his leadership at Uplifting Athletes, Rob helps amplify rare disease awareness, fund groundbreaking research, and connect patients to uplifting experiences across the country.

Join us for a conversation about resilience, purpose, and how sports can unite and empower the rare disease community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:25: Rob shares how he started playing football, got recruited by Syracuse, and committed after being offered a full scholarship

04:05: Rob describes the symptoms leading up to his diagnosis and the moment he learned he had a large brain tumor

06:30: Rob recalls undergoing emergency surgery and being told he likely wouldn’t live more than 36 months — a moment that shifted his entire life’s trajectory

07:45: Rob explains how seeing his teammates at an important game post-surgery gave him the sense of normalcy and emotional support he desperately needed

09:24: Rob offers advice to friends and families supporting loved ones through serious illness: show up, and stay consistent

10:33: Rob shares how his teammates started the Syracuse chapter of Uplifting Athletes in his honor and how that led him to join the organization

12:42: Rob discusses connecting with patients around the country and the shared experience of living with a rare disease

14:21: Rob explains how people can support Uplifting Athletes by donating, liking and sharing content, and helping increase visibility for the rare disease community

To learn more about Uplifting Athletes go to: www.upliftingathletes.org

15:34: Steven wraps the episode by reflecting on the inspiration of his story and continued advocacy

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 the potential $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid currently under debate in Congress. Steven walks through what’s at stake, who could be affected, and why this moment matters. He explains the proposed changes to work requirements, federal matching cuts, and Medicaid expansion support — and outlines what patients, caregivers, and advocates can do to stay protected and make their voices heard.

Tune in to better understand the real-life impact of these proposed cuts and how you can take action.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:32: Steven explains what Medicaid is, who it covers, and why it’s the largest insurer in the country

01:18: Steven outlines the proposed $880 billion in budget cuts over 10 years and what that means in context

02:12: Steven discusses the potential reduction in federal matching funds and its consequences for states

03:00: Steven highlights who would be most affected by cuts: low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses

03:35: Steven explores the ripple effects of cuts, from delayed care to increased provider strain

04:05: Steven offers a look at the legislative timeline: proposals are expected over spring and summer, with votes likely in fall

04:28: Steven provides actionable tips for listeners

05:20: Steven closes with a reminder that Medicaid is more than a budget issue — it’s a health lifeline for millions

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 the latest public health developments you need to know. From a surge in measles and dengue cases to proposed changes in food dye regulations, Steven explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how it could impact people living with chronic illness. He also unpacks the delay in FDA approval for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and introduces the Vaccine Integrity Project — a new initiative working to preserve trust in vaccine guidance.

Tune in for the insights you need to stay informed and protect your health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:40: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, reports that U.S. measles cases are surging, nearing a 25-year high with 923 cases, including a hotspot in El Paso, TX

01:22: Steven notes a political divide in public concern over measles, citing Kaiser Family Foundation survey data

01:40: Dengue fever cases are rising in the U.S. due to travel and climate shifts; Steven urges use of DEET-based repellents in high-risk states

02:24: Steven breaks down HHS’s proposed voluntary phaseout of certain petroleum-based food dyes, highlighting industry pushback and potential allergy risks

03:38: Steven explains the FDA’s pause and policy change regarding full approval for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, including a new clinical trial requirement

04:33: Steven introduces the Vaccine Integrity Project, a private group of vaccine experts formed to provide trusted guidance amid concerns of policy politicization

05:43: Steven wraps up with a reminder to visit https://ghlf.org/vaccine-resources for ongoing updates and resources on vaccine

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, we’re joined by Cristina Montoya, a registered dietitian, advocate, and patient living with both rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s disease. Cristina shares her diagnosis journey, the challenges of managing symptoms from childhood to adulthood, and how she uses her lived experience to guide others through nutrition and advocacy. We also hear from Erik Stone, Director of Data, Learning, and Evaluation at GHLF, who breaks down insights from a recent GHLF survey of people living with Sjögren’s. Together, they highlight the need for better education, tailored treatments, and more support for the Sjögren’s community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:54: Cristina Montoya introduces herself, her background as a dietitian, and her personal experience living with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s

01:39: Cristina explains how to pronounce “Sjögren’s” and offers a clear overview of what the disease is and how it progresses

04:04: Cristina shares her childhood experience with undiagnosed symptoms of Sjögren’s, including dry eyes, parotid swelling, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing

07:49: Steven asks about dietary considerations; Cristina explains how Sjögren’s affects the entire digestive tract and why food texture matters

10:25: Cristina offers ideas for eating leafy greens like kale and how smoothies can be adapted to reduce GI discomfort

13:23: Cristina shares what inspired her to become an advocate, describing herself as an “accidental advocate” who became active after attending her first patient conference in Canada

15:08: Cristina addresses common misconceptions, including that Sjögren’s is “just a dry mouth disease” and not disabling

17:38: Erik Stone joins the conversation to share GHLF’s survey findings: 84% of respondents want help managing symptoms and flares

There’s still time to share your feedback — take our short survey here: https://us8.list-manage.com/survey?u=9d2bc7b86ce2e776e067d6fbc&id=92f785a222&attribution=false

20:24: Cristina reacts to the data and underscores the variability and impact of flares, especially for those without a co-occurring autoimmune condition

22:27: Cristina outlines the biggest needs in the Sjögren’s community: targeted treatments and improved management of fatigue, pain, dryness, and neuropathy

23:31: Cristina and Erik discuss who bears responsibility for education and call for better understanding at the medical school level

Below are additional resources mentioned by Cristina during the episode:

Sjogren's Advocate by Dr. Schafer: https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/

The American College of Rheumatology, Sjogren’s Disease Experts, and Medical Educators Need to Step Up: https://bexiphd.com/blogs/news/the-american-college-of-rheumatology-sjogren-s-disease-experts-and-medical-educators-need-to-step-up

Sjögren's Recognized as a Disease, What's Next for Patients and Research?: https://www.arthritisdietitian.com/post/sjogren-s-disease-what-s-next-for-patients-and-research

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.