Advertise on podcast: Conversations on Health Care

Dr. Zeke Emanuel, a renowned bioethicist who helped draft the Affordable Care Act, is turning his attention to a new goal: helping us live longer. His new best-selling book is “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life.”  He believes some of the recent federal changes to the food dietary guidelines are contrary to the goal of a longer life. “The negatives are this overwhelming emphasis on eating more beef and beef tallow. There’s a lot of data that that’s not a good idea and…leads to premature mortality. We already in this country….eat way too much beef. We also have to change the food production ecosystem away from ultra-processed foods….and you have to make that more expensive so people will eat less of them and shift over to healthier things.” Hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter also ask Dr. Emanuel about his recent op-ed. The piece explains his view that anti-vaccine policymakers could undercut vaccine availability. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Renowned neurologist and researcher Dr. Ray Dorsey unequivocally writes that we’re “fueling the rise of Parkinson’s with continued and increased use of toxic chemicals that pollute our food, water, and air.” He co-authored the New York Times bestseller, “The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment,” which explains that fewer than 15% of Parkinson’s disease cases are linked to genetics. Parkinson’s disease is now the fastest-growing neurodegenerative condition in the world, affecting more than 1 million Americans. Dr. Dorsey discusses evidence linking Parkinson’s risk to pesticides used on farms and golf courses, solvents used in dry cleaning, and long-term exposure to industrial chemicals. He also outlines why he believes Parkinson’s is not an inevitable consequence of aging and why prevention should be a national priority. At the same time, this conversation addresses a key point of debate. Representatives from the chemical industry have pushed back on these conclusions, arguing there has been a rush to judgment and that some large studies do not support a causal link between specific chemicals and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Dorsey responds directly, pointing to decades of toxicology data, animal studies, and historical evidence that he says warrants action now rather than further delay. “I don’t think we’re rushing to judgment at all. A century of evidence is long enough. The real question is why safer alternatives were not introduced years ago,” says Dr. Dorsey. Join “Conversations on Health Care” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to learn why Dr. Dorsey believes cleaning up our environment may be one of the most powerful public health tools we have right now. And, as we begin a new year, we have a new look. “Conversations on Health Care” is now part of the Moses/Weitzman Media Group. The show will continue to bring you top national thought leaders in public health, health policy, and innovation, and offer the same in-depth conversations that have been our hallmark for more than 15 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve invited noted health care leader Dr. Sachin Jain back to “Conversations on Health Care” to share his predictions for the year after many came true last year.  Click the interview to get his take on: Whether artificial intelligence’s growing influence in the health care sector could hit a road bump in 2026If the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative can build on its policy achievements to dateWhy the GLP-1 revolution could suffer setbacks in the next 12 monthsHosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter also examine why his many fears about DOGE didn’t materialize and why he believes health equity efforts are bouncing back. And, as we begin a new year, we have a new look! “Conversations on Health Care” is now part of the Moses/Weitzman Media Group. The show will continue to bring you top national thought leaders in public health, health policy and innovation and offer the same in-depth conversations that have been our hallmark for more than fifteen years.  Let us know what you think! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The new Rural Health Transformation Program aims to improve “healthcare access, quality, and outcomes” with $50 billion aimed at making changes to the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Keeping an eye on the state applications, the federal money awarded and how it will be used is Sarah Jane Tribble, lead rural health reporter at KFF Health News. On this episode of “Conversations on Health Care,” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter speak with Tribble as she offers a clear-eyed look at what this funding can and cannot do. “This funding came as part of the big tax and spending bill, at a moment when rural America was facing deep Medicaid cuts,” Tribble explains. “The conversation in Congress was that this would help make up for those losses.” But she warns that transparency and accountability will determine whether the program succeeds. “I want to see the full applications posted publicly,” Tribble says. “We need to be able to hold officials accountable and make sure rural Americans are actually getting the benefit Congress intended.” The conversation also surfaces some unexpected ideas tucked inside state proposals. From drones delivering prescriptions in Alaska to robotics improving maternity care in Alabama, states are experimenting with technology to reach communities where in-person care is scarce and broadband access remains unreliable. At the heart of the discussion is a larger question about expectations. “I don’t want anyone to hear ‘better than nothing’ when we talk about rural health care,” Tribble says. “I don’t want my grandmother or my mother to have better than nothing. I want them to have the best standard of care.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New research. New technology. New possibilities. On this special 2025 Rewind and Look Ahead episode of “Conversations on Health Care,” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter turn their focus to the breakthroughs, discoveries and innovators shaping what comes next. “Health innovations and breakthroughs that seemed impossible years ago became closer to reality in 2025,” says Mark. We revisit pivotal conversations with leaders driving real-world change, including: Samantha Hutten (Michael J. Fox Foundation) on accelerating Parkinson’s researchDr. Nora Volkow (National Institute on Drug Abuse) on addiction science and policyDrs. Robert Pearl and Brian Anderson on the promise and risks of AI in health careDr. Kenneth Cooper, whose prevention-first vision is influencing modern care models We also learned about major developments in Long COVID research, including global studies and clinical investigations aimed at understanding its causes and long-term impact. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Health care policy faced major upheavals during the past 12 months and the effects are already being felt. On this special 2025 Rewind and Look Ahead episode of “Conversations on Health Care,” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter reflect on the moments that defined the year and what may come next. This episode is Part 1 of a two-part 2025 rewind. The conversation revisits the passage of H.R. 1, which was the largest Medicaid reduction in the program’s history, and the ripple effects states and families are already experiencing. Mark and Margaret also look back on the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and the battle over extending the Obamacare subsidies. In addition, we hear from national health policy leaders, reporters and advocates, including voices from CMS, KFF Health News, primary care, telehealth and the 340B community. The program also marked the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, reflecting on the programs’ legacies and future during a transformative time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eighty percent of maternal deaths in the United States are considered preventable. So why do they keep happening? On this episode of “Conversations on Health Care,” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter are joined by award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Irin Carmon for a thoughtful conversation about pregnancy, care, and what gets lost when she says systems stop listening. Carmon’s new book, “Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America,” draws on 15 years of reporting and the stories of five women navigating very different parts of the American maternal health system. Rather than a political argument, the discussion focuses on lived experience, reporting and what compassion and accountability can look like in maternal health care. “Pregnancy can be a gift. But nothing can truly be considered a gift when it comes wrapped in coercion or paternalistic silence,” Carmon wrote. Through these stories, Carmon explores why preventable tragedies still occur, even in places with advanced health care, and what she has learned by listening closely to patients, families and clinicians. “We know what makes a difference. Listening when someone says something doesn’t feel right is as sophisticated as you need to get.” The episode touches on maternal mortality, postpartum care, midwifery models and why improving outcomes starts with recognizing the humanity of the person who is pregnant. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress is scrambling to find a solution to the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the end of the year. Without action, premiums are set to rise sharply for millions of Americans, creating a major health care cliff as 2026 approaches. Congressional reporters Sandhya Raman (CQ Roll Call) and Robert King (Politico) join hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to help make sense of the fast-moving negotiations and what is likely to happen next. King captures the mood inside Congress as competing proposals circulate without leadership support. As he explains, “But right now, there has not been any indication from Speaker Johnson that he is going to be advocating for any of the compromise legislation that is being discussed in the House.”  Raman looks ahead to the broader forces that will shape the policy debate over the next year. She says, “I think affordability and the forms of that will be a big thing, whether or not we get any sort of deal on ACA or some of the other things that have been in the mix. Congress has been very interested in PBM reform and things like that to bring down health costs. So I think going into next year, regardless of what happens in the next couple weeks, that will be definitely something big to watch here.”  Together, their insights offer a timely look at why the subsidy cliff is proving so hard to solve, why the Senate’s competing plans are unlikely to pass, and how issues like abortion coverage and health savings account proposals are adding new complications to an already crowded landscape. They also share their predictions for the top health care story of 2026, including the trends they believe will shape the year ahead for patients, providers, and policymakers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The doctor who once led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sees trouble ahead: There’s been a significant decrease in people taking the COVID and flu vaccines Europe is experiencing the worst flu season in years (an early indicator of problems in the U.S.) CDC data show that Influenza infections are growing or likely growing in 41 states “It’s not good…what we have seen from Europe is a very early and very severe flu season, something that could mean more hospitalizations.” Dr. Tom Frieden says confusing vaccine guidance, limited access and weakened public health systems are contributing to fewer shots in arms. He also shares insights from his new book, “The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives—Including Your Own.” He explains his “See, Believe, Create” formula for building a healthier future and his broader call for a public health system that listens to communities and makes vaccination easier. Dr. Frieden now leads Resolve to Save Lives, which works to close the gap between proven, life-saving solutions and the people who need them around the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leading nutritionist Marion Nestle, Ph.D., has a sobering message as we get ready for Thanksgiving: America’s food system delivers twice the calories we need while wasting 40%. “Thanksgiving provides five times the calories we need,” she points out. Her advice? “It is a week in which you just have to do the best you can.” But once we've cleared the dishes after Thursday’s meal, Nestle offers practical advice for people trying to make healthy, budget-conscious choices as food prices continue to rise. “If there is anything that is a superfood, it is a bean. If you want to save money on food, you have to cook.” Nestle discusses the dramatic changes in our food system over the last 20 years, the growing influence of social media on what we buy and eat, and the rise of ultra-processed foods. She joins hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to discuss her new book, “What to Eat Now,” an updated and expanded guide to navigating today’s food landscape. Watch the full interview now. Nestle’s earlier appearance on Conversations on Health Care is also available, where she discussed artificial food dyes, food industry marketing and the need for a food system that puts public health first. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

People around the world are living longer and healthier lives because of an innovative idea that became a global force for change. On this episode of Conversations on Health Care, hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter welcome back Dr. Sanjeev Arora, founder of Project ECHO, an approach that has already improved care for more than 200 million patients worldwide. Project ECHO was born from one question Dr. Arora asked himself more than 20 years ago: How do we make sure no patient is left behind because they cannot reach a specialist? What began as a hepatitis C initiative in New Mexico is now used for more than 70 complex conditions across over 200 countries and territories. In this new interview, Dr. Arora reflects on what inspired him, what surprised him, and what he believes is possible next. He explains how primary care providers became force multipliers for specialty expertise, how Project ECHO expanded through COVID-19, and why community health centers continue to lead the way in democratizing knowledge. “If we are willing to democratize our expertise and work together as interconnected providers, we can rapidly improve the U.S. health care system,” Dr. Arora said. He also shares why the ECHO model boosts the resilience and joy of primary care teams, improves outcomes for underserved populations, and has transformed mental health care in India, where one psychiatrist may serve hundreds of thousands of patients. “I know this work is making a difference in the community and in the world,” he said. Listen to the full interview to hear Dr. Arora’s reflections on scaling impact, building health care communities, and the hope he carries for the next chapter of Project ECHO. This episode also marks a meaningful return. Dr. Arora first appeared on Conversations on Health Care in 2011, shortly after Project ECHO was recognized as a disruptive innovation in global health. You can revisit that early conversation, here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if health care for moms and babies came with a cash prescription for them? In this Conversations on Health Care episode, hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter welcome back Dr. Mona Hanna, the Flint pediatrician whose research exposed the city’s water crisis and sparked a national reckoning on environmental justice. Now, Dr. Hanna returns to share powerful results from Rx Kids, the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. By providing unconditional financial support to pregnant women and new mothers, Rx Kids is improving maternal health, reducing infant deaths, and strengthening emotional well-being for families across Michigan. “This is about investing in people’s humanity,” says Dr. Hanna. “When we provide the resources parents need to care for their babies, we create healthier families and stronger communities.” Dr. Hanna explains how this simple but transformative idea, grounded in science, dignity, and love, has already reached more than 3,600 families in 11 Michigan communities and distributed $15 million in direct support. She also highlights how advocates can bring this program to their community. Listen to the full interview. You can also revisit Dr. Hanna’s earlier appearance on the program, where she discussed her pivotal role in uncovering the Flint lead water crisis and creating the Pediatric Public Health Initiative. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Intimate partner violence affects more women in the United States than breast cancer and diabetes combined. Health care providers can be a lifeline for survivors, yet many still struggle to know how to talk about it or where to begin. In this Conversations on Health Care episode, hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter speak with Virginia Duplessis, associate director at Futures Without Violence and director of the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Duplessis shares how health care professionals can take practical, compassionate steps to identify, prevent and respond to domestic violence. “Violence is not an inevitable part of the human experience. We all have a unique and important role to play,” says Duplessis. Her work helps providers use trauma-informed care to start conversations with all patients about relationship safety and well-being. Through Health Partners on IPV + Exploitation, Futures Without Violence is building partnerships that make these conversations part of routine care. Duplessis also highlights how prevention can begin early, from school-based programs like Coaching Boys into Men. Pregnancy and postpartum care also give providers more opportunities to build trust and spot warning signs. “We want every patient to leave feeling supported, listened to and connected to information about what’s available in the community if they choose to seek help,” she says. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Food insecurity could soon worsen for millions of families and result in devastating health outcomes. American Academy of Family Physicians CEO Shawn Martin joins hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to discuss how the government shutdown is putting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in jeopardy. Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 1, food assistance could end for up to 22 million recipients. Martin and his 128,000 members are calling for bipartisan action to reopen the government and protect families from unnecessary harm. “We must put the well-being of families first. Food insecurity is not a political issue—it’s a health issue, and every delay in action deepens the harm to our most vulnerable communities." In this powerful conversation, Martin explores how hunger is showing up in exam rooms, the growing pressure on emergency food banks, and what policymakers must do to prevent a widening public health crisis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that several Southeastern states continue to report the highest rates of late-pregnancy fetal death in the country. This is the kind of research that energizes Nurse-Family Partnership supporters to build on their mission to positively impact and transform the lives of first-time moms and their babies through a proven home visiting model. The NFP model connects specially trained nurses with first-time mothers from early in pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. Sharon Sprinkle, co-director of the partnership’s nursing practice, and Jenny Harper, its government affairs director, discuss with hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter the nonprofit’s founding, funding and how expectant moms can sign up. Sprinkle says too often pregnant women say their concerns were “minimized or totally dismissed, when, in fact, if they were listened to, the outcome would have been better. Originally broadcast June 5, 2024. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.