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.