A Shot in the Arm Podcast

Ben Plumley
  • 5.0 (17)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
A Shot in the Arm Podcast

Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we've released over 100 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore the intricate connections between everyday lives and biomedical research, tackling pressing issues like pandemic preparedness, climate disruption, and the impact of conflict. Tune in as we uncover the stories and insights that shape our collective health narrative, making complex topics both entertaining and accessible. Let's embark on this journey to improve lives, one episode at a time!

  1. AI and the Future of Healthcare

    21H AGO

    AI and the Future of Healthcare

    In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, Ben Plumley talks with Professor Eyal Zimlichman, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Innovation Officer for the Sheba Medical Center in Israel. They discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in global healthcare, from innovations that reduce mortality rates to AI-driven diagnostic tools. Prof. Zimlichman shares insights on leveraging AI for efficiency, reducing healthcare costs, and driving economic growth by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. The conversation also delves into how developing countries can leapfrog traditional healthcare models using AI technology, and the importance of AI governance and validation across different populations.

    39 min
  2. Is Trump's Global Health Strategy Emerging?

    4D AGO

    Is Trump's Global Health Strategy Emerging?

    Join Eric Goosby and Ben Plumley as they delve into the latest global health news coming out of Washington DC, including funding cuts from the US government to key international health programs, whether the administration will abide by the continuing resolution passed by Congress to fund all global health programs approved by Congress for 2025, and the implications for the UN, Gavi and US academic institutions. They also try to make sense of the significant job cuts announced by the administration to the Department of Health and Human Services today , and the continuing outbreak of measles in the US. These are hectic – if not entirely productive – times in the world of global health. But is a Trump administration strategy emerging from the chaos of executive orders, termination notices and the firing of so many key staff? 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:04 US Government Funding for International Development 01:49 Impact of Funding Cuts on Health and Human Services 02:12 The Growing Measles Crisis 02:36 Debate on Continuing Resolution and Budget Cuts 09:18 Termination of Funding to Gavi 13:25 Public Health Strategy and Administration Tactics 40:58 The Role of Individual Rights in Public Health 47:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 💬 Join the Conversation How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🔔Subscribe & Stay Updated Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions – www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

    49 min

  3. MAR 24

    Impact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa's Healthcare

    In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, hosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley discuss the resilience of South Africa's healthcare system amidst U.S. aid cuts, particularly through USAID and PEPFAR. They highlight the devastating impacts on HIV treatment, TB care, and broader healthcare services due to the sudden cessation of funding. But the country is markedly more prepared than critics might have feared, to assume full responsibility for its infectious diseases strategies - including procurement and surveillance strategies that the US maintained control over in exchange for the aid. Their conversation extends to cover issues around mental health, future healthcare innovations like long-acting antiretrovirals, and the broader geopolitical implications of donor aid cuts.   00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:33 Impact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa 03:08 Healthcare Challenges and Government Response 07:04 The Role of Civil Society and Future Preparations 10:21 Consequences of Sudden Aid Withdrawal 14:17 Future of HIV Treatment and Advocacy 16:55 The Threat of Drug-Resistant TB 17:35 Government Investment in Healthcare 19:01 Mental Health Crisis Among Youth 19:41 Impact of USAID Funding Cuts 20:57 Soft Power and International Relations 22:37 South Africa's Self-Reliance 26:43 Addressing Racism and Emigration 32:42 Parting Thoughts and Optimism   💬 Join the Conversation How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated ✅ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform ✅ Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions -  @shotarmpodcast⁩

    35 min
  4. The Fight to Keep Global Health Alive

    MAR 8

    The Fight to Keep Global Health Alive

    Hosted by Ben Plumley & Professor Ambassador Eric Goosby Episode Summary In this episode of Global Health Diplomats, Ben Plumley and Eric Goosby take a hard look at the state of global health in the wake of major funding shifts and policy changes. With U.S. global health programs facing an uncertain future, can they be salvaged, or are we witnessing the dismantling of decades of progress? Ben and Eric discuss: ✔️ The impact of U.S. policy changes on PEPFAR, USAID, and global health funding ✔️ The realities of restarting health programs amid political roadblocks ✔️ How countries are shifting towards self-sufficiency in health systems ✔️ Lessons learned from HIV programs pivoting to COVID-19 responses ✔️ The role of European and global players—can they fill the funding gap? ✔️ The future of long-acting HIV treatments and barriers to adoption ✔️ The ethics of global health governance—are programs being abandoned? ✔️ The human cost of these decisions on communities and health professionals This episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in global health, policy advocacy, and public health strategy. Timestamps for Key Moments 00:00 - Welcome & opening remarks: Ben and Eric set the stage for a critical conversation 00:38 - Is global health dead? A frank discussion on where things stand 02:31 - U.S. policy shifts & the fallout for global health programs 07:12 - Can shuttered programs be restarted? The logistical and ethical challenges 13:52 - Global health self-sufficiency: Are countries ready to take control? 17:23 - Can Europe or others step up? The feasibility of alternative funding sources 22:19 - What national programs must prioritize to survive funding cuts 26:29 - Procurement & supply chain challenges—what's at risk? 27:52 - Surveillance & monitoring—a critical piece of the puzzle 29:34 - Long-acting HIV treatments—revolutionary but at risk 32:37 - The politics of health funding—will programs be forced to regress? 36:32 - Clinical guidelines vs. financial and political realities—who decides? 37:55 - Key populations at risk: Why marginalized communities may suffer the most 40:02 - Beyond government funding: Can faith-based organizations & business leaders help? 41:06 - The personal toll on health professionals: How this crisis is affecting those in the field 44:32 - Global solidarity under threat: How shifting geopolitics impact health 47:16 - What happens next? Ben and Eric’s final reflections on the way forward Join the Conversation How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated - Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform - Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions Follow Us YouTube: @shotarmpodcast

    49 min

  5. FEB 9

    Are We Living in a Coup Yet?

    Hosts: Ben Plumley, Yvette Raphael Guest: Gregg Gonsalves Recorded in: Tembisa Mall, Greater Johannesburg, South Africa & New Haven, Connecticut, USA   Welcome to the first A Shot in the Arm podcast of 2025! In this powerful episode, Ben Plumley is joined by co-host Yvette Raphael and Yale professor & activist Gregg Gonsalves to unpack critical global health and equity issues amidst the shifting political landscape.   From the unraveling of public health commitments to rising misinformation, we ask: Are we living in a coup yet? Our guests reflect on the past, draw lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement, and strategize about the road ahead in fighting for public health and human rights.   Key Topics:  [00:00] Welcome & Introductions  [00:50] The US’s commitment to global health: Is it unraveling?  [02:00] Yvette’s 50th birthday & 25 years of living with HIV  [04:00] Misinformation, stigma, and fear in HIV advocacy today  [06:45] The US’s attack on LGBTQ+ health and the implications for global funding  [10:30] RFK Jr. and the growing anti-science movement  [15:40] Is there a method to this madness? Or just chaos?  [22:15] Lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement: How activists fought back  [30:00] The collapse of USAID and its impact on African healthcare  [38:30] Mobilizing the private sector & faith-based organizations  [41:00] The power of digital activism: TikTok, Instagram & misinformation  [45:00] Protest & activism: What tactics work in 2025?  [50:00] Final thoughts: Solidarity, hope & making “beautiful trouble”   Takeaways: The rollback of global health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS funding, could have devastating effects worldwide.  History has shown that activism works—we must organize, mobilize, and push back.  The fight for public health is interconnected with the fight for democracy and human rights.  Digital media and grassroots organizing will be key tools in countering misinformation and mobilizing support.  Now is the time for action, unity, and resistance.   Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on the current state of public health?   Subscribe & share this episode to keep the movement strong!   Follow & Connect: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast Bluesky: @ashotinthearm.bsky.social @ben-plumleybsky.social Instagram: @ashotinthearmpodcast TikTok: @ashotinthearmpodcast Links: Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ledbydonkeys Bluesky: @gregggonsalves.bsky.social   #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HIVAdvocacy #Activism #Podcast #AShotInTheArm #HealthEquity #HIV #LGBTQHealth #USAID #ScienceMatters

    49 min

  6. FEB 1

    Two weeks of Trump: Our Reaction

    Global Health Diplomats | Two weeks of Trump: Our Reaction Welcome to Global Health Diplomats, a special project of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, brought to you with the support of the John Martin Foundation. Host Ben Plumley joins Ambassador Eric Goosby to discuss the shocking recent announcements from the U.S. administration regarding foreign aid, global health funding, and the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). With sweeping stop-work orders on PEPFAR, USAID, and State Department programs, the global health community is in turmoil. How will these changes impact HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and global health diplomacy? Can we find a path forward, or is this a wholesale dismantling of decades of U.S. leadership in global health? Ben and Eric also discuss the domestic implications of the administration’s controversial policies, including temporary disruptions in federally funded healthcare programs, attacks on transgender rights, and the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Episode Highlights & Timestamps [00:00:15] Introduction from the Mall of Africa, South Africa [00:01:42] Uncertainty and anxiety over U.S. foreign aid decisions [00:02:36] The importance of U.S. global health funding—how much influence does it really have? [00:03:45] Is there a method to the madness, or is this a chaotic approach to policy? [00:06:40] PEPFAR’s funding threat: How a stop-work order could dismantle 23 years of progress [00:09:15] The attack on "soft power"—is the U.S. retreating from global leadership? [00:12:40] Will the Trump administration engage in dialogue, or is this a unilateral shift? [00:14:55] The devastating consequences of withdrawing from the WHO [00:19:06] The impact on partner countries—will they be left to pick up the pieces? [00:22:22] The chaos surrounding U.S. domestic health programs [00:28:53] The rollback of transgender rights and its broader implications [00:34:59] HHS nominee RFK Jr.—a deeply controversial choice [00:41:55] What’s next? A call for pragmatic dialogue and action The stakes for global health, HIV/AIDS funding, and human rights have never been higher. What can advocates, organizations, and individuals do in the face of these challenges? Listen in as we break it all down. 🔔 Subscribe for More Global Health Insights! 📌 Follow us wherever you get your podcasts 📌 Like & Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast 🎥 Produced & Directed by Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media 🎙 Supported by The John Martin Foundation Imara Jones on MSNBC - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8YRnAyU #GlobalHealth #PEPFAR #PublicHealth #HIV #WHO #USPolitics #ForeignAid #TrumpAdministration #LGBTQRights #TransRights #HHS #AIDSPolicy #HealthDiplomacy

    46 min
  7. HIV Isn’t Over - Pressing Needs in Biomedical Innovation Post 2030

    JAN 20

    HIV Isn’t Over - Pressing Needs in Biomedical Innovation Post 2030

    Co-hosts Ben Plumley and Ambassador Eric Goosby press the case for continued major investments in biomedical innovation to treat, diagnose, prevent and ultimately cure HIV disease.  While excited by the potential of new medicines, there’s still no short term end to one of the most deadly epidemics of the modern era. A renewed strategic focus on balancing basic science with delivery and implementation is at the heart of the long term HIV response - not least the challenge of maintaining uninterrupted treatment access, especially as funding mechanisms evolve globally. Key themes include the role of advocacy, the intersection of politics and public health, and the need to empower civil society to hold governments accountable for healthcare delivery. Ambassador Goosby outlines the necessity of building coalitions that combine public, private, and multilateral efforts to ensure sustainable healthcare solutions. 00:00:00 - Introduction: Ben Plumley and Ambassador Eric Goosby discuss the high stakes of 2025. 00:02:01 - Reflecting on misinformation: The influence of tech leaders on public health narratives. 00:05:34 - Post-2030 HIV agenda: Is the focus on research or implementation? 00:08:52 - Long-acting antiretrovirals: The promise and limitations of lenacapavir. 00:20:12 - Funding the response: Challenges of sustaining global HIV treatment. 00:31:48 - Global health diplomacy: Mobilizing new donors and local government commitments. 00:39:01 - Civil society’s role: Encouraging accountability in health investments. 00:46:25 - Closing thoughts: Shaping the future of the HIV response through collaboration. Call to Action: Subscribe to A Shot in the Arm Podcast on your favorite platform and join us on YouTube for more in-depth discussions. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this critical global health issue. Links and Resources: Visit A Shot in the Arm Podcast on YouTube to stay updated. Follow us for future episodes addressing long-term HIV response strategies and the evolving role of global health diplomacy. Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media, the John Martin Foundation, and our listeners for their ongoing support.

    52 min

  8. JAN 6

    Looking Ahead: Global Health in 2025

    In this first episode of 2025, A Shot in the Arm Podcast host Ben Plumley explores the major global health challenges and opportunities for the year ahead. He covers topics like politics in global health, innovations in HIV treatment, pandemic preparedness, and strategies for building trust in healthcare systems. Discussion Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction Ben welcomes listeners to the new year, setting the stage for an exciting year of accessible global health content. He encourages viewers to subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel for expanded content. [00:01:00] Policy vs. Politics Ben discusses the growing tension between policy and politics in global health, with examples from HIV denialism in South Africa and the impact of Brexit on healthcare. [00:03:00] Trans Rights and Health Equity  A new podcast series will address the challenges faced by the global trans community and explain why trans rights are essential for everyone. [00:04:00] HIV in 2025 Updates on groundbreaking HIV treatments, including capsid inhibitors for long-term injections. Ben also explores the future of PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the rhetoric around ending AIDS by 2030. [00:06:30] Pandemic Preparedness The risks of avian flu (H5N1) are highlighted, along with lessons learned from COVID-19. Ben discusses the importance of vaccine manufacturing hubs and progress on the WHO pandemic treaty. [00:09:00] Innovations in Healthcare Exciting developments in cancer treatments, viral hepatitis research, and inflammation studies. These advancements offer hope for improving global health outcomes. [00:10:30] Elderly Care Personal reflections on caregiving and a preview of an upcoming episode on the outdated systems of elderly care. [00:11:40] Building Trust in Health Systems Ben reflects on insights from the Global Listening Project, which studied trust in medical institutions and how to combat misinformation. Check out the results of its country survey at https://global-listening.org/societal-preparedness-insights [00:13:00] Social Media and Misinformation A critical look at the role of social media in spreading health misinformation and the need for better communication strategies. [00:17:00] Partnerships for Change Ben explores collaborations with business leaders and religious organizations to address gender norms and promote health equity. [00:18:30] Expanding the Podcast’s Reach Plans to collaborate with other podcasts and bring diverse voices to global health discussions. Check out Devex at https://www.devex.com Key Takeaways: Global health faces immense challenges in 2025, from political polarization to misinformation. Innovations in treatments are promising, but equitable access and building trust in health systems remain top priorities. Listener Engagement: What topics should we explore this year? Share your ideas on BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Credits: Hosted by Ben Plumley. Directed and produced by Erik Espera (NewsDoc Media) with production coordination by Y-Isha Raphael. Call to Action: Like, follow, and subscribe to A Shot in the Arm Podcast on your favorite platforms. Join us in tackling the biggest health challenges of 2025 and stay engaged for more episodes!

    20 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    17 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we've released over 100 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore the intricate connections between everyday lives and biomedical research, tackling pressing issues like pandemic preparedness, climate disruption, and the impact of conflict. Tune in as we uncover the stories and insights that shape our collective health narrative, making complex topics both entertaining and accessible. Let's embark on this journey to improve lives, one episode at a time!

    Information

    • Creator
      Ben Plumley
    • Years Active
      2019 - 2025
    • Episodes
      148
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2022 A Shot in the Arm Podcast with Ben Plumley
    • Show Website
      A Shot in the Arm Podcast

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