A Shot in the Arm Podcast

A Shot in the Arm Media in partnership with UCSF Institute for Global Health launched a nine-part series to explore the future of global health built around the book Redefining Global Health in the 21st Century, co-authored by Dr. mike Reid (UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences) and Ambassador Eric Goosby (former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and former PEPFAR Chief Medical Officer). In this episode, what if the greatest threat to global health isn't a new virus — it's us? Our funding fatigue, our outdated playbook, our addiction to replication over adaptation. We've saved millions of lives. But are we sleepwalking inexorably into decline, into the enshittocene. Eric and mike don’t think so. And they’ve written a book, “Redefining Global Health in the 21st Century, that sets out an alternative, optimistic future. In this episode, they reflect on the end of the old order, and the implications for innovation and scale up into a new era in global health. mike and Eric are hosted by Ben Plumley from A Shot In The Arm Media. 00:00 Series Kickoff Recap 01:25 Early Wins Foundations 02:07 Global Fund and PEPFAR Tensions 04:40 What Worked Best 06:29 Malawi Dependency Shock 08:48 Why Systems Collapsed 12:50 Donor Ecosystem Incentives 18:30 Designing Better Partnerships 23:25 New Players Multipolar Era 27:21 Philanthropy Promise and Peril 31:44 Limits of Philanthropy 32:24 Gates Foundation Lessons 33:41 Sustainability Commitments 35:56 Country Led Coordination 37:45 Innovation Beyond Tech Fixes 39:28 Private Sector as Resource Motor 42:02 Equity Risks and Guardrails 44:24 Indigenous Knowledge in Trials 48:08 From Pilots to Scale 52:19 Access and Global Rollout Rules 54:34 Paradigm Shift Takeaways 55:25 Episode Wrap and Next Steps Learn more about the book: https://bit.ly/redefining-global-health More from UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences: https://globalhealthsciences.ucsf.edu Check Out mike Reid’s Substack: https://substack.com/@reimaginingglobalhealth Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Join the Conversation! What would it take for global health to avoid decline? 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 — and look out for a dedicated sub channel for Redefining Global Health in the 21st Century under A Shot in the Arm’s YouTube home. Redefining Global Health in the 21st Century: The Podcast (Playlist on Youtube) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW7yagTEtywqvW9_bs6heRikREgwS9sE9&si=Tu-NEdwcA9Z-VKLH A Shot in the Arm Podcast Youtube (Main Channel) https://youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

Another candid update from Ben Plumley on life with stage four colorectal cancer, focusing on one of the most under appreciated challenges of treatment: the daily battle to eat. Treatment Update — Ben is continuing maintenance chemotherapy and awaiting a PET scan at the end of June. The goal is non-progression — holding the cancer steady — which counts as a win. --- 01:30 - The Food Fight — Ben breaks down why eating has become such a struggle, covering two main culprits: the cancer itself and the side effects of chemotherapy -which damages the digestive tract lining and causes nausea, taste changes, and mouth and jaw pain. 03:37 - Taste Changes Explained — Ben describes the layered impact on his senses: from persistent metallic taste, a sulfuric reaction to eggs and squash, to complete tastelessness , and to brights including orange juice and alpine milk chocolate. 09:29 - Cannabinoids as a Tool — After a referral through Kaiser’s infectious disease department, Ben has incorporated CBD tinctures into his routine. 13:56 - And on a genuinely uplifting note, Ben’s vegetable garden is thriving with fruit and vegetables - a reminder that the garden remains a vital source of calm and energy throughout his journey. Hosted by Ben Plumley | A Shot in the Arm Media | Produced and directed by Erik Espera. Join the Conversation! If you or someone you know is living with cancer, share your experiences and thoughts in the comments! Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Useful resources: https://fightcolorectalcancer.org https://colontown.org Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health news.

Investigative journalist and public health expert Emily Bass returns to A Shot In The Arm with the most consequential update on the global HIV response in months. Drawing on a brand-new report from Physicians for Human Rights and South African partners — built from 40 oral histories — Emily walks Ben Plumley through the human cost of the Trump administration’s foreign aid disruptions, the staggering waste of dismantled prevention infrastructure, and the bizarre data spin emerging from the State Department. The episode also covers Dr. mike Reed’s headline-making resignation as PEPFAR’s Chief Scientific Officer, the dangerous quiet around supply chain contracts and bed-net procurement, and what the new “America First Global Health Strategy” is choosing to celebrate — and choosing to obscure. Ben closes with a preview of two new initiatives: AIDS 2060, a long-horizon project from A Shot In The Arm Media, and the rebrand of MTV Staying Alive Foundation to Shuga Global. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:18 Global Health Upheaval 03:13 PEPFAR Data Spin 04:07 South Africa Report 05:51 Prevention Platform Collapse 09:27 Clinic Breakdown Story 12:52 Why 18 Percent Matters 16:33 Community Resilience 19:22 Research Partnerships Lost 22:12 Treatment Disruptions 25:26 Trauma to Transition 31:11 Data Blackout Returns 39:07 Prep Data Mirage 42:08 Kids Treatment Declines 44:55 Age Data Removed 47:02 Congress Pushback 52:02 Supply Chain Breakdown 59:38 Last Mile Disaster Story 01:02:16 Orderly Transition Demands 01:06:23 AIDS 2060 Vision 01:10:35 Sugar Global Storytelling 01:15:20 Africa Led Future 01:20:42 Closing Thanks Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 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.

Ben Plumley is joined by Ambassador Eric Goosby, and by Dr. mike Reid to react to Reid’s recently announced resignation from PEPFAR on Substack. Reid describes his growing moral dissonance with an administration he characterizes as authoritarian, citing concerns that lifesaving HIV services could be conditioned on geopolitical or commercial interests, a deprioritization of equity, reduced emphasis on evidence-based programming, and rapid changes made without deliberation or stakeholder engagement. The conversation contrasts partnership-based global health diplomacy with short-term coercive quid pro quo dynamics, the push toward country ownership and government-to-government funding, as well as ensuring marginalized populations are still able to access comprehensive HIV services. Is there a need for PEPFAR to course-correct, and if so, how? Perhaps the future will depend on what kind of new administration comes into office in 2029… 00:00 Special Episode Introduction 00:33 Resignation Goes Public 02:53 Why Reid Resigned Now 07:50 Authoritarianism And Ethics 10:39 Quid Pro Quo In MOUs 12:28 Partnership Versus Coercion 15:30 Making Global Health Matter 18:13 Domestic Policy Dissonance 20:22 PEPFAR Not Fit For Purpose 23:56 Country Ownership Fast Track 26:21 Public Health Versus Politics 28:23 Who Gets Left Behind 31:32 Science And Sustainable Transition 33:36 Can PEPFAR Recover 35:54 Shared Blame and Dependency 38:14 MOU Enforcement and Penalties 40:56 Minerals Deals and Ethics 43:37 Lessons From Past Bilaterals 44:47 Building Sustainable Systems 47:45 Doing More With Less 50:50 Efficiency Integration and Tech 52:41 New Tools and Market Shaping 54:08 Personal Next Steps 56:41 Moral Ambition and Hope 01:00:51 Final Thanks and Signoff Read mike’s resignation on Substack: https://reimaginingglobalhealth.substack.com/p/stepping-away Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 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.

Ben talks with Birgit Poniatowski, the Executive Director of the International AIDS Society (IAS), about the role of professional associations in the HIV movement and IAS’s convening power. Poniatowski describes IAS’s origins in 1988, its 13,000-member multidisciplinary base including people living with HIV, and its three main conferences: the IAS Conference on HIV Science (odd years), the International AIDS Conference (even years), and HIV Research for Prevention. They discuss why the International AIDS Conference remains vital amid abrupt funding cuts and shifting donor priorities, the limits and value of hybrid/virtual formats, and plans for AIDS 2026 in Rio with the theme “Rethink, Rebuild, Rise,” emphasizing rebuilding systems for long-term realities, financing and equity, and a broad prevention toolbox. Poniatowski also outlines IAS governance changes to embed community decision-making, priorities “2026 onwards,” youth leadership programs, her career path, and how to engage via the IAS website and volunteering. For more information visit https://www.iasociety.org/ Stephanie Nolan’s article on the state of negotiations between the US and Zambia. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/health/zambia-hiv-aid-minerals-trump.html 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:08 What Is the IAS 03:01 IAS Conferences Overview 05:25 Why the Big Conference Matters 08:01 Are Conferences Worth It 10:20 Hybrid and Virtual Access 13:47 AIDS 2026 Theme 15:07 Donor Politics and MOUs 21:22 Rio Program Priorities 23:44 US Reliance and Europe 26:41 Reforming IAS Governance 30:06 Rebuild and New Leadership 35:22 Bergit's Career Journey 38:05 Music and Final Reflections 40:12 How to Get Involved 41:53 Closing Thanks and Subscribe

In this powerful episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley discusses the state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States under a hostile federal government with Dr. Tatyana Moaton, the Director of Strategic Innovation and Partnership at the San Francisco Community Health Center. Dr. Moaton unpacks the systemic challenges faced by the trans community, healthcare disparities, the significant threats posed by current federal policies, and the urgent need for advocacy and coalition building. Dr. Moaton's insights and lived experiences highlight the relentless fight for trans rights, healthcare equity, and the importance of acknowledging humanity in healthcare decisions. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about innovation, equity, and the resilience required to confront these pressing social issues. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 01:21 Personal Disclosure and Health Update 02:13 Introducing Dr. Tatyana Moaton 03:02 Dr. Moaton's Background and Journey 04:43 San Francisco Community Health Center's Mission 07:13 Trans Thrive Program and Services 10:03 Challenges Faced by Trans Communities 25:27 Violence Against Trans Women 26:42 Systematic Erasure and Advocacy 29:43 Contradictions in Gender Affirming Care 33:06 A Harrowing Story from the Ballroom Community 33:51 The Impact of Federal Policies on Trans Services 36:57 Executive Orders and Community Health Center's Response 37:50 Navigating Federal Funding Restrictions 39:03 The Importance of Gender Affirming Care 40:57 Challenges and Misconceptions Around Trans Rights 53:19 ICE and Immigration Issues 57:09 The Fight for Trans Rights and Community Support 01:02:38 Call to Action and Conclusion Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Visit and Support the San Francisco Community Health Center https://www.sfcommunityhealth.org https://www.facebook.com/SFCommunityHealth https://www.instagram.com/sfcommunityhealth https://youtube.com/@sfcommunityhealth https://bsky.app/profile/sfcommunityhealth.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/1387878 Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.

In this episode of 'A Shot in The Arm Podcast,' host Ben Plumley reconnects with his longtime friend and colleague, Andy Seale from the World Health Organization. The conversation spans decades of their personal and professional journeys across global health, with a primary focus on HIV, TB, and malaria. Ben and Andy discuss the challenges and triumphs of their work, including Andy's experience with HIV diagnosis and the global fight against pandemics such as Ebola. They also tackle critical issues like WHO’s evolving role in global health, the impacts of reduced funding, and the necessity for integration with broader policy fields like security and economics. The transcript also reveals Andy as an enthusiastic fan of Taylor Swift, humorously contrasting with Ben’s musical preferences. The episode highlights past collaborations, current challenges, and the future of global health in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 01:43 A Special Guest: Andy Seale 02:42 The ERAS Tour: Reflecting on the Past 04:08 Growing Up During the HIV Epidemic 05:31 Early Careers and Professional Crossroads 09:48 Community and Personal Impact of HIV 20:53 Transition to Global Health Initiatives 23:54 Responding to Health Emergencies 29:51 The Role of Media and Communication 37:05 The Massive Effort and Global Fund 41:33 A Murder Mystery at the UN 42:29 Golden Era of Epidemic Responses 42:55 Roles and Contributions in UNAIDS and Global Fund 44:21 Challenges and Changes in Global Health 45:36 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Strategy 47:03 Integration and Sustainability in Health Services 51:19 Reflections on Global Health and WHO's Role 56:56 The Future of Global Health and Security 01:17:30 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Ben's Colon, Meet Cancer Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW7yagTEtywrzqAXsYp8gYw3LJpjcnnSB Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.

Ben’s journey of battling stage four colorectal cancer with chemotherapy brings him to a fairly predictable pit stop; what significance does faith have in spiritual and physical care? , Whether its unravelling deeper issues of self-acceptance and self-faith., the episode explores faith from various perspectives, including personal conviction and religious doctrine, questioning the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing God amidst the presence of widespread suffering. The psychological and spiritual impacts of cancer treatment are discussed, including the what may be a gradual transition from atheism to an almost agnostic faith as a coping mechanism. The episode concludes with an update on treatment progress and a contemplation on the broader implications of faith, love, and legacy. This wee’s t shirt is from St. Javelin, a Ukrainian-based clothier. Find out more about them at www.saintjavelin.com 00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Faith 00:17 A Lunch With A Pop Star Gone Awry 03:47 Reflections on Faith and Self-Esteem 04:51 Chemotherapy Update 06:23 Exploring the Concept of Faith 08:30 Faith in the Context of Cancer 10:33 Religious Perspectives on Faith 19:30 Personal Reflections and Legacy 22:35 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

It’s a Paul Revere moment, “RFK Junior is coming!” Ben is joined by author and journalist Emily Bass and UCSF Professor Eric Goosby, co-host of the Global Health Diplomats podcast to diagnose and propose solutions to the Trump Administration’s assault on US public health. From the hollowing out of the CDC, to vaccine skepticism at the heart of the federal leadership, and savage, unconstitutional cuts to public health home and abroad, they delve into the broader ramifications of these attacks on scientific integrity, US democracy and security. They round upon what could be profoundly damaging political consequences, particularly for Republicans, if the health of their voters’ children and elderly relatives is put directly at risk by this willful dismantling of US public health services. And in conclusion, Ben, Eric and Emily explore how to support the emerging regional health coalitions of states, cities and professional bodies to fill the gap. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:50 Recent Developments in Global Health 02:08 Legal Challenges and Public Health Implications 03:18 Impact on Democracy and Public Health 12:04 Interview with Eric Goosby 14:27 Concerns About CDC and Public Health Surveillance 19:36 Future of Public Health and Science 34:46 Potential Solutions and Local Efforts 39:09 Coalitions and Surveillance Systems 44:23 Challenges in Public Health Funding 48:24 The Role of Philanthropy in Public Health 50:37 Political Ramifications and Public Health 56:22 Vaccine Misinformation and Public Trust 58:27 Accountability in Public Health Leadership 01:04:33 COVID Variants and Vaccination Strategies 01:10:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections Emily’s Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 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

As Ben starts his first chemotherapy cycle, he explores the controversial yet essential role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. He looks at its historical roots and tries to understand the scientific mechanisms of various chemotherapies. He shares an intimate look at the highs and lows of his first cycle of treatment, the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, as well as the physical and emotional aspects of cancer therapy. Ben’s t-shirt this week celebrates the Ukrainian Alliance for Public Health. You can find out more about the Alliance and how you can help at https://aph.org.ua/en/home 00:00 Introduction and Preface 00:45 The Origins of Chemotherapy 02:33 Personal Experience with Chemotherapy 04:30 The Chemotherapy Process 07:25 Side Effects and Challenges 11:15 Living with Chemotherapy 17:25 Understanding Chemotherapy 22:16 The Vagal Response Incident 28:20 Conclusion and Acknowledgements 💬 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

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley discusses the Kigali International AIDS Society Conference with guests Solange Baptiste from ITPC and Rosemary Mburu from WACI Health. They explore the importance of community voices in global health innovations, the challenges of funding cuts, and the significance of long-acting antiretroviral therapies. Additionally, they touch upon the roles of UNAIDS and the Global Fund, advanced HIV disease, and the critical need for prioritizing global health and HIV funding. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:16 Kigali International AIDS Society Conference Overview 00:40 Community Involvement and Clinical Trials 00:51 Introducing the Guests: Solange Baptiste and Rosemary Mburu 02:13 Discussion on the Kigali AIDS Conference 04:48 Challenges and Strategies in Global Health Funding 11:32 Community Leadership and Global Health Architecture 14:54 UNAIDS and Global Fund Presence at the Conference 26:00 Scientific Innovations and Long-Acting Treatments 31:59 Integration and Efficiency in Global Health 35:15 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

In this special episode of the podcast, host Yvette Raphael and a panel of young female advocates take over the discussion at the IAS 2025 held in Kigali, Rwanda. The episode features insightful conversations with Sinehlanhla Gogela, Sihle Magwentshu, Siviwe Gaika, who are active members of the Young Women's HIV Prevention Council and ground forces with the organization APA. The panel discusses the impact of recent funding cuts on HIV prevention efforts, their experiences in promoting HIV awareness, and the importance of community engagement. They also highlight promising developments in HIV prevention, including the introduction of the long-lasting injectable Lenacapavir and the dual prevention pill (DPP). The advocates express their hopes for the future and the need for continued support and funding to sustain their vital work. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Meet the Guests 01:44 Impact of Funding Cuts 05:50 Conference Highlights and Key Takeaways 09:57 Future of HIV Prevention 16:30 The Role of Ground Forces 20:42 Closing Remarks and Celebrations 💬 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

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, co-founder of the Global Listening Project, and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, managing director of Yemaya Health Advisory. Recorded in during IAS 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the discussion centers on the essential contributions of faith leaders to global health, particularly in engaging communities and influencing public health decisions. The episode explores findings from the Global Listening Project's studies in Kenya and Nigeria, highlighting the deep trust communities place in faith leaders and the necessity of including them in health initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the need for health professionals to rethink their engagement strategies with faith communities, the role of digital technologies, and the importance of co-creating health solutions with faith leaders. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Meet the Guests: Professor Heidi Larson and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo 00:35 The Role of Faith Leaders in Global Health 02:20 Insights from the Global Listening Project 03:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Engaging Faith Leaders 05:17 Deep Listening Techniques and Findings 07:49 Faith Leaders' Perspectives on Health Issues 09:53 The Importance of Trust and Engagement 19:11 Digital Technologies and Faith Communities 24:27 Future Directions and Final Thoughts 28:30 Closing Remarks and Thanks 💬 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