Higher Education with Dr. B Fran

Are you ready for a brand-new episode of Higher Education with Dr. BFran, this one will be a little long but absolutely worth it. Dr. BFran is joined by Dr. Tiffany Joseph, Associate Professor of Sociology and expert on health care in the U.S., to discuss the history, complexity, current cuts, and future of health care in the U.S. Significant portions of the population was able to gain access to health care after the Affordable Care Act and subsidies for the marketplace, but the One Big Beautiful Act has challenged it all. Imagine deciding between increasing gas prices and increasing premiums due to major cuts from the federal government. This episode begins with how the U.S healthcare system came to be after World War 2 and takes us all the way to what to expect in 2027. Together we talked about whether the ACA did what is was supposed to do, how anti-immigrant sentiment expedited the dismantling of healthcare infrastructure, the inevitable disparities gap that will widen due to lack of coverage, and how states will suffer due to a lost in federal funding. We further the conversation about how money is being taken directly from social safety nets to put more ICE agents on the street. We can no longer afford to stay quiet. What happens when the public health infrastructure is dismantled and health insurance is unavailable. Join the conversation because our health literally depends on it. Book: Not All In: Race, Immigration, and Health Care Exclusion in the Age of Obamacare, also at AmazonOp-ed: We Are All Immigrants Now: One Big Beautiful Bill Act Decimates Healthcare Access for All but a Privileged FewFor more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready for a brand-new episode of Higher Education with Dr. BFran, where today’s conversation will tug on both your heart and mind. Dr. BFran is joined by Koiwah Koi-Larbi, the executive director of Action on Pre-eclampsia Ghana and 4x Preeclampsia survivor, to discuss the development, diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) across the world. HDPS is not just another pregnancy complication, it is among the leading causes of maternal mortality, increases risk for cesearean section, infant mortality, stroke, and cardiovascular disease later in life. The episode begins by grounding us in her survivorship story of experiencing an HDP from still birth to eclampsia. Together we talked about how limited healthcare infrastructure, cost to families, women not being listened to or informed, social and cultural determinants, and the normalization of preeclampsia symptoms shape the outcomes we see globally. We further the conversation with insights from the first Global Preeclampsia Summit sponsored by the World Health Organization and the launch of the African Preeclampsia Network and their advocacy, clinical, and research efforts. From pain to passion, this episode pushes listeners to learn the signs of HDPs, speak to pregnant people that they know and think about ways to advocate for change. Join the conversation because it’s not just about what we learn its how we use it.Donate to Apec Ghana For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you tuned in? Lock in to this new episode of Higher Education with Dr. BFranDr. BFran sits down with Shahem McLaurin, licensed therapist, founder of an independent mental health agency, and public mental health educator for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about the realities of sexual violence and the systems that allow it to persist. Together, they unpack the mental and physical impacts of sexual violence, the power imbalances woven into our culture, and why community-based solutions are essential for healing and redistributing resources where they’re needed most.Through an intersectional lens, they dive into how race, gender, class, politics, and religion shape the way society understands and often misunderstands sexual violence. They also tackle the growing visibility of the manosphere alongside cuts to programs addressing child trafficking and sexual violence, making this discussion more timely and urgent than ever.From history and policy to power and reproductive justice, this episode challenges listeners to think deeper, ask harder questions, and imagine what real change could look like.Tap in, stay informed, and join the conversation because it isn’t just about what we learn, it’s about what we’re willing to confront.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Higher Education with Dr. B Fran, Dr. B Fran is joined by Zil Audi-Poquillon, a Kenyan health economist studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Join us for a timely conversation unpacking the new America First Global Health Strategy. Together, they break down how this deal came to be in the face of WHO and USAID funding cuts, what is at risk if countries do not agree to the terms, how this fits into America’s goals of security and prosperity, and the power of collective bargaining. But this conversation goes deeper. Through a global lens, they explore how these bi-lateral agreements could significantly impact overall economic development for many African countries and be replicated across Latin America and the Caribbean. Shifting health outcomes, data, innovation and technologies globally. Given the swift dismantling of public health infrastructure globally, deals like this prime a shift from public health to private health. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that connects health, policy, and power revealing what’s at stake in the ongoing fight for global health equity.America First Global Health StrategyRubio ClipLSE Global HealthFor more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 2 of Higher Ed with Dr. B Fran, Dr. B Fran is joined by Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens for a powerful and timely conversation unpacking Project 2026, also known as the Saving America by Saving the Family report. Together, they break down the report’s push around family structure, marriage, and reproductive policies aimed at increasing birth rates under the banner of “American values.”But this conversation goes deeper. Through an intersectional lens, they explore how race, gender, class, and political and religious ideologies shape policies like these and draw striking parallels to reproductive control during the era of enslavement. As similar frameworks gain traction in shaping legislation in the U.S. and beyond, understanding their origins and implications has never been more urgent.Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that connects history, policy, and power revealing what’s at stake in the ongoing fight for reproductive justice.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 3 of our deep dive into Project 2025, we’re turning our attention to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—and what’s at stake as powerful forces push to reshape it. Fresh off the confirmation of CMS’s 17th Administrator, we’re already seeing the outlines of a radical shift: one that proposes over $800 billion in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP over the next decade.Framed as “fiscal responsibility,” these proposed changes are more than just budget adjustments—they're an ideological attack on the health care safety net that millions rely on. And it doesn’t stop there. The plan outlines sweeping restrictions on access to reproductive health care, slashes funding for Planned Parenthood, and seeks to eliminate support for gender-affirming care for trans people.In this episode, Dr. B Fran breaks down what these proposed reforms mean for public health. From defunding care to redefining who gets to be healthy, Project 2025 threatens to undo decades of progress in health equity and social justice. Let’s talk about the policies, the politics, and why this moment demands our full attention.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dig into Chapter 14 of Project 2025, a sweeping conservative blueprint for reshaping the Department of Health and Human Services. From the CDC to the FDA, the document outlines a radical restructuring of federal health agencies—one that could fundamentally shift the nation’s public health priorities. Dr. B Fran unpacks the goals laid out in the plan, starting with proposed changes to the CDC, and explore the potential impact on health equity, science, and trust in public health systems. While much has already shifted since this recording, this episode serves as a living resource for public health professionals, medical practitioners, and advocates to understand what's at stake—and how we can collectively respond. This is more than policy—it's about the future of health justice globally. For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homelessness isn’t just an issue of the present—it’s the result of decades of policy decisions that continue to shape who has access to stable housing and who doesn’t. In this episode of higher education with Dr. B Fran, we are joined by Dr. Margaret Sullivan to we break down the structural determinants of homelessness, from outdated policies still in use today to the communities most at risk, including LGBTQ+ youth and people with chronic illnesses. We explore how past housing policies, designed to reduce homelessness and increase homeownership, were steeped in racial discrimination—and how those same patterns are playing out again today. From redlining in the 1930s to today’s rising housing costs and displacement, the same structural barriers that led to mass homelessness during the Great Depression are resurfacing and health inequities in this population will surely follow.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Higher Education with Dr. B Fran, we delve into the escalating battle for reproductive rights in the United States and the complex intersection of politics, healthcare, and personal autonomy with Dr. Elizabeth Janiak. From the ongoing challenges women face in accessing safe abortion care to the alarming political changes under the current administration, we explore the implications of these policies and their impact on marginalized communities, especially Black and low-income women. We discuss critical topics like the halt on maternal health research, the historical significance of the Comstock Act, what happens when these services are limited and how abortion bans could increase maternal mortality. We also discuss the documentary AKA Jane Roe, where the woman behind the infamous Roe v. Wade case reveals the extent to which political movements, particularly the evangelical right, have influenced the fight over abortion rights. Through personal stories, expert insights, and a deep dive into the political landscape, this episode reveals the dangerous consequences of restricting reproductive healthcare access and the power of collective action to protect reproductive rights.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Higher Education of Dr. B Fran, we explore the far-reaching public health consequences of genocide, viewed through the lens of the structural determinants of health framework. Our guest is Dr. Sawsan Abdulrahim, a professor at the American University of Beirut and the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Dr. Abdulrahim brings a personal, academic, and historical perspective as she examines the ongoing health impacts of displacement on Palestinian communities—focusing on women and children who bear the brunt of both physical and psychological trauma.Through candid discussion, we explore how the legacy of the Nakba and contemporary instances of genocide continues to shape the health outcomes of Palestinian families today. From malnutrition and inadequate healthcare to trauma and chronic stress, the episode delves into how these health burdens transcend generations, affecting entire communities.As families continue to be displaced and migrate throughout the region, what are the long-term implications for public health? How do migration patterns, forced displacement, and violence intersect with issues of access to care, mental health, and community well-being? Join us as we unpack the intersection of genocide, displacement, and public health—and why the health of a people is intrinsically linked to the social and political structures that shape their world.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what really shapes our health beyond doctor visits and diet charts? Tune in to this new episode in this podclass where Dr. B Fran dives into the fascinating world of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)—the often-overlooked yet critical factors that influence health outcomes and drive health inequities. Spoiler alert: it’s way bigger than you think! Dr. B Fran breaks down the five key domains of SDoH—economic stability, educational access and quality, social and community context, health care access and quality, and neighborhood and built environment. But here’s the twist: these aren’t just isolated factors. They’re a tightly interconnected web that profoundly impacts every aspect of our health. And not everyone experiences them equally. Marginalization and oppression ensure that some communities bear the brunt of health disparities, globally and right here in the U.S.This episode doesn’t just highlight the problems—it’s a call to action. Dr. B Fran explores how our healthcare systems often fall into the trap of blaming individuals for their health challenges without recognizing the larger, systemic forces at work. If you’re a public health pro, medical practitioner, or just someone passionate about health justice, you’ll leave with the tools and insights to start questioning: What role do you play in addressing these inequities? And what can we all do to push for real systems-level change?Tune in for an engaging, eyes, ears, nose, knees and toe, a whole body-opening discussion that challenges the way we think about health, responsibility, and equity. It’s time to shift the focus from individual blame to systemic solutions. Let’s rethink health together!For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a powerful eye and ear-opening episode! Dr. BFran welcomes Dr. Monik Botero from the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health to dive into a topic that doesn’t often get enough attention: the deep links between mass incarceration and health outcomes. But this isn’t your typical academic chat—both Dr. BFran and Dr. Botero bring a unique, deeply personal perspective to the conversation. As children of formerly incarcerated parents, they share their lived experiences, weaving personal stories with expert insights to paint a vivid picture of how policies and systemic issues impact families and communities.Join them for an unfiltered, engaging discussion that goes beyond stats and studies. Together, they break down how structural determinants of health create barriers not just for those incarcerated but for their loved ones, affecting everything from health and family dynamics to opportunities for a thriving future. You’ll hear heart-wrenching stories, thoughtful analysis, and a hopeful vision for change that makes this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about social justice, public health, and real-world solutions.Tune in for an episode that’s both inspiring and enlightening—a conversation that just might change the way you see the ripple effects of mass incarceration on health and well-being.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why isn’t Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” considered country music? And what could that have to do with COVID-19, the opioid crisis, and redlining? In this BUCKIIN’ episode, Dr. B Fran is joined by Dr. Tori Cowger from the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University to uncover the hidden threads and global connections between music, segregation, and health inequality. Part I takes a deep dive into the roots of segregation in United States, exploring how it continues to shape our lives in surprising and often invisible ways. Through the lens of Beyoncé’s exclusion from the country music genre, we examine how segregation—whether residential, racial, or occupational—creates unequal access to health services, education, safe neighborhoods, and even jobs.Join us as we ring the alarm on the status quo and unravel how these systemic barriers are not just cultural but critical drivers of health disparities for marginalized communities. This isn’t just a conversation about music—it’s about the deep, ongoing connections between exclusion and health across the world.For more from Dr. Brittney Francis:Tik Tok Instagram PublicationsProduced by Peoples Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.