Contagious Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

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Contagious Conversations

CDC Foundation

Science

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/39d. Total Eps: 58

Curious about the people who are making the world healthier and safer for us all, and what set them on that path? Get inspired as the CDC Foundation interviews experts who share their unique perspectives on today’s toughest health challenges, such as antibiotic resistance, global disease outbreaks, health equality and more.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
19/08/2026
#76
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
18/08/2026
#82
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
17/08/2026
#100
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
10/07/2026
#71
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
09/07/2026
#96
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
06/07/2026
#95
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
05/07/2026
#80
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
03/07/2026
#93
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
02/07/2026
#67
🇺🇸 USA - lifeSciences
24/06/2026
#97

Spotify

No recent rankings available

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https://www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations
30 shares
https://www.cdcfoundation.org/
26 shares
http://www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations
23 shares

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Latest published episodes

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48. The Costs of Getting Sick

Episode 48

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 • Duration 20:20

Have you ever asked yourself what routine auto repairs can teach us about how we think of our investment in public health? Listen in on our latest Contagious Conversations podcast as host Claire Stinson uncovers the answers and details how quick action quashed a recent outbreak of an illness long considered to be eliminated in the United States.

In this episode, “The Costs of Getting Sick,” we explore the overlap between public health and the health of our economy with guests Dr. Dan Filardo of CDC, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and Dr. Alexander Sloboda of the Chicago Department of Public Health. Join us!

Episode Quotes

“Obviously, the rash, the fever, cough, red, itchy eyes, runny nose are the symptoms commonly you get with measles, but it can also be very dangerous, and it can be deadly sometimes.”

— Dr. Alexander Sloboda, Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Chicago Department of Public Health

“Because this case was in a large congregate setting, we were really in communication with Chicago right off the bat, anticipating that there might be an outbreak.”

— Dr. Dan Filardo, a medical officer with CDC’s measles team

“You have outbreaks in schools with these vaccine-preventable diseases, you interrupt education substantially. Now, what's the cost of that? What does that mean? What happens when kids fall behind? What happens when the teachers can't teach? And, unfortunately, we don't have a lot of these things qualified or quantified in terms of what they really mean, economically.”

— Dr. Michael Osterholm, author and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

Thanks to Our Guests

Dr. Dan Filardo, a medical officer with the measles team at CDC

Dr. Alexander Sloboda of the Chicago Department of Public Health

Dr. Michael Osterholm, author and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy

For more information and full episode transcripts, go to Contagious Conversations.

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47. A Look Back at 2023's Most Contagious Conversations

Episode 47

Friday, December 1, 2023 • Duration 11:23

Host Claire Stinson welcomes you to a special year-end episode of Contagious Conversations focused on highlights from the 2023 season! Listen to selections from the year’s episodes on topics as diverse as heath threats facing Black women; training the next generation of public health professionals; and the respiratory triple threat posed by COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Highlights featured include the groundbreaking vaccination approach that led to the eradication of smallpox in 1980; how investigators zeroed in on the cause of an outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of pseudomonas aeruginosa found in contaminated eye drops; the health threats most common to women, and the particular challenges faced by Black women; a conversation with new CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen; and more.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Drs. Bill Foege and Mark Rosenberg codeveloped a project called “Becoming Better Ancestors: Nine Lessons to Change the World”. Dr. Foege talks about his inspiration for this project.

[3:09] Dr. Laura Evans discusses the triple threat of COVID-19, influenza and RSV, and shares with the audience her thoughts on how to stay healthy and the importance of vaccines against respiratory threats.

[4:37] April was National Minority Health Month and for that occasion Dr. Judy Monroe spoke with Dr. Melody McCloud, an Atlanta-based obstetrician/gynecologist, who shared her insight into the most common health threats women face.

[6:22] CDC epidemiologist Dr. Danielle Rankin talks about her role investigating the cause of the outbreak of a drug resistant strain of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

[7:21] CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen speaks with Dr. Judy Monroe about the experience she brings to her position and CDC’s priorities going forward.

[8:59] Drs. Ezekiel Emanuel and Jerome Adams discuss hypertension in America and the risks it poses to almost half of U.S. adults. In this episode, Dr. Adams highlights the ethnic inequities in diagnosing and controlling this silent killer.

38. A Respiratory Triple Threat

Episode 38

Friday, March 3, 2023 • Duration 27:12

You've probably heard a lot recently about the so-called "tridemic" or "tripledemic." This concurrent impact of COVID-19, influenza and RSV introduced major challenges to our public health system...but taught major lessons, too.

David Snyder, director of content for the CDC Foundation, is your guest host for today’s episode. He's joined by Dr. Laura Evans, a professor in the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Washington and medical director of critical care at the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Evans also serves as the principal investigator of the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness study—known as SARI Prep—supported by the CDC Foundation as a way to provide better clinical care and treatment for those with severe respiratory illness.

In this episode, David and Laura discuss the recent tridemic of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as the origins, purpose and impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness study.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] Dr. Evans talks about the unique and remarkable event of the recent tridemic.

[3:22] How does an acute respiratory infectious disease affect the life of someone infected?

[5:18] Dr. Evans talks about what lessons we have learned from seasonal influenza.

[6:07] What barriers do we face in educating people about the health risks of respiratory infections?

[8:08] Dr. Evans explains how COVID affects every aspect of our society.

[8:45] Dr. Evans speaks of the origins of the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness study.

[11:33] What are the main goals of the study?

[14:18] Dr. Evans shares the importance of remembering that patient care doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it occurs within a healthcare system.

37. Nine Lessons for the Next Generation

Episode 37

Friday, February 3, 2023 • Duration 33:44

What lessons can we learn from public health victories like the eradication of smallpox? How can we expand those lessons to the fight against non-infectious diseases, too? And how can each of us become a better ancestor to the generations to come?

This episode is hosted by Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, in conversation with Dr. Bill Foege and Dr. Mark Rosenberg.

Dr. Foege is a renowned physician and epidemiologist well known for his contributions to the eradication of smallpox in the late 1970s. A former CDC director, Dr. Foege has spent his career championing the science and management of vaccines and vaccination.

Dr. Mark Rosenberg is a physician-scientist trained in infectious diseases, psychiatry and public health, who served as the founding director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and as the U.S. assistant surgeon general. From 2000-2016, Dr. Rosenberg was president and CEO of The Task Force for Global Health, which was instrumental in providing people in the developing world with greater access to vaccines and critical medicines.

Through The Center of Global Health Innovation, Dr. Foege and Dr. Rosenberg codeveloped a project called “Becoming Better Ancestors™: 9 Lessons to Change the World,” dedicated to solving global health concerns and creating positive change for future generations.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

1:45] Dr. Foege speaks about the nine lessons he learned from eradicating smallpox.

[5:44] Were these lessons applied to the public health response to COVID-19?

[8:51] Dr. Rosenberg shares why he advocates for global health collaboration in his project Becoming Better Ancestors™.

[9:34] The five essential parts of forming a successful coalition.

36. Creatively Combating Antimicrobial Resistance

Episode 36

Friday, January 6, 2023 • Duration 26:44

How can creative messaging and the arts help people better understand issues around antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance? Our guests discuss the power of art to promote public health and protective behaviors, as well as the power of patient advocacy in raising awareness about these issues.

This episode is hosted by Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, in conversation with Dr. Meghan Perry and Ella Balasa. Dr. Perry is an infectious disease physician in the Scottish National Health Service and a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Her experience with infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance sparked the idea for a musical titled "The Mold That Changed the World," which details the life of Dr. Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin. Ella has endured a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis and has experienced lung infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Her journey led her to become a patient advocate for cystic fibrosis.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:54] Dr. Perry shares how she became involved in the production of “The Mold that Changed the World.”

[5:20] Dr. Perry talks about the story within the story of Alexander Fleming’s groundbreaking discovery.

[6:06] Ella talks about her journey as a patient with cystic fibrosis.

[10:16] Dr. Perry talks about the innovative therapies in the field of antimicrobial resistance.

[14:55] What unique opportunities do the arts present for public health messaging?

[17:21] Ella talks about becoming a patient advocate.

[21:18] Does Ella think that medical professionals can better communicate to the public the threats posed by anti-microbial resistance and how to avoid contributing to the problem?

35. A Prescription of Nutrition

Episode 35

Friday, December 2, 2022 • Duration 23:56

Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, is your special host for today’s episode, as we discuss nutrition, medicine and public health with Dr. Thea James and Dr. Elizabeth Petelin... starting with a mystery clinical case that at first seems straight out of the 18th century.

Dr. James is an associate professor at the Boston Medical Center, vice president of mission, associate chief medical officer and co-executive director of the Health Equity Accelerator. Dr. James also serves on the board of Community Servings, an organization that engages communities to provide scratch-made, medically tailored meals to individuals and their families experiencing critical or chronic illness and nutrition insecurity. Dr. Petelin is in her third year of residency in the Family Medicine Residency Program at MercyOne in Des Moines, IA, and has a background in kinesiology.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:40] Dr. Petelin talks about an unusual medical case and how her team ultimately made the diagnosis.

[4:44] How does an illness more closely associated with the 18th century arise today?

[6:19] Dr. James speaks of the importance of proper diet and nutrition in the overall health of the patients she sees in her practice.

[8:42] How do Dr. James and her colleagues work with patients to address nutrition issues?

[10:46] What kind of exposure to the connection between diet, nutrition and overall patient health did Dr. Petelin have when she was a medical student? How much did she learn about social determinants of health?

[13:31] How much exposure to the public health system did Dr. Petelin have before her residency? 

[15:31] Dr. James talks about how Community Servings work.

[19:12] How can we do a better job educating medical students on the importance of nutrition?

34. Young Leaders Take Action on Climate and Health

Episode 34

Friday, November 4, 2022 • Duration 22:47

In our latest episode, we discuss the gaps that exist in today’s healthcare systems around climate change and health, and what young people in particular are doing to bridge those gaps.

Our guests today are Hazel Rogers and Ben Rabin. Hazel is the assistant director of patient experience and cultural transformation at Mt. Sinai Morningside in New York, where she advocates for patients and employees on issues of health, equity and inclusion. Ben is a fifth-year medical student at Atlanta’s Emory University, and has worked closely with faculty and other students to make climate change a formal part of the Emory Medical School curriculum.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:38] What prompted Ben to take action on the health impacts of climate change?

[2:51] When did Ben get involved in shortening the gap between medical training and the impact of climate change on health?

[3:57] What training would better prepare medical students for the health impacts of climate change?

[5:25] What factors enabled Ben and his peers succeed?

[7:29] Hazel talks about her role at Mount Sinai.

[8:30] What is the biggest climate health threat facing the communities Hazel works with?

[9:49] Did the pandemic bring to light particular disparities in the community Mount Sinai serves?

[12:22] Hazel discusses getting involved with the community and knowing more about them to better serve their needs.

[13:31] How does Ben envision better aligning the public health and clinical care systems to tackle the health impacts of climate change together?

[15:26] Ben discusses reframing the climate change conversation from one of economics to one of health?

33. What to Know About Monkeypox

Episode 33

Friday, October 7, 2022 • Duration 20:10

This month, we're talking monkeypox: what is it, what CDC is doing to tackle the outbreak and what challenges face future disease responses.

Our guest expert is Jennifer McQuiston, DVM, the deputy director of the Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology within the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. As a veterinarian, Dr. McQuiston specializes in outbreak investigation and research involving diseases that spread from animals to people. She believes that helping people understand how to prevent disease is her most important job, and has dedicated her career to turning science into easy-to-understand disease detection and prevention strategies to keep both people and animals healthy and active.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] Dr. McQuiston talks about her role at CDC.

[2:33] What is monkeypox and how is it transmitted?

[3:56] What is CDC doing to address the monkeypox outbreak?

[5:21] Dr. McQuiston talks about her work with contact tracing and how the vaccination program started in the US.

[6:42] How is CDC dealing with the challenges of facing another disease outbreak with people experiencing COVID fatigue?

[8:11] Are there learnings from the COVID response that have helped with the monkeypox response?

[10:07] Dr. McQuiston talks about the stigma that certain populations are facing.

[12:41] Dr. McQuiston addresses the importance of partnerships in the monkeypox response.

[15:39] What are the biggest challenges ahead for the next disease outbreak response?

[17:19] Dr. McQuiston gives advice to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in public health.

Special Edition: International Podcast Day 2022

Friday, September 30, 2022 • Duration 06:58

In honor of International Podcast Day, we're releasing a bonus episode that takes a look back at some of our most memorable Contagious Conversations episodes from 2022!

Whether you're new to our podcast and curious what we're all about, or a long-time listener interested in a quick recap of the year, tune in for a retrospective on some of the fascinating discussions on public health we've been having lately.

(For a full transcript of today's episode and more, visit cdcfoundation.org/conversations.)

Contagious Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Apple Podcasts

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Contagious Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other49

Amazon2

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other49

Amazon2

Twitter2