Callie Means, CEO of TruMed and co-author of the book Good Energy, discusses the partnership between RFK Jr. and Donald Trump in addressing childhood chronic disease. Means explains how he saw an alignment between Trump and RFK Jr. in their concern for childhood chronic disease and decided to bring them together. He emphasizes the need to address the corruption and conflicts of interest in the scientific guidelines and medical industry that contribute to the increasing rates of chronic disease. Means also highlights the importance of questioning the current system and finding solutions that prioritize the health of children. Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also follow the show on X and visit our website for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review on your preferred platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable content. Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode and join the discussion by tagging us on social media with the hashtag #DCEKG. Let's work together to make a difference! Resources Mentioned: Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Health and Metabolism by Casey Means & Calley Means TrueMed

In this riveting episode of DC EKG, we sit down with Yuval Levin, a leading voice in American constitutional thought and the author of the newly released book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again. Levin delves deep into the origins and evolution of the U.S. Constitution, offering a fresh perspective on its role in fostering unity across a diverse nation. Resources: Yuval Levin’s New Book: American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation and Could Again – Available now on Amazon. Don’t miss out on this essential read that reexamines the promise of American constitutionalism. Learn More About Yuval Levin: For more insights into Levin’s work and his impact on constitutional studies, visit his profile at AEI.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Bardosh to explore the profound impacts of COVID-19 policies on society. From the harms of social distancing and lockdowns to the ethical dilemmas posed by vaccine mandates, Dr. Bardosh provides a comprehensive analysis of the balance between individual rights and public health needs. We also delve into the ideology driving current public health policies and discuss necessary reforms. Finally, we examine the WHO's proposed Pandemic Treaty and the broader implications for global health governance.

In a special DC EKG flashback episode, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the director of Stanford's Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging. Jay tells the sad and painful story of how the government, big tech, and academia conspired to suppress voices. Blacklisting at Twitter, ruined careers, and zero tolerance for questioning use of masks on children, the efficacy of vaccines, and lockdowns. The federal government's implied and real threats to ensure censorship. and the terrible price price paid that will echo through generations. Dr. Jay shares ideas on how to restore public trust and improve the scientific community. You can also see this interview on our YouTube page here: https://youtu.be/8HBeapB0nws

In this episode of DC EKG, Dr. Marty Makary uncovers the alarming truth behind some of modern medicine's most significant blunders, revealing how medical groupthink has caused widespread harm. From the surge in peanut allergies due to misguided recommendations to the dire consequences of opioid misinformation, he exposes the hubris of the medical establishment and its failings. Additionally, he delves into the recent congressional inquiry on deleted COVID-19 emails, highlighting where medicine faltered and emphasizing the critical need for transparency in healthcare. -LINKS- Support the show: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FDCEKGpodcast Support Dr. Makary: https://x.com/martymakary?lang=en Pre-order new book BLIND SPOTS now

Join hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland on DC EKG as they delve into the complexities of health economics in America with special guest Ben Ippolito. In this episode, they explore the skyrocketing prices of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and discuss the potential for Medicare coverage. Ben Ippolito sheds light on the current prohibition against Medicare covering weight loss drugs, the shift from viewing obesity as a cosmetic issue to recognizing it as a clinical outcome, and the high out-of-pocket expenses people are willing to pay. Ben also examines the business implications for pharmaceutical companies if Medicare covers these drugs, the impact of price caps under the IRA, and the competitive challenges new market entrants face. --LINKS-- Follow DC EKG: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast Follow Ben: https://twitter.com/ben_ippolito

In this episode of DC EKG, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland sit down with John C. Goodman, renowned as the "father of the health savings account" by The Wall Street Journal. As the President of the Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research and a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, Goodman sheds light on the transformative power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in the realm of healthcare. During the discussion, Goodman delves into the essence of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and their pivotal role in empowering patients by giving them the autonomy to allocate their healthcare spending according to their needs and preferences. The conversation extends to exploring the potential Republican healthcare plan, with a particular focus on the advantages of portable insurance and how it can enhance healthcare access and flexibility for individuals. Moreover, Goodman provides insights into proposed changes to HSAs, highlighting their potential to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for a broader segment of the population. Additionally, the episode touches upon the emergence of concierge doctors and their significance in the evolving healthcare landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of patient-centered healthcare delivery. -LINKS- Support the show: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast Follow Dr. Goodman: https://twitter.com/DrJohnCGoodman Pre-order Dr. Goodman's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1598133179/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_uTrYFbQ7HAM7A

In this episode of DC EKG, former United States Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tevy Troy, delves into the troubling rise of anti-Semitic and anti-American protests on college campuses. With a keen eye on historical context, Troy offers invaluable insights into the roots of these movements and their implications for the future. Additionally, he sheds light on the unexpected consequences of elite colleges prioritizing traits like progressive activism in their admissions processes, sparking a provocative discussion on the evolving landscape of higher education. Support the show: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast Follow Tevy: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Miller, a Family Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing burnout within the healthcare industry and streamlining administrative processes. Dr. Miller highlights the regulatory burdens across various healthcare services and their impact on the well-being of doctors and nurses. We discuss how AI can enhance the efficiency of healthcare professionals, enabling them to focus more on high-value patient care while navigating risk aversion and regulatory barriers that have hindered innovation in the field. Drawing parallels with the FCC, Dr. Miller suggests how the FDA could facilitate data portability and centralization to drive innovation in healthcare. Furthermore, we delve into how AI holds promise in alleviating the burnout epidemic among healthcare workers, offering solutions to improve their work-life balance. Dr. Miller also explains how AI implementation can lead to cost savings within the healthcare system and empower FDA regulators to provide more value in pharmaceutical oversight, facilitating a shift towards proactive monitoring. Dr. Brian Miller Opinion Articles:  https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/innovation-driven-future-food-and-drug-administration https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/using-artificial-intelligence-to-improve-administrative-process-in-medicaid/ Follow Dr. Miller:  https://twitter.com/DrBrian4Health Register for Health Policy and the 2024 Election Event:  https://www.aei.org/events/health-policy-and-the-2024-election/ Follow DC EKG:  https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

In this episode of DC EKG, Eric Ueland addresses questions crafted by AI regarding the integration of AI in healthcare, sparked by Nvidia and Hippocratic AI's partnership in developing empathetic health agents. Delving into ethical and regulatory considerations, Eric examines the implications of AI's role in healthcare staffing, patient care, and the balance between cost-efficiency and quality of care. -Links- Follow Eric: https://twitter.com/realeu4u?lang=en  Follow DC EKG:  https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

In this episode of DC EKG, former HHS policy staffer now activist Judy Stecker shares her deeply personal journey advocating for her son Wheeler, who suffers from a rare genetic disease. Peeling back the layers of FDA bureaucracy, Judy exposes the rigid, bureaucratic structure that obstructs access to life-changing medications. We discuss the stringent regulations that hinder innovation, ethical considerations surrounding clinical trials, the impact of Operation Warp Speed on expediting procedures, as well as invaluable insights on fostering broader accessibility to groundbreaking treatments. -Links- Judy’s WSJ article:  https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fda-could-help-save-my-son-from-a-rare-disease-bureaucracy-efficacy-7090ac82 Wheeler’s Warriors:  https://wheelerswarriors.org/our-story Follow us:  https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast

Economist and author Jeremy Weber explains to Joe and Eric how numbers and policy aides can avoid mistakes of their academic training. Former lead economist for White House's Council of Economic Advisors writes the must-read book all econ and policy aides to policymakers: Statistics for Public Policy: A Practical Guide to Being Mostly Right (or at Least Respectably Wrong) https://a.co/d/bkVxHSH

In this special DC EKG rerun, Victoria Coates—former advisor to Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld and coauthor of his memoir Known and Unknown—delivers a critical analysis of the 10/7 terrorist attacks and their impact on Arab-Israeli relations, a dynamic she helped shape during her tenure as Deputy National Security Advisor under President Trump. Coates reveals the current administration's failures in maintaining global peace, its narrow focus on China and climate issues, and the overextension in Ukraine, allowing Iran and Russia to undermine U.S. interests for the sake of their climate agenda

2020 memoir, honorary Emmy and a scrubbing of deadly nursing home death data all added up to an epic undoing of the New York governor. Scarce Covid tests for his family, public resources used for his book, and mounting sexual harassment allegations all tip the scales against the bullying and ambitious Andrew Cuomo. Joe and Eric divine the facts around this complex scandal which ultimately took the lives of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers. Consultant study has been commissioned but lacks independence or subpoena power. The responsibility of public officials is to honestly look at what we did wrong. Will call for a full accounting of the facts gain traction?

Bill shares his deep, first hand knowledge of America’s second largest Medicaid program. The current governor has departed from the historic efforts to rein in the always bloating health system to runaway growth in the program. This episode sets up the second part of this interview, the rise and fall of then governor Andrew Cuomo. Nursing home deaths, suppressed public data, and possible impeachment. 

Joe and Eric geek out over budget and reconciliation details with their guest, Greg D’Angelo; this trifecta of budget experts talk over the $1.8 trillion HHS proposal. If you caught the administration’s Federal Budget news last week, you don’t want to miss these “deep tracks:” HHS delivers their “QFRs” more than a year late (imagine what “single payer” waiting rooms would be like?); rebate rules and expanded ACA; a timid and disappointing administration approach to AI; and what the deep state plans to spend tax dollars allotted for Medicare Rx prices- six times more than was given to set up the entire Obamacare program. 

Eric and Joe invited Art Kleinschmidt back to the program for his expert viewpoint. Art, who after his own recovery, was awarded several advanced degrees, established a clinical practice, and served as the deputy United States “drug czar”, assessed the current opioid crisis. He shares how overdoses under the previous administration were reduced, why the Covid lockdowns shattered that tenuous progress, and how the enabling policies of the current administration have seen deaths increase by nearly 40% and now results in more than 106,000 deaths a year.

Joe and Eric offer their unique insight into what does into the address, a breakdown of the issues you can expect to hear about, and even a few takes on what the White House’s staff may work into the remarks to help their own job searches. Thoughts about how gallery guests are used to illustrate points, ideas about how they will pull off the “breathing room” trope, and the tough job of giving the response, assigned this year to the junior senator from Alabama.

Chris Jones talks with Joe and Eric about the team Gov. Doug Burgum built, the stories of overcoming bureaucracy, and achieving better outcomes for beneficiaries and taxpayers alike. Currently with the think tank Cicero Institute, Chris is sharing how one state was able to deflate cost AND improve health.

Ge Bai, born and raised in China but a US resident for two decades, applies her Michigan State phD in accounting and time at Johns Hopkins to the American health care landscape in a riveting discussion with Joe and Eric. Ge exposes the exploitation of taxpayers by the so-called non-profit hospital system, explores market and policy failures promising spiraling shortages, while shining a light on glimmers of hope for the robust and undeterred problem solving DNA of the American consumer and marketplace.

In the third episode of this three-part discussion, Art shares details on his latest effort to help improve substance abuse treatment in the US. He began a nonprofit called the “Recovery Now” foundation. They also review current public policies branded as “harm reduction.” During this administration these measures are normalizing dependency and drug use, which in his view is the most effective way to break down the family unit. They also discuss how meth labs have been put out of business by importation of more legal and powerful drugs manufactured south of the border. They conclude discussion about how to get help for those who need it by calling 800-662-4357 *Episode aired October 26, 2022*

In the second part of their three-part discussion, the discussion begins with what Art saw on his trip (August of 2022) to the southern border. Art shares how drug cartels monitor and control the border, use migrants who can’t afford the $6000 fee coyotes charge to smuggle them across the US, and the sophisticated tactics the cartels use to evade US border patrol. Art also unmasks the fallacy of public distribution of “test strips” and buddy system use stating flatly that “there is no safe way to consume outside a hospital.” Because the euphoric effect of the drug diminishes before exiting the human body, users would be tempted to consume more while actual levels of the opioid are still in the system leading to tragic overdoses. He also confirms with previous podcast Casey Mulligan’s data on the number of opioid overdose deaths in the US is 108,000 which is up from the approximate death toll under President Trump. For help with substance abuse call 800-662-4357 *Episode originally aired October 6, 2022*

This episode tackles one of the most important public policy issues facing the US today. Joe and Eric hold a three-part discussion with their guest Art Kleinschmidt, where they review the current opioid crisis, discuss what public policy and recovery look like, and explore Art’s story of how he lived as a recovering user himself.   The following three episodes take place in September of 2022, and all three include information to share if you or someone you know is in need of help with a substance abuse addiction. The hotline number to find help near you: 800-662-4357. *Episode originally aired October 26, 2022*

Join host Joe Grogan as he chats with Dr. Joel Zinberg, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, in this insightful episode. Dr. Zinberg brings a unique perspective with his dual background in medicine and law. He shares his fascinating journey of pursuing both an MD and JD simultaneously, and how he balanced the demands of a surgical residency with law school. Dr. Zinberg provides valuable insights into his work in organ transplantation, highlighting the ethical and legal challenges involved. Dr. Zinberg also critiques recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) decisions, particularly concerning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), arguing that these actions are based on insufficient evidence and unproven legal theories, lacking empirical support. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that delves into pressing issues in healthcare today! Support the Show: Follow us on Twitter @DCEKGpodcast Check Out Joel's Work: Learn more about Dr. Joel Zinberg here

Take a listen to the federal takeover efforts of state Medicaid policy from Minnesota-based policy expert Peter Nelson. Peter is a senior policy fellow at the Center for the American Experiment, based in the Twin Cities, Federalization, attacks on "too much" choice, and state golden handcuffs of continuous coverage requirements leading too many people with double coverage. 'Precautionary Principle" leading to militant opposition to state good faith attempts to help the system. Peter is in MN, but served in CMS 5 years ago and shares the chaos of the exchanges and the gigantic increases in premiums (93%) and little competition. Listen to a fresh voice with expertise earned from both the state and federal levels.

Joe and Eric continue their discussion with Charley. The conversation explores how drugmakers approach the market and fund new research. They highlight the explicit ways the IRA will undermine the delicate development process for life prolonging and life saving drugs. *This episode aired October 2022*

Joe and Eric continue their discussion with Charley. The conversation explores how drugmakers approach the market and fund new research. They highlight the explicit ways the IRA will undermine the delicate development process for life prolonging and life saving drugs. *This episode aired October 2022*

Joe and Eric drop invaluable deep takes on how the world will shape up in 2024. From healthcare, to to the elections, to policy, problems, and politics of ‘24 … are all right here. Healthcare fights; possible “curve ball” disruptions; Republican todos January 21, 2025; Biden second term; congressional election prediction. Plus more on our final program of 2023.

Hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland explore the paths forward for policymakers grappling with the limitless possibilities of AI. They are joined by prolific author and 30+ year veteran of Washington’s approach to technology, innovation, and public policy, Adam Thierer. They discuss how global regulators have helped—or harmed—human progress and American innovation. This episode is a master class in the precedents and current thinking shaping this rapidly evolving technology. See more at these links. Helpful links: Pieces by Adam Without Section 230 Protections, Generative AI Innovation Will Be Decimated Flexible, Pro-Innovation Governance Strategies for Artificial Intelligence Overregulating AI Will Disrupt Markets and Discourage Competition White House Executive Order Threatens to Put AI in a Regulatory Cage What I Learned about the Power of AI at the Cleveland Clinic Running List of My Research on AI, ML & Robotics Policy Commentary and contributions by Joe AI Healthcare Working Group AI in health care: The perils of Biden's executive order News and recent developments E.U. Agrees on Landmark Artificial Intelligence Rules Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

Designed to give seniors more options, the Congress designed MA is ways that be working too well. Highly informative discussion about the wonky details of Medicare, its trust fund, and why MA is in so many cross hairs.

Joe and Eric speak with Charley Hooper, author of the book Should the FDA Reject Itself?  Part one of their discussion explores the likely impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and its drug pricing provisions, which include: overall drug production, the total impact on inflation, as well as the irony of prices actually going up as a result. *Episode aired Oct 26, 2022*

Former Judge Sullivan walks us through her 11 years on the bench and what works for people who struggle with addiction. From presiding over local “problem solving court” to her own experience being in recovery herself for 20+ years, her time in the department of justice in Washington, she helps explain why the hopelessness of addiction is made worse by bad government. Enabling addiction with free crack pipes and warm washcloths, and ignoring community (and free) solutions like Alcoholics Anonymous. In 2020, 10,000 AA participants studied were found it to be the most effective treatment. But not something the government controls. Common sense from an uncommon voice of reason and experience, this is not to be missed.

Longer human life doesn’t have to be the gloomy picture demographers have portrayed. Humans have diminished most early childhood diseases, and many middle aged fatalities. We need to live, learn, and work smarter for a longer period of time. We should look at the increasing lifespan as a longer middle age and plan for it. Andrew Scott takes us through how to approach having longer life ahead, from his book The 100 Year Life. 

Justin Shubow joins Eric and Joe to share insights and history of the best, worst, and most brutal of government buildings and monuments.

Hosts Joe and Eric chat with Jonathan Wolfson about his policymaking career, focusing on deregulation and workforce development at the Labor Department. They discuss government decision-making challenges and the Cicero Institute's entrepreneurial policy solutions. One notable proposal addresses the U.S. doctor shortage by allowing foreign-trained doctors to obtain provisional licenses, a policy now implemented in several states. Chapters 07:22 Jonathan Wolfson's Career in Policymaking 18:19 The Wide Range of Issues Covered by the Labor Department 22:34 The Philosophical Approach of the Labor Department 25:04 Why Government Often Makes the Wrong Decisions 27:47 Working in State Policy 30:41 State Policy as a Model for Federal Policy 34:11 Policy Areas of Focus 36:02 Addressing the Shortage of Doctors 39:31 Factors Contributing to the Doctor Shortage 47:39 Potential Solutions for Increasing Access to Healthcare 51:39 Importing Foreign-Trained Physicians

This week’s program hosts a raw, unpacking of hard truths about: the SPR, nuclear opponents within the NRC, and the conflict between China hawks vs green energy advocates. Join Eric and Joe for their discussion with energy strategist, Mike McKenna for unvarnished jolt of reality.

Former advisor to former Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld and coauthor of his book, Known and Unknown. Victoria shares her insights about the 10/7 terrorist attackers and the impact on Arab-Israeli relations. Relations which she played a role in advancing during her time on the Trump White House working as the deputy national seocurity adviser. She exposes the failures of the current administration to safeguard peace, myopic view of chi China and climate, and the taking on too heavy a burden in defending Ukraine. Iran and Russia are both allowed to trample our interests in service of their climate agenda. c

Joe gets Eric to provide a tutorial on what is really going on in the House. Don’t miss this discussion around the speaker pro tem, the legislation on hold, and how we got here. Note: congressman Steve Scalise was shot during a practice for a congressional baseball game. It was incorrectly mentioned as “softball”.

This episode explores the enormous historical figure that is Justice Clarence Thomas. Insights on his story are detailed in a discussion about the book Mark co-wrote/edited, Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words, which discusses Justice Thomas’s early life surviving the deepest of challenges of poverty. We also explored Justice Thomas’s experience being taught by Irish nuns and the profound and systemic racism he experienced growing up in the deep south.

This episode covers how the Congress can investigate the FTX scandal, the need to learn what happened with the botched and tragic pullout from Afghanistan, and how to begin the examination of the government’s actions regarding Covid-19. The best ways to conduct an examination of public health mistakes of the last few years include examination of free speech suppression; the conduct of large bureaucracies; the lockdown of schools, and inappropriate influence by outside groups. Mark’s experience and advice on proper oversight is a must see.

Joe and Eric review breaking news out of Washington. Eric gives a deep cut on the spending crisis and what is in store for both the house andpp senate. Plus McCarthy grief.

Over the next three episodes Joe and Eric speak with Mark Paoletta, a distinguished attorney in Washington, a former oversight lawyer on Capitol Hill, and the editor/author of the book Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in his Own Words. This episode explores how the new Republican House majority should conduct oversight. The discussion centered on Mark’s experience investigating the malfeasance at Enron, WorldCom, and Global Crossing, as well as his thoughts on how Congress can inform the public and itself about fraud and abuse in the private sector and within the executive branch. This interview was recorded in early November 2022 just after the new majority was declared in the House of Representatives.

Common misconceptions and why pharmaceutical market is so different. List price, co pays and deductibles, oh my. Bio similars v small molecule, how the evolution here promises great things. Competition is real and generates real savings, and deflation. Opportunity for savings was real, IRA causing disruption to that. Cell and gene therapies are just the latest revolution for patients therapies: branded drugs, generic medicines, small molecule, bio similar. Who pays for these high cost, high reward solutions. How does performance play a role?

Discussed: Batch processing versus Continuous flow technology to onshore manufacturing of medicine. The way we increase the reliability of the supply chain is embrace innovation and bring this close to home. National security is improved as well. Supply driven shortages is again a factor, replacing the Covid crisis “demand “driven shortages. On, or near, shore needs to continue. Also discussed: Manufacturing is facing R&D impacts and the IRA is making substantial impact. Uncertainty and changes to research and development are expected not a theory.  When the government constrains the price they pay, the price paid by everyone else goes up. 

In this riveting episode, hosts Joe and Eric dive into two major political events shaping America's current landscape: the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and key takeaways from the Republican National Convention. Join us for in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and the hosts' reactions to these significant developments. We'll explore how the media played a dual role—bringing the assassination attempt to the public's attention while also attempting to downplay its significance.

Who better to hear from about the condition of the condition of shortages dogging the healthcare supply chain than someone closest to the issue. David Senior is a longtime official with AmerisourceBergen, one of the world’s largest players in that chain. He discusses the historical challenges as well as the pressures of deflation on supply.

Naomi wraps the third segment with a flourish of innovative thought. About how much value is being added by the latest developments in medicine, how the shrinking cost of most drugs are spurring market choices, and how states are driving some exciting developments in health public policy. Plus the importance of staying healthy as we age.

The conversation continues with helpful insights- and cautions- about regulating AI, observations about the ability of Washington to keep up with the pace of change, and how we need to reimagine our approach. Also the invidious efforts to ration cures through the IRA under the cover of price controls. Bureaucracies and political agendas are stepping in to decide that they know better than patients and doctors about the value of your life.

Goldwater institute health expert, Naomi Lopez, shares her view on why artificial intelligence should not be feared, and can bring great advantages to medicine. elements of it have also been around for a long time, powering every day items like driver assist and crash avoidance. Naomi also talks about her work on behalf of “right to try” and the help it has delivered to people who have been frustrated by slow FDA approval’s.