Best MD MPP Podcasts (2025)

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Inequities, inequalities, and truth to power - with Steven Woolf 41:10

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4d ago41:10

41:10

A 20- to 30-year life expectancy gap between neighborhoods just miles apart reveals the brutal reality of health inequity in the United States. In this episode, Dr. Steven Woolf, physician and public health expert, explains how U.S. health disparities are driven more by social determinants, like education, income, housing, and systemic racism, than…

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Graduate medical education and social contracts - with Tom Nasca 44:32

11d ago44:32

44:32

The survival of professional trust in medicine depends not only on individual doctors but on the systems and institutions that shape their behavior. In this episode, Dr. Thomas Nasca discusses the evolution of physician training, the role of accreditation and certification in ensuring national standards, and the need for institutional professionali…

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Home-based care to tackle maternal health inequities and improve outcomes - with Rebekah Gee 43:15

18d ago43:15

43:15

The U.S. ranks worst among developed nations for maternal and child health outcomes, highlighting a systemic failure that demands urgent attention. In this episode, Rebekah Gee examines the crisis of maternal mortality in the U.S. and how structural inequities and lack of home-based care continue to harm vulnerable families, drawing on her own life…

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Humans in health care - with Tom Fisher 45:32

25d ago45:32

45:32

Health care fundamentally lacks accountability to the humanity of its patients due to systemic profit-driven motives. In this episode, Dr. Thomas Fisher, an emergency room physician, discusses his journey through emergency medicine and public policy, illustrating how health care reflects systemic societal challenges, especially during the COVID-19 …

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The story of palliative care, on the big screen - with Jessica Zitter 37:35

1M ago37:35

37:35

One of the most overlooked but transformative tools in health care is the courage to face hard truths, especially at the end of life. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Zitter shares how burnout and a pivotal confrontation early in her ICU career led her to embrace the palliative care movement and shift toward more human-centered healing. Through her fil…

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Kindness and what matters to you - with Maureen Bisognano 44:28

2M ago44:28

44:28

The most powerful antidote to a fragmented health care system may be something deceptively simple: listening. In this episode, Maureen Bisognano shares how compassion, curiosity, and relational care can transform health care by improving communication, trust, and outcomes for patients and providers alike. Through personal stories and global initiat…

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The human impact of today's politics on the oldest public hospital in America - with Eric Wei 41:17

2M ago41:17

41:17

What if the hospitals serving society’s most vulnerable were actually delivering some of the most essential care in the country? In this episode, Dr. Eric Wei explores the vital role of public hospitals in serving vulnerable populations and dispelling the myth that they provide second-tier care. He discusses system improvements through Lean strateg…

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The connection between meaning and purpose to reduce staff burnout - with Steve Swensen 40:13

2M ago40:13

40:13

Burnout among health care professionals isn't just a staffing issue; it’s a crisis rooted in systems, culture, and misaligned values. In this episode, Dr. Steve Swensen explores the growing crisis of burnout and moral injury among health care workers, highlighting its roots in emotional exhaustion, misaligned values, and lack of agency, and how it …

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Health Care AI at Speed – Recorded at IHI Leadership Alliance Spring Meeting 2025 with Brett Moran, Charles Binkley & Lucas Zier 37:56

2M ago37:56

37:56

AI in health care is advancing rapidly, with promising uses in imaging and admin tasks, but its diagnostic and patient-facing roles demand careful, human-centered oversight to ensure safety and equity. In this episode, experts Brett Moran, Charles Binkley, and Lucas Zier discuss the evolving role of AI in health care, from established tools like im…

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Upstream and downstream determinants of health and the water we drink - with Cydian Kauffman 29:13

2M ago29:13

29:13

Consumers must understand the crucial difference between legally permissible contaminant levels and true health-based goals for drinking water. In this episode, Cydian Kauffman, CEO of Pure Water Northwest, shares how his experience in property management led him to focus on water quality. He explains the EPA’s standards /MCL versus MCLG) and why m…

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Join the patient revolution - with Victor M. Montori 43:26

3M ago43:26

43:26

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights The current health care system often prioriti…

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Imagine a public health system built on mutual aid, participation, and dignity with Eric Reinhart 46:19

3M ago46:19

46:19

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights What if the path to better health and stronge…

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Has healthcare fully realized the potential of AI? with Eric Horvitz 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights What happens when the power of large language…

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Democratizing Expertise with Sanjeev Arora 50:24

3M ago50:24

50:24

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Democratizing knowledge is critical to bridgi…

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Keeping Patients over Profits with Dhruv Khullar 42:07

4M ago42:07

42:07

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights The erosion of government-funded science infr…

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Demystifying Dental Health with Melissa Burroughs 38:26

4M ago38:26

38:26

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights The separation of oral and physical health ha…

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187. Exciting News and Updates 29:18

4M ago29:18

29:18

In this heartfelt episode of The Empowered Brain, I’m sharing some very exciting news. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How healing generational trauma and reconnecting with your ancestors can be transformative How to redefine success so it’s aligned with your core values and purpose The neuroscience behind fulfillment and why serotonin, not dopamine…

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Catholic Health Care with Patricia Gabow 46:55

4M ago46:55

46:55

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights What happens when one of America’s largest he…

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Movement Building and Large Scale Change with Joe McCannon 43:53

4M ago43:53

43:53

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights How do we scale proven solutions in health ca…

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Rational Public Policy with Mike Chernew 44:15

5M ago44:15

44:15

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Curious about how we can fix the inefficienci…

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The Evolution of Palliative Care with Christine Cassel 38:56

5M ago38:56

38:56

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Palliative care aims to treat symptoms and im…

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Think Tanks and Their Role in Health Care Policy with Andrea Ducas 40:18

5M ago40:18

40:18

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights The U.S. health care system is complex, costl…

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Anyone Can Choose Leadership with Dennis Wagner and John Scanlon 44:11

5M ago44:11

44:11

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating an oral health care system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. Learn more about how their advocacy, philanthropy, research, and education are creating a better oral health system at carequest.org/turnonthelights Anyone can choose leadership, and it requires…

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The Economics and Ills of U.S. Health Care and Health Insurance with Zack Cooper 48:01

6M ago48:01

48:01

The structure of the U.S. health care system, particularly employer-sponsored insurance, is significantly impacting the economic well-being of most Americans. In this episode, Zack Cooper, Associate Professor of Public Health and Economics for Yale University, examines the drivers of rising health care costs and their impact on individuals and the …

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Continuous Learning for Better Care with Daniel Hyman and Peter Margolis 46:44

6M ago46:44

46:44

Learning health networks offer a powerful, cost-effective approach to improving health care outcomes by fostering collaboration. In this episode, Dr. Peter Margolis, Co-Director Emeritus of the James M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Hyman, Principal and Founder of Frontline Quality S…

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Approaching Systems Change with Dan Heath 48:44

6M ago48:44

48:44

The key to improving broken systems lies in identifying leverage points and strategically restacking existing resources. In this episode, Dan Heath, a New York Times bestselling author, discusses how to apply behavioral and systems thinking principles to health care. He emphasizes that health care, despite its challenges, can improve by focusing on…

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The Past, Present, and Future of Health Plan Innovation with Liz Fowler 45:10

6M ago45:10

45:10

How well is the U.S. health care system working, and what is being done to address its biggest challenges? In this episode, Dr. Liz Fowler, former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Innovation Center at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, discusses the progress and challenges of U.S. healthcare reform, emphasizing the impact of the …

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Turn off the lights with Jeff Thompson at the IHI Forum 33:46

6M ago33:46

33:46

Health care institutions can significantly reduce their environmental impact while also saving money and improving community health. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Thompson, former CEO of Gundersen Health System and advisor, discusses his pioneering work at Gundersen Health System in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He explains that by focusing on was…

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There is no quality without equity with Thea James and Bisola Ojikutu 53:42

7M ago53:42

53:42

How can we tackle deep-rooted health inequities and ensure sustainable change in our communities? In this episode, Dr. Thea James, Vice President of Mission and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Boston Medical Center, and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, talk about…

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Building an Age Friendly Movement with Terry Fulmer and Faith Mitchell 43:24

7M ago43:24

43:24

Despite decades of progress in geriatric care, too many older adults still struggle to receive the reliable, evidence-based care they deserve. In this episode, Dr. Terry Fulmer, President of the John A. Hartford Foundation, and Faith Mitchell, an Institute Fellow at the Urban Institute, discuss the development of age-friendly health systems and the…

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Is medical education stuck in the past? with Abraham Nussbaum 43:52

7M ago43:52

43:52

Is medical education stuck in the past, or can innovative approaches reshape the future of health care? In this episode, Dr. Abraham Nussbaum, Chief Education Officer at Denver Health, discusses the evolution and challenges of medical education, emphasizing the limitations of the traditional "textbook of the body" approach rooted in the Flexner Rep…

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186. How to Feel Less Guilt today and in the New Year 20:18

8M ago20:18

20:18

In this episode, I’m diving into the pervasive and often misunderstood emotion of guilt. Whether it’s guilt for setting boundaries, guilt tied to cultural or religious conditioning, or simply guilt for not meeting self-imposed standards, it’s something most of us face. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to identify, process, and release guilt s…

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The importance of the "hand-off" in health care with Christopher Landrigan 43:15

8M ago43:15

43:15

Did you know that sleep-deprived doctors are more likely to make critical errors or that poor communication during patient handoffs can jeopardize care? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Landrigan, Chief of General Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and co-founder of the I-PASS Patient Safety Institute, emphasizes the importance of systemic ch…

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185. Creating your Identity on Purpose 29:47

8M ago29:47

29:47

In this transformative episode, I share actionable insights on creating your identity intentionally, especially as we prepare for a new year. We explore why crafting your identity matters, the obstacles that often hold us back, and a step-by-step guide to aligning your actions with your desired self. This process is about living authentically, redu…

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Workforce planning, workforce wellbeing, and workforce retention with Navina Evans 39:43

8M ago39:43

39:43

How can healthcare systems worldwide overcome workforce challenges while adapting to shifting demographics, advancing technologies, and evolving patient expectations? In this episode, Dr. Navina Evans, the Chief Workforce, Training, and Education Officer at the new NHS England, discusses the challenges and evolution of workforce planning in the Nat…

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184. The Joy Deficit: Why You Don't Make Time for Joy and How to Get it Back 24:34

8M ago24:34

24:34

In today’s episode, we’re diving into joy. We’re tackling why so many of us struggle to make time for joy, the science behind why joy is so good for us, and practical steps to bring it back into our lives. If you have been feeling like you’re ready to uplevel your life, or like something is missing, this one is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Ep…

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Cutting through the misinformation with Celine Gounder 41:29

8M ago41:29

41:29

In a world where misinformation often outpaces facts, clear public health communication and preparedness are more crucial than ever. In this episode, Dr. Celine Gounder, Senior Fellow & Editor-at-Large for Public Health at KFF Health News, shares her journey from clinician to a media figure focused on public health, highlighting her roles during th…

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183. Understanding and Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns so you can Break Free from Guilt, Imposter Syndrome and Insecurity 32:19

8M ago32:19

32:19

In this episode, I dive into the science and solutions behind why negative thought patterns like guilt, imposter syndrome, and insecurity, seem to stick around even when we’re aware of them. These thought loops don’t define us, and I share actionable steps to help you break free and rewire your brain for lasting change. What You’ll Learn in This Ep…

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When people of the system own the system with April Kyle and Doug Eby 51:40

9M ago51:40

51:40

Imagine a health care system where patients are not just recipients but co-owners, shaping the services they receive based on the needs of their community. In this episode, Doug Eby and April Kyle discuss Southcentral Foundation's community-driven health care model, which prioritizes customer ownership, flexible management, and service integration …

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182. How to Prepare for Holiday Stress: Managing Difficult People, Triggering Conversations, and Avoiding Re-traumatization 43:09

9M ago43:09

43:09

In this episode, we dive deep into preparing for holiday stress—covering difficult conversations, managing triggering relationships, and avoiding re-traumatization. Holidays can bring joy but also carry stress due to heightened expectations and unresolved family dynamics. I provide simple and practical tools to navigate these challenges. What You'l…

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Health system ownership with Hayden Rooke-Ley 48:07

9M ago48:07

48:07

Is the rapid growth of Medicare Advantage a solution for health care efficiency, or is it a costly gamble that benefits insurers more than patients? In this episode, Hayden Rooke-Ley discusses the rapid expansion of Medicare Advantage, a privatized form of Medicare, and the growing influence of private insurance companies in the U.S. health care sy…

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181. Lessons to Improve Emotional Resilience, Inner Peace, and Success 23:42

9M ago23:42

23:42

In this episode, I’m breaking down three big takeaways that came to me as I traveled, juggled commitments, and faced some personal reflections. From practicing gratitude to honoring my own needs, these lessons reminded me of the power we hold in our daily choices. Sometimes, it’s the simple shifts in perspective that make all the difference. What Y…

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Politics, mobilization, and political force with Marshall Ganz 47:22

9M ago47:22

47:22

What happens when we reduce people to mere data points in a world driven by economic values? In this episode, Marshall Ganz, the Rita T. Hauser Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Organizing, and Civil Society at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses how health care and other systems risk dehumanization by reducing people to data points, driven by econo…

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180. The Gifts of Self-Compassion 32:06

9M ago32:06

32:06

In this episode, I return to the ever-relevant topic of self-compassion, exploring why it is essential for our mental and emotional well-being and how it impacts our daily lives. Self-compassion isn’t a one-time achievement but a lifelong practice. Drawing from Dr. Kristin Neff's foundational research, I delve into the three core components of self…

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What is social capital and what value does it have in health care? with Tom Lee 48:24

9M ago48:24

48:24

Could health care thrive if leaders treated trust and teamwork as carefully as they manage finances? In this episode, Thomas H. Lee, Chief Medical Officer for Press Ganey Associates, Inc., talks about the critical role of social capital in fostering trust, teamwork, and effective patient care within health care organizations. Thomas argues that lea…

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179. The Messy Middle: How to Not Quit When Things Get Hard and Uncomfortable (when you are creating a new habit or self-improvement) 18:17

9M ago18:17

18:17

In today’s episode, I dive into what I call the "messy middle"—that challenging, often uncomfortable phase of growth and transformation. Whether it's setting boundaries or rewiring our thoughts, the messy middle is an unavoidable, sometimes frustrating stage. We talk through the steps to recognize and navigate this space without quitting, even when…

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Ethical conundrums aplenty with Vardit Ravitsky 41:55

9M ago41:55

41:55

When health care meets ethics, our choices reveal as much about our values as they do about our scientific advances. In this episode, Vardit Ravitsky, President and CEO of the Hastings Center, highlights the role of bioethics in navigating complex health care choices, especially those made prominent by the pandemic. She describes bioethics as inter…

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178. How to Get Your Time Back for YOU! 22:17

10M ago22:17

22:17

In this episode, I dive into time management strategies tailored for busy professionals juggling careers, parenting, and personal growth. Based on my coaching experiences, I explore how to clarify priorities, analyze how you’re currently spending your time, and create space for what matters most to you. I share real-life examples and tools to help …

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How technology giants like Google are impacting healthcare with Michael Howell 43:41

10M ago43:41

43:41

AI is rapidly transforming health care, offering technology companies new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing care delivery. In this episode, Dr. Michael Howell, Chief Clinical Officer at Google, explores how technology giants like Google are impacting health care, sharing insights on AI advancements and their potential…

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Expanding the role of health systems beyond traditional hospital care with Michael Dowling 44:36

10M ago44:36

44:36

Transforming health systems requires addressing social determinants of health and expanding beyond traditional hospital care. In this episode, Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, talks about how he is redefining health system leadership by addressing broader health determinants and expanding services beyond traditional hospital …