In this insightful episode of DC EKG, Dr. Robert Redfield, former CDC Director, discusses the critical issues facing America's public health system. He advocates for vaccine transparency, individual choice, and reflects on the failures of the COVID vaccine rollout. Redfield calls for a holistic approach to public health, focusing on obesity, mental health, and addiction as key priorities. He stresses the need for a biosecure health system and biosecurity reforms to prepare for future pandemics. This episode explores actionable solutions to rebuild a healthier, more resilient America.
How can we reform our government’s institutions to remain effective in a politically polarized era, where elites influence policy, global competition is rising, and social media shapes public perceptions? Daniel Rothschild and Joe Grogan explore this urgent challenge in-depth. They discuss the need for fundamental reform to modernize bureaucratic systems, improve efficiency, and increase accountability in government operations, particularly in relation to the federal budget. They analyze the political realignment in the U.S., the implications of Trump's reelection, and the role of elites in shaping public policy. The conversation also delves into the global state of democracy, touching on how social media affects public perception of government actions, and how institutions can be restructured to meet the demands of today’s complex political and economic landscape.
In this episode, Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland are joined by Dr. Lanhee Chen to discuss the future of healthcare policy in the U.S. They reflect on healthcare reforms under the first Trump administration and what a second term could bring, including the importance of price transparency and reorienting the system around patients. The conversation also covers Medicaid reform, state-level innovations, and critiques of the Inflation Reduction Act, highlighting the need for a more competitive, consumer-focused healthcare system. Chen shares his insights on the shift from staffer to candidate, emphasizing accountability in democracy and the need for deeper policy discussions in the media.
In this conversation, Joe Grogan and Justin Schubow discuss the recent World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., exploring its artistic significance, contrasting it with other memorials, and examining the broader implications of architectural design in the city. Schubow emphasizes the importance of classical architecture and critiques modernist designs, advocating for a revitalization of Washington's aesthetic integrity. The discussion also touches on the political dynamics surrounding architectural commissions and the need for a more inviting public space in the nation's capital.
In this conversation, Joe Grogan and Ge Bai discuss the complexities of healthcare finance, focusing on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its implications for drug pricing and Medicare. They delve into the role of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in estimating the financial impacts of healthcare policies, highlighting the discrepancies between projected savings and actual costs. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by seniors under Medicare Part D, the potential consequences for drug innovation, and the need for bipartisan solutions in healthcare reform. Additionally, they explore the implications of proposed long-term care policies and the financial burdens they may impose.
In this episode of DCEKG, hosts Eric Ueland and Joe Grogan engage with economist Casey Mulligan to dissect the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, the dynamics of Medicare Advantage, and the challenges posed by regulatory overreach. They explore the shortcomings of the Congressional Budget Office in accurately scoring healthcare legislation, the impact of environmental policies on market dynamics, and the need for reform in the FDA's drug approval process. The conversation highlights the tension between government regulation and market efficiency, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic principles in shaping effective policy.
In this episode of DC EKG, we sit down with Mark Paoletta, a Partner at Schaerr Jaffe LLP and Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America. Paoletta takes a deep dive into the concept of impoundment—the presidential power to refuse to spend funds allocated by Congress. Drawing from historical examples, Paoletta critiques the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, arguing that it unconstitutionally limits the president’s authority over the budget. He also explores how various administrations have handled impoundment, with a focus on key disputes between the executive branch and Congress. Connect with Mark Paoletta: Twitter: @MarkPaoletta Website: markpaoletta.com Listen to DC EKG: Spotify: DC EKG on Spotify Apple Podcasts: DC EKG on Apple Podcasts
In this episode of DC EKG, Tim Frost, Founder and President of 50 Elixir and Senior Fellow at the Cicero Institute, delves into the intersection of healthcare and policy, with a specific focus on the evolving role of pharmacists. Tim highlights the need for healthcare deregulation to spur innovation and improve patient care, particularly in light of the rising costs of medications and the challenges faced by independent pharmacies. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Cicero Institute 50 Elixir Where to Find Us: Listen to DC EKG on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts Connect with Tim Frost: Tim Frost on LinkedIn Tim Frost's Work at Cicero Institute Rate and Review Us! Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate and review us on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue delivering great content!
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 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
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
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
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.
In this insightful episode, Joe and Eric begin by delving into the recent historic shakeup in UK politics. They dissect the reasons behind Labour's significant win and the surprising success of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. The discussion then shifts to the aftermath of the first presidential debate in the US. Joe and Eric analyze its implications for both Joe Biden and Donald Trump's candidacies, exploring how each candidate performed across different policy areas and what these performances could mean for their respective campaigns moving forward. Support the show: https://x.com/DCEKGpodcast Follow Joe: https://x.com/RealJoeGrogan Follow Eric: https://x.com/RealEU4U
In this episode, hosts Joe and Eric discuss Brenda Hafera's impactful report, "Men Without Meaning: The Harmful Effects of Expressive Individualism," from The Heritage Foundation. The report examines the crisis facing American boys and men across mental, physical, economic, academic, and spiritual dimensions. Hafera critiques welfare policies for their unintended impact on single motherhood and explores how the sexual revolution has reshaped family dynamics. She also addresses the transformation of marriage into a later-life status symbol and concerns about the decline of free play in schools, impacting child development. The episode further explores links between absent fathers and school violence, advocates for positive depictions of fatherhood, and emphasizes the need for supportive educational and vocational environments for boys. Support the show: https://twitter.com/DCEKGpodcast Brenda's latest work: https://www.heritage.org/staff/brenda-hafera
In this episode of DC EKG, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland welcome Jackson Hammond, a Senior Policy Analyst at Paragon Health Institute, to explore the future of U.S. health spending. Jackson provides a detailed analysis of the CMS National Health Expenditure report, discussing the projected $7.7 trillion spending by 2032, current expenditure trends, and the drivers behind 2023's spending spike. The conversation also covers the impact of inflation and policy changes, the challenges of sustaining such high spending levels, and potential reforms like enhancing patient control, transparent pricing, and reducing health system monopolies.
In this episode of DC EKG, hosts Joe Grogan and Eric Ueland sit down with Sally Pipes, the President and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute, to discuss California's decision to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants and its implications for taxpayers and the healthcare system. Throughout the discussion, Sally delves into the challenges of a single-payer healthcare system, discusses patient empowerment amidst government-centric policies, and critiques the Affordable Care Act for its ongoing issues. Support the show: https://x.com/DCEKGpodcast Follow Sally: https://x.com/sallypipes
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