Unbiased Science

In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Jennifer Reich, a sociologist and researcher at the University of Colorado Denver, to examine vaccine hesitancy and recent changes to the U.S. vaccine schedule. The scientists explore the cultural and structural factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, including American society's emphasis on personal responsibility and the intense pressure parents face in making health decisions for their children. Dr. Reich provides critical insights into the lack of transparency in recent policy changes and discusses why direct comparisons between U.S. vaccine policies and those of countries like Denmark oversimplify complex healthcare system differences. The conversation addresses unique American challenges including healthcare access disparities and diverse population needs. Despite examining serious obstacles, the episode concludes optimistically as Dr. Reich discusses opportunities for building coalitions and fostering community support to improve public health outcomes, emphasizing the shared desire for healthy children and thriving communities. Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0QAtjUlxz_s (00:00) Intro & Public Health Update (08:58) 'Personal Choice' On Vaccines (12:00) Comparing US vs Denmark on Vaccines (17:15) The Effect Of Cultural Differences (21:41) Where Does Vaccine Hesitancy Come From? (26:00) What Is Driving The New Appeal To "Natural Is Better"? (30:30) What Is Something In The Science/Health World Giving You Hope Right Now? Calling The Shots: Why Parents Reject Vaccines on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qSCFQC https://nyupress.org/9781479812790/calling-the-shots/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/opinion/vaccine-hesitancy.html @jenniferreich on Bluesky https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferreichphd/ @Jenniferreichphd on threads ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chatting with Dr. Lucky Sekhon, Author of The Lucky Egg

In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Ashely Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author of '99 Ways to Die,' to discuss critical public health challenges. The scientists explore the intersection of vaccination, misinformation, and preventable deaths, drawing on Dr. Alker's clinical experiences and research. They examine the powerful role of storytelling in medical communication and how narrative can help convey complex health information effectively. Throughout the conversation, the experts address the dangers posed by health misinformation and emphasize the importance of public awareness in preventing avoidable deaths. The episode offers listeners valuable insights into emergency medicine perspectives on public health while highlighting strategies for improving health communication and combating misinformation. Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gq6hDxSlYts (00:00) Intro & Public Health Update (05:52) What Is A News Item That Caught Your Attention And Why? (08:04) 99 Ways To Die (10:37) How Did You Decide Which Cases Made The Book? (13:20) What Was Your Most Bizarre Or Shocking Case? (15:02) The Risks Of Butt Stuff (16:43) What Is The Most Misunderstood Medical Emergency? (20:02) Can This Book Save A Life? (23:17) Underestimated and Overestimated Dangers In Everyday Life (26:18) Correcting Medical Misconceptions In Media (29:40) What's the harm of medical myths and entertainment and social media? (31:43) What Is Giving Hope In Public Health? 99 Ways To Die: And How To Avoid Them on Amazon: https://amzn.to/493Hd0A Find Dr. Alker on: Substack https://aalkermd.substack.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashely-alker-b9b32869/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Ashely-Alker-MD/100039489626191/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@aalkermd Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/aalkermd.bsky.social Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aalkermd/?hl=en X https://x.com/aalkermd ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All The Latest On Avian Influenza

An Enlightening Chat With AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly