In 2025, Dr. Craig Spencer, an emergency physician, attended the Children’s Health Defense Conference in Austin, Texas. There, he engaged in conversations with anti-vaccine activists and others who are skeptical of traditional medicine. He later wrote about the experience, emphasizing the honest and respectful nature of the discussions, though he didn’t sway any opinions.
Dr. Spencer’s appearance was part of the podcast “Why Should I Trust You?” hosted by Brinda Adhikari and Tom W. Johnson. This podcast seeks to bridge the gap between public health and the public’s growing distrust of it. The hosts aim to facilitate open dialogues among people holding opposing views on health and science, which is particularly crucial in today’s climate of skepticism.
Brinda, an award-winning executive producer, and Tom, who has won an Emmy for his work in documentaries, both recognized the need for better communication in public health. They started the podcast after conversations around public distrust highlighted a significant gap in how health information was shared and perceived.
Their strategy includes hosting honest discussions with a diverse range of guests—from public health officials to advocates of movements like Make America Healthy Again (MAHA). The key to building trust with their guests stemmed from developing relationships before recording. This approach has allowed for deeper conversations. Guests appreciate being treated as equals, rather than just soundbites.
The podcast features various guests, even controversial figures from the MAHA movement, like Zen Honeycutt and Del Bigtree. Adhikari and Johnson host these discussions without bias, encouraging listeners to look beyond the surface. They aim to help people see that opponents are not just caricatures; they are real individuals with real experiences and valid concerns.
The guests often have personal stories, such as parents expressing frustrations about feeling unheard by the medical establishment. In one memorable set of episodes from the Children’s Health Defense Conference, they connected with grassroots voices—powerful stories from families affected by vaccine perceptions and public health policies.
Throughout their episodes, they tackle contentious topics, sometimes confronting misinformation directly. Johnson believes that when a prominent figure shares a debatable view, it’s important to present contrasting information tactfully—this means exploring deeper conversations instead of getting mired in debates about who’s correct.
Furthermore, they analyze the shifting dynamics in public health, especially after events that have stoked mistrust. Johnson notes a significant change following a shooting incident at the CDC, which changed how public health professionals viewed their narrative in light of growing movements questioning their authority.
The podcast connects with those on both sides of the health debate. Recent surveys suggest that many parents relate to MAHA principles. Despite the divisions, listeners value the effort to create a platform where diverse voices can be heard.
In their discussions, guests like Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and others have had their views challenged, inviting reflections on public health’s role amid evolving trust dynamics. The vibrant and sometimes challenging dialogues are representative of the complexities in health discourse today.
Listeners praise the podcast for its length, often exceeding two hours. The extended conversations provide a space for nuanced discussions that short clips do not permit. Adhikari and Johnson prefer this format, as it respects the complexity of important issues and allows listeners to fully engage with different perspectives.
Overall, “Why Should I Trust You?” gives voice to both sides of the public health debate, cultivating understanding and empathy. Its aim isn’t necessarily to change minds but to foster understanding—acknowledging the humanity in each perspective encourages richer, more meaningful conversations.
For more insights into these complex discussions, you can check out the podcast or their related essays on STAT.
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