x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

A Shot in the Arm Podcast

Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we"ve released over 150 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore

science life sciences

All Episodes

23:37

Episode 07 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Cos You Gotta Have...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/09/25

Ben’s journey of battling stage four colorectal cancer with chemotherapy brings him to a fairly predictable pit stop; what significance does faith have in spiritual and physical care? , Whether its unravelling deeper issues of self-acceptance and self-faith., the episode explores faith from various perspectives, including personal conviction and religious doctrine, questioning the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing God amidst the presence of widespread suffering. The psychological and

en-us

25:37

Episode 06 – Colon, Meet Cancer: Is it Assez Merdique...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/09/04

In this episode of 'Colon Meet Cancer,' Ben recounts the surprising success story of Henrik Gretzky's Symphony Number Three, how badly it was initially received by the musicology world and draws a surprising parallel to his chemotherapy journey. He shares the complex experience of managing an increasing range of chemo side effects, including white blood cell treatments, pain, and hair loss. Ben candidly discusses his struggles with memory fog, the challenges it brings, and the ensuing emotional toll

en-us

73:24

Prescriptions for an American Public Health...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/09/01

It’s a Paul Revere moment, “RFK Junior is coming!” Ben is joined by author and journalist Emily Bass and UCSF Professor Eric Goosby, co-host of the Global Health Diplomats podcast to diagnose and propose solutions to the Trump Administration’s assault on US public health. From the hollowing out of the CDC, to vaccine skepticism at the heart of the federal leadership, and savage, unconstitutional cuts to public health home and abroad, they delve into the broader ramifications of these attacks on

en-us

73:13

To End a Plague… Again: A Conversation with Emily Bass

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/08/11

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley engages in a comprehensive discussion with journalist and author Emily Bass about the current state of global health, specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS. Recorded in sunny Sacramento, they reflect on the extraordinary events of the past few months and assess the alignment of innovation and equity in global health. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of community-based care and accountability, the

en-us

30:00

Episode 05 – Colon, Meet Cancer: Finding Chemo

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/08/08

As Ben starts his first chemotherapy cycle, he explores the controversial yet essential role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. He looks at its historical roots and tries to understand the scientific mechanisms of various chemotherapies. He shares an intimate look at the highs and lows of his first cycle of treatment, the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, as well as the physical and emotional aspects of cancer therapy. Ben’s t-shirt this week celebrates the Ukrainian

en-us

59:10

State of AIDS: Moment of Crisis or Transformation...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/08/04

Ben and Yvette catch up with Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, as the joint UN program on HIV and AIDS launched a global AIDS update report entitled “AIDS, crisis and the power to transform”. They explore what levers are left to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, including ending AIDS as a public health crisis by 2030, the continuing relevance of UNAIDS to lead the world’s response to one of the greatest zoonotic infections of the 21st century, and what the real trajectory of

en-us

21:17

Ep 04 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Ouch!

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/23

Ben delves into the multifaceted experience of pain, beginning with a literary reference from Margaret Atwood. He shares personal anecdotes about blood draws, the insertion of a chemotherapy port, and the challenges of effectively communicating pain levels to healthcare professionals. Ben reflects on his nearly forty years’ experience living with Crohn's disease, exploring different ways to describe pain, and examines various strategies for pain management, including medications like acetaminophen

en-us

36:31

Biomedical Innovation Needs Local Community...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/22

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley discusses the Kigali International AIDS Society Conference with guests Solange Baptiste from ITPC and Rosemary Mburu from WACI Health. They explore the importance of community voices in global health innovations, the challenges of funding cuts, and the significance of long-acting antiretroviral therapies. Additionally, they touch upon the roles of UNAIDS and the Global Fund, advanced HIV disease, and the critical need for prioritizing

en-us

22:11

Young Advocates from APHA’s Force on the Ground...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/20

In this special episode of the podcast, host Yvette Raphael and a panel of young female advocates take over the discussion at the IAS 2025 held in Kigali, Rwanda. The episode features insightful conversations with Sinehlanhla Gogela, Sihle Magwentshu, Siviwe Gaika, who are active members of the Young Women's HIV Prevention Council and ground forces with the organization APA. The panel discusses the impact of recent funding cuts on HIV prevention efforts, their experiences in promoting HIV awareness,

en-us

34:43

Dr. mike Reid’s 7 Dead Ideas in Global Health and...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/20

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley welcomes mike Reid, Associate Director of Global Health Delivery and Economics at UCSF. The discussion centers on Reid's analysis of the 'seven dead ideas' in global health, criticizing outdated approaches such as the overreliance on donor directives and vertical programs. Reid emphasizes the need for context-sensitive solutions informed by rigorous implementation science and local realities. The conversation also touches on how health,

en-us

30:26

Faith Communities and Public Health Strategies with...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/20

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, co-founder of the Global Listening Project, and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, managing director of Yemaya Health Advisory. Recorded in during IAS 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the discussion centers on the essential contributions of faith leaders to global health, particularly in engaging communities and influencing public health decisions. The episode explores findings from the Global Listening Project's studies in

en-us

39:12

Long-Acting Injectibles’ Halo Effect on all HIV...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/19

In this episode, host Ben Plumley, along with co-host Yvette Raphael, reports from the International AIDS Society Scientific Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. They discuss significant advancements in HIV prevention, particularly the recent FDA approval of Lenacapavir, with Dr. Alex Kintu from Gilead Sciences. The conversation covers the clinical journey and delivery mechanisms of Lenacapavir, its impact on young people and pregnant women, and the urgency of making this innovation widely accessible

en-us

53:51

Country Leadership To Transform Global AIDS...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/16

The sudden termination of US overseas funding jolted AIDS programs in countries hardest hit by the epidemic. Yet the leaders of national AIDS programs had already been preparing for the day when donor funding ended. The HIV Leadership Forum, a community of practice of Directors General of National AIDS Councils from around the world hasrecently published a report setting out steps on how resilient and sustainable national programs can be achieved. Ben is joined by Dr Nduku Kilonzo, Chair of the

en-us

47:47

Reimagining the Global HIV Response: The Kigali Call...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/13

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Dr. Judy Auerbach, Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, and Dr. Mumbi Chola to discuss the 2025 Kigali Call to Action, a call to action for the global HIV response. The conversation highlights the need for meaningful partnerships, sustained research, prioritization of prevention, protection of human rights, and rejection of science politicization. The guests emphasize the importance of local leadership and community involvement in

en-us

43:58

Strengthening the Health Ecosystem with the GLP’s...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/10

Ben Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, Co-founder and Chair of the Global Listening Project (GLP), and Susie Barnes, Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs for the Vaccines Division at GSK to discuss the importance of building trust and motivating awareness about new technologies in global health. The conversation covers the collaboration between the GLP and GSK, insights from their research on trust during COVID-19, and how community engagement and innovative communication

en-us

17:44

Episode 3 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Hurry Up and Wait

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/04

A quick trip to the surgeon reveals that all is not as it seems, and Ben’s colon cancer journey takes a sharp turn almost as immediately as it starts. Multiple tumors during a surgery initially meant to remove a single cancerous mass lead to a diagnosis of metastasized colorectal cancer. And the expensive nuclear diagnosis machine shorts – in much the same way Ben’s Father’s brand new (at the time) Vauxhall Victor broke down on a Sunday afternoon drive. A potential podcast subject that Ben dismissed

en-us

5:19

Episode 1 - A Preface to Colon, Meet Cancer

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/04

Healthcare just got personal for A Shot In The Arm Podcast’s Ben Plumley, who brings his offbeat insights & humor to a surprise advanced colon cancer diagnosis. Join him on an odyssey around cancer treatment and the vagaries of the Californian health system. New episodes weekly… hopefully. https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/ https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer.html

en-us

20:22

Episode 2 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Should I Be Worried?

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/07/04

Ben has a routine colonoscopy and comes out with an unexpected diagnosis – an ulcerated mass in his ascending colon. The gastroenterologist gives him his first tattoo ever, which is sadly visible only to the surgeon who will remove it. Ben has been living with Crohn’s Disease since he was a teenager, so the news of an intestinal polyp turning cancerous is not shocking. An easy snip-snip excision by the surgeon, and all will be back to normal…. Or will it?00:00 Introduction & Diagnosis 01:11

en-us

69:07

Viral Hepatitis in Asia Pacific: Innovation & Equity...

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/06/16

Join host Ben Plumley from Phnom Penh Cambodia, in conversation with Thomas Cai, a visionary Chinese-born entrepreneur and CEO of Open Source Technologies. Thomas, a pioneering figure in Asia’s rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry, shares his journey from HIV advocacy to leading high-impact hepatitis public-private partnerships in Southeast Asia. He offers a critical analysis of the effectiveness of traditional providers of global aid including NGOs and the Global Fund, while also

en-us

46:13

78th World Health Assembly Recap with Yvette Raphael

A Shot in the Arm Podcast ·

2025/05/26

Cohosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley unpick the major news coming out of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. – from the new pandemic treaty, to WHO budget and staffing cuts, to increases in membership fees and voluntary contributions. They ruminate on how the current seemingly-unstoppable geopolitical chaos is affecting the ability of global health institutions like the World Health Organisation to deliver – and deliver on what exactly? What can the WHO actually do in such a fractured

en-us

176 results

Similar Podcasts

X Minus 1 - Old Time Radio Show

Inception Point Ai

Science, Spoken

WIRED

This Week in Space (Audio)

TWiT

DarshanTalks Podcast

Darshan Kulkarni

The Best of Coast to Coast AM

iHeartPodcasts and Coast to Coast AM