Hosts: Ben Plumley, Yvette Raphael
Guest: Gregg Gonsalves
Recorded in: Tembisa Mall, Greater Johannesburg, South Africa & New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Welcome to the first A Shot in the Arm podcast of 2025! In this powerful episode, Ben Plumley is joined by co-host Yvette Raphael and Yale professor & activist Gregg Gonsalves to unpack critical global health and equity issues amidst the shifting political landscape.
From the unraveling of public health commitments to rising misinformation, we ask: Are we living in a coup yet? Our guests reflect on the past, draw lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement, and strategize about the road ahead in fighting for public health and human rights.
Key Topics:
[00:00] Welcome & Introductions
[00:50] The US’s commitment to global health: Is it unraveling?
[02:00] Yvette’s 50th birthday & 25 years of living with HIV
[04:00] Misinformation, stigma, and fear in HIV advocacy today
[06:45] The US’s attack on LGBTQ+ health and the implications for global funding
[10:30] RFK Jr. and the growing anti-science movement
[15:40] Is there a method to this madness? Or just chaos?
[22:15] Lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement: How activists fought back
[30:00] The collapse of USAID and its impact on African healthcare
[38:30] Mobilizing the private sector & faith-based organizations
[41:00] The power of digital activism: TikTok, Instagram & misinformation
[45:00] Protest & activism: What tactics work in 2025?
[50:00] Final thoughts: Solidarity, hope & making “beautiful trouble”
Takeaways:
The rollback of global health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS funding, could have devastating effects worldwide.
History has shown that activism works—we must organize, mobilize, and push back.
The fight for public health is interconnected with the fight for democracy and human rights.
Digital media and grassroots organizing will be key tools in countering misinformation and mobilizing support.
Now is the time for action, unity, and resistance.
Join the conversation:
What are your thoughts on the current state of public health?
Subscribe & share this episode to keep the movement strong!
Follow & Connect:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast
Bluesky: @ashotinthearm.bsky.social @ben-plumleybsky.social
Instagram: @ashotinthearmpodcast
TikTok: @ashotinthearmpodcast
Links:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ledbydonkeys
Bluesky: @gregggonsalves.bsky.social
#GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HIVAdvocacy #Activism #Podcast #AShotInTheArm #HealthEquity #HIV #LGBTQHealth #USAID #ScienceMatters
