Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Transforming Relationships to explore how we can face infectious threats—together.
In this powerful & emotionally resonant conversation, hosts Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter speak with one of the world's leading epidemiologists about the relational side of public health: how trust is built, how misinformation spreads, and how communities come together in the face of crisis.
We look at what COVID-19 revealed about our vulnerabilities, what needs to change in our communication and preparedness, and how personal and community relationships shape our ability to respond to pandemics.
Drawing from his decades of public health leadership, Dr. Osterholm discusses how trust, communication, and community relationships shape our ability to prepare for and respond to infectious diseases. The conversation dives into the impact of misinformation, the challenges of navigating a polarized public health landscape, and the lessons learned from COVID-19 that will shape future preparedness.
This episode highlights why relationships—between individuals, communities, and institutions—are at the heart of effective public health.
A timely, grounded, and deeply human conversation with one of the world's most respected voices in infectious disease.
Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter
Guest: Michael Osterholm
Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships
Keywords: Michael Osterholm, infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, COVID-19, pandemic preparedness, virus mutations, misinformation, health communication, community trust, vulnerable populations, health equity, public health polarization, science communication, relational public health, community resilience, health messaging, disease prevention, trust in science, public health leadership
Chapters
00:00 Pre-Interview Discussion
03:08 Introducing Dr. Michael Osterholm
05:44 Dr. Osterholm's Background and Experience in Epidemiology
08:32 The Impact of Infectious Diseases on Vulnerable Populations
11:33 The Role of Misinformation in Public Health
14:23 Understanding Virus Mutations and Pandemic Preparedness
17:07 The Polarization of Public Health Responses
20:04 Challenges in Communicating Public Health Information
22:08 Building Trust in Public Health Messaging
25:22 The Importance of Humility in Public Health Communication
28:35 The Need for Clear and Tangible Public Health Messaging
31:28 The Role of Community in Public Health
34:15 Addressing the Common Foe of Infectious Diseases
37:03 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Public Health
40:02 Final Thoughts on Public Health and Community Engagement
56:46 Post-Interview Discussion
Follow Dr. Michael Osterholm:
Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP): https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/
Osterholm Update podcast: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/osterholm-update
Follow Dr. David Alter:
General Info: www.drdavidalter.com
For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com
Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:
General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com
Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel
