Shows
Rolin ForwardThe Politics of Prevention: Kennedy v. Braidwood****Episode Evidence versus Ideology. This is Kennedy v. Braidwood, the 2025 Supreme Court Case challenging the authority of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. We break down the case, explain what the Court ruled, and what powers now rest with the HHS Secretary.***Series:This episode is part of our SCOTUS Summer, where we unpack the recent Supreme Court cases reshaping health in America. ** HostsI'm Dr. Alicia Rolin; I work in emergency pediatrics and do research.I'm Dr. Stephanie Rolin, an emergency psychiatrist and grant-funded researcher.2025-07-3016 min
Rolin ForwardSmoke and Mirrors: FDA v. Wages and White LionThis week as part of SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack FDA v. Wages and White Lion, a unanimous 2025 Supreme Court decision affirming the FDA’s authority to regulate flavored e-cigarettes. At first glance, this case might seem like it’s just about mango vapes, but it’s really about science, safety, and how far public health agencies can go to protect youth from addiction.And yes: we close with a song 🎶This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessari...2025-07-2114 min
Rolin ForwardWhen Book Bans Become a Health Issue: Mahmoud v. TaylorThis week as part of SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin unpack Mahmoud v. Taylor, a landmark 2025 Supreme Court decision on parental rights in public schools. The case centers on how much control parents have over what their children are taught, and how much discretion school systems retain to support diverse student needs. We break down what the Court decided, why it’s generating debate, and what it means for educators, families, and kids navigating public education in 2025 and beyond.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of th...2025-07-1516 min
Rolin ForwardIntroducing SCOTUS SummerIn this kickoff to SCOTUS Summer, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin introduce their summer series exploring the intersection of medicine, education, and the law, and how the Supreme Court’s 2025 decisions are reshaping children’s lives. Each week this summer, we’ll choose one major case from 2025 and break it down: what the Court decided, why it matters, and what it means for kids and families across the country.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employ...2025-07-0709 min
Rolin ForwardBehind the Big Beautiful Bill: Who Wins, Who Loses in HealthcareThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act sounds grand, but what’s behind the flashy name? In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin break down the sweeping healthcare changes hidden inside the bill. From Medicaid block grants and work requirements, to cuts in protections for gender-affirming care and undocumented immigrants, and major rollbacks to the Affordable Care Act, this bill could reshape millions of Americans’ access to care.Recorded on 6/30, this episode reflects the bill’s status as of that date. Changes are expected as the bill moves between the Senate and House.This is not in...2025-07-0126 min
Rolin ForwardACIP Meeting: Now With 100% More DramaThe CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met June 25–26 for the first time since HHS Secretary RFK Jr orchestrated a complete overhaul of its membership. In this episode of Rolin Forward, we break down the key takeaways of this meeting and what it means for public trust in science.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2025-06-2745 min
Rolin ForwardACIP Shot Down: The Fall of the Vaccine Advisory PanelHHS Secretary RFK Jr. abruptly fired the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the group that sets vaccine recommendations in the U.S. He has selected new members, several of whom are known for vaccine skepticism or have limited immunization expertise. This significant change in the advisory panel represents a major shift in U.S. vaccine policymaking. In this episode, we analyze who these new members are, their backgrounds and views, and what this shake-up could mean for public trust, vaccine guidance, and family health.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content...2025-06-1933 min
Rolin ForwardEMTALA Under Threat: The Impact on Emergency Care and Patient SafetyWill doctors get arrested for saving a patient’s life? In this episode, the Drs. Rolin examine the current administration’s decision to roll back federal guidelines that previously protected abortion access under EMTALA during pregnancy-related emergencies. With those protections revoked, hospitals and providers face growing uncertainties, especially in states with abortion bans. Tune in as the Drs. Rolin explore what this means for emergency care, legal obligations, and patient safety on the front lines. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily repr...2025-06-1322 min
Rolin ForwardMAHA Report: The Good, The Bad, & The UglyIn this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin provide an in-depth analysis of the Make Our Children Healthy Again (MAHA) report, released on May 22, 2025. The report, commissioned by the Trump administration and led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases among American children. Listen to unpack the report and note some key takeaways. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2025-06-0222 min
Rolin ForwardHot Takes, Cold FactsWe’re on vacation, but couldn’t resist a quick detour into some statements made by RFK Jr! In this fun-sized episode, we’re bringing you a public health news quiz—just the facts, with a few hot takes along the way. No prep required, just press play!This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2025-05-2707 min
Rolin ForwardVaccine-Autism Hoax: The Origin StoryIn 1998, a now-infamous paper by Andrew Wakefield claimed a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Though the study was quickly debunked and later retracted, the damage had already been done. In this episode, we unpack how one fraudulent claim helped spark a modern anti-vaccine movement, leading to a resurgence of preventable diseases and a deepening distrust in public health.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2025-05-1823 min
Rolin ForwardCasey Means + Surgeon General: ExplainedThis week, President Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means to be Surgeon General. In this episode, we talk about what this job entails and what changes we might expect if Dr. Means is confirmed.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2025-05-1235 min
Rolin ForwardAutism Under Spotlight: What RFK Jr Got Right and Got Wrong On April 16, RFK Jr held his first press conference as secretary of health and human services. Listen as Drs Rolin break down RFK Jr’s claim and talk about what he got right and what he got wrong.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2025-04-2232 min
Rolin ForwardBrushing Up on FluorideFluoride has been making headlines this week, sparking questions and confusion for many families. Join Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin as they unpack the latest news, break down the science, and separate fact from fiction on what fluoride is, why it's in our water, and what it really means for your family's teeth.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.CDC Water Fluoridation Tool: https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default...2025-04-1320 min
Rolin ForwardMeasles 201Measles is spreading, with over 600 cases in the US in 2025. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin go into more details about measles including what's the status of the outbreak and more about steps you can take to protect you and your family.If you haven't listened to Episode 13, 'Measles 101' - we recommend you start there then jump into this one!This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-04-0625 min
Rolin ForwardExecutive Orders & Access to HealthcareThere's been a flurry of executive orders - so many it's hard to keep track. In this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin will discuss 5 major policy changes from the Trump administration that affect families' access to health care. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or fundersCMS pricing tool: https://www.cms.gov/webpricer2025-03-2623 min
Rolin ForwardThe Skinny on Weight Loss DrugsWhile the first GLP-1 inhibitors (a class of weight loss drugs) was FDA approved over ten years ago, it seems like they've recently become a part of everyday conversations. Dive into this episode with Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin to learn what these medications are, how they work, and why they're all anyone can talk about. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-03-2021 min
Rolin ForwardDr Oz: America's Doctor or America's GrifterDr. Oz was appointed by President Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). His confirmation hearing is this week - Friday March 14th at 9am. In anticipation, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin delve into Dr. Oz's background, what leading CMS entails, and why some health experts are concerned about his nomination. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-03-1331 min
Rolin ForwardState of the (Medical) UnionThis week, President Trump made his joint address to Congress, where he outlined his priorities. Following his lead, in this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin outline their top five health concerns for 2025.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-03-0622 min
Rolin ForwardMeasles 101There's a measles outbreak spreading in Texas, with nearly 100 cases so far. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about that outbreak, the disease, and, most importantly, steps you can take to protect yourselves and your family.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-02-2523 min
Rolin ForwardLet's talk about the Department of EducationIt's time to talk about the Department of Education! As the Trump administration makes move to reduce or close the Department of Education, parents have questions. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about the history of the Department of Education, its role in education today, and what kind of changes might be expected.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-02-2027 min
Rolin ForwardWhiplashWe've seen many health policy changes coming out of HHS in the past couples of weeks. It's honestly felt hard to keep up. So this week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin do their best to summarize some of those changes & outline some potential impacts. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-02-1431 min
Rolin ForwardRecap of RFK Jr HearingsRFK Jr had 2 Senate confirmation hearings Jan 29 and 30. For more than six hours, senators considered whether to confirm him to lead HHS. A vote is still pending on what is shaping up to be one of the most controversial nominations. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin provide a recap of those hearings.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-02-0330 min
Rolin ForwardRFK Jr Faces CongressRFK Jr is facing senators as they consider whether to confirm him to lead HHS. This week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin discuss his nomination and why over 20,000 doctors and more than 75 Nobel Prize winners are urging the Senate to reject him. The Senate confirmation hearings are scheduled Jan 29 and 30. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-01-2916 min
Rolin ForwardTrump on Sex & GenderThis week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin discuss a new executive order from President Trump called "“Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government," which places a focus on sex rather than gender identity. In this episode, we discuss this executive order and what it means for families.Read the executive order here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or fu...2025-01-2325 min
Rolin ForwardUpdate on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)This week, Dr. Alicia Rolin provides a short update about bird flu and what's been happening in the US since our episode in December. Bird flu is an evolving pandemic threat we'll help you keep track of these developments.Websites we recommend:https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-01-1411 min
Rolin ForwardThe Reality of Red DyeThis week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about artificial dye focusing on red dye number 3, and why it's been in the news.If you want to let the FDA know what you think, here's the link. It will be open until 1/21/2025. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/11/21/2024-27289/development-of-an-enhanced-systematic-process-for-the-food-and-drug-administrations-post-marketThis is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2025-01-0820 min
Rolin ForwardH5N what? Let's talk about bird fluThis week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin talk about bird flu, the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic, and what you can do to protect your family.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders2024-12-3121 min
Rolin ForwardTo Buy or Not To Buy: December Toy EditionThis week, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin present a special December toy edition. With the holidays coming up, it's definitely the season of gifting. Join us as we discuss safety concerns of ten popular toys - as well as five toys we recommend as safer options. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2024-12-0641 min
Rolin ForwardFSA, HSA, and deductiblesThis week, join Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin as they explain what the differences between an FSA and HSA, plus how you might use this money to help prepare for the coming administration. This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2024-11-2723 min
Rolin ForwardWhat's up with HHS anyways?This week, President-Elect Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Join Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin as they do a deep dive into what HHS is, why this nomination matters, and what might happen next.This is not intended to be medical advice, and the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of their employers or funders.2024-11-2131 min
Rolin ForwardHow to talk to your kids about the electionIn this episode, Drs. Alicia and Stephanie Rolin will provide concrete advice about how to talk to your kids about the 2024 election. 2024-11-1209 min