Shows
Public Health InsightWhy Science Is In Grave Danger & What You Can Do About ItThe research that gave us COVID vaccines in record time, that's working on cancer cures, and that's preparing us for climate change is under unprecedented threat. Massive budget cuts are shutting down labs, halting breakthrough research, and dismantling America's scientific infrastructure. But scientists aren't sitting idle.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane speaks to one of such scientists, Dr. James Alwine, about how researchers are mobilizing to defend public health through grassroots organizing, strategic communication, and citizen advocacy. From the rapid formation of Defend Public Health to early victories in protecting...2025-07-0131 min
Public Health InsightThe Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion: A Forgotten Public Health BlueprintThe Ottawa Charter offered a bold idea: that health isn't just shaped in hospitals or clinics, but in the everyday decisions we make about policy, environments, education, and empowerment. Nearly four decades later, that idea feels more urgent than ever.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane unpacks the story of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. From its origins in Ottawa, Ontario, to the movement it tried to spark, we’ll explore why the Charter felt revolutionary in 1986, how it slipped from practice, and why its vision still matters today....2025-06-1715 min
Public Health InsightThe Many Lives of the 13th Surgeon GeneralBy 1981, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office was a shadow of its former self—no ships, no quarantine stations, barely a dozen staff, and one statutory duty: publish the annual smoking report. Yet the Reagan White House still saw an opportunity. They tapped Dr. C. Everett Koop, a pediatric surgery legend whose outspoken pro-life views looked perfect for them in shoring up the administration’s social-conservative base.In the final chapter of this three-part mini-series on the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane and biographer Dr. Nigel S. Cameron explore how Koop turned a “figurehead” job into t...2025-05-2733 min
Public Health InsightThe Birth of Pediatric SurgeryPediatric surgery as a specialty hasn’t been around for as long as you might think. Before 1946, it wasn’t even a line item in most hospitals—children simply waited for whichever general surgeon happened to be on call.In the second chapter of this three-part mini-series on the Public Health Insight Podcast, host Gordon Thane continues his conversation with biographer Nigel M. de S. Cameron to trace the journey of a young Dr. C. Everett Koop—from his first day at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to the moment he helped turn the care of children into an en...2025-05-2022 min
Public Health InsightDisease Spread Explained Through Novel Data SourcesWhat if public health had more access to data than was previously thought imaginable?Dr. Serina Chang joins this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast to discuss how AI and novel data sources like cell phone mobility data can shed insights on human behaviour at scale, why health disparities exist, and the various ethical considerations that hang in the balance. Guest◼️ Serina Chang, PhDHost ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Producer...2024-09-1726 min
Public Health InsightMachine Learning and Natural Language Processing - Part 2 - AI & Public HealthMachine learning, natural language processing, rule-based systems, neural networks, deep learning…these are all terms used in the artificial intelligence space. But what does it all mean? Dr. Serina Chang knows a thing or two about this AI stuff and joins the Public Health Insight Podcast for a deep dive into the basics of AI as well as some key concepts to lay the foundational knowledge required to apply computer science in a population health context. Guest◼️ Serina Chang, PhDHost ◼️ Gordon Th...2024-09-1022 min
Public Health InsightPerfecting Your Interview TechniqueJob interviewing is one of the most under-practiced skills in the development of public health professionals.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Gordon and Purva discuss tips and tricks for preparing for job interviews. They emphasize: ◼️ the importance of thoroughly reviewing the job posting;◼️ aligning your skills and experiences with the requirements;◼️ the significance of developing a professional brand; ◼️ strategically showcasing your strengths during the interview;◼️ how to project confidence and handle nerves; ◼️ answering questions effectively;◼️ analyzing the job posting to clearly understand the role◼️ relating your responses to the spec...2024-05-2143 min
Public Health InsightDrPH Applications: Proven Tips and TricksYou've now decided what Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs you'd like to pursue, but is there a way to make sure your application gives you the best shot at getting in? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, our guests offer valuable insights for aspiring Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidates to get into their program of choice. They stress the significance of tailoring your personal statement, adhering to application instructions, and aligning your experiences with program goals. They also highlight the diverse career opportunities a DrPH can bring and the need for diverse practitioners.2023-09-1216 min
Public Health InsightDrPH vs PhD: How to Pick the Right One?The rich history and modern landscape, unique leadership focus, multifaceted curriculum, and the profound impact of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree warrants further exploration. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we delve into the distinctive realm of the DrPH and compare it to the PhD degree. With insights into candidacy exams, work experience requirements, and the broader public health landscape, the President and Vice President of the DrPH Coalition join this episode to provide invaluable guidance for those considering this transformative educational path.Podcast Guest2023-08-2921 min
Public Health InsightNavigating the Path to a Doctor of Public Health Degree (DrPH): Personal Career Journeys and The DrPH CoalitionThe Doctor of Public Health, DrPH, is the most advanced professional degree in public health, and despite being around for over 100 years, it is not well known to the general public, or even to public health professionals. The DrPH is considered a terminal professional degree in the field of public health it takes a step further in depth, complexity, and leadership preparation relative to an MPH degree. In the next few episodes of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will take a deep dive to learn more about this degree. In this episode, we will l...2023-08-2223 min
Public Health InsightThe Inspiring Fight Against HIV/AIDS In Sub-Saharan AfricaDespite the gains we've made globally, young women account for one in four new HIV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa, while comprising just 10% of the population. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Oluwakemi Gbadamosi from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) joins us to explore innovative solutions that address the root causes driving the epidemic.Podcast Guest◼️ Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, MA. EGID, MA. Comm, B.L –Law, LL.B –Law References In Our Discussion◼️ AIDS Healthcare Foundation◼️ AHFter Hours Podcast: Serving Women ◼️ Girls Act Podcast Hosts◼️ Gordo...2023-08-1528 min
Public Health InsightGlobal Health: Annual Review (GHAR) - An Open Access Student-Led JournalThe Global Health: Annual Review (GHAR) is an open-access peer-reviewed journal from the Global Health Office at McMaster University. GHAR serves as a platform to share insights and research written by global health students and researchers from around the world. The journal covers topics in public health, environmental health, child and maternal health, globalization, health equity and much more. In this episode, Alyssa Adamo joins us to talk about:◼️What is GHAR?◼️The importance of open-access journals◼️Why it is important for there to be options for a wide array of submission types in global health journa...2022-07-0517 min
Public Health InsightLeading Effective MeetingsMeeting management is the process of organizing a meeting and facilitating it in such a way that desired results are achieved. While this sounds like common knowledge, the reality is that many meetings can still feel like a waste of time, with no clear purpose or sense of direction. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we discuss what to do before the meeting, during the meeting, and after the meeting to ensure you get the most of the experience. More specifically, we cover:◼️ How to you know if you need a meeting in th...2022-06-2831 min
Public Health InsightHow To Build Your Dream Public Health CareerConfucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” While this may not be entirely true in some cases, finding the right career for you can be quite fulfilling and gives you a sense of purpose in both your personal and professional life. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Sujani Sivanantharajah, Founder of PH Spot, remains with us to share:◼️ What it means to build your ‘dream’ public health career; ◼️ Four components of your career compass and how they change overtime;◼️ How to assess your stre...2022-06-2131 min
Public Health InsightIs There A Space for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Public Health? | ft. Sujani Sivanantharajah, Founder of PH SPOTWhile entrepreneurship in public health has come a long way, there is still more room for innovation and growth. Despite these vast opportunities to add value to the field, many people remain reluctant to venture into the world of public health entrepreneurship. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Sujani Sivanantharajah, Founder of PH SPOT, joins us to talk about:◼️ Her journey into public health; ◼️The importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in public health;◼️ Whether entrepreneurship and business management should be a core part of the standard public health curriculum2022-06-1442 min
Public Health InsightThe Art & Science of Stakeholder Engagement: A Project Management Approach to Public Health ProblemsStakeholder engagement is a very important process used in public health and global health to proactively ensure the needs and desires of those who have a stake in a project, program or intervention are taken into consideration. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will touch on the art and science of stakeholder engagement and some tools we can use in practice. We will cover:◼️ What stakeholder engagement is◼️ Four key processes of stakeholder engagement ◼️ Tools and techniques to assist you in stakeholder engagement (stakeholder engagement matrix, Power Vs Interests Grid, Root Cause Analysi...2022-06-0727 min
Public Health InsightWhy Research Needs Strong Leadership & Learning Health Systems | ft. Dr. Michael J. Strong, President of CIHRDr. Michael J. Strong is the President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), an organization pursuing equitable health outcomes for Canadians powered by excellence in research. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Strong sits down with us to chat about:◼️ Demystifying scientists;◼️ Important traits for leadership in health research;◼️ Shifting health research priorities during the pandemic;◼️ Importance of learning health systems; and ◼️ Knowledge mobilization integrated into the research processPodcast Guest◼️ Dr. Michael J. Strong, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FCAHS Pod...2022-05-3135 min
Public Health InsightThe Unexpected Story of How Dr. Strong Became President of the Canadian Institutes of Health ResearchThe Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is Canada's federal funding agency for health research, collaborating with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we speak with Dr. Michael Strong about:◼️ How he became President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research;◼️ Why he was initially hesitant to take on the role;◼️ How CIHR informs evidence-informed policy making in the Canadian Government◼️ How the $1.3 billion funding is allocated annually; and2022-05-2434 min
Public Health InsightSetting Yourself Apart in Public Health With Project ManagementProject management is increasingly being demanded for public health and global health positions, but why is that the case? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will go over all the reasons why a working knowledge of project management methodologies can help you become a better practitioner in the field. We will cover:◼️ What are projects and what is project management?◼️ The value of project management in public health and global health◼️ Why are projects initiated and why do projects fail?◼️ Factors that might influence the success of a projectPodcast Hos...2022-05-1723 min
Public Health InsightHow We Can Benefit From a Community of Practice | ft. Leshawn Benedict, Global Health Community ManagerWe often hear the term “community of practice” in public health and global health, but what are they and how do they work? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Gordon sits down with Leshawn Benedict, a Community Manager for a Global Health Community of Practice, to pick his brain about: ◼️ The purpose of communities of practices;◼️ Traits of an effective community of practice◼️ How to successfully engage interdisciplinary teams spread across the globe◼️ Alternative job titles for a community manager; and◼️ Salary expectationsPodcast Guest◼️ Leshawn Benedict...2022-05-1031 min
Public Health InsightWhat Does A Health Promoter Do? | ft. Gordon Thane, Lori Chow Memorial Award RecipientIt might seem like there are endless job opportunities to make an impact in public health, but one of the core pillars of a strong workforce in the field are its Health Promoters. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Leshawn interviews Gordon Thane, 2021 recipient of the Lori Chow Memorial Award from Health Promotion Ontario, to find out about: ◼️ The field of health promotion;◼️ What health promoters do in their job;◼️ Core competencies of an effective health promoter;◼️ Alternative job titles for a health promoter; and◼️ Salary expectationsPodcast Guest...2022-05-0327 min
Public Health Insight3 Things to Do As You Come to the End of Your Public Health Graduate DegreeYou’re coming to the end of your graduate degree in your public health or global health program, you’ve already secured a practicum that you’re really excited about, and now you might be considering whether to rest on your laurels. The reality is that this is only the beginning of your journey and in this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will share 3 things you absolutely should do while your program is coming to a close that will set you up for success as you start your career.Podcast Hosts◼️ Gordon Thane, BMS...2022-04-2629 min
Public Health InsightHow To Stand Out In Your Interviews & Get Job OffersWhat should you do when you finally start to get interviews from your stellar job applications, but you aren’t receiving any job offers? In this episode, we’ll be talking about:◼️ The main reasons you’re not getting any job offers, ◼️ How to answer some interview questions◼️ The importance of confidence in your interview performance◼️ How to select the most appropriate references, and◼️ What other things you can do to increase your chances of being offered the position.Podcast Hosts◼️ Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®...2022-04-1921 min
Public Health InsightScientific Integrity, Big Pharma’s Influence, & The Cost of Opioid Drug TraffickingSet against the backdrop of the opioid epidemic in the United States and Canada, a Biology professor, a single-mom, and an undercover FBI agent find themselves at the crossroads of the Opioid crisis as Big Pharma brings a new product to the market and drug trafficking runs rampant. This story is depicted in the fictional film, Crisis (2021), and in this episode, we will use the movie as a scaffold to discuss the drivers of the opioid epidemic in North America and the broader public health concerns for our society.Podcast HostsPurva Mehta, BMSc...2022-04-1237 min
Public Health InsightA Look Back At The COVID-19 Response & How We Will Know When The Pandemic Is Over | ft. Dr. Lisa Doggett from HGS AxisPoint HealthAfter reaching the two-year anniversary since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, we are once again left with more questions than answers about what the future might look like. But, in order to look at the future, we must first examine the past and the present. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Lisa Doggett, Senior Medical Director at HGS AxisPoint Health, joins us to talk about lessons learned from:What public health got right during the COVID-19 response and some shortcomings;The importance of public health communication in...2022-04-0544 min
Public Health InsightWhy You’re Not Getting Job InterviewsTired of sending out countless job applications and haven't received any interviews? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about some of the main reasons job applicants don't get any interviews and an exciting upcoming event featuring a career coach who will share some insider information on what employers are actually looking for in your resume cover letter and job interview (link below).Registration for the 'Why You’re Not Getting Interviews & Job Offers' Live Q&A EventRegister for the Live Q&A on Thursday, April 7 from 5:30 p.m...2022-03-2921 min
Public Health InsightWhy We Still Need to Be Very Concerned About Tuberculosis | ft. Dr. Elizabeth Rea and Tina Campbell from Stop TB CanadaThere is an infectious disease affecting people all around the world and was responsible for more than 1 million deaths globally in 2020. If you had to guess, maybe you would think it was COVID-19. Think again, because it's a disease that was first discovered in the 1800s, called Tuberculosis (TB). In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we’ll be speaking with two guests from Stop TB Canada about:The history of TB in Canada and the current burden of disease;How the TB programs at Toronto Public Health and the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) typically op...2022-03-221h 06
Public Health InsightHow A Corporate Defense Lawyer Changed Public Health ft. Rob BilottIf public health is a population-based field of science for preventing diseases and promoting health, what can a corporate defense attorney possibly do to positively influence the health of millions of people? Discovering the impacts of toxic chemicals on a community and holding chemical companies accountable for their actions is a good place to start. Understanding the intersection of science, regulatory processes, and law is of critical importance to ensuring an environment that preserves the health of humans and animals.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we spoke to Rob Bilott, Partner...2022-03-1554 min
Public Health InsightUN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Achieving Universal Health Coverage Through Digital TransformationDigital technology has the potential to transform life as we know it - from automating daily tasks, to essentially allowing us to carry around pocket-sized computers. Whatever the case, we are fully immersed in this digital age for better or for worse. Global targets have been set to ensure health for all by 2030, and while health systems around the world face challenges in achieving these targets, African health systems in particular are at a critical point of digital transformation. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we speak with Njide Ndili, Country Director for PharmAccess, about what...2022-03-0852 min
Public Health InsightWhy Many New Graduates Feel Unprepared to Enter the Public Health WorkforceNavigating the public health and global health space as a student and early career professional can be difficult. Understanding that so many people face similar challenges, we identified a need to do things differently. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will be talking about some of the key lessons we learned from actively engaging with hundreds of aspiring public health professionals through our free service, Office Hours.Podcast HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Other Episodes You Should Check Out67: Continuing Education in Public Health an...2022-03-0121 min
Public Health InsightFrequently Asked Questions About Pursuing Public Health Education, Jobs, & CareersA career in public health can be fulfilling but it's more of a journey than a destination, and along that journey, we're often faced with questions like what should I do after finishing my Bachelor's Degree, is an undergrad sufficient to get me the job I want, and how will the MPH help me achieve my career goals? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we answer these questions and some other frequently asked questions, such as how to get job opportunities after graduation with little experience and stay tuned until the end where we share some...2022-02-2233 min
Public Health InsightSmoking Cessation & the Promise of a ‘New’ Old DrugTobacco use is currently the leading cause of preventable death, responsible for more than eight million deaths worldwide each year. Given this reality, healthcare companies still committed to smoking cessation can play a pivotal role in addressing this escalating smoking and nicotine addiction epidemic. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we speak with Dr. Cindy Jacobs, President and Chief Medical Officer of Achieve Life Sciences, about new therapeutic modalities designed to make it easier for individuals trying to quit smoking.Podcast HostsDr. Cindy Jacobs, Ph.D, MDPodcast...2022-02-1542 min
Public Health InsightWhat If Climate Change Was An Approaching Comet?What happens when scientists try to advise policymakers and decision-makers about a significant threat to public health and they fail to act? What if you then found out that not only did these decision-makers fail to act, but instead chose to exploit the situation for economic gain? While this sounds like an all too familiar present-day scenario, this story is captured in the fictional Netflix film titled, “Don’t Look Up”, where two astronomers identify a catastrophic comet heading towards earth and the fate of humanity is left in the hands of politicians and some of the...2022-02-0850 min
Public Health Insight7 Core Competencies You Need to Excel in Public HealthWhether you’re an aspiring public health professional who is unsure about how to get noticed by a potential employer or you’ve already been working in the public health field for a period of time, there are skills we must continually work to develop to allow us to excel in an evolving public health landscape. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will be talking about seven core competencies that are crucial for the effective practice of public health.Podcast HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®2022-02-0140 min
Public Health InsightWhat is Public Health?One of the things we always hear from our community of people - some aspiring to go into the field of public health and others having some work experience in other fields - is what is considered as public health experience. In order to answer the question, we must first understand what public health is. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about:Standard definitions from the WHO, PHAC, CDC, APHA, and CPHA;Our current understanding of public health and how it changed since first pursuing public health;What public health means t...2022-01-2531 min
Public Health InsightTop 5 Certifications You Should Pursue to Advance Your Public Health CareerWhether you’ve just completed your Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or have been working in the public health field for a while, there are always opportunities to continue advancing your career and add value to your workplace. In this episode of the Public Health Podcast, we talk about 5 certifications you should pursue to advance your public health career or to become more competitive in the job market.Podcast HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Certification ResourcesCertified in Public Health (CPH)Certified Health Educatio...2022-01-1846 min
Public Health InsightRestorative Justice through Youth and Adult Diversion ProgrammingFor over 50 years, St. Leonard’s Community Services (SLCS), London and Region has been dedicated to a community where everyone feels safe, valued and supported. St. Leonard’s accomplishes this by implementing and advocating for improved policies, procedures, and service delivery within the justice system, through a range of youth and adult community programs. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Michael Oates, Executive Director of SLCS, joins us to share how his organization is working to serve some of the most marginalized populations in the community. Podcast GuestMichael OatesPod...2022-01-1137 min
Public Health InsightDark Waters Movie Review: The Impact of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Our EnvironmentWhat happens when a corporate defence attorney goes from representing large powerful chemical manufacturing companies to fighting against them after learning that their environmental toxic waste was connected to a growing number of unexplained diseases and deaths in animals and humans? In this episode of Rewind, a new limited series by the Public Health Insight Podcast, we take a closer look at Dark Waters - a movie released in 2019, featuring the true story of Rob Bilott, played by actor Mark Ruffalo.Podcast HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Purva Me...2022-01-0445 min
Public Health InsightPublic Health Insight: What We Do & Why We ExistAfter launching the podcast in March 2020, Public Health Insight has grown into so much more than we could have ever imagined. In this special episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we take the opportunity to reintroduce ourselves by sharing our mission, vision, projects, initiatives, ongoing work to date, and some of our upcoming plans for the future.Podcast HostLeshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®References for Our Discussion Public Health Insight WebsitePodcasting as a Tool for Health Communication? The Public Health Ins...2021-12-2846 min
Public Health InsightWhat You Might Be Doing Wrong On Your MPH ApplicationsThe graduate application season is upon us and many people are curious about the various ways they can maximize their chances of being accepted to Master of Public Health (MPH) programs. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will be talking about what you can do to stand out amongst a crowd of outstanding applicants.Podcast HostGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Office HoursIf you are a student, recent graduate, or looking to make a career change towards public health, an...2021-12-2147 min
Public Health InsightWhat You Should Consider Before Applying to MPH ProgramsYou just finished your undergrad or you’ve been working for awhile now and have decided to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, but what do you need to know before submitting your application and how do you stand out? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will be sharing our experience to help guide you as you prepare your MPH graduate program applications and how to decide which MPH program to choose.Podcast HostGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Office Hours2021-12-1424 min
New Books in European PoliticsThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in perma...2021-12-0346 min
The Harvard BriefThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in perma...2021-12-0346 min
Asian Review of BooksThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in perma...2021-12-0346 min
New Books in Russian and Eurasian StudiesThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in perma...2021-12-0346 min
New Books in World AffairsThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.
The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.
What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in permafrost, and an economy with str...2021-12-0348 min
New Books in Environmental StudiesThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in perma...2021-12-0348 min
New Books in EconomicsThane Gustafson, "Klimat: Russia in the Age of Climate Change" (Harvard UP, 2021)With COP26 and high fossil fuel prices, energy is back in the headlines. And Russia, as one of the world’s largest producers of hydrocarbons, is part of the conversation--most recently, in Putin’s refusal to expand oil production to ease global prices.The world is coming up on three major transitions—peak use of fossil fuels, renewables competing with non-renewables, and a warming climate likely to surpass the 1.5 degree threshold set by the IPCC.What do those trends mean for Russia: a great power, a major oil and gas producer, an Arctic country covered in perma...2021-12-0348 min
Public Health InsightLessons Learned from Organizing A Global Event Focused on One HealthThe One Health approach informs the way we address complex problems affecting all organisms on the planet. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we talk about lessons learned from One Health Connect (OHC) 2021 - a virtual event co-organized by the Public Health Insight, which aimed to highlight the importance of transdisciplinary approaches to address present and future challenges that threaten human, animal, and environmental health. Podcast HostPurva Mehta, BMSc., MSc.Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®References for Our Discussion One Health Conn...2021-11-3045 min
Public Health InsightHow to Speak About Science with People Who Have Opposing BeliefsIt is more important now than ever that people are able to speak with colleagues, friends, family, and the general public about controversial topics, but how do we create a safe space to have those conversations?In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Thomson, Veterinarian, Educator, Science Policy Advisor, and the Founder of One Health Lessons, remains to share some ways you can engage in conversations with people who have opposing beliefs on science. Podcast GuestsDr. Deborah ThomsonPodcast HostGordon T...2021-11-2321 min
Public Health InsightScience Communication: Sharing Knowledge Through StorytellingWhat if you learned the real story of the woman behind the development of mRNA vaccine technology and realized it wasn’t as straightforward of a journey as you previously thought? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Thomson, Veterinarian, Educator, Science Policy Advisor, and the Founder of One Health Lessons, remains to share why teaching children can help you to become a better science communicator and how storytelling can enhance knowledge sharing.Podcast GuestsDr. Deborah ThomsonPodcast HostGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Ref...2021-11-1617 min
Public Health InsightThe Art of Science CommunicationScience communication is a term that has been at the forefront of public discourse as of recently, but what does it even mean? Is it more of an art or is it more for science? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Deborah Thomson, Veterinarian, Educator, Science Policy Advisor, and the Founder of One Health Lessons, joins us to talk about the importance of science communication and where it fits in the One Health approach.Podcast GuestsDr. Deborah ThomsonPodcast HostGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®2021-11-0919 min
Public Health InsightTop Ten Threats to Global Health: Combating Multidrug Resistant Infections through Stewardship & Multilateral SolutionsMedical technology and precision medicine have come a long way, and many people assume that the process of researching, discovering, and producing new drugs has never been easier. What if you learned that the last entirely original class of antibiotic was discovered in the late 1980s? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Mr. Schacht remains to discuss:Geographical distribution of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infectionsWhy big pharma no longer prioritizes the research and development of new antibiotics or other antimicrobials; and The need for coordinated multi-sectoral approaches to tackle AMR as a top ten gl...2021-11-0235 min
Public Health InsightAntimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Precision Medicine & the Rise of SuperbugsAntimicrobials are a broad range of medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. The discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Alexander Flemming has been widely recognized as one of the greatest scientific advancements of the 20th century, but what happens when there are no new antimicrobials being discovered and the ones we have available no longer work? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Mr. Oliver Schact, CEO of OpGen, joins to talk about:The drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); The impact of COVID-19 and lessons l...2021-10-2621 min
Public Health InsightHow Ten Global Cities Are Addressing Homelessness & The Innovations That Are Proven to WorkUsually, when we talk about resolving issues, one of the things that often comes to mind is allocating more resources and throwing more money at the problem. When it comes to addressing homelessness, two experts caution against this approach as cities with bigger budgets do not necessarily have more effective solutions for homelessness. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Linda and Tamiru, from Bloomberg Associates, remain to discuss challenges and opportunities that emerged from the pandemic, and highlight some unique solutions to homelessness from their book, “How Ten Global Cities Take on Homelessness: Innovations Tha...2021-10-1931 min
Public Health InsightHomelessness: A Complex Human Rights & Public Health IssueAccording to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and of their family…” This raises the question, why do so many people live on the streets sleeping tough? Homelessness is a complex issue that affects people living in cities across the world. In this episode, we will be speaking with two change-makers from Bloomberg Associates who will share their thoughts on why homelessness is a public health issue and why homelessness as an issue itself is homeless.Podcast Guests2021-10-1226 min
Public Health InsightTwo-Continua Model for Mental Health and Mental Illness: Flourishing, Languishing, & Everything In-BetweenMental health is more than the absence of mental illness or disorders. So what's the difference between mental health and mental illness? The Two Continua Model of Mental Health and Illness illustrates that it is possible for people to have positive mental health while having a mental illness, just as it is possible to have poor mental health without having a mental illness.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Corey Keyes, a distinguished full professor of Sociology at Emory University, remains to unpack the two continua model of mental health and illness, the...2021-10-0542 min
Public Health InsightMental Health Continuum: Absence of Mental Illness or the Presence of Positive Mental HealthWhat if everything we currently know about mental health and mental illness is wrong? According to the World Health Organization, by 2030, depression will be among the leading conditions for disability and morbidity - second only to heart disease. Clearly, something is not working. Traditionally, mental health is defined as the absence of mental illness. Is this definition enough? Dr. Corey Keyes once said, “We wait for people to break down and park ambulances at the bottom of the cliff.” This is the approach generally taken in the mental health field, where the focus is aroun...2021-09-2830 min
Public Health InsightHarm Reduction Solutions Inspired by the Community: Safe Opioid Supply and Street Outreach MedicineIn this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Sereda remains with us to share her experience as the lead physician practicing street outreach medicine to support people who use street-level drugs, people living in homelessness, and women involved in the survival sex trade through London Intercommunity Health Centre’s Safe Opioid Supply program, which is currently the longest-running of its kind in Canada.Podcast GuestsDr. Andrea SeredaPodcast HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Ben Umakanthan, HBSc, MPHReferences for Our Dis...2021-09-2130 min
Public Health InsightOpioid Poisoning Crisis: The Story of Alcohol Prohibition Repeating ItselfIn the period between 2016 and 2021, more than 19,000 Canadians have died of overdoses related to the toxic street supply of drugs. Opioid-related deaths have further increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of a variety of factors, such as disruptions in wrap-around support services, reallocation of resources, and challenges to overall mental health and well-being. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Andrea Sereda joins us to talk about:The causes of the current drug poisoning crisis and similarities to the alcohol prohibition period in the 1920s;Some factors that contribute to the likelihood of...2021-09-1429 min
Public Health InsightHow to Organize Your LinkedIn Profile to Expand Your Network and Attract Potential EmployersLinkedIn is considered one of the leading social media platforms for professional networking and some employers now actively investigate the digital footprints of potential candidates before making hiring decisions.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Kamara Toffolo, Resume Writer, LinkedIn Consultant, and Job Search Strategist, joins us to talk about some strategies you can use to make your LinkedIn profile stand out in your network and impress potential employers.Podcast GuestsKamara ToffoloPodcast HostsGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®Leshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®...2021-09-0711 min
Public Health InsightHow to Write a Cover Letter & Why You Should Include it in Every Job ApplicationPreparing job applications can be taxing and some people often get excited when a job application does not explicitly require a cover letter. Could you be missing out when you don’t submit a cover letter with your job application?In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Kamara Toffolo, Resume Writer, LinkedIn Consultant, and Job Search Strategist, joins us to talk about:The purpose and importance of cover letters in job applicationsDistinguishing cover letters from your resumesUsing graphic design resumes and templatesIdeal cover letter length, format, and how to structure the co...2021-08-3114 min
Public Health InsightMaking Your Resume Make Sense: What Ingredients Make A Good ResumeA resume is a written compilation of your work experience, qualifications, skills, and education. It is a key part of a job application that the hiring team will review before considering you for a job opening. Therefore, it should communicate essential information about you in a concise and clear way to a potential employer.In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Kamara Toffolo, Resume Writer, LinkedIn Consultant, and Job Search Strategist, joins us to talk about:Ingredients that make a “good” resume;Six second resume scan and how to pass the test;Ideal length of a...2021-08-2416 min
Public Health InsightBack to the Basics of Job Searching: Identifying Your Target Job and Understanding the Applicant Tracking SystemCould your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile be ruining your chances of getting job interviews? The answer is likely yes, but there’s no need to panic. Job searching is both an art and a science that often leaves many people frustrated as they look to start or continue their careers. The most effective job search strategies involve getting organized for the process and identifying job opportunities that match your interests and qualifications. But where does the job search process begin and where does it end? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we’ve in...2021-08-1713 min
Public Health InsightAge-Friendly Communities: Creating Inclusive Environments for Multiple GenerationsThe World Health Organization defines an age-friendly community as one that encourages active ageing by adapting its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Ann and Justine from Age Friendly Peterborough, remain with us to share their knowledge about:The ingredients that make up an age-friendly community;A local project called “Social Isolation to Social Connection”;Home-sharing models as a solution to build social networks and increase access to affordable housing;Participatory action research and social pres...2021-08-1035 min
Diary of a Psychic MediumThe Spiritual Power of DanceThis episode goes out to my friends Thane (@gordon_thane on IG) and Makeda (@makekeeee on IG)! They approached with an idea for a project regarding how dance and my spiritual work come together, which is not something I had ever really thought about because they always seemed so separate. I was absolutely WRONG! I realized how much I use dance to aid and enhance my spiritual abilities everyday, so I wanted to share it with you, too. I share how to use dance as a form of meditation to connect to beings, energies, future version of yourselves, faeries, extr...2021-08-1028 min
Public Health InsightSocial Isolation & Loneliness During The Pandemic: The Impacts on Community Dwelling-Seniors and Their CaregiversSusan Pinker, an author and psychologist, once said, “Social Isolation is the Public Health risk of our time. The secret to living longer may be your social life.” In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Ann and Justine from Age Friendly Peterborough, join us to talk about the distinction between social isolation and loneliness, its broader health implications, the burden on caregivers, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for seniors living in community dwellings.Podcast GuestsAnn MacLeodJustine LevesquePodcast HostsGo...2021-08-0322 min
Public Health InsightDigital Determinants of Health: Expanding Healthcare Access for Marginalized and Isolated Populations Using Virtual TechnologiesAccording to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), almost 88% of Canadians have access to a high-speed broadband internet connection, compared to just over 45% for rural communities. This has led to concerns around a digital divide, the broader digital determinants of health, and whether telehealth technologies can actually be delivered without widening health disparities. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Keith Thompson, Chief Medical Officer of iTelemed Canada, remains with us to discuss the importance of addressing the digital determinants of health and the ways in which telehealth can be leveraged to reach marginalized and i...2021-07-2729 min
Public Health InsightVirtual Healthcare Technologies: Telemedicine & Patient SatisfactionThe ongoing pandemic has disrupted many of our routines, including the way we engage with our healthcare providers. According to a national survey commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association, Canadians who connected with their doctor virtually during the pandemic reported a 91% satisfaction rate, which was 17% higher than in-person emergency room visits. This raises more questions as access to broadband high-speed internet connection and mobile devices remain a barrier for many populations. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Keith Thompson joins us to speak about telehealth, the various ways in which it can be d...2021-07-2032 min
Public Health InsightHow to Create A Successful Networking Strategy: Identifying Your Goal & Taking the First StepNetworking is a great way to connect people with common interests and extract information to advance your career goals, but why are so many people hesitant to take the first step? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we share some practical tips you can use to connect with people you’re interested in learning from, where you can meet other public health professionals, and how the pandemic has closed some doors for networking, while opening other ones.Podcast HostsLeshawn Benedict, MPH, MSc, PMP®Linda Holdbrook, BSc, MPHGordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP...2021-07-1339 min
Public Health InsightBuilding Relationships in Public Health & Global Health: Why You Should Be NetworkingAlthough people may enjoy or despise it, networking is undoubtedly an important tool in your arsenal to help you gain valuable and practical information that may even land you a job. Now, more so than ever, networking has become critical as the number of face-to-face opportunities has dramatically been reduced due to the pandemic. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we will show you why public health and global health professionals should use networking to learn from others in the field to develop their interests and advance their career goals. Key Points Covered2021-07-0629 min
Public Health InsightGlobal Pandemic Response: Canadian Foreign Policy, Public Opinion, & Waiving the Vaccine Intellectual Property AgreementThe majority of Canadians recognize that if we don’t overcome COVID-19 everywhere, we won't be able to effectively control it in Canada. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Julia Anderson, CEO of CanWaCH, remains with us for the second part of the discussion to talk about: Public opinion polling and deliberative democracy as a tool to facilitate advocacy; Importance of appropriately framing issues around Canadian foreign policy; Activating the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Waiver; Diversion of healthcare resources away from other urgent health issues, andHow she learned transferable skills to advance her ca...2021-06-2937 min
Public Health InsightEquity-Driven Global Approaches to Developing, Acquiring, and Distributing COVID-19 VaccinesThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social and health disparities across many regions, highlighting the need for an intentional global response to ensure that resources are allocated in an equitable way. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Julia Anderson, CEO of CanWaCH, joins us to discuss:Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) pillar; Global health landscape for vaccine research, development, manufacturing, procurement, and distribution; Intellectual Property (IP) as a barrier to global vaccine equity; andCOVID-19's overall impact on Canadian foreign policy.Podcast GuestsJu...2021-06-2235 min
Public Health InsightSimple Job Search Strategies for Students & Recent GraduatesJob searching can often be considered both a science and an art. The most effective job search strategies involve getting organized for the process and identifying job opportunities that match your interests and qualifications. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we reveal some hidden job search strategies you can use to find your next career opportunity in public health or global health, such as:Platforms to use for job searching and identifying opportunities Networking to learn more about job-specific roles and responsibilities associated;Differences between internal and external job postings;Managing expectations in the real w...2021-06-1536 min
Public Health InsightWhat To Do Before You Begin Your Public Health Job SearchWhether you’re coming to the end of your educational training or have already done all of the hard work necessary to complete your program, we all inevitably find ourselves on the cusp of another daunting task - landing a job. This can be an extremely stressful and frustrating process, and you will likely need every bit of support along the way. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we share some beginner tips to help you get started and keep you organized in your job search process, including:How to approach job searching during the pa...2021-06-0816 min