Public Health Group Chat

A podcast more reliable than your federal government. Hosted by public health professionals Ariel, Mattie, and Olivia, this podcast breaks down what’s actually happening in the world of health—without the jargon or spin, no background required. Each episode feels like catching up with friends who know how the system works and can explain why it matters to your everyday life. Expect the topic of the week, public health in pop culture, weekly recall updates, and the good news we all need to hear. Informative, honest, and occasionally unhinged…in the best way.

All views shared in this podcast are our own. Episodes drop every other Friday. Next episode available on 3/6/26.

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Public Health Group Chat

New Year, New Shitshow

January 23, 2026 • Ariel, Mattie & Olivia

0:00 | 1:04:32

A public health podcast more reliable than your federal government. Get to know your cohosts! Bear with us as we fine tune our audio setups, we promise Ariel is truly not soft spoken. This week we discuss:

The end of the Affordable Care Act subsidies
The change in the US vaccine schedule
Heated Rivalry
Food Recalls

Episode 01 Recall Information:

This Week (1/11-1/18):

Diva Fam Inc - Sea Moss Gel (Superfood product) - Botulism. Distributed online nationwide. (more info)

January:

Primavera Nuevo tamales, various flavors (more info) - listeria contamination
Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, sold exclusively at Golden Land in Des Moines, Iowa and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, New Jersey (more info) - lead contamination
Spring & Mulberry Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar - Salmonella (more info)

November/December: Could be still on your shelves

Multiple brand names, like hundreds of products. (more info)
- Rat droppings - salmonella risk
- If you are in Minnesota and Indiana its time to check this list out of distributors.
Grated Pecorino Romano (Under multiple brands including Boars Head) - listeria (impacting 20 states and commonly bought brands) (check this list)
Country Vet Biscuits & Heartland Harvest Dog Biscuits [for dogs] are being recalled for potential contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella can sicken both pets who consume the treats, and humans who handle the products (or who touch surfaces the items touched). (more info)
Forward Farms Grass-Fed Ground Beef (more info)
Frozen raw shrimp sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brand names, due to possible cesium-137 contamination (more info)
Lucky Foods cinnamon powder, due to potential lead contamination (more info)