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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 3/20/26.

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Public Health Group Chat

Centers for Disease (out of) Control

February 20, 2026 • Ariel, Olivia, and Mattie

0:00 | 57:40

In the past year, the CDC really took a beating from the Trump administration. In this episode, we discuss a timeline of some of the most important events, including:

Reductions in Force (RIFs)
Shooting at the CDC on 8/8/25
Loss of senior leadership
Budget changes and reorganization
The longest government shutdown in US history
Implications for public health

And more!

THINGS YOU SHOULD WATCH:

The Pitt (HBO)
Episodes of Parks and Rec you should watch that have town-hall scenes:
- Sister City, S2E5
- Sweetums, S2E15
- Time capsule, S3E3
- Bailout, S5/E16

RECALLS:

Navitas Organice Chia Seeds (Salmonella) - locations unclear, but sold by Whole Foods (more info)
Geber Arrowroot Biscuits (potential presence of plastic) - location unclear (more info)
Genova (Tri-Union Seafoods) - Yellowfin Tuna - (Clostridium botulinum) (more info)
- Meijer – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
- Giant Foods – Maryland and Virginia
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – California
Superfoods Inc - Live It Up: Super Greens Original and Wild Berry Flavored pouches and packs (Salmonella) (more info)
- Sold nationwide including US, Puerto Rico, Guam and Virgin Islands
- 45 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations
Diva Fam Inc - Sea Moss Gel (Superfood product) - Botulism. Distributed online nationwide. (more info)
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)