Infectious IDeas

You are listening to Infectious IDeas, a podcast presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), that goes beyond the science to explore the personal stories behind the people doing the work. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with inspiring leaders and humble heroes making a powerful impact on public health. Through their experiences, we uncover the human side of infectious disease prevention and treatment—all driven by a shared vision of healthier lives for all.

Infectious IDeas is a science podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 48 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Infectious IDeas, a science show with 48 episodes published.

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  Episode #1

  Building a Legacy of Health Equity with Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH

  Aug 4, 202618 minS5

  What does it take to eradicate a disease like polio, and why does vaccine equity matter as much as scientific innovation? In this episode of the Infectious IDeas podcast, NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, welcome Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, of the Gates Foundation and recipient of the 2026 NFID John P. Utz Leadership Award, for a lively discussion on global immunization policy, disease surveillance, and the effort to eradicate polio. Neuzil reflects on the people who shaped her career, advances in vaccine science, the funding and communication challenges facing public health today, and why health equity must be central to any eradication effort. She also shares why she remains optimistic that the next generation can build a healthier, more equitable future. Follow NFID on social media

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  Episode #12

  Listening to Learn with Heidi J. Larson, PhD

  Jun 30, 202619 minS4

  How do we build trust in an era of misinformation, social media, and artificial intelligence? In this episode of Infectious IDeas , NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with Heidi J. Larson, PhD, director of the Vaccine Confidence Project and professor of anthropology, risk, and decision science at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Drawing on decades of research and experience, Larson explains why vaccine hesitancy is often a relationship challenge rather than simply an information problem. She discusses the importance of active listening, the evolving role of digital platforms and AI, and the central role of trust-building in public health. The conversation explores how healthcare professionals can foster meaningful dialogue, why communication deserves greater investment, and what gives Larson hope for the future. Follow NFID on social media

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  Episode #11

  Public Health in a Divided America: A Conversation with Asa Hutchinson

  Jun 2, 202618 minS4

  What happens when public health becomes politicized? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, are joined by former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson for a wide-ranging conversation on public health leadership, vaccine confidence, and crisis communication. Drawing on his experience in state and federal governments, including leadership roles during COVID-19 and the SARS outbreak, Hutchinson reflects on how emergency preparedness, public trust, and cultural differences shape public health policy and response. The discussion explores the growing politicization of vaccines, the challenges of balancing federal guidance with state-level decision-making, and why regional public health collaborations have emerged in response to fractured national policy. Hutchinson also shares lessons learned from leading Arkansas through the pandemic, including the importance of transparent communication, daily public briefings, local medical partnerships, and education over mandates in a state skeptical of government intervention. The episode closes with a candid look at the nation’s current preparedness for future public health emergencies and why declining trust in institutions may be one of the greatest vulnerabilities moving forward. Follow NFID on social media

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  Episode #10

  Science at Risk: The Future of US Biomedical Research with Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH

  May 5, 202621 minS4

  Send us Fan Mail Is the US losing its edge in biomedical research—and what does that mean for the future of infectious diseases? In this episode, Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and former leader at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joins hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, for a timely, thought-provoking discussion on the future of public health and scientific research. From the early days of HIV to today’s complex public health landscape, Marrazzo shares a candid look at the forces reshaping infectious diseases, including threats to scientific integrity, shifting research funding, vaccine confidence, and declining public trust. The conversation also explores what’s at stake for US leadership in biomedical research, the impact on global health, and why patient advocacy and strong scientific voices are critical now. Follow NFID on social media

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  Episode #9

  Public Health Reporting in the Misinformation Age with Lena H. Sun

  Mar 31, 202626 minS4

  Send us Fan Mail How do journalists help the public make sense of complex health issues? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH, and Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., MD, talk with veteran health journalist Lena H. Sun of The Washington Post. Drawing on decades of reporting—including front-line coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic—Sun reflects on how the media landscape has changed in the age of social media, misinformation, and artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the challenges of communicating nuanced science in a polarized environment, what makes experts effective sources for journalists, and why clear, accessible explanations matter more than ever. Sun also shares memorable reporting experiences from global infectious disease investigations and offers her perspective on the future of vaccine confidence, public health trust, and the stories that may shape the next decade. A candid, timely conversation about truth, trust, and the future of public health. Follow NFID on social media

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