Podcast
A Shot in the Arm Podcast
Hosted by Ben Plumley · EN
Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we've released over 150 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore the intricate connections between everyday lives and biomedical research, tackling pressing issues like pandemic preparedness, climate disruption, and the impact of conflict. Tune in as we uncover the stories and insights that shape our collective health narrative, making complex topics both entertaining and accessible. Let's embark on this journey to improve lives, one episode at a time!
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AIDS 2060 Ep 01 - Lessons from the Frontlines: San Francisco
3w ago01:04:24Summary readyThis is the first episode of AIDS 2060, a special multimedia mini-series of podcasts and Substack articles devoted to understanding what is needed to bring the HIV epidemic under control, how long that will take, and why the world has been unable to do so to date, notwithstanding overly ambitious public commitments that questionably are not rooted in science and hide the real threat HIV poses, even today. We are in San Francisco, one of the first epicenters of the epidemic, and meet the City’s Community Health Center which is on the frontline of providing comprehensive care and prevention services to the hardest to reach populations, people of color, the trans community, people who inject drugs, the homeless and people with mental health issues. Ending the HIV epidemic will not be achieved, let alone by an arbitrary date like 2060, unless human rights and evidence-based programs reach and are used by these people. Does a progressive city like San Francisco have the political will to do what the science tells us works? Host Ben Plumley is joined by Lance Toma (CEO), Dan O’Neill (Chief Medical Officer), and Dr. Tatyana Moaton (Chief Strategy & Workforce Officer). 00:00 Welcome to AIDS 2060 00:38 Why the Response Stalled 02:05 Picking 2060 as the Lens 03:01 San Francisco Frontlines 03:39 Targets and Reality Check 04:16 Meet the Health Center Team 05:35 Will AIDS 2030 Happen 07:46 Local Progress and Setbacks 10:52 Who the Clinic Serves 14:12 Trans Communities as Canary 18:15 Surveillance Data Under Attack 22:15 Leading Through Funding Chaos 26:53 Long Acting Injectables in Practice 28:47 Prep Access Gaps and Equity 30:14 Street Medicine and Viral Suppression 32:50 Worrying About Innovation Stalls 33:16 HIV Pipeline Reality Check 33:54 Long Acting Drug Revolution 35:10 New Classes And Regimen Design 36:02 Once Yearly Prevention Vision 37:09 Equity Over Innovation 37:52 Whole Person Care Infrastructure 40:31 Radical Roots And Community Power 42:58 Hard Reboot In Crisis 46:25 Coalitions Beyond HIV 49:43 Data Visibility And Erasure 53:55 Global Community Connections 55:32 2060 Hopes And Closing Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary
Emily Bass on PEPFAR’s Data Spin, What South Africa’s Oral Histories Reveal & the future w/ AIDS2060
4w ago01:26:08Summary readyInvestigative journalist and public health expert Emily Bass returns to A Shot In The Arm with the most consequential update on the global HIV response in months. Drawing on a brand-new report from Physicians for Human Rights and South African partners — built from 40 oral histories — Emily walks Ben Plumley through the human cost of the Trump administration’s foreign aid disruptions, the staggering waste of dismantled prevention infrastructure, and the bizarre data spin emerging from the State Department. The episode also covers Dr. mike Reed’s headline-making resignation as PEPFAR’s Chief Scientific Officer, the dangerous quiet around supply chain contracts and bed-net procurement, and what the new “America First Global Health Strategy” is choosing to celebrate — and choosing to obscure. Ben closes with a preview of two new initiatives: AIDS 2060, a long-horizon project from A Shot In The Arm Media, and the rebrand of MTV Staying Alive Foundation to Shuga Global. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:18 Global Health Upheaval 03:13 PEPFAR Data Spin 04:07 South Africa Report 05:51 Prevention Platform Collapse 09:27 Clinic Breakdown Story 12:52 Why 18 Percent Matters 16:33 Community Resilience 19:22 Research Partnerships Lost 22:12 Treatment Disruptions 25:26 Trauma to Transition 31:11 Data Blackout Returns 39:07 Prep Data Mirage 42:08 Kids Treatment Declines 44:55 Age Data Removed 47:02 Congress Pushback 52:02 Supply Chain Breakdown 59:38 Last Mile Disaster Story 01:02:16 Orderly Transition Demands 01:06:23 AIDS 2060 Vision 01:10:35 Sugar Global Storytelling 01:15:20 Africa Led Future 01:20:42 Closing Thanks Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary
AIDS 2060 — An Exciting New Project from A Shot In The Arm Media
4w ago00:03:46Summary readyWhat the hell has gone wrong with the global HIV and AIDS response? Does it matter? And what do we need to do to fix it? Ben Plumley introduces AIDS 2060, a new project from A Shot In The Arm Media asking the questions the global health community has been quietly dodging for a decade. With 40.8 million people living with HIV, 1.3 million new infections every year, and the US sending the world into "septic shock" with sudden cuts to PEPFAR, the scale of the real challenge ahead is finally coming into focus. Over the coming months, we'll travel the world to gather insights from scientific, political, and community leaders — starting with an initial AIDS 2060 episode focused on San Francisco’s evolving epidemic and long-term plans. Look out for that episode dropping soon! 00:00 Welcome and Big Question 00:30 Why HIV Still Matters 00:57 Funding Shock and False Optimism 01:42 Introducing AIDS 2060 02:05 Looking Ahead to Future Conferences 02:19 World Tour and First Episode 02:42 Subscribe and Closing Thanks Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
SummaryPEPFAR’s Dr. mike Reid Resigns on Substack: Equity, Authoritarianism, & the Future of Global Health
Apr 2501:04:57Summary readyBen Plumley is joined by Ambassador Eric Goosby, and by Dr. mike Reid to react to Reid’s recently announced resignation from PEPFAR on Substack. Reid describes his growing moral dissonance with an administration he characterizes as authoritarian, citing concerns that lifesaving HIV services could be conditioned on geopolitical or commercial interests, a deprioritization of equity, reduced emphasis on evidence-based programming, and rapid changes made without deliberation or stakeholder engagement. The conversation contrasts partnership-based global health diplomacy with short-term coercive quid pro quo dynamics, the push toward country ownership and government-to-government funding, as well as ensuring marginalized populations are still able to access comprehensive HIV services. Is there a need for PEPFAR to course-correct, and if so, how? Perhaps the future will depend on what kind of new administration comes into office in 2029… 00:00 Special Episode Introduction 00:33 Resignation Goes Public 02:53 Why Reid Resigned Now 07:50 Authoritarianism And Ethics 10:39 Quid Pro Quo In MOUs 12:28 Partnership Versus Coercion 15:30 Making Global Health Matter 18:13 Domestic Policy Dissonance 20:22 PEPFAR Not Fit For Purpose 23:56 Country Ownership Fast Track 26:21 Public Health Versus Politics 28:23 Who Gets Left Behind 31:32 Science And Sustainable Transition 33:36 Can PEPFAR Recover 35:54 Shared Blame and Dependency 38:14 MOU Enforcement and Penalties 40:56 Minerals Deals and Ethics 43:37 Lessons From Past Bilaterals 44:47 Building Sustainable Systems 47:45 Doing More With Less 50:50 Efficiency Integration and Tech 52:41 New Tools and Market Shaping 54:08 Personal Next Steps 56:41 Moral Ambition and Hope 01:00:51 Final Thanks and Signoff Read mike’s resignation on Substack: https://reimaginingglobalhealth.substack.com/p/stepping-away Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary
Episiode 09 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Up and Down
Apr 900:32:41Summary readyBen discusses living with stage IV colorectal cancer, noting fluctuating wellbeing and chemotherapy side effects including pain, nausea, fatigue, itchy skin, brittle nails, and poor appetite. He mentions infusion logistics, new pains and temperature swings, as well as anxiety about his PET scan. He observes minor changes in tumor and thyroid SUV values and plans to review these with his oncologist. Ben recommends Colontown for peer support and acknowledges recent losses in his community. 00:00 Welcome and Gratitude 00:46 Up and Down Health 02:02 Too Much to Say 03:31 Humor and Sports Talk 06:14 Time Travel Thoughts 08:21 Facing Death and Grief 09:34 Chemo Routine Update 12:33 PET Scan Anxiety 14:23 Mystery Pains and Symptoms 18:45 Planning Life Anyway 22:27 Travel Dreams and Politics 26:04 Reading PET Results Early 29:16 Wrap Up and Colontown 29:31 Final Reflections on Loss Visit Colontown! https://colontown.org Join the Conversation! If you or someone you know is living with cancer, share your experiences and thoughts in the comments! Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary
HIV: Rethink, Rebuild and Rise Up - With the IAS’ Birgit Poniatowski
Mar 2600:44:37Summary readyBen talks with Birgit Poniatowski, the Executive Director of the International AIDS Society (IAS), about the role of professional associations in the HIV movement and IAS’s convening power. Poniatowski describes IAS’s origins in 1988, its 13,000-member multidisciplinary base including people living with HIV, and its three main conferences: the IAS Conference on HIV Science (odd years), the International AIDS Conference (even years), and HIV Research for Prevention. They discuss why the International AIDS Conference remains vital amid abrupt funding cuts and shifting donor priorities, the limits and value of hybrid/virtual formats, and plans for AIDS 2026 in Rio with the theme “Rethink, Rebuild, Rise,” emphasizing rebuilding systems for long-term realities, financing and equity, and a broad prevention toolbox. Poniatowski also outlines IAS governance changes to embed community decision-making, priorities “2026 onwards,” youth leadership programs, her career path, and how to engage via the IAS website and volunteering. For more information visit https://www.iasociety.org/ Stephanie Nolan’s article on the state of negotiations between the US and Zambia. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/16/health/zambia-hiv-aid-minerals-trump.html 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:08 What Is the IAS 03:01 IAS Conferences Overview 05:25 Why the Big Conference Matters 08:01 Are Conferences Worth It 10:20 Hybrid and Virtual Access 13:47 AIDS 2026 Theme 15:07 Donor Politics and MOUs 21:22 Rio Program Priorities 23:44 US Reliance and Europe 26:41 Reforming IAS Governance 30:06 Rebuild and New Leadership 35:22 Bergit's Career Journey 38:05 Music and Final Reflections 40:12 How to Get Involved 41:53 Closing Thanks and Subscribe
SummaryEpisode 08 - Colon Meet Cancer: Side Effects
Jan 300:19:56Summary readyWelcome to a new episode of 'Colon, Meet Cancer' from A Shot in the Arm Media. In this first episode of 2026, Ben shares his experiences of treatment side effects while living with stage four colorectal cancer, and how these impact his ability to live as near a normal life as possible. Also covered are unexpected complications like clostridioides difficile and pulmonary embolism, which had Ben hospitalized in December 2025. He also reflects on his interactions with medical staff, including the invaluable support from nurses, and discusses his thoughts on resilience, the future, and living beyond the diagnosis. Join Ben as he candidly narrates his personal cancer journey and hopes for the year ahead. 00:00 Introduction and Diagnosis 01:08 Coping with Chemotherapy 03:06 Maintenance Therapy Explained 06:41 Hospitalization and Complications 09:33 Reflections on Healthcare and Diversity 12:21 Christmas Reflections 14:16 Living with Uncertainty 17:27 Looking Ahead to 2026 Join the Conversation! If you or someone you know is living with cancer, share your experiences and thoughts in the comments! Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary
Trans Life: How to Survive Trump’s 2nd Administration | Dr. Tatyana Moaton
Dec 1001:09:27Summary readyIn this powerful episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley discusses the state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States under a hostile federal government with Dr. Tatyana Moaton, the Director of Strategic Innovation and Partnership at the San Francisco Community Health Center. Dr. Moaton unpacks the systemic challenges faced by the trans community, healthcare disparities, the significant threats posed by current federal policies, and the urgent need for advocacy and coalition building. Dr. Moaton's insights and lived experiences highlight the relentless fight for trans rights, healthcare equity, and the importance of acknowledging humanity in healthcare decisions. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about innovation, equity, and the resilience required to confront these pressing social issues. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 01:21 Personal Disclosure and Health Update 02:13 Introducing Dr. Tatyana Moaton 03:02 Dr. Moaton's Background and Journey 04:43 San Francisco Community Health Center's Mission 07:13 Trans Thrive Program and Services 10:03 Challenges Faced by Trans Communities 25:27 Violence Against Trans Women 26:42 Systematic Erasure and Advocacy 29:43 Contradictions in Gender Affirming Care 33:06 A Harrowing Story from the Ballroom Community 33:51 The Impact of Federal Policies on Trans Services 36:57 Executive Orders and Community Health Center's Response 37:50 Navigating Federal Funding Restrictions 39:03 The Importance of Gender Affirming Care 40:57 Challenges and Misconceptions Around Trans Rights 53:19 ICE and Immigration Issues 57:09 The Fight for Trans Rights and Community Support 01:02:38 Call to Action and Conclusion Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Visit and Support the San Francisco Community Health Center https://www.sfcommunityhealth.org https://www.facebook.com/SFCommunityHealth https://www.instagram.com/sfcommunityhealth https://youtube.com/@sfcommunityhealth https://bsky.app/profile/sfcommunityhealth.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/1387878 Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary
Why We Need a World AIDS Day More Than Ever - with Emily Bass and Ben Plumley
Nov 3001:16:00Summary readyIn this special World AIDS Day episode, Emily Bass and Ben Plumley delve into the current and future state of the global AIDS response. Join them as they discuss the rise of Emily's influential Substack, the impact of recent US administration policies, and the essential roles played by organizations like UNAIDS. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with a particular focus on country-driven initiatives and the need for sustainable, equitable solutions. With special mentions of groundbreaking biomedical advances, crucial data collection, and the evolving landscape of global health governance, this episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in or passionate about global health advocacy. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:21 World AIDS Day Podcast Overview 00:51 Emily Bass' Substack and Its Impact 01:47 US Government's Role in AIDS Response 04:51 Challenges and Frustrations with Substack 05:49 Global Health Agreements and Specimen Sharing 10:39 Pan-African Leadership in Health 18:18 US Administration's Health Policies 35:20 America's Prioritization in Vaccine Distribution 36:02 Financial Implications of Vaccine Pricing 36:38 Multilateral vs. Unilateral Approaches 37:33 Concerns Over Bilateral Agreements 40:23 Global Fund Replenishment and Commitments 42:34 Challenges in Global Health Leadership 52:36 The Role of UNAIDS in Global Health 01:06:57 Reflections and Future Directions 01:10:28 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
SummaryReflecting on Global Health’s Many Eras with WHO's Andy Seale
Oct 1401:13:44Summary readyIn this episode of 'A Shot in The Arm Podcast,' host Ben Plumley reconnects with his longtime friend and colleague, Andy Seale from the World Health Organization. The conversation spans decades of their personal and professional journeys across global health, with a primary focus on HIV, TB, and malaria. Ben and Andy discuss the challenges and triumphs of their work, including Andy's experience with HIV diagnosis and the global fight against pandemics such as Ebola. They also tackle critical issues like WHO’s evolving role in global health, the impacts of reduced funding, and the necessity for integration with broader policy fields like security and economics. The transcript also reveals Andy as an enthusiastic fan of Taylor Swift, humorously contrasting with Ben’s musical preferences. The episode highlights past collaborations, current challenges, and the future of global health in an unpredictable geopolitical landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Update 01:43 A Special Guest: Andy Seale 02:42 The ERAS Tour: Reflecting on the Past 04:08 Growing Up During the HIV Epidemic 05:31 Early Careers and Professional Crossroads 09:48 Community and Personal Impact of HIV 20:53 Transition to Global Health Initiatives 23:54 Responding to Health Emergencies 29:51 The Role of Media and Communication 37:05 The Massive Effort and Global Fund 41:33 A Murder Mystery at the UN 42:29 Golden Era of Epidemic Responses 42:55 Roles and Contributions in UNAIDS and Global Fund 44:21 Challenges and Changes in Global Health 45:36 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Strategy 47:03 Integration and Sustainability in Health Services 51:19 Reflections on Global Health and WHO's Role 56:56 The Future of Global Health and Security 01:17:30 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism Join the Conversation! How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Ben's Colon, Meet Cancer Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW7yagTEtywrzqAXsYp8gYw3LJpjcnnSB Read Emily Bass’ Substack: https://substack.com/@emilysbass Check Out Ben’s Substack: https://substack.com/@benplumley1 Subscribe & Stay Updated: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health.
Summary