In this episode of The Health Advocates, host Steven Newmark breaks down what the recent federal government shutdown means for health care access and vulnerable patients. Then, he’s joined by Mahsa Pazokifard, a passionate patient advocate living with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a rare and often misunderstood autoimmune condition. Mahsa opens up about the challenges of getting diagnosed, how the disease has impacted her life and career, and why raising awareness is essential.

Whether you’ve never heard of IgG4-RD or are living with a chronic illness yourself, this episode offers powerful insights into patient advocacy, rare disease awareness, and the human side of health care policy.

To learn more about IgG4-Related Disease, visit: creakyjoints.org/igg4-rd-guide

To learn more about vaccine recommendations and find reliable resources for patients, visit: ghlf.org/vaccines

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pandemics aren’t only about pathogens, they’re about people, politics, and the deep inequities in our health systems. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark speaks with Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease and public health leader whose career has spanned the front lines of global outbreaks from Ebola to COVID-19. As the former Chief Medical Officer for New York City and co-founder of the Wellness and Equity Alliance, Dr. Evans brings firsthand insight into how societal structures can shape, and sometimes worsen, the course of a public health crisis.

The conversation dives into key themes from Dr. Evans’ new book, Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics (Johns Hopkins Press, August 2025), which examines how inequality, poverty, and fractured health systems accelerate the spread of disease. Dr. Evans explains why scientific breakthroughs alone aren’t enough, we must also tackle the injustices that leave vulnerable communities at greatest risk.

From vaccine mandates to climate change’s role in infectious disease, from disinformation to the erosion of public trust, this episode offers both a sobering reality check and a call to action. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or concerned citizen, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of why true pandemic preparedness starts with equity.

To learn more about Dr. Tyler Evans’ book, Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics, click here.

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open enrollment for 2026 is underway — and for millions of Americans managing chronic or rare diseases, understanding your health insurance options is essential. In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down what open enrollment is, what’s new this year, and how to navigate changes in your plan.

Drawing from Aimed Alliance’s 2026 Open Enrollment guide, Steven explains key terms like deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, explores what to watch for in your plan’s formulary, and outlines the impact of potential changes to ACA subsidies. Whether you’re reviewing employer coverage or shopping through HealthCare.gov, this episode will help you make informed, patient-centered choices for the year ahead.

Listen and learn:

• What to look for in your 2026 plan
• How to protect your access to medications and providers
• Why ACA subsidies and transparency rules matter for affordability

Contact Our Host

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Listen to all episodes of The Health Advocates on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.