Raise the Line

We've had many conversations on Raise the Line about the challenges of health communication in today's world of information overload, but none of our guests have the kind of expertise Dr. Tesfa Alexander has acquired in a career that has taken him from Madison Avenue to the halls of government and academia. From guiding tobacco education research at the FDA to leading public health initiatives at MITRE, Dr. Alexander has developed a deep understanding of the science and strategy behind effective health communication. “Successful campaigns keep the long game in mind where you want to develop a lasting relationship with your target audience,” he tells host Lindsey Smith. That relationship needs to be built on understanding culture, beliefs, priorities and daily realities, and only then can you develop messaging that will resonate, he explains. Dr. Alexander also believes these relationships can be leveraged to help people sort out facts from misleading or inaccurate claims. “I strongly recommend shifting our focus from combating misinformation head on, and instead working with the communities who we are seeking to serve.”

This fascinating look at communication science also covers:

How stories drive belief;

The importance of working with community partners who are trusted messengers; 

The power of audience segmentation.

Tune in as Dr. Alexander unpacks what it takes to influence beliefs, and ultimately behaviors, in an era defined by misinformation and institutional mistrust.

Mentioned in this episode:
Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy

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We’re marking Rare Disease Month 2026 by highlighting the powerful story of Shanthi Hegde, a young patient advocate working to transform how bleeding disorders are understood, treated, and supported. This work is fueled by her own arduous journey with two rare bleeding disorders and immune dysregulatory syndrome, and an extended diagnostic odyssey marked by dismissal, underdiagnosis, and structural bias. “I was told many times by many providers that these disorders are not common in Indians and that my bruises were there just because I'm brown.” Admirably, Shanthi pushed past this mistreatment, advocated for her medical needs, and devoted herself to tackling a range of issues confronting rare disease patients from mental health access to affordable drug pricing to research equity.

In this remarkable Year of the Zebra conversation with host Lindsey Smith, you’ll also learn about:

Shanti’s work with the Hemophilia Federation of America;

How gaps extend beyond treatment to include insurance coverage, provider training, and substance use care;

What clinicians can do to improve the work they do with rare disease patients.

Join us for a conversation that connects patient voice to system change, and explores what real equity for rare disease communities will require.

Mentioned in this episode:
Hemophilia Federation of America
Shanthi's LinkedIn Profile

If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast

Few issues have tested public trust in medicine as deeply as vaccines, and few individuals have influenced that dialogue more than Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a longtime member of the FDA’s Vaccine Advisory Committee. In this timely and candid interview with Raise the Line host Lindsey Smith, Dr. Offit points to this year’s severe flu season and a resurgence of measles as alarming proof points of how a changing federal perspective on vaccine policy is having a real impact on public health. “You’d like to think you can educate about the importance of vaccines, but I fear at this point the viruses themselves are doing the educating.” 
In this wide ranging discussion, Dr. Offit also addresses: 
The rigorous and painstaking process of developing vaccines, based on his experience co-inventing the rotavirus vaccine. 
Shifting levels of public trust in scientific organizations. 
Promising innovations in vaccine development. 
Don’t miss this deeply-informed perspective on the interplay of science, policy, and public education, and his encouraging message to young clinicians about managing the current challenges in public health.  
Mentioned in this episode: 
Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Perelman School of Medicine

If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast

“I do not believe we should be testing to test. We have to know, is this test going to change management and is it going to make a difference,” says pediatric allergist-immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin. His knack for providing that sort of straightforward guidance explains why Dr. Rubin has become a trusted voice on allergies, asthma, and vaccines for his millions of followers on social media platforms. It’s also why we couldn’t ask for a better guide for our discussion on the rise in allergies, asthma, and immune-related conditions in children, and how families can navigate the quickly evolving science and rampant misinformation in the space. On this episode of Raise the Line, we also preview Dr. Rubin’s new book, All About Allergies, in which he breaks down dozens of conditions and diseases, offering clear explanations and practical treatment options for families. 
Join host Lindsey Smith for this super informative conversation in which Dr. Rubin shares his thoughts on a wide range of topics including: 
What’s behind the rise in allergic and immune-related conditions.
Tips for managing misinformation, myths and misunderstandings. 
How digital platforms can be leveraged to strengthen public health.
How to build back public trust in medicine.
Mentioned in this episode:
All About Allergies book
Bench to Bedside Podcast
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube Channel

If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at www.osmosis.org/podcast

If you like this podcast, please share it on your social channels. You
can also subscribe to the series and check out all of our episodes at
www.osmosis.org/podcast