8: “Everybody Dies” and Other GOP Hot Takes

This week on Paging America, hosts Miles Baker and Dr. Rob Davidson dig into the jaw-dropping headlines and health policy debates shaping American healthcare. First up: Senator Joni Ernst’s “everybody’s going to die” quote and the GOP’s political cruelty. Then, Rob and Miles break down the infamous “MAHA Report” from HHS with special guest, Dr. Priya Paul, exposing the errors, fake citations, and dangerous anti-science narratives lurking in the latest federal policy shake-up.

Background reading:

• YouTube / X: Sen. Joni Ernst makes a weird statement at a constituent town hall and then doubles down on her “everybody’s going to die” statement

• Politico: Sen. Chris Murphy announced the formation of a PAC to fight back against Trump and Republicans in Congress

• MedPage Today: RFK, Jr. released his so-called “Make America Healthy Again (MAHA)” report

• POLITICO: RFK Jr.’s report had a surprise target: Your doctor

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7: Heartbeat Laws, Moral Injury, and the Fallout in Georgia

In this episode of Paging America, Miles and Dr. Rob sit down with OBGYN, author, and advocate Dr. Mimi Zieman to discuss the Adriana Smith case, a deeply tragic situation at the intersection of medical ethics, abortion bans, and political overreach in Georgia.

Plus, RFK, Jr. is poised to re-review the abortion pill mifepristone, citing a non-peer-reviewed study published by a right-wing think tank that uses “study laundering” to further their agenda. Tune in now.

Background reading:

6: Rob the Poor to Enrich the Rich

House Republicans just passed Trump’s sweeping billionaire tax break that guts Medicaid by ONE vote in the middle of the night. On this week’s episode, Dr. Rob Davidson and Miles Baker break down how we got here, why the fight isn’t over yet, and the high-stakes consequences for healthcare across the country.

Background reading:

• CBO analysis showing the reconciliation bill will hurt the poor and enrich the rich is HERE.

• TIME: Trump Pushes Divided Republicans to Get Behind His ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

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5: One Big, Beautiful Tax Giveaway

This week on Paging America, Miles and Dr. Rob unpack the chaos surrounding the GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” — a tax giveaway for billionaires that slashes Medicaid, food assistance, and health care for millions. With rural hospitals at risk and families facing devastating cuts, they dig into the real-life consequences behind the headlines.

Plus RFK Jr. says something we actually agree with (and a whole lot we don’t) and Trump makes another prescription drug PR stunt (Does it mean anything? Spoiler: no.)

Background reading:

• The Washington Post: Proposed GOP cuts could jeopardize SNAP users, farmers and state budgets

• The New York Times: House Republicans Push Forward With Tax and Medicaid Cuts

• The New York Times: RFK Jr., the Health Secretary, Says Not to Take Medical Advice From Him

• Reuters: Trump executive order demands pharma industry price cuts

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4: Bad Energy & Medicaid Mayhem

Trump’s latest pick for Surgeon General is not a public health leader… she’s a “metabolic health evangelist” promoting moon ceremonies and anti-vax conspiracies. In today’s episode, Miles and Dr. Rob break down the absurdity and danger of putting a West Coast wellness influencer with no public health experience in charge of the nation’s health infrastructure.

Then, a rare glimmer of hope: cracks are forming in the Republican effort to gut Medicaid. Miles and Rob discuss why GOP leaders are starting to panic, how activists are making a difference, and what it means for the future of health care in America.

Background reading:

• AP: Donald Trump taps wellness influencer close to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for surgeon general

• Politico: GOP leaders reconsider Medicaid cuts

• The Hill: House conservatives call for controversial Medicaid changes in reconciliation

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3: Wisconsin’s Battle for Abortion Care: A Test Case for America

Dr. Kristin Lyerly, a practicing OBGYN, joins Rob and Miles to discuss how Wisconsin physicians navigated patient care after Roe v. Wade fell, triggering a 1849 total abortion ban law in the state. Tune in to hear how the election of Judge Susan Crawford opened the door for transformative legislation introduced in April that could change the landscape for reproductive health care in Wisconsin ahead of the 2026 Midterm Election. 

Background reading:

• Following the election of Judge Susan Crawford to the Wisconsin state supreme court, which gave liberals a majority, it is widely expected that abortion will remain legal in the state after the court weighs in on two pending cases, both involving an 1849 law that, until last year, was interpreted as a total abortion ban

• Democrats in the state legislature are now moving forward with a bill called “Wisconsin Abortion Rights Restoration Act”

• Democrats face an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled legislature but they are moving forward anyway. Democratic Sen. Kelda Roys acknowledged Republican opposition but says that’s not stopping them.

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