In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark sits down with Richard (RJ) Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda Solutions, to explore the intersection of technology, data, and patient advocacy. With decades of experience in healthcare technology, RJ shares how he and his team design digital tools that help patients take control of their health while supporting providers and payers alike. They also discuss patient engagement, accessibility, and the future of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or a patient advocate, this conversation offers insights on building smarter, more empathetic digital health solutions.

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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 (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

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In this episode of The Health Advocates, we unpack a turbulent week in public health. The CDC’s Vaccine Advisory Committee (ACIP), now reshaped under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., met to debate changes to the COVID-19, MMRV, and Hepatitis B vaccine recommendations. Despite heated rhetoric and process irregularities, the committee ultimately kept broad access to COVID-19 vaccines — a short-term win for patients and a reminder that advocacy pressure works.

We also break down President Trump’s recent claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, and his renewed suggestion of a connection between vaccines and autism. We review what the science actually shows, what public health experts are warning about, and what patients and families should know moving forward.

Tune in for clarity on a confusing week — and why these debates matter for access, trust, and the future of public health.

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 (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fall’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout is more confusing than ever. The FDA has narrowed eligibility to older adults and people with high-risk conditions, while major medical societies are urging broader access — and insurance companies are waiting for new guidance from ACIP, the advisory committee that’s been reshaped by RFK Jr.

In this episode of The Health Advocates, host Steven Newmark explains who qualifies as high-risk, what “off-label” vaccination means, how coverage is likely to work, and what parents, pregnant people, and adults should know heading into the fall season.

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 (https://ghlf.org/the-health-advocates) or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.