The FDA is unraveling. Scientists are being fired, vaccine access is shrinking, and top researchers are fleeing the country. And at the center of the storm? RFK Jr.'s appointees—Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad—men who once sat behind keyboards criticizing pandemic policy, now wield real power with devastating results.

In this week's episode, Jonathan and Wendy walk us through the chaos: from dismissals without explanation to fabricated claims about who’s being laid off, to the surreal moment when the very people who told us COVID was like the flu are now deciding who gets vaccinated. They call out journalist John Tierney for whitewashing pandemic history and expose the hypocrisy of pundits who cheered on herd immunity while vilifying actual public health officials.

This isn't just a takedown—it's a warning. When contrarians become the establishment, science doesn't just get silenced. It gets rewritten.

The FDA is unraveling. Scientists are being fired, vaccine access is shrinking, and top researchers are fleeing the country. And at the center of the storm? RFK Jr.'s appointees—Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad—men who once sat behind keyboards criticizing pandemic policy, now wield real power with devastating results.

In this week's episode, Jonathan and Wendy walk us through the chaos: from dismissals without explanation to fabricated claims about who’s being laid off, to the surreal moment when the very people who told us COVID was like the flu are now deciding who gets vaccinated. They call out journalist John Tierney for whitewashing pandemic history and expose the hypocrisy of pundits who cheered on herd immunity while vilifying actual public health officials.

This isn't just a takedown—it's a warning. When contrarians become the establishment, science doesn't just get silenced. It gets rewritten.

The content presented in the "We Want Them Infected" Podcast and associated book is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers, hosts, and guests on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators, producers, or distributors. The information provided in this podcast should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical, scientific, or legal advice. Listeners and readers are encouraged to consult with relevant experts and authorities for specific guidance and information.

The creators of the podcast and book have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. However, as the field of medical science and the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, there may be new developments and insights that are not covered in this content.

The creators are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. They disclaim any liability for any loss, injury, or damage incurred by individuals who rely on the content.

Listeners and readers are urged to use their judgment and conduct their own research when interpreting the information presented in the "We Want Them Infected" podcast and book. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations related to COVID-19 and vaccination from reputable sources, such as government health agencies and medical professionals.

By accessing and using the content, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Please consult with appropriate experts and authorities for specific guidance on matters related to health, science, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

On this explosive Independence Day episode of We Want Them Infected, hosts Dr. Jonathan Howard and Wendy Orent unravel a sobering transformation in U.S. public health. With agencies like the ACIP and NIH now steered by politically motivated leaders like RFK Jr., Vinay Prasad, and Jay Bhattacharya, science is taking a backseat to ideology. They dive deep into the disastrous ACIP meeting stacked with anti-vaccine appointees, the chilling disinformation from NIH and FDA leadership, and the real-world impact—from cancer patients being denied life-saving clinical trials to families unable to access COVID vaccines. This episode is a powerful wake-up call for anyone concerned about science, truth, and the future of medicine.

The content presented in the "We Want Them Infected" Podcast and associated book is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers, hosts, and guests on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators, producers, or distributors. The information provided in this podcast should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical, scientific, or legal advice. Listeners and readers are encouraged to consult with relevant experts and authorities for specific guidance and information.

The creators of the podcast and book have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. However, as the field of medical science and the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, there may be new developments and insights that are not covered in this content.

The creators are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. They disclaim any liability for any loss, injury, or damage incurred by individuals who rely on the content.

Listeners and readers are urged to use their judgment and conduct their own research when interpreting the information presented in the "We Want Them Infected" podcast and book. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations related to COVID-19 and vaccination from reputable sources, such as government health agencies and medical professionals.

By accessing and using the content, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Please consult with appropriate experts and authorities for specific guidance on matters related to health, science, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this powerful and deeply unsettling episode, Jonathan and Wendy take listeners on a guided tour of the growing dysfunction at America’s top public health agencies. They expose the political entrenchment of ideologues like Vina Prasad and Marty Makary, the purging of veteran FDA scientists like Nicole Verdun, and the accelerating efforts to rubber-stamp drug approvals without oversight. Along the way, they dissect the roles of Jay Bhattacharya, Monica Gandhi, and others who—whether through naïveté or complicity—helped usher in a new era where science is optional and public health is performative. With deeply personal reflections, biting critique, and raw concern, they highlight a chilling truth: the institutions once trusted to safeguard health are now tools of political theater, and those who warned us early are watching their worst fears materialize.

The content presented in the "We Want Them Infected" Podcast and associated book is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers, hosts, and guests on the podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators, producers, or distributors. The information provided in this podcast should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical, scientific, or legal advice. Listeners and readers are encouraged to consult with relevant experts and authorities for specific guidance and information.

The creators of the podcast and book have made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up to date. However, as the field of medical science and the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, there may be new developments and insights that are not covered in this content.

The creators are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided. They disclaim any liability for any loss, injury, or damage incurred by individuals who rely on the content.

Listeners and readers are urged to use their judgment and conduct their own research when interpreting the information presented in the "We Want Them Infected" podcast and book. It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations related to COVID-19 and vaccination from reputable sources, such as government health agencies and medical professionals.

By accessing and using the content, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Please consult with appropriate experts and authorities for specific guidance on matters related to health, science, and the COVID-19 pandemic.