Podcast Bridges Divide Between Public Health Advocates and MAHA Movement

The show 'Why Should I Trust You?' creates space for honest dialogue to address medical distrust.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:40am

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A translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a stethoscope, with ghostly lines and glowing elements symbolizing the complex relationship between medical professionals and the public.An X-ray view of a stethoscope highlights the delicate balance between medical trust and public skepticism.Austin Today

The podcast 'Why Should I Trust You?' is bringing together public health advocates and members of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement to engage in respectful conversations and address the growing divide in trust that has hindered public health efforts across the United States. Hosted by former television news producers Brinda Adhikari and Tom W. Johnson, the show aims to foster understanding through sustained dialogue, recognizing that distrust often stems from shared frustrations rather than irreconcilable differences.

Why it matters

The initiative emerged in part from experiences like that of emergency physician Craig Spencer, who in 2025 attended the Children's Health Defense Conference in Austin, Texas and spoke with anti-vaccine activists and MAHA supporters. While he did not change any minds during the event, Spencer emphasized the value of direct engagement even when agreement remains elusive. The podcast seeks to uncover common ground and acknowledge the emotional and social dimensions of health decision-making, as disengagement only deepens mistrust.

The details

Adhikari and Johnson emphasize that rebuilding trust requires more than presenting data; it involves listening to concerns that are often rooted in personal experiences, historical injustices, or perceived dismissiveness from medical institutions. By creating a platform where both sides can speak without immediate confrontation, the podcast aims to create a foundation where trust can be rebuilt through mutual recognition and understanding.

  • The podcast 'Why Should I Trust You?' launched in 2026.
  • In April 2026, the podcast continues to release weekly episodes.

The players

Brinda Adhikari

Co-host of the podcast 'Why Should I Trust You?', former television news producer.

Tom W. Johnson

Co-host of the podcast 'Why Should I Trust You?', former television news producer.

Craig Spencer

Emergency physician who attended the Children's Health Defense Conference in Austin, Texas in 2025 and documented his experience in an essay for STAT.

Children's Health Defense Conference

A conference held in Austin, Texas in 2025 that brought together anti-vaccine activists and MAHA supporters.

MAHA (Make America Healthy Again)

A movement that has contributed to growing distrust in public health efforts across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Every interaction was grounded in honesty and mutual respect, underscoring the value of direct engagement even when agreement remains elusive.”

— Craig Spencer, Emergency physician

What’s next

The podcast 'Why Should I Trust You?' continues to release weekly episodes, featuring conversations with public health professionals, researchers, and members of the MAHA community. The show is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and is accompanied by a newsletter for listeners who wish to stay updated on new episodes and related discussions.

The takeaway

The podcast 'Why Should I Trust You?' is taking an important step towards bridging the divide between public health advocates and the MAHA movement by creating a space for honest, respectful dialogue. By focusing on shared values and lived experiences, the show aims to foster understanding and rebuild trust, recognizing that disengagement only deepens mistrust.