Are We Living in a Coup Yet?

Hosts: Ben Plumley, Yvette Raphael

Guest: Gregg Gonsalves

Recorded in: Tembisa Mall, Greater Johannesburg, South Africa & New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Welcome to the first A Shot in the Arm podcast of 2025! In this powerful episode, Ben Plumley is joined by co-host Yvette Raphael and Yale professor & activist Gregg Gonsalves to unpack critical global health and equity issues amidst the shifting political landscape.

From the unraveling of public health commitments to rising misinformation, we ask: Are we living in a coup yet? Our guests reflect on the past, draw lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement, and strategize about the road ahead in fighting for public health and human rights.

Key Topics:

 [00:00] Welcome & Introductions

 [00:50] The US’s commitment to global health: Is it unraveling?

 [02:00] Yvette’s 50th birthday & 25 years of living with HIV

 [04:00] Misinformation, stigma, and fear in HIV advocacy today

 [06:45] The US’s attack on LGBTQ+ health and the implications for global funding

 [10:30] RFK Jr. and the growing anti-science movement

 [15:40] Is there a method to this madness? Or just chaos?

 [22:15] Lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement: How activists fought back

 [30:00] The collapse of USAID and its impact on African healthcare

 [38:30] Mobilizing the private sector & faith-based organizations

 [41:00] The power of digital activism: TikTok, Instagram & misinformation

 [45:00] Protest & activism: What tactics work in 2025?

 [50:00] Final thoughts: Solidarity, hope & making “beautiful trouble”

Takeaways:

• The rollback of global health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS funding, could have devastating effects worldwide.
•  History has shown that activism works—we must organize, mobilize, and push back.
•  The fight for public health is interconnected with the fight for democracy and human rights.
•  Digital media and grassroots organizing will be key tools in countering misinformation and mobilizing support.
•  Now is the time for action, unity, and resistance.

Join the conversation:

What are your thoughts on the current state of public health?

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Follow & Connect:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

Bluesky: @ashotinthearm.bsky.social @ben-plumleybsky.social

Instagram: @ashotinthearmpodcast

TikTok: @ashotinthearmpodcast

Links:

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ledbydonkeys

Bluesky: @gregggonsalves.bsky.social

#GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HIVAdvocacy #Activism #Podcast #AShotInTheArm #HealthEquity #HIV #LGBTQHealth #USAID #ScienceMatters