In this episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark sits down with Jon Erlichman — founder of Ticker Take and a well-known financial journalist whose videos have reached nearly a billion views across platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and X. Jon shares his personal journey of living with Crohn’s disease and what inspired him to open up about it publicly. He also talks about the importance of family support, how he manages daily life in the spotlight, and why he’s optimistic about the future of IBD research and care.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of sharing your story.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:58: Jon Erlichman describes his initial Crohn’s diagnosis while working at Bloomberg in NYC and managing new parenthood at the same time

04:29: Jon recalls the whirlwind of juggling work, a newborn, and worsening health symptoms before being properly diagnosed

06:34: Steven asks Jon about deciding to share his condition publicly despite having a highly visible career

06:48: Jon explains how family encouragement and growing confidence led him to speak up — and how going public lifted a weight and connected him with community support

10:12: Jon opens up about managing Crohn’s daily as a journalist: planning around TV schedules, live events, and knowing “where every bathroom is”

12:38: Jon shares advice for others who want to talk more openly about chronic illness: the reward of community and the mental health benefits of being vulnerable

14:21: Jon reflects on his family’s support and how caregiving and family impact are vital parts of any chronic illness story

16:45: Jon and Steven close with optimism for the future of IBD research and improved treatments, and gratitude for patient advocacy communities

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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s special episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark breaks down a major and alarming development in U.S. public health policy: the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Steven explains what ACIP does, why its role is crucial to vaccine access and confidence, and how this sudden and sweeping dismissal could erode trust, limit insurance coverage, and leave vulnerable populations at risk.

Tune in to learn what’s at stake, why it matters for people living with chronic illness, and how patients can raise their voices in support of science-based policy.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:46: Steven explains what ACIP is, what it does, and how it supports CDC vaccine policy

01:45: Steven outlines the importance of ACIP recommendations for real-world vaccine access and insurance coverage

02:05: Steven details RFK Jr.’s justification for the ACIP purge and why it is cause for concern

02:48: Steven warns of the dangerous consequences: loss of expertise, misinformation, and reduced access for patients

03:33: Steven highlights the risks for immunocompromised patients and families with children

04:30: Steven encourages patient action; contact Congress, speak to your doctor, and stay informed

05:08: Steven urges listeners to submit comments for the upcoming ACIP meeting and shares how GHLF will be responding

You can submit comments online for the Committee at regulations.gov

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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, breaks down two major stories: sweeping proposed cuts to key federal health agencies in the 2026 U.S. budget, and a new national partnership between GHLF and Walgreens aimed at improving care for chronic skin conditions. Steven explains what’s at stake, how advocacy can influence policy decisions, and why pharmacists are essential allies in supporting skin health.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:34: Steven breaks down the proposed 26% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including a 40% cut to NIH and 44% to CDC

01:00: Steven explains the impact of these cuts on medical research, vaccine surveillance, and chronic disease care

01:56: Steven discusses how Indian Health Services and HRSA programs would also be severely reduced, putting vulnerable populations at further risk

02:43: Steven emphasizes that this is a proposed budget and not a done deal—public advocacy still has power

03:10: Steven urges listeners to contact their members of Congress and help make budget policy personal for patients

03:40: The episode pivots to good news: GHLF’s new campaign with Walgreens: Your Skin, Your Health: How Pharmacists Help You Take Control

To watch the videos from the campaign and explore more resources from GHLF and Walgreens, visit: https://linktr.ee/YourSkinYourHealth

03:58: Steven introduces the campaign’s focus on empowering patients with HS, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia through pharmacist guidance

04:28: Steven explains why pharmacists are ideal allies in chronic skin care—offering support from symptom recognition to navigating insurance

05:01: Steven outlines how the campaign will reach millions across GHLF and Walgreens channels, with weekly videos and actionable resources

05:40: He reflects on why this campaign matters: for many patients, it provides long-overdue validation and support from trusted professionals

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

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.