Why Should I Trust You? Addressing Medical Distrust and MAHA

The podcast “Why Should I Trust You?” is creating a space for difficult but necessary conversations between public health advocates and members of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, aiming to bridge a growing divide in trust that has hindered public health efforts across the United States.

Hosted by Brinda Adhikari and Tom W. Johnson, former television news producers, the show brings together individuals from opposing sides of the vaccine and public health debate to engage in honest, respectful dialogue. Their goal is not to change minds immediately but to foster understanding through sustained conversation, recognizing that distrust often stems from shared frustrations rather than irreconcilable differences.

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. There, he spoke with anti-vaccine activists and MAHA supporters, documenting the encounter in an essay for STAT. While he did not change any minds during the event, Spencer emphasized that every interaction was grounded in honesty and mutual respect, underscoring the value of direct engagement even when agreement remains elusive.

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 seeks to uncover common ground — such as a shared desire for transparency, safety, and autonomy in health decisions.

The hosts note that disengagement only deepens mistrust, and that meaningful progress begins with acknowledging the emotional and social dimensions of health decision-making. Rather than framing the divide as purely ideological, they highlight how feelings of exclusion or unheard concerns can drive individuals toward alternative health narratives, even when those views conflict with scientific consensus.

As of April 2026, “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.

While the podcast does not claim to resolve deep-seated disagreements in a single conversation, its creators believe that sustained, respectful dialogue is a critical step toward reducing polarization in public health. By focusing on shared values and lived experiences, they aim to create a foundation where trust can be rebuilt — not through persuasion alone, but through mutual recognition and understanding.