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Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health

Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health

By: Dr. Johnny Lieberman
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 Welcome to Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health—a podcast for smart, curious listeners who are tired of being misled by clickbait headlines and health fads. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman—internist, infectious diseases physician, accidental dog dad, and current law student—this show pulls back the curtain on the interconnected systems that shape our food, medicine, environment, and public health. From factory farms to pharmaceutical labs, from the dog in your home to the label on your lunch meat—what’s marketed as “healthy” or “humane” is often anything but. Each episode investigates the real stories behind the headlines: the science, the policy, the ethics, and the consequences. Dr. Lieberman brings a sharp, witty, no-fluff perspective—armed with over 20 years of medical experience and a deep drive to uncover truth. Through solo episodes, expert interviews, and roundtable discussions, you’ll learn how to navigate misinformation, advocate for better systems, and make decisions that align with your values. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in your food, how pandemics emerge, or whether you’re accidentally supporting abusive industries—this is the podcast for you.©2025 Expert Infectious Diseases Consulting Services Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Dogs in Research: Taxpayer Funded Suffering and the Push for Human Relevant Science | Ep16

    Dogs in Research: Taxpayer Funded Suffering and the Push for Human Relevant Science | Ep16
    Mar 30 2026
    What if the animal research you thought was saving lives was actually driven more by money and outdated methods than real scientific progress? In this powerful episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman sits down with Jeremy Beckham, animal rights activist and third year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School. With over 20 years of advocacy experience including work with PETA, the Beagle Freedom Project, and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Jeremy reveals how the multi-billion-dollar animal research industry is disconnected from actual patient outcomes. From the shocking use of beagles in painful toxicity tests to the story of chimpanzees that led to a major policy shift, Jeremy explains why 92% of drugs that pass animal tests still fail in humans, how institutions prioritize grants and publications over results, and why non animal methods are often superior. He also shares hard-won victories, including campaigns that closed dog labs and shifted universities toward better science. Whether you’re a dog lover, a physician, a scientist, or simply someone who wants medical research that actually works, this episode is a must listen wake up call about where your tax dollars are going and how we can demand better for both animals and human health. Top 3 Takeaways: Animal Research Is Driven by Money, Not Results Research universities and breeding companies profit from massive federal grants and animal sales, but the system is untethered from delivering new therapies or cures for patients. Careers are built on publications, not real world outcomes.Most Drugs That Work in Animals Fail in Humans A shocking 92% of drugs deemed safe and effective in animal tests fail in human clinical trials. Meta analyses and real world examples like tobacco industry studies on beagles and monkeys show that animal data often misleads and delays progress.Public Pressure and Sunlight Work Campaigns exposing labs (including undercover footage from facilities like Ridglan Farms) and policy wins like ending chimpanzee research and the FDA Modernization Act show that scrutiny, advocacy, and shifting funding toward human relevant methods can create real change. About the Guest: Jeremy Beckham Jeremy Beckham is a third year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, and a dedicated animal rights activist with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked in various capacities for PETA’s laboratory investigations department, the Beagle Freedom Project (as Research Specialist), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Jeremy has managed major campaigns against dog labs (including at Texas A&M and the University of Utah), helped pass state legislation requiring labs to offer dogs for adoption instead of euthanasia, and participated in numerous Freedom of Information Act efforts to expose lab practices. He is passionate about using the law to advocate for better science and stronger protections for animals. After graduating, Jeremy plans to continue litigating on behalf of animal protection organizations and activists. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jsbeckham About the Show: Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities and what we can do about it. About the Host: Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice. In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies). Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings. Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    54 mins
  • Making Your Voice Heard: Public Comments, Rulemaking, and Animal Welfare with Nicole Wood | Ep 15

    Making Your Voice Heard: Public Comments, Rulemaking, and Animal Welfare with Nicole Wood | Ep 15
    Mar 18 2026
    What if you could directly shape the rules that govern factory farming, environmental protections, and more without ever running for office? In this eye-opening episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman talks with Nicole Wood, a second-year law student at Lewis & Clark Law School focused on animal law and industrial agriculture reform. Nicole explains the rulemaking process, where agencies turn broad laws into enforceable details, and how anyone can submit public comments during open periods to make their perspective count. Drawing from their own journey from growing up around family farms to becoming a vegan advocate and active commenter on issues like feedlot pollution Nicole demystifies terms like "humane washing" and "greenwashing," exposes misleading industry labels, and offers practical steps: using regulations.gov and federalregister.gov, crafting persuasive comments with personal testimony and facts, and even building records for future legal challenges. Whether you're passionate about animal rights, the environment, public health, or any regulated issue, this episode empowers you to move beyond frustration and into action balancing industry influence with your voice as a consumer, parent, or concerned citizen. Top 3 Takeaways: Public Comment Periods Are Open to Everyone When agencies propose or update rules (under laws they've been tasked to implement), they must open a notice-and-comment period anyone can submit input via regulations.gov. No expertise or direct impact required; your perspective adds visibility and can influence outcomes.Persuasive Comments Combine Personal Testimony and Facts Start with who you are and why the issue matters to you (e.g., as a consumer or parent), then back it up with evidence, studies, or corrections to agency claims. Agencies review and often respond to comments in groups when finalizing rules; strong, fact-based input carries real weight."Humane Washing" and "Greenwashing" Exploit Consumer Values Labels like "cage-free" or "climate-friendly" often mislead chickens may still be overcrowded and stressed, or companies claim net-zero goals without plans or tech to achieve them (as in Tyson's settled case). Research beyond marketing; public comments help challenge these gaps in regulation. About the Guest: Nicole Wood is a second year JD student at Lewis & Clark Law School, specializing in animal law with a focus on challenging industrial animal agriculture through regulatory advocacy, consumer protection, and environmental law. A longtime vegan advocate, Nicole serves as Symposium Editor for the Animal Law Review, External Projects Chair for the Animal Legal Defense Fund student chapter, and has contributed to public comments on issues like feedlot pollution permits. Their pre-law experience in financial compliance sharpened their eye for regulatory gaps, driving their commitment to corporate transparency and animal protection. Nicole is a 2025-26 Law Scholars for Change recipient for their dedication to farmed animal advocacy. Websites: ALDF: Animal Rights and Welfare : https://aldf.org/article/take-action/Food and Water Watch: Clean Water, Climate Change, Wildlife Protection, Fighting Factory Farms: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/get-involved/Center for Food Safety: Pesticides, Clean Water, Fighting Factory Farms, Wildlife Protection: https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/policy-commentsNew comment opportunities in press releases: https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/newsBrooks Institute: Animal Rights and Welfare : https://thebrooksinstitute.org/subscribe About the Show: Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities—and what we can do about it. About the Host: Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice. In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies). Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings. Connect with Dr. Johnny Lieberman Email: John@...
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    36 mins
  • My Origin Story: From Infectious Disease Doctor to Animal Advocate | Ep14

    My Origin Story: From Infectious Disease Doctor to Animal Advocate | Ep14
    Mar 4 2026

    What happens when a life-changing bond with a dog reshapes your entire career?

    In this intimate origin story episode of Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, host Dr. Johnny Lieberman opens up about his transformation from a thriving infectious disease physician in Colorado to a law student in Oregon focused on animal welfare. Drawing from over two decades in medicine, Johnny recounts how adopting his first dog, Celeste, ignited a passion for animal rights, leading him to confront issues like puppy mills, factory farming, and systemic flaws in healthcare.

    From navigating personal loss and depression to volunteering against animal exploitation and rebooting his life during the COVID-19 surge, Johnny reveals the tipping points that shifted his focus to One Health, a framework connecting animal welfare, human health, and the environment. He also exposes healthcare industry pitfalls, like profit-driven decisions that deny care to high-risk patients.

    Whether you're a healthcare professional, animal lover, or someone contemplating a career pivot, this episode inspires reflection on identity, compassion, and making systemic change for a better world.

    Top 3 Takeaways:

    • The Power of the Human-Animal Bond: A deep connection with dogs like Celeste and Sienna can profoundly change your perspective, teaching presence, empathy, and the joys of rescue, while exposing hidden cruelties like puppy mills.
    • Healthcare's Hidden Conflicts: Profit motives in medicine, such as value-based purchasing systems, often prioritize hospital scores over patient needs, leading to denied surgeries for high-risk individuals and a broken system driving early retirements.
    • Embracing One Health for Systemic Change: Animal welfare, human health, and environmental management are interconnected; shifting careers to advocate in this space can leverage skills like medical expertise to reduce suffering and create a broader positive impact.

    About the Show

    Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health explores the intersection of animal welfare, public policy, and human health. Hosted by Dr. Johnny Lieberman, each episode invites changemakers, legal experts, and health advocates to shed light on what really impacts our communities—and what we can do about it.

    About the Host

    Dr. Johnny Lieberman is a physician, public health advocate, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for connecting the dots between animal welfare, human behavior, and the systems that shape our lives. With a background in both medicine and public health policy, Johnny brings a unique lens to conversations about how our treatment of animals impacts human health, the environment, and social justice.

    In Puppies, Pandemics, and Public Health, Johnny brings warmth, curiosity, and a dash of wit to tough conversations that matter. From exposing the realities of factory farming to uncovering the links between zoonotic diseases and our food systems, his goal is to empower listeners to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens—while still keeping it real (and sometimes bringing in puppies).

    Whether he's discussing legislative loopholes or snuggling his rescue dog between recordings, Dr. Lieberman believes that creating a healthier world starts with how we treat its most vulnerable beings.

    Connect with Dr. Johnny Lieberman :

    Email: John@johnliebermanmd.com


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    22 mins
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