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Kennedy seeks MAHA olive branch with new podcast

by Joseph Choi and Nathaniel Weixel - 04/17/26 7:03 PM ET

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by Joseph Choi and Nathaniel Weixel - 04/17/26 7:03 PM ET

Link copied

- Presented by the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare

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Health Care

The Big Story

Kennedy seeks MAHA olive branch with new podcast

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched his own podcast this week, venturing into a medium he’s long been partial to, and offering a means of mollifying his “Make America Healthy Again” base following recent letdowns.

This latest project from Kennedy comes as the White House is shifting away from overhauling vaccine policy and instead is leaning into less controversial MAHA policies like healthy eating and food safety.

The first episode of “The Secretary Kennedy Podcast,” released on Wednesday, focused on the U.S. food system in a conversation with celebrity chef Robert Irvine.

The MAHA movement consists of several factions that are sometimes in conflict with each other; some are focused on pesticide regulation, some on the food supply, and others on limiting vaccine mandates.

Kennedy’s MAHA base has expressed feeling betrayed by the administration in recent months, with President Trump signing an executive order to increase access to the glyphosate-based herbicides and the experts tied to the food industry, the beef and dairy sector in particular, having heavily influenced the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

MAHA influencers say they’re open to the podcast.

Vani Hari, author of the “The Food Babe” vlog, told The Hill, “Long-form conversation lets someone like Kennedy and his guest explain complex or controversial positions in a way short interviews can’t — that’s a good thing.”

“It is helpful to have the secretary reengage directly, as this will remind the grassroots why they supported this administration and confirm that Kennedy is still working on our behalf. Kennedy’s bravery in confronting captured agencies drove millions of votes,” said Kelly Ryerson, who goes by “The Glyphosate Girl” online.

Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter, we’re Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health.

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