Business Group on Health

Each year, more than 20 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer—an already high number that is expected to increase to 35 million by 2050. In this episode, Anu Agrawal of the American Cancer Society discusses the soaring incidence of cancer globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries and shares how cultural factors, stigma, and financial burdens can complicate the treatment journey. Tune-in to hear why education and navigation are crucial to global cancer care, along with ideas on how employers can support employees during treatment. Guest: Anu Agrawal | Vice President, Global Cancer Support at American Cancer Society

An estimated 70 million people worldwide will struggle with an eating disorder in their lifetime. Many individuals experiencing these disorders can remain vulnerable throughout their lives, making permanent recovery feel elusive. In this episode, author and professor Mallary Tenore Tarpley discusses eating disorder diagnoses and recovery, especially among middle-aged adults. She reframes recovery to emphasize progress over perfection, explores long-term health effects and shares her own experience navigating the “middle place.” The conversation also highlights the role social media can play, demographic disparities, diet culture and the importance of promoting health and well-being in the workplace. Guest: Mallary Tenore Tarpley, Author, Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, Professor, University of Texas, Austin

The way we tell our own story, our narrative identity, influences our mental health and well-being, almost as much as the story itself. In this episode, Jonathan Adler, a scholar, professor, playwright and expert on storytelling, lifts the curtain on how our experiences and the resulting stories we tell offer purpose and inspire unity in our lives. Tune in to discover why crafting and sharing meaningful narratives can support individual growth, and when embraced by organizations, can strengthen teams and uplift well-being company wide. Guest: Jonathan Adler, Professor of Psychology, Olin College of Engineering

Men’s health is facing a silent crisis, due in part to cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking the mental health care they need. The result is a widening life expectancy gap as the number of suicides and drug overdoses grows. In this episode, Richard Reeves shares why conversations about men’s health and social connection are critical to reducing these deaths of despair. Offering inclusive approaches to health care and well-being is essential to improving both personal and workforce well-being. Guest: Richard Reeves, President, American Institute for Boys and Men

As cannabis use in the United States surges, the science behind it struggles to keep pace. In this episode, Dr. Ziva Cooper, Director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, breaks down the spike in usage for both medicinal and recreational purposes, how products and consumption methods continue to evolve and the health conditions for which cannabis is FDA-approved. Tune in to learn more about the urgency for evidence-based guidance on the therapeutic effects, dosing and safety requirements for clinicians, employers and consumers alike. Guest: Ziva Cooper, Director of the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids

A relentless drive for innovation, a diligent work ethic and a uniquely American focus on individualism have shaped domestic food culture — one that prioritizes convenience, customization and “snackification” over tradition and shared meals. In this episode, Sophie Egan, author and leader at the intersection of food, health and climate, explores how these distinctly American values established a food culture rife with marketing and misinformation that creates challenges for maintaining healthy habits. Tune in for actionable insights on how employers can leverage their influence to build healthier, more sustainable food environments for today’s workforce. Guest: Sophie Egan, Author of How to Be a Conscious Eater and Devoured: How What We Eat Defines Who We Are

Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, many patients quickly ask about their ability to continue working through treatment. Work can be vital for the healing process as it offers both a sense of control and connection, and perhaps more importantly, continued alignment with one’s purpose and identity. In this episode, Gina Jacobson, Program Director, Publicis Groupe, shares her personal story with cancer and how her experience helped inspire the Working with Cancer pledge. Offering guidance and best practices to support employees impacted by cancer, the pledge helps employers design recovery-forward workplaces. Guest: Gina Jacobson, Program Director, Publicis Groupe

Can music really change our brains and boost our well-being? Archaeological evidence shows humans have made music for over 50,000 years, and today, science is revealing just how deeply sound shapes our emotions and mental health. In this episode, neurobiologist Dr. Daniel Bowling highlights the therapeutic potential of music and sound for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and ADHD. Guest: Dr. Daniel Bowling, Neurobiologist, Stanford Medicine

Health and well-being can be improved by medicine, but can purpose and personal connection achieve similar effects? With the advent of social prescribing, a model of care delivery in which a health care professional formally prescribes non-clinical community activities, including artistic and active endeavors, medical professionals are testing a new way to improve employee well-being. In this episode, journalist Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure, explores social prescribing and shares how it can improve health outcomes for patients with depression, anxiety, diabetes, stress, and more. Guest: Julia Hotz, Journalist and author of The Connection Cure

Individuals with disabilities make up 16% of the world’s population. They face a stark health disparity as their life expectancy is 14 years shorter than those without disabilities. In this episode, Hannah Kuper, epidemiologist and Co-Founder of the Missing Billion Initiative, explores the intersection of disabilities and health, highlighting ways to close the health care gap. Tune in to learn how social determinants of health impact disability-inclusive health care, ways to improve access including innovative uses of AI and how multinational employers can consider this population when designing health and well-being strategies. Guest: Hannah Kuper, Co-founder of the Missing Billion Initiative, founder and co-director of the International Centre for Evidence in Disability at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine