Ruby Cramer: The Power of MAHA
Sep 1, 2026 · 1h 1m
Summary
Host Tim Miller interviews New Yorker writer Ruby Cohn about her feature on the "MAHA" wellness movement, which blends legitimate health concerns with anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. Cohn details a West Virginia custody battle over medical treatments and explains how RFK Jr. capitalized on public distrust to merge these disparate beliefs. The discussion also covers Cohn’s reporting on ICE’s escalation tactics, citing the shooting of Marimar Martinez as a precursor to recent Minneapolis incidents.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Introduction
The rise of the MAHA movement and RFK Jr.
How mainstream voters are drawn into anti-vax spaces
Case study: Michael and Leah's descent into MAHA
The custody battle and measles scare
Psychology of belief and fear of disease return
MAHA vs. MAGA and political implications
Agrohoods and alternative living communities
ICE operations and the Marimar Martinez case
DNC leadership and party dynamics
Profile of Carrie Lake and her quirks
Twin flames, raw milk, and vaccine anecdotes
Conclusion and final thoughts on trust
Listen ad-free on Castria