Wise Traditions

What happens when a public health leader refuses to make decisions based on fear? In this episode, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo joins us to discuss the principles that guided him through one of the most turbulent periods in modern medicine. He reflects on his years at UCLA during the COVID-19 pandemic, why he publicly challenged lockdowns and mandates, and what it was like to work alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to chart a different course in Florida. But this conversation goes far beyond policy. Dr. Ladapo opens up about the childhood trauma that left him living in a near-constant state of fear, the unexpected healing journey that transformed his life just months before the pandemic began, and how that experience changed the way he practices medicine, understands chronic illness, and approaches leadership. We also explore Florida's efforts to investigate contaminants in the food supply, remove fluoride from public water, protect informed consent, and address the environmental factors contributin