The pursuit of health equity and social justice is often a stated goal in global health, yet existing knowledge production and sharing methods frequently perpetuate inequities due to colonialism's legacy and structural issues. Knowledge silos and hierarchies dominate, with institutional incentives favoring traditional communication (publications, conferences) that limit diverse perspectives, particularly from marginalized voices. These silos compartmentalize health issues, hindering effective strategies for health equity. For example, discussions are often separated into disease-siloed or gender-siloed approaches, failing to integrate the lived experiences of people affected by intersecting factors. This correspondence explores podcasts as a potential disruptor of these entrenched systems.

The authors review existing literature highlighting the challenges of knowledge silos and hierarchies in global health. They cite examples of how traditional communication methods limit inclusivity and the dissemination of diverse perspectives. They also discuss the existing use of podcasts in public health, including for crisis communication, career guidance, teaching, and public health promotion, citing several examples of successful global health podcasts.

This correspondence is a commentary piece, not an empirical study. The methodology involves a review of existing literature on global health communication, knowledge sharing, and the use of podcasts in various fields, as well as an analysis of the potential benefits and challenges of utilizing podcasts in global health. The authors draw on their experiences and observations in the field to support their arguments.

Podcasts, the authors argue, offer several key advantages in addressing the limitations of traditional global health communication. Their accessibility and cost-effectiveness democratize knowledge sharing, making information available to a wider audience, including those who may not have access to academic journals or conferences. Podcasts facilitate cross-hierarchical and interdisciplinary discussions, allowing for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. The human-centered nature of podcasts enables the sharing of personal stories that are often absent from more formal communication channels. This approach fosters a more relatable and approachable way to discuss complex global health issues, bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world impact. However, the authors acknowledge limitations such as production costs, language barriers, and the potential for podcasts to amplify existing power structures if inclusivity is not carefully considered.

The findings of this correspondence suggest that podcasts can be a valuable tool for decolonizing global health communication by disrupting traditional power structures and knowledge hierarchies. The ability to incorporate diverse voices, share lived experiences, and facilitate open dialogue across disciplines and geographical boundaries contributes significantly to a more equitable and effective global health agenda. The discussion emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning and guest selection to ensure inclusivity and avoid amplifying existing biases.

Podcasts represent an innovative approach to global health communication, offering a pathway towards a more equitable distribution of power and democratization of information. While acknowledging limitations, the authors strongly advocate for the wider adoption of podcasts and other novel communication formats that promote inclusive discourse. Future research could focus on evaluating the impact of podcasts on knowledge dissemination, behavior change, and policy influence within global health.

The authors acknowledge limitations inherent in the use of podcasts, including production costs, language barriers that can exclude non-English speaking audiences, and the potential for the platform to inadvertently amplify the voices of already privileged experts. The need for careful consideration of inclusivity and diversity in planning and guest selection is highlighted.