Today we have a wide ranging conversation with Steve Mandernach - the Executive Director of AFDO (Association of Food and Drug Officials). Steve takes us through the many pressing issues facing health departments today. Including:-Daily cuts and rumors of cuts and how your agency can built capacity and resilience in spite of what the federal picture may be-Reframing the relationship between regulating agencies and industry in service of public health-Candid conversation about the current public health framework around cannabis, including discussing where federal leadership has failed-Explanation of what happened to SAFHER project-Data and AI and the new world it brings to Environmental and Public Health-Some of the best, real world, advice on finding your passion and how it changes everything-As one of the most experienced people in the Iowa primaries, Steve reflects on his relationship with several presidents and discusses what he's learned from them about leadership and durable relationships.We want to thank Steve for taking the time to have this impactful conversation. You can reach him at smandernach@afdo.org and you can reach us here at the Beyond Podcast at Beyond@hscloudsuite.com