Public Health Joy

A lot of people don’t understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion actually are. That’s one reason why it’s such a hot topic today.  Lekeshia Hicks is a seasoned human resource strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Lekeshia Angelique Consulting. She joins the podcast today to speak about the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health.

Tuning in, you’ll hear Lekeshia’s perspective on what DEI does and does not mean, where equal employment opportunity finds relevance, and how government contracting interacts with DEI.

We also dive into the perspective of servant leadership in DEI work and what it means to approach leadership from a place of empowering others. Lastly, Lekeshia shares the true joy of her work, which is in seeing lives genuinely changed.

Key Points From This Episode:

How do structural inequalities shape public health and how can research be reimagined to dismantle them? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrea Mantsios, Founder and Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation in Action (PHIA), a consultancy committed to centering community voices in health research and interventions.

As a passionate public health researcher, Andrea joins us today as we dive into the power of community-led research, how shifting public health work from academic institutions to grassroots settings drives meaningful change, and why centering lived experience is essential to advancing health equity.

If you’re ready to rethink who holds the knowledge, how change happens, and what solidarity in public health really looks like, tune in to this thought-provoking conversation with Andrea Mantsios!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Andrea and her path into public health. [02:17]

• Why academic research and individual interventions aren’t enough. [05:35]

• Collaboration in action: the power of community-led research. [08:20]

• The impact of the current political climate on health outcomes. [11:56]

• Community as the antidote to broken systems. [14:14]

• Why it’s important to fight for those affected by systemic injustice. [17:32]

• The need to continuously adapt and re-evaluate what success looks like. [19:11]

• Resources and strategies to leverage in the midst of uncertainty. [23:24]

• The power (and joy) of prioritizing meaningful human connection. [29:13]

What if we redefined healthcare beyond just doctor’s visits and medication? In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington welcomes Dr. Jacob Kendall, a passionate advocate for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and disabilities.

Having undergone two open-heart surgeries and served as a caregiver for loved ones with heart disease, Dr. Kendall brings a deeply personal perspective to this conversation. He introduces his "four-dimensional health" framework, highlighting how health is not just medical but also social, financial, and systemic.

He also explores the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the power of self-advocacy, and the vital role of caregivers (as well as practical tips to help them care for themselves). If you’ve ever struggled with managing chronic illness or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insights to help you build resilience and find joy in the process!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15]

• Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15]

• The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01]

• How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02]

• The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26]

• Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33]

• Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41]

• Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06]

• The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28]

• How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11]

• Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08]

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15]

• Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15]

• The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01]

• How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02]

• The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26]

• Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33]

• Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41]

• Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06]

• The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28]

• How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11]

• Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08]

Workplace culture has changed drastically (especially since the pandemic), and employers can no longer afford to put the well-being of their employees on the back burner. Today on the Public Health Joy Podcast, Jennice Chewlin, founder of Chewlin Group, joins us to discuss workplace well-being and how to find joy in ordinary moments in your career.

Tuning in, you’ll hear about Jennice’s career, what her organization does to help nourish work environments, the issues with the ‘old’ way of working, what we can learn from it, and what joy in the workplace means to Jennice. We delve into the importance of allowing your joy to exist, even in moments of pain before discussing the positive impact of bringing joy into the workplace consciously.

Jennice even shares some advice for any leaders who want to make changes to the culture of their organization so that they can nourish their employees and foster a sense of joy and purpose. Finally, our guest tells us what brings her joy in her work. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Jennice Chewlin to this episode. [2:06]

• What the Chewlin Group does to nourish work environments. [3:50]

• Why the old way of working was problematic and what we can learn from it. [14:33]

• Jennice shares her definition of joy in the workplace with listeners. [16:02]

• The importance of allowing your trauma and joy to co-exist. [24:11]

• Outcomes of intentionally bringing joy into the workplace. [31:08]

• Advice for anyone who wants to make these changes in their organization. [31:08]

• What brings Jennice joy in her work. [36:13]

In a world that is so preoccupied with assigning blame instead of looking inward, quantitative data provides a fact-focused reprieve, especially when paired with a human-centered approach to data equity. Today, we are joined by Heather Krause, a cross-sector thought leader and speaker on data equity issues with a cutting-edge approach to project design, data collection analysis, reporting, and visualization.

As its founder, Heather begins by detailing the work of We All Count before explaining why quantitative data cannot be ignored no matter what circumstance. We learn about the burdens of responsibility of how data is understood and processed, how to change our biased mindsets around data and numbers, the importance of art and creativity in numbers, and why there’s a need to think more critically about quantitative data and approach it from a human-centered perspective.

We also gain insight into the impact We All Count is having in the communities it serves, the value of threading the needle back to find the source of information (or, in our case, the formula), where AI fits in, and all the things that bring Heather Krause joy while she’s at work.

A loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings life-altering challenges not only for the individual but for the entire family. In this heartfelt episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Herb Caldwell, who opens up about the deeply personal journey that led him to create the Mama Joe Project, a groundbreaking initiative named after his late mother, who inspired his mission to support families facing Alzheimer's and dementia.

The Mama Joe Project is a community-centered initiative focused on raising awareness and reducing health disparities. With over two decades in higher education and community engagement, Dr. Caldwell is uniquely positioned to address the critical need for accessible resources in Black communities, where Alzheimer’s affects women over 60 at disproportionately high rates.

He shares the importance of vulnerability in caregiving, the personal and systemic challenges that so many families face, and practical strategies to support your loved ones with dignity and care. Tune in to discover caregiving insights, actionable resources, and a powerful story of resilience that calls upon all of us to support one another in the face of life-altering diagnoses!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Dr. Herb Caldwell and the Mama Joe Project. [04:45]

• Key risk factors for Alzheimer’s: age, racial background, and gender. [06:50]

• Background on Dr. Caldwell's mother, the inspiration for the Mama Joe Project. [08:38]

• The importance of vulnerability and personal stories to support community health. [12:07]

• Insight into the realities of being a caregiver and why healthy outlets are crucial. [14:04]

• Community engagement and the value of the Mama Joe Project documentary film. [17:38]

• FUBU and the need to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s in Black communities. [22:27]

• The importance of early detection, especially if you’re a high-risk candidate. [28:31]

• What Dr. Caldwell has learned about himself through the Mama Joe Project. [32:59]

• The joy of knowing that his mother’s legacy will continue to help others. [35:33]

Language is more than just words; it’s a powerful tool for connection and understanding, especially in public health. Today, Dr. Joyce Senior, founder of Dr. J. Senior Consulting, LLC, and co-founder of My Hair My Health PDX, joins us to discuss how translation and cultural competency can bridge gaps between healthcare providers and communities.

With her bilingual upbringing in Costa Rica, Dr. Senior has dedicated her career to ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and understood. In our conversation, she describes how she started her business, the ways it’s helped her serve the community, and what she’s learned about the role of interpretation and translation in public health.

We also discuss the role of AI in translation work, with Dr. Senior explaining that while technology can aid in communication, it lacks the cultural sensitivity and emotional understanding that only people can provide.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome to today’s guest, Dr. Joyce Senior. [02:10]

• Her bilingual upbringing in Costa Rica and how she started her consultancy in the US. [05:02]

• Reflections from Dr. Joyee Washington’s first trip abroad to Mexico. [11:38]

• Differences between interpretation and translation in public health. [19:53]

• Navigating the benefits and shortcomings of AI in translation work. [23:15]

• Language and translation in public health: Dr. Senior’s advice to professionals. [27:54]

• What brings Dr. Senior joy in her work: being of service to others. [30:31]

With the uncertainty that lies ahead with the change in administration, our time is now! As public health soldiers, it’s time to prepare ourselves to thrive, and that starts with coming together.

What is the connection between Black hair, self-esteem, and mental health? In this episode, we welcome Ameka Coleman, the visionary founder and CEO of Strands of Faith, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and how hair can be a source of empowerment.

Strands of Faith is a clean beauty brand dedicated to nourishing and revitalizing textured hair with cruelty-free, non-toxic, moisture-rich ingredients. In our conversation, Ameka shares how she transitioned from being a researcher in the oncology lab to building a brand that reflects her commitment to creating high-quality hair care products for underrepresented communities.

We also unpack the cultural significance of Black hair, the intersection between hair and identity, and the need for clean beauty solutions for textured hair types. Gain insights into Ameka’s advocacy work, the impact of hair discrimination in professional and educational settings, and how she is paving the way for the next generation of empowered young Black girls.

Join us as we explore how our hair can be a tool for empowerment and a source of community joy with Ameka Coleman.

Key Points From This Episode:

Across America, there are persistent health inequities that impact communities in ways you might not expect. Joining us to discuss health equity in action is leading health equity champion, Dr. Jovonni Spinner.

In this conversation, you’ll hear all about our guest’s phenomenal career, what made her want to get into public health, why she loves working on improving health equity, and more! We delve into the importance of recognizing a community’s value and lived experience above your own textbook knowledge before touching on how acknowledging your privilege can help you take health equity action.

We also discuss why regular health checkups are imperative, how the wealth gap plays into health equity, and why real change will only come when someone wealthy is affected by the problematic system. Finally, Dr. Spinner tells us what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and be reminded to speak abundance into your life, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Dr. Jovonni Spinner’s incredible career journey. [01:52]

• What inspired her to get into public health and her focus on health equity. [07:06]

• The benefits of recognizing the value of communities and their lived experiences. [15:02]

• Why we need to acknowledge our privilege and use it to benefit our communities. [23:04]

• Submitting and reviewing proposals and how to maneuver around these systems. [25:36]

• The importance of getting regular health checkups in order to catch chronic diseases. [29:44]

• Why we will only see health equity change when the wealthy are negatively affected. [32:43]

• How the wealth gap impacts health equity in America and how we can change that. [34:14]

• Speaking abundance into her life and what brings Dr. Spinner joy in her work. [37:00]

Are we truly addressing the root causes of public health challenges, or are we merely reacting to the symptoms? How can we shift our approach to create lasting, impactful change? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dorothy Cilenti, Founder and CEO of Health Ascent Associates, LLC, and a seasoned public health professional with over 20 years of experience in local and state health agencies in North Carolina.

Dr. Cilenti brings a wealth of knowledge from her work in improving public health systems, particularly in maternal and child health. In our conversation, we delve into shifting focus from addressing individual health issues to tackling the systemic and policy-level factors that influence health outcomes.

We unpack the importance of understanding the “Why” behind the health outcomes and current public health trends. Discover the challenges of balancing individual autonomy and community health and the various hurdles of addressing system-level problems in public health. Gain insights into the concept of a collective impact approach, why meaningful partnerships are vital, how organizations can strengthen their capacity in public health, and more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction to and Background of Dr. Dorothy Cilenti. [0:56]

• Dr. Cilenti’s experience with public health and social work. [2:36]

• Why current public health challenges require system-level changes. [5:07]

• Differences between upstream and downstream approaches to public health. [6:40]

• Public health hurdles to overcome when addressing upstream problems. [15:09]

• Learn why fostering meaningful partnerships with communities is essential. [19:06]

• Strategies for building organizational capacity to effectively solve problems. [24:03]

• The role of community engagement and mutual learning in finding solutions. [29:52]

• What Dr. Cilenti enjoys most about her work and how to contact her directly. [32:04]

When we realize that democracy truly places power in the hands of the, so many people’s lives will change. Today Garrison McMurtrey joins us to discuss politics, policies, and politicians. He is currently the District Director for the office of US Congresswoman, Angie Craig.

Garrison has had an extensive career from working on the Public Affairs team at Target, to being an Outreach Director for Senator Amy Klobuchar, and now he is a candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner in Minnesota. Dr. Washington wanted to have Garrison on the podcast because public health and politics are closely related and in this episode, you will hear how.

We discuss Garrison’s lifelong interest in politics, what led him to run for Commissioner, and how Obama inspired him. We delve into how he defines politics, policies, and politicians before he shares how they are all related and how they affect public health.

We even discuss the importance of being intentional about where you get your information from and the risks of social media as a source of education. Finally, Garrison tells us what brings him joy in his work and reminds us to use our voices and vote Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Garrison McMurtrey and how he and Dr. Washington know each other. [1:18]

• How Garrison got into politics and how Obama inspired him to become a politician. [3:52]

• Why Dr. Washington wanted to have Garrison on the show today. [5:54]

• How he defines politics, policies, and politicians and how they impact public health. [9:16]

• Why voting is so powerful and the importance and impact of local elections. [17:54]

• Some of the ways that researchers and politicians are alike. [25:11]

• The importance of intentionality, particularly in where you get your information from. [27:44]

• Lastly, Garrison tells us what brings him joy in his work. [34:02]

Are you ready to tackle your finances with confidence and clarity? In today’s episode, Dr. Jennifer Edwards, a seasoned Financial & Retirement Consultant at Savvy Financial Wellness, joins us to demystify the path to financial stability. Dr. Edwards, a fourth-generation business owner and third-generation financial professional, specializes in helping energetic working women and moms design a flexible and funded retirement. With her experience managing multi-million dollar grants in public health, she offers valuable insights into balancing financial planning with a demanding career. In our conversation, we dive into the essential strategies for effective retirement planning, from understanding employer benefits, like 401(k) matches, to making your money work harder with smart investments. Dr. Edwards offers insights on developing a personalized financial strategy, addressing common mistakes, and planning for life’s unexpected events. She also sheds light on managing your finances as a public health professional and emphasizes the importance of starting small but staying consistent. Tune in for actionable tips on achieving financial stability and growth while positively impacting public health!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Dr. Edwards helps women and moms plan flexible, funded retirements. [0:56]

• What prevents public health entrepreneurs from planning for their financial future. [05:16]

• The importance of preparing for retirement as a public health entrepreneur. [09:03]

• Unpacking wealth as one of the key social determinants of health. [12:09]

• Why you need to consider health insurance options before becoming an entrepreneur. [17:05]

• Common misconceptions and mistakes people make around health insurance. [21:14]

• Effective strategies for managing employer benefits like 401(k) matches. [22:15]

• Why you don’t need a lot of money to start saving (and why you should start now). [24:25]

• How to improve financial literacy among communities. [29:21]

• What it was like for Dr. Edwards growing up in a family of financial professionals. [31:30]

• Dr. Edward’s reflections on what brings her joy in her work. [33:57]

• Find out how you can get in touch with Dr. Edwards. [33:52]

In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, host Dr. Joyee Washington shares how her first international trip to Mexico gave her a new perspective on abundance in public health. After feeling burnt out from running her public health business full-time, Dr. Joyee's "spirit" told her she needed a vacation. Despite never having traveled internationally before, she decided to take a trip to Mexico, which ended up being a transformative experience.

Witnessing the beauty and abundance of Mexico made Dr. Joyee realize that public health is often too focused on problems and deficits, rather than the strengths and joy within communities. This trip inspired her to want to bring more love, faith, and abundance into her approach to public health research and work.

Dr. Joyee's goal is to shift the public health industry to be more positive, joyful, and focused on the abundance all around us. She is committed to continuing to seek and share this abundance in her own work, and to inspire others to do the same.

Key Points:

• 0:04:26 Dr. Joyee was feeling burnt out from running her public health business full-time with no break, and her "spirit" told her she needed a vacation.
• 0:07:34 Despite never having traveled internationally before, Dr. Joyee's "spirit" told her to take a trip to Mexico, which was outside of her comfort zone.
• 0:13:07 Experiencing the abundance and beauty of Mexico made Dr. Joyee realize that public health often focuses too much on problems and deficits, rather than strengths and joy.
• 0:17:47 Dr. Joyee wants to bring more joy, love, faith, and abundance into her approach to public health research and work.

• 0:20:50 After returning from Mexico, Dr. Joyee spoke to students about her career, and was encouraged by their new perspectives on community-engaged public health research.

Links mentioned:

Public health and epidemiology are constantly changing, albeit slowly. One thing that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later is the importance of research, the need to reexamine what it is, and how we approach it in this modern world.

Today, we are joined by Mary Carney, a consultant specializing in research, data analysis, and communications services to help non-profits achieve their goals. We begin with how Dr. Joyee and Mary met as members of WE Public Health, a women’s leadership platform that partners with people and organizations who are unflinching in their commitment to equity and ready to take courageous action, with a little help. We go on to explore the power of collaboration, the need to redefine what research means to us, the importance of relationship-building, and how to find order in the chaotic mess that is research.

To end, we highlight the strengths of consultants and their willingness to think deeper and complete tedious tasks that others would rather avoid, and Mary explains why people are at the center of her joy in the workplace.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Dr. Joyee met today’s guest through WE Public Health. [01:17]

• Mary’s professional journey and how it led her to WE Public Health. [02:32]

• The power of collaboration and working together toward a single goal. [04:02]

• Rethinking research and why we need to start with the very definition of “research.”  [06:59]

• How Mary's different approach to research manifests in her work. [08:08]

• Redefining the goals of research and academic research in particular. [10:13]

• Why relationship-building is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of research. [13:03]

• Reasons that research is inherently chaotic and how to find order in the mess. [15:05]

• The value of a repetitive process of slowing down to reassess the best route forward. [19:30]

• Logical thinking, deep research, and navigating complex issues and tedious tasks. [23:28]

• How organizing and translating data into actionable steps is a learnable skill. [28:11]

• All the things that bring Mary joy in her work! [32:06]

Your vote might not bring immediate change, but it is crucial as it contributes to the possibility of a better future. Joining us in conversation today is Dr. Jeanine Abrams-McLean, the President of Fair Count, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a goal of building continued civic participation and ensuring that every person in Georgia and America is counted in a fair and accurate census.

Jeanine details the work being done at Fair Count and what her role entails before deeply examining the complicated relationship between democracy, civic engagement, and public health. We learn about the importance of improving digital equity, why it’s important to vote, even if you don’t know who to vote for, the history of voting in America and where it stands today, and how voting clears the path for potential game-changing opportunities. As ever, we end with the aspects of her work that bring Jeanine the most joy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Dr. Jeanine Abrams-McLean as she explains her role at Fair Count. [02:43]

• Unpacking the relationship between democracy, civic engagement, and public health. [06:08]

• The importance of improving digital equity in public health communities. [14:16]

• Jeanine’s advice for apprehensive and apathetic voters ahead of the 2024 election. [16:21]

• How voting presents opportunities for change. [19:50]

• Learning about all the things that bring joy to Dr. McLean in her work. [29:26]

Data is the foundation on which public health is built. Without data, there is no public health. As such, it becomes the responsibility of all those interested in public health to ensure – like all other public health aspects – that data is approached from a place of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

On today’s show, we welcome the Founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant of Chilombo Consulting, Vanessa Da Costa, who is here to speak on the importance of data equity from her experience running a human and data equity consulting company.

We discover how Vanessa found her feet in public health and why she chose to focus on analytics before discussing the value of adopting quantitative and qualitative strategy methods. Then, we address the problematic power dynamics by exploring how to approach data from an equity mindset, what we can learn from the CDC’s Five Principles of Data Equity, why data transparency should be non-negotiable, and how to improve data literacy in public health professionals and their community members.

To end, Vanessa Da Costa shares some smart advice for moving the data equity needle forward, and she recalls the uplifting work moments that have brought her the most joy. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Vanessa Da Costa and the work she does with Dr. Joyee at WE Public Health. [00:57]

• How Vanessa began working in public health, and why she chose to focus on the numbers. [04:05]

• Quantitative and qualitative: the value of adopting a mixed-methods strategy. [06:31]

• Addressing the power dynamic: how to approach data from an equity mindset. [10:59]

• Vanessa's thoughts on the CDC's Five Principles of Data Equity. [13:40]

• The importance of data transparency. [20:54]

• How to improve data literacy in public health professionals and community members. [27:46]

• Exploring what it would take to move the data equity needle forward.  [34:33]

• Learning about all the work things that Vanessa finds joy in. [36:48]

Let's be real, it's a struggle being a Black professional in the public health workforce, am I right? We've been resilient our whole lives, what we need is rest, periodt!

It is no secret that historically marginalized Americans face obstacles in many areas of society, especially in the workforce. However, our experience, culture, and heritage as Black professionals continue to build strength and character by utilizing the lessons we have learned to share with others. We can channel difficult setbacks to assist us in not only making a mark for ourselves in the professional world, but also creating systems that will allow us to pause, breathe, and rest. 

Joining us on the podcast today is Nicole D. Vick, a public health expert, educator, civic leader, and author who has spent over 20 years providing tools and strategies to improve health and prevent disease in some of Los Angeles County's most underserved communities. Nicole has authored two books and contributed chapters to two anthologies. She also hosts a weekly podcast that discusses critical issues in the Black community from a public health and social justice perspective.

In today's episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Nicole shares her insights on the experience of being a Black professional in the public health workforce, why she didn’t do her doctorate in public health, and why you can bring the public health lens to any space and it proves relevant. We discuss the basic foundation on which public health was established, the impact of our lived experiences, and the importance of community. To hear more about operating in the disconnect and making success for yourself, be sure to start listening now! Enjoy. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to our guest on today’s episode. Nicole D. Vick; public health expert, educator, civic leader, and author. [0:01:00]

• Resonating and relating to the same struggles in the Black public health workforce. [0:02:00]

• Nicole gives us the tea about who she is, what she does, and what she’s got going on. [0:03:00]

• Why Nicole didn’t do her doctorate in public health. [0:04:20]

• Bringing the public health lens to any space, and making it relevant. [0:06:20]

• We delve into a discussion about the foundation of public health. [0:07:00]

• Bringing with you, your lived experiences. [0:11:50]

• Nicole unpacks how she became interested in the workforce. [0:17:20]

• The importance of community. [0:20:55]

• Operating in the disconnect. [0:22:10]

• Making success for yourself. [0:24:25]

• Theory versus practice: why a textbook won’t teach you everything you need to know. [0:28:30]

• Finding the joy in the trenches. [0:33:00]

• Where to find out more about Nicole D. Vick. [0:34:15]

Public health researchers and professionals often adopt a top-down approach that assumes that education, resources, or "expert" assistance can empower communities. The truth is communities already have all the power they need. True empowerment requires collaboration to jointly increase control over the factors affecting the lives and well-being of community members.

To discuss shifting power dynamics and rethinking who holds power in our communities, we are joined by Chinonye "Chi Chi" Egbulem, a seasoned social impact consultant and public health social worker with over a decade of experience. Combining her love for art, politics, and social justice, Chi Chi is committed to advancing equity in communities by designing and implementing effective policies and programs.

Drawing from her extensive work in youth development, community health, and economic development in low and middle-income areas, Chi Chi shares her insights on the pitfalls of traditional empowerment approaches. She also highlights the importance of leveraging our knowledge and privilege to drive meaningful change, the role of mindfulness-based tools in addressing trauma, and much more!

For a fresh perspective on empowerment and the collaborative effort required to foster genuine community development, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Chi Chi’s work at the intersection of public health and social work. [02:59]
• The problem with empowerment: what it looks like to shift the power dynamic in disenfranchised communities. [10:15]
• Why it’s important to acknowledge and address privilege in public health. [16:39]
• Different forms of activism and some of the reasons language is so powerful. [22:03]
• Mindfulness-based tools that can help marginalized communities process trauma. [23:20]
• How upskilling and identifying your niche will help you find your place in the industry. [26:44]
• Insight into Chi Chi’s research interests and the power of collaboration. [28:23]
• Implementation science, its role in public health, and why intentionality is key. [32:13]
• The joy that advocacy brings to Chi Chi’s work as a public health professional. [35:51]
• How to get in touch with Chi Chi and take advantage of the resources she offers. [39:29]

Researchers can often be disconnected from reality, but preserving the dignity of your community members is paramount to a people-first research process.

Dr. Rodney Washington is a retired Associate Professor of Early Education and Population Health Science and currently owns Consulting Plus, a health and educational consulting foundation improving health and educational outcomes for communities experiencing high-poverty.

During this episode, he joins us to share his insights on building relationships by applying cultural sensitivity and serving the community while conducting research. More specifically, we speak about his experiences in Mississippi and why he chooses to stay in his hometown and conduct research with the folks who live there.

Join us as Dr. Washington shares key insights on how to honor and respect communities when conducting research, and more. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hello and welcome to Dr. Rodney Washington, public health academic and owner of Consulting Plus. [01:24]

• What he enjoys about the work in Mississippi and how he approaches mentoring others. [03:28]

• Structuring research in a way that gives dignity to the subjects in question. [07:26]

• Building relationships during the research process. [11:03]

• Dr. Washington’s experience of the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leadership Program. [12:34]

• The mindset shift required to prioritize what communities need over what is necessary for the research. [16:22]

• Countering misinformation in real-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. [19:41]

• Why this work is important and what it can really do for the community. [22:33]

• What brings joy to Dr. Washington’s work. [28:54]

Today on The Public Health Joy Podcast, we speak to Dr. Mary Davis, Lead Evaluation Specialist at Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance, about the importance of the human element in the evolution of public health research and evaluation.

Dr. Davis has extensive experience with all aspects of public health applied research and evaluation and has provided evaluation capacity-building assistance to a variety of organizations. In this episode, she joins us to reflect on how the mindset and language in applied research, evaluation, and technical assistance training have changed since she joined the field and why people are no longer viewed simply as data points.

Tuning in, you’ll learn why the “human element” is as valid as quantitative data, why relationships are an essential part of research, and how to demonstrate the importance of these things to relevant decision-makers, particularly when it comes to funding. We also touch on the critical role of diversity, Dr. Davis’ advice for the next generation of researchers and evaluators, and much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The evolution Dr. Davis has witnessed in public health research and evaluation. [02:31]
• Reasons that the human element is just as important as quantitative data. [04:29]
• The critical role that relationships play in public health research. [08:42]
• Keys to ensuring that funding is equitable and beneficial for communities. [11:17]
• How to determine whether an evaluation is relevant to the end user. [15:41]
• Creative and innovative ways to demonstrate the importance of relationship building to decision-makers. [18:55]
• Training the next generation of researchers and evaluators through an equity lens. [21:40]
• Why diversity is important for public health faculty and students, research groups, and the communities they serve. [26:18]
• Dr. Davis’ advice for emerging evaluators looking to make a meaningful impact. [32:35]
• How mentoring the next generation of public health professionals brings her joy. [35:08]

Welcome back to your safe space for having honest conversations about what it takes to transform public health research into life-changing solutions for communities. Being an entrepreneur in public health requires a certain drive, a specific skill set, and a well-grounded understanding of what it means to engage communities in order to elevate them. Dr. Charlotte Huntley has all of the above, and as Dr. Washington’s mentor in public health, she joins us today to share her thoughts on the importance of creating specific solutions that revolve around a community and its people.

Dr. Huntley holds a Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology, a Master of Public Health, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Administration. She transitioned into public health after working many years in healthcare as a medical technologist in hospital laboratories, specializing in diagnostic microbiology and infectious diseases.

Dr. Huntley spearheads today’s conversation as we explore the importance of understanding the transferability of one's skills, what community-engaged work actually entails, how to find the right community partners, and why building relationships within a community is the best foundation for transformation. We also reexamine what it means to have an equity mindset, why difficult conversations are vital, and how joy can always be found in both the process and the result. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Dr. Charlotte Huntley became an entrepreneur in public health. [02:52]

• Dr. Washington’s NASA confession. [07:40]

• The importance of understanding the transferability of your skillset. [09:48]

• Gaining a better understanding of community-involved work. [13:50]

• How to find the right partners/organizations for community-engaged work. [21:51]

• The power of building community relationships and allowing those voices to be heard. [25:17]

• Defining equity, why it matters, and how to build an equity mindset. [28:18]

• Why having difficult conversations should be mandatory and not optional. [33:15]

• The goal of bringing more joy to communities, and how joy can also be found in the process of getting to the solution. [34:30]

• What brings Dr. Huntley joy in her work. [35:55]

As Benjamin Franklin once said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Preparation is such an important piece of Public Health work and during this episode, we are joined by a passionate professional supporting entrepreneurs through planning and organizational support.

Chelsea Yvanda is the Public Health Virtual Assistant. After completing her Master of Public Health and working in the space for a decade, she recognized the need for administrative and operational support for those in a similar field. Today, she brings her knack for organization and her innovative approach to making life simple to Public Health entrepreneurs scaling their businesses.

Join us as Chelsea shares how her work supports her clients and the joy that she derives from creating the back-end efficiency necessary for them to truly make an impact. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Chelsea Yvanda and her lifelong relationship with working in Public Health. [01:03]
• Her main goal in creating efficiency for Public Health Entrepreneurs and how she goes about achieving it. [08:55]
• How the Virtual Collab process supports clients in an ever-changing context. [13:48]
• Why planning and creating processes is such an essential ingredient for success. [17:55]
• What the true barriers to outsourcing and systemizing are. [22:16]
• Project management, financial management, and social media tools entrepreneurs should be aware of. [24:50]
• How automating processes facilitates building relationships. [26:58]
• The joy that Chelsea derives from working with her clients. [30:32]
  

Join Dr. Joyee for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of righteousness in public health research.

In this episode, she delves into the importance of integrity, honesty, and humility in driving positive impact and equity. From challenging the status quo to embracing discomfort, we explore how righteousness guides our decisions and shapes our journey in the world of public health research.

Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on creating meaningful change in our communities.

Key Points:

·      Dr. Joyee seeks to position herself and her business for long-term success while navigating part-time jobs. [2:35]

·      Dr. Joyee grapples with work-life balance, decides to quit last part-time job to become full-time entrepreneur. [5:09]

·      Dr. Joyee reflects on personal growth through difficult decision to prioritize business over other aspects of life. [10:40]

·      Dr. Joyee emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making in public health research. [16:15]

·      Dr. Joyee emphasizes righteousness in public health research, including integrity, transparency, humility, and community-centered approach. [19:36]

·      Dr. Joyee emphasizes pursuing justice and equity in public health research. [22:13]

For episode details:

As a community health educator, today’s guest shines a light on Black women’s sexual health by giving a voice to issues that are often faced but rarely talked about.

Dr. Shemeka Thorpe is an award-winning sexuality educator, researcher, and international speaker whose research focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women using sex-positive and pleasure-centered frameworks. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, was listed by Buzzfeed as one of the Top 20 Black sexologists you should follow in 2023, and has been featured on numerous podcasts, online magazines, and blogs including Cosmo, Elite Daily, and Essence.

As you’ll discover in this episode, Dr. Thorpe aims to make research relevant to Black communities by translating sex science in meaningful and tangible ways. Join us as we discuss the importance of comprehensive sex education that includes pleasure, how sexual freedom can enable people to make better choices, why community members should be considered researchers, and some of the ways that Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work and leads the way for those who come after her, plus so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

If you work in public health, then you are no doubt aware that, statistically, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from birth-related complications than their white counterparts.

And while it’s important to understand the reasons behind these unacceptable and heartbreaking numbers, the more pressing question is: what is being done about it?

Joining Dr. Joyee Washington on the podcast today is her friend and colleague, Dr. Nakeitra Burse to talk about how they, and other Black women like themselves, are working to improve maternal and health equity in Mississippi — the place they call home.

Dr. Burse is the CEO of Six Dimensions, a public health consulting company that aims to create strategic, sustainable, and innovative solutions in public health with a focus on health equity and social justice. She is also a Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader.

We use today’s conversation with Dr. Burse to delve into the state of Maternal health in Mississippi, the importance of building greater health equity, and the work being done by, and for, communities in Mississippi. You’ll also learn about Six Dimensions’ training, development, and outreach programs; what equity looks like in everyday practice; how we can do research that prioritizes communities, not just academics; and much more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Nakeitra Burse, the focus of her work, and how she founded her public health consulting company, Six Dimensions. [0:29]

• Why Six Dimensions is transitioning into becoming a nonprofit. [02:19]

• An overview of Six Dimensions’ Health and Racial Equity in Maternal Care course and their outreach efforts. [03:41]

• Why Dr. Burse chose to stay, work, and live in Mississippi. [06:49]

• Asking what equity looks like in everyday practice and taking the steps to build it. [10:37]

• Visiting the Two Mississippi Museums, the history depicted there, and how it relates to public health equity. [15:51]

• Maternal health in Mississippi and how Dr. Burse got started working in this area. [19:50]

• The healthcare solutions that are being driven by Black women in Mississippi. [25:58]

• Protecting your community when research is being done. [27:47]

• What brings Dr. Burse joy in her work: seeing Black women happy and safe in their births, pregnancies, and maternal health care outcomes. [31:53]

• Where you can find Six Dimensions online and details on their upcoming 5K walk. [34:10]

Traditionally, there are a number of power imbalances that exist between foundations and nonprofits in the public health space, but trust-based philanthropy involves creating and sustaining more collaborative, transparent, and holistic partnerships between grantmakers and grantees.

To help us explore how we can reimagine funding, power, and research through trust-based philanthropy to drive positive impact and health equity, we are joined by Dr. Rachel Powell, a passionate public health professional, consultant, educator, and qualitative researcher trained in culturally responsive and equitable evaluation. Dr. Powell has more than a decade of public health experience, working with both federal and local government, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions alike.

In this episode, she highlights the importance of building authentic partnerships with donors and explains why it’s going to take time to see more culturally responsive, equitable, and trust-based practices. We also touch on the value of self-evaluation, a strong focus on community, seeing the work we do through a cultural lens, and much more! For a fascinating (and joyful) conversation with someone who is committed to equitable, accessible, and community-centered solutions to drive social change, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Powell introduces herself and emphasizes the importance of a cultural lens. [02:44]

• Defining trust-based philanthropy and the role it plays in public health. [04:56]

• Equitable considerations about the RFP (request for proposal) process. [14:17]

• Debunking some common criticisms of trust-based philanthropy. [17:40]

• Reasons that building authentic partnerships with funders is crucial. [19:29]

• Rethinking power dynamics: why it’s important to challenge donors and institutions. [22:49]

• Highlighting the value of self-evaluation, transparency, and open communication. [26:01]

• The patience needed to see true change and resources to help you take the next step. [27:37]

• Intention versus impact: issues that can accompany academic partnerships. [33:57]

• Why pushing organizations to focus on community brings Dr. Powell joy. [36:56]

Research is often a dirty word in communities. The harm caused by academic researchers can only be counteracted by building trust and relationships in an authentic way. And that doesn't mean just offering a gift card for all their data! It means prioritizing the strengths and needs of communities in addition to fairly compensating them for their time.

Today we are joined by The Community Lady herself, Ms. Ede Crittle – a seasoned professional in community engagement, partnership development, and coalition building. With over 20 years of experience, Ede's passion for grassroots organizations as the foundation for change has led her to promote equitable health through research partnerships since 2011. 

In today’s conversation, the John Hopkins’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award recipient walks us through her professional background, how she gained her affectionate nickname, and a rundown of Project E-RACE and the other work she’s currently involved in. Then, we dive into how she is building relationships between communities and academic researchers, what true partnership looks like, and we discuss why academic researchers need to better understand the role and power of communities. To end, Ede walks us through her Beyond the Gift Card community conversation series, and we discover why she’s at her happiest when the people around her are working together.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing The Community Lady herself, Ms. Ede Crittle. [01:04]

• Ede’s professional background and the work she’s currently involved in (Project E-RACE). [02:02]

• How she became ‘The Community Lady’. [03:35]

• Taking a closer look at how to improve research in community-based organizations. [06:40]

• The difference between community-based and community-driven research. [13:20]

• Exploring the relationship between academic researchers and their community partners. [15:20]

• The ins and outs of Ede’s Beyond the Gift Card community conversation series. [20:14]

• What brings her joy in her work. [25:50]

• More details on Project E-RACE. [26:28]

Welcome to a fresh year and a brand new season filled with exciting expectations! In season 3, we're diving into the theme of "Exponential Growth."

In this premiere episode, we explore what's on the horizon for Season 3, the innovative challenges Dr. Joyee is embracing for personal and professional development, and strategies for setting expectations and creating plans to catalyze positive impacts in your community.

Tune in as we navigate the path to a future of enhanced public health research, focusing on sustainable solutions, community well-being, and health equity.

Key Points:

0:05 Preparing for exponential growth in public health research. 

4:17 Personal growth and self-care in 2024. 

7:56 Slow and steady growth vs. exponential growth in business and personal life. 

13:55 Preparing for exponential growth in public health research. 

18:19 3 key steps for planning for exponential growth in public health research 

23:39 What to expect in season 3 of the podcast

Challenges we face as public health researchers and professionals can often feel like a mountain. How do we overcome these challenges? We have to learn how to move the mountains.

Join Dr. Joyee on a transformative journey in the season 2 finale of The Public Health Joy Podcast, where she shares invaluable insights gained from overcoming hurdles in public health research. From navigating technical glitches to personal struggles with trauma, autoimmune disease, job loss, and grief, Dr. Joyee reveals the resilience needed to move mountains for others through shared experiences.

Discover the top 5 lessons learned as a public health researcher, emphasizing the courage to confront challenges head-on and the transformative power of being intentional. Dr. Joyee dives into the art of moving mountains in public health research, advocating for starting small, believing in change, and the profound impact of community collaboration.

Be encouraged, be inspired, start small, and believe in the possibility of change. 

Key points:

0:55 Celebrating YOU! 

3:12 Celebrating 25 episodes 

4:38 The story behind creating The Public Health Joy Podcast 

9:03 Overcoming challenges in public health research and career development. 

13:47 Facing challenges, collaboration, and community involvement in public health

14:24 Top 5 lessons learned to overcoming challenges

22:10 Shifting the narrative in public health research 

Are you a public health professional who feels overwhelmed and exhausted? Perhaps you love your career, but you just don’t feel fulfilled and you’re beginning to wonder if your only option is to quit. You might be experiencing burnout!

Today, we speak with rest coach, Marissa McKool about what it means to prevent burnout in the public health space and how we can “put the world down and rest." Marissa is a former public health leader-turned public health burnout coach for women who helps public health professionals reduce their stress, increase their confidence, and create a fulfilling career without burning out. She got her Master of Public Health (MPH) at Emory University, completed a fellowship at the CDC, and has held several leadership positions at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health.

In this episode, you’ll learn some practical tips to identify burnout, detach from hustle culture, give yourself permission to rest, begin to practice intentional thoughts, and so much more! As you’ll discover, Marissa believes that rest is a revolutionary act in the face of toxic capitalism and other systems of oppression. Tune in to begin your restful resistance today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insight into Marissa’s public health journey and her experience of burnout. [02:05]

• Signs and symptoms of physical, mental, and emotional burnout. [08:10]

• Detaching from hustle culture: why rest shouldn’t be correlated with productivity. [11:30]

• How to start with what you need and give yourself permission to ask: what do I want? [16:30]

• Tools to help you focus on what you can control and practice intentional thoughts. [22:34]

• Simple ways to resist the conditioning that tells us we don’t deserve rest. [26:22]

• Why rest is a revolutionary act in the face of toxic capitalism. [31:30]

• The role of intersectionality and the value of coaching. [35:44]

• How Marissa derives joy from seeing her clients begin to invest in themselves. [36:30]

• Ways to get in touch with Marissa and access her free resources! [38:01]

A precedent of overworking yourself and only resting when you hit burnout in order to work even more has been set in the workplace and it has to change.

In this episode, we are joined by the award-winning educator and social scientist, Dr. Courtney McCluney to hear about her research in codeswitching and how she has found freedom in wellness and reimagining how we should work through her company, Equiwell Partners Group. We are reminded that it is okay to remove yourself from work environments that do not serve you and that your work should bring you joy.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Courtney McCluney. [0:52]

• Courtney tells us about her professional journey and what she strives to accomplish. [02:40]

• Our guest’s mission to make individual wellness the most important part of business. [04:29]

• What codeswitching is; particularly in the workplace amongst Black people. [13:50]

• The link between public health issues and codeswitching. [19:00]

• The importance of moving away from work environments that do not serve you. [26:47]

• Why work environments should prioritize employees’ well-being and bring joy. [33:36]

• What brings Courtney joy in her work at the moment. [36:41]

When it comes to qualitative research, lived experience offers a wealth of valuable information that can shape and enhance the quality and relevance of public health studies. Few researchers know this better than Dr. Marissa Robinson, DrPH, MPH, RPCV, a strategic leader, visionary, and disruptor within the field of infectious disease.

In today's episode, Dr. Robinson shares her perspective on the power of qualitative research, recognizing our lived experiences as data, and breaking into the public health field as a Black woman researcher. We also touch on the value of taking an ethnographic approach, the importance of holding those around you accountable, and of course, what brings Dr. Robinson joy in her work. Tune in to learn more about using qualitative research to ensure that your programs, grants, interventions, and data drive positive impact and long term solutions, bringing joy to your communities!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why Dr. Robinson is proud to be a person of color in the field of infectious disease. [02:01]

• How she broke into the space as a Black woman researcher. [04:51]

• Reasons that qualitative research is just as important as quantitative research. [10:09]

• Advice for finding your place in the vast field of public health and making an impact. [13:01]

• The crucial role that storytelling has played in marginalized communities. [16:48]

• Highlighting the value of taking an ethnographic approach to your research. [20:28]

• Why lived experience should be considered valuable data. [25:40]

• The importance of celebrating small wins and holding people accountable. [30:38]

• Making “good trouble” and other things that bring Dr. Robinson joy in her work. [34:15]

In this episode we are talking with Marline Edmond founder of Plug Communications, LLC about how she is developing culturally competent health communication strategies in "Plain Language U Get" to promote equitable health information targeting the Black diaspora.

Marline is a public health communications strategist, a third-year postgraduate student at Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications, and a self-proclaimed optimist who also goes by the moniker Munchy da Plug. In her research, she focuses on the history of health campaign propaganda, media framing of Haitians during public health crises, and the health communication practices to address the Black maternal health crisis in America. She joins us to discuss her mission and her varied experiences helping BIPOC people to navigate the US healthcare system. We touch on the gift we share as Black women to navigate different spaces, what it means to understand the political powers at play in the healthcare system, and harness the power of language. Language is evolving and we are called to respond to our changing world. Today’s conversation provides a practical starting point to empower others as we do exactly that! Thanks for tuning in. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming Marline Edmonds, also known as Munchy da Plug, to the Public Health Joy Podcast. [0:00]

• Her mission to connect others to public health resources and where her nickname comes from. [01:42]

• Munchy’s experiences helping her Haitian parents to navigate the English healthcare system. [03:35]

• Navigating different spaces as a Black woman and communicating beyond words to protect your community. [05:37]

• Allocating appropriate blame to institutions rather than individuals in the healthcare system. [08:06]

• The power of language in directing research and communication. [11:33]

• Why learning is beautiful and what happens when you ask folks to repeat themselves. [17:13]

• The danger of accepting the spiral of silence. [18:32]

• Responding to a changing world with evolving language. [21:33]

• Why it is so important to identify and speak to your specific audience. [26:27]

• What brings Marline joy in her work as a public health communications professional. [28:42]

Community-engaged research is a collaborative and participatory approach to public health research and evaluation that includes those affected by the issue at hand. Ultimately, this means going beyond the textbook to understand these issues from a different (and sometimes uncomfortable) perspective.

In this episode, we talk to community psychologist and committed equity and social justice advocate, Dr. Tatiana Bustos, about the impact of “unlearning” in community-engaged research and the importance of out-of-the-box thinking that invites communities into the process. Dr. Bustos shares insight into how she has helped public health practitioners build capacity with more equity-centered approaches that can strengthen communities and create social change to transform lives.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Dr. Bustos and the work she does as a community psychologist. [2:10]

• The different mindset and “unlearning” that community-engaged research requires. [3:44]

• Why leaning into discomfort is important in order to work with your community. [14:06]

• How Dr. Bustos thinks about promoting equity and accessibility in her research. [17:52]

• Benefits of bringing your identity into your work as a public health professional. [20:56]

• Redefining success based on the community you’re working with. [23:23]

• Dr. Bustos highlights the significance of different types of impact. [26:04]

• What brings Dr. Bustos joy in her work, namely the people she serves. [33:11]

In this BONUS episode, we continue with part two of our conversation with Chioma Nnaji about the challenges of manuscript writing and publishing. During the first half of our conversation, we learned about the work Chioma does at the intersections of immigrant rights and racial justice in public health along with the biggest challenges of manuscript writing within public health.

For the second part of our conversation, we explore how to navigate a system that was not designed to be inclusive or accessible and share the steps we’re taking to create a community where we can all learn and grow together. We break down what you can expect from our manuscript writing workshop, Manuscript Writing A to Z, and describe the wide range of people who can benefit from it before explaining how it’s intended to create a supportive community where we can all learn from one another.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Navigating a system that is not designed for inclusivity or accessibility. [01:01]

• The legacy of colonization and how people in power have historically exerted ownership over the knowledge that Black women have produced. [02:39]

• Working within and outside the system and bringing your knowledge to the table. [05:40]

• Our commitment to creating a community where we all collectively learn and grow. [08:12]

• A breakdown of our manuscript writing workshop; Manuscript Writing A to Z. [08:58]

• How to join the Script Squad. [11:37]

• The details of our early bird special for Manuscript Writing A to Z. [13:53]

• What it was like for Chioma when she was published for the first time. [14:46]

• The value of writing in a way that is accessible and more engaging for the reader. [17:29]

• What brings Chioma joy in her work: community. [21:07]

• What Chioma appreciates most about her partnership with Joyee. [22:56]

• Find out where you can contact Chioma and learn more about her work. [24:18]

Serving your community is central to public health. But what happens when particular communities are excluded from certain spaces? Or are prevented from being included in important research and sharing of knowledge? These are some of the key questions that today’s guest, Chioma Nnaji, MEd, MPH, has grappled with on her journey as an organizer, community health worker, and researcher.

Today’s episode features part one of our conversation with Chioma, where we explore how to navigate the challenges of manuscript writing and publishing in public health. Chioma has been in public health for more than two decades, with her work in HIV/AIDS living at the intersections of public health, racial justice, and immigrant rights. Tuning into part one, you’ll learn about Chioma’s extensive journey navigating the challenges of manuscript writing, the difficulties inherent to publishing community-defined work, and how she and host, Joyee Washington, decided to form a partnership intended to help others on their writing and publishing journeys.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Who Chioma is, what she does, and the organizations and communities she serves. [01:57]

• Her work at the intersection of immigrant rights and racial justice in public health. [04:34]

• Unpacking how to apply intersectionality work within public health. [08:26]

• How communities are often intentionally excluded from certain spaces. [13:18]

• Chioma’s early community-defined work and the challenge of getting it published. [14:13]

• United We Rise as a Black-led intersectional movement. [15:43]

• The value of manuscript writing and publishing as a contribution to this field. [17:36]

• Chioma’s first manuscript, her partners, and how they were able to get it published. [19:39]

• The challenges of writing a manuscript within public health. [21:46]

• Chioma’s experience with community-academic partnerships. [25:53]

• The partnerships and support that she wants to bring to public health. [27:23]

• Joyee and Chioma’s partnership in creating The Script Lab for Public Health. [29:09]

When it comes to data collection and research within indigenous communities, we need to honor the sacred stories of those communities in order to support the decolonization of this data.

In this episode, public health entrepreneur, Heidi Berthoud, joins the conversation as we discuss importance of listening to indigenous communities during data collection, how we can support them more authentically, why their data belongs to them, the importance of giving that data back, and so much more! Heidi goes on to explain why maintaining complete objectivity is not productive in decolonizing data before she delves into what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and share in Heidi’s passions for community data collection, reproductive justice, and making public health data accessible to everyone, press play now!

Key Points From This Episode:

We have made huge strides in how we treat mental health over the course of the past century, from the development of targeted pharmaceuticals to establishing newer and more effective methods of therapy. Yet, the possibilities of utilizing emergent technologies in treating mental health have largely been left unexplored until now.

In this episode, we discuss the role of virtual reality (VR) in mental health with Terrance Williams, Founder of Meta Wellness, a company that is harnessing the power of VR to help mental health professionals treat patients struggling with a range of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe eating disorders. Terrance talks about how he founded Meta Wellness, the promising potential of VR in the mental health space, and his expectations for these technologies going forward.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Terrance's cutting-edge work at the intersection of VR, mental health, and wellness. [00:53]

• Differences between the metaverse, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. [07:20]

• Understanding the drawbacks of VR, AI, and the metaverse. [10:57]

• Why the implications of AI are much more dangerous than VR. [13:04]

• Technology’s role in fostering collaboration and community in the mental health space. [18:04]

• How companies are addressing accessibility and affordability when it comes to VR. [19:46]

• The viability of VR as an alternative form of treatment in the mental health space. [22:12]

• How emerging technology in the mental health space will evolve in the coming years. [26:24]

• Troubling statistics around men’s mental health and Terrance’s hopes to make a positive impact through his work. [31:35]

• How to get in touch with Terrance and learn more about Meta Wellness. [33:26]

How can we equip those in faith-based spaces to guide not just the spiritual needs of their communities but their overall health too? This is the question posed by today’s guest, Ericka Horne, who is the CEO and Founder of AKCIRE Consulting, LLC, where she supports nonprofits and faith-based organizations with program planning and implementation. 

In this episode, Ericka offers some insight into her public health journey, her passion for faith-based partnerships, and how she uses her platform to prioritize self-care, education, and health equity, particularly in Black communities. We also take a closer look at what Ericka is doing to bridge the gap between faith and medicine and find out why building and nurturing community relationships is so important for public health professionals. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Who Ericka is, what she does, and the organizations and communities she serves. [02:52]

• How growing up in the church informed her focus on faith-based partnerships. [05:10]

• Bridging the gap between the church and healthcare, particularly for Black folk. [07:52]

• Why knowing your community is critical for public health professionals. [12:05]

• Challenges that Ericka has encountered and what she has learned from them. [13:19]

• The importance of being aware of the social structure and culture of your community. [16:05]

• Insight into Ericka’s research interests, including chronic disease management. [20:55]

• How Ericka facilitates emergency response support for the churches she works with. [25:38]

• The value of “meeting people where they are,” regardless of your beliefs. [27:55]

• What brings Ericka joy in her work: seeing other people get what they need. [28:36]

In this episode, we are talking with Tamara Mason about her work with the March of Dimes and as a doula to support Black maternal health and Black birthing joy. 

This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!  

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to today’s guest and topic of conversation. [0:00:27]

• Tamara tells us about who she is and what she does. [0:02:00]

• Tamara gives a background on the March of Dimes organization. [0:02:55]

• The three specific strategies to achieve their established common agenda. [0:0415]

• She shares the founding story of her consulting organization. [0:04:57]

• Her thoughts on the engagement of the Black maternal health crisis. [0:09:36]

• We talk about the devastating tragedy of Olympic athlete Tori Bowie. [0:12:16]

• The fear of becoming pregnant and living with the real fear. [0:13:00]

• We unpack the joy, bringing in the stories and finding solutions: Black Birthing Joy. [0:14:00]

• Tamara elaborates on the Collective Impact Approach. [0:16:00]

• She talks about her personal belief that solutions are already in the community. [0:17:18]

• We dive deeper into what Black Birthing Joy means to Tamara. [0:19:00]

• Thoughts on the idea that trauma and joy coexist, you can’t separate the two. [0:23:40]

• All stories are important and we need to hear them; traumatic and not. [0:23:27]

• The difference between a midwife and a doula. [0:26:39]

• She talks about the benefits of having a doula and the support they provide. [0:27:30]

• What a doula cannot do and what a certified nurse midwife can. [0:29:25]

• The importance of a support system in achieving Black Birthing Joy. [0:32:25]

• What brings Tamara joy in her work. [0:34:03]

• How to get in touch or connect with Tamara. [0:35:23]

• Tamara’s hope and what she hopes listeners will take from this conversation. [0:36:30]

In this episode, we are talking with Brandon Johnson about building connections and saving lives as a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services. This is where research meets relationship. Together, we will find our public health joy. 

Key Points From This Episode:

In this episode, we are talking with Princess Jennings also known as The Data Bounty Hunter about what it takes to track down and collect data with the community. 

This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!  

Timestamps:

0:02 What is community tracking services and what does it do? 

3:38 The importance of building rapport with clients. 

7:34 The importance of building a cohesive team. 

12:29 Getting from criminal justice to community tracking services.

18:15 The importance of mentors and networking. 

20:57 How do you find a mentor? 

25:22 What brings you joy in your work? 

In this episode, I’m sharing what my life is like as a Black researcher in this space and how I learned to own my identity and show up unapologetically.  

This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy! 

Time stamps:

0:00 Introduction

2:00 Transitioning from public school to private school

11:00 Being Black in White spaces

18:00 What does it mean to be a Black researcher

20:00 Being a Black Researchers is my superpower

24:00 Creating rest as a Black Researcher

29:00 Being a joyrider

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of transforming failure to joy on my PhD journey and how I got over to the other side.

This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!  

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

2:00 My first attempt at a PhD

13:00 My greatest failure

14:00 My next move

18:00 My 2nd attempt at a PhD

20:00 My lupus diagnosis

23:00 My dissertation and COVID-19

25:00 Finding my greatest joy

27:00 Failure is not final

28:00 How I Got Over

In this episode, we’re talking with Mississippi native Dr. Marshae McNeal about how she is driving positive impact as she shares her public health journey from community college to community researcher. This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!  

0:00 Introduction

2:26 Dr. McNeal’s background and how she got into public health. 

4:24 The benefits of going to a community college.

14:35 The most challenging part of her career so far. 

19:32 Experience of working with communities in research.

25:33 What brings you joy in your work?