In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis is joined by Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Together, they get into the pressing issue of proposed Medicaid funding cuts and the far-reaching implications for millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved communities. Sr. Mary offers expert insight into what these changes could mean for access to care, the healthcare workforce, and the moral responsibi...
Jun 30, 2025•32 min•Ep. 179
What if the key to better health isn’t treatment—it’s prevention? In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis breaks down the true meaning of preventative health and why it matters. From early screenings to lifestyle changes, Corey explains how staying ahead of illness can save money, boost energy, and extend your life. We cover: What counts as preventative care How early detection works Why prevention puts you in control of your health Simple steps you can take today This i...
Jun 02, 2025•4 min•Ep. 178
ITamar Blue, founder of Mental Happy , joins Corey Dion Lewis on The Healthy Project Podcast to explore how group therapy and community-based care are changing the future of mental health. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Why group support is often more effective than one-on-one therapy • How Mental Happy empowers both participants and providers • The cultural and structural gaps in mental health care • Why more therapists are shifting to cash-based models • How virtual communities are breaking d...
May 12, 2025•35 min•Ep. 177
In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, we feature an inspiring artist interview with Ariel, part of the Freedom of Expression Project. Ariel shares her journey into sewing art, creating handmade purses, and how sewing by hand supports mental health and creativity. We talk about creative coping strategies, colorful yarn projects, and beginner sewing inspiration. Learn how personal expression through art, community art projects, and therapeutic art activities can help reduce stress and bu...
Apr 29, 2025•7 min•Ep. 176
In this heartfelt episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Sadie, a creative soul whose journey with mental health, adoption, and anxiety has been transformed through art. Sadie shares how drawing, painting, origami, and glitter have become more than just hobbies—they’re her tools for healing, self-expression, and emotional strength. She talks about the power of community, her dream to open an inclusive art studio, and how creativity gives people a sense of pu...
Apr 21, 2025•20 min•Ep. 175
In this episode of The Healthy Project, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Brian Foster to explore how community health workers are transforming diabetes care—especially in underserved communities. Brian shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes and his work with the American Diabetes Association. They discuss the connection between diabetes and heart disease, health equity, patient trust, and why community-based care is critical for improving outcomes. Topics: type 1 diabetes, diabetes...
Apr 07, 2025•22 min•Ep. 174
In this eye-opening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis explores the concept of food swamps —urban environments where unhealthy food options far outweigh nutritious ones. While much attention has been given to food deserts , food swamps reveal a deeper layer of the public health crisis tied to systemic racism , zoning laws , and chronic disease disparities . From obesity and diabetes to nutrition literacy and community health , Corey breaks down the critical role of th...
Mar 24, 2025•13 min•Ep. 173
Try Opal AI Today! 🔗 For Therapists: heyopal.com 💬 Free AI Chat for Anyone: chat.heyopal.com 🎉 Exclusive Discount for Clinicians! Get 40% off your first year + 1 month free with code: PODCAST In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Cole Smith, founder of Opal, to explore the intersection of AI and mental health care . They discuss how AI therapy tools and digital mental health platforms are reshaping therapy, improving mental health accessibility ...
Mar 17, 2025•26 min•Ep. 172
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Seun Ross , a leading expert in health justice and racial disparities in medicine . They discuss the difference between health equity and health justice , the impact of medical racism , and the role of policy change in health equity . Dr. Ross also shares her work in removing racial bias in healthcare and how it led to 700 Black patients moving up on the kidney transplant list. If you're passionate about pu...
Feb 04, 2025•27 min•Ep. 171
In this special episode of the Healthy Project Podcast , based on questions from the My City My Health conference, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus, to explore the intersections of health equity, farm worker health, and immigrant health care. They discuss Proteus' innovative programs, including mobile healthcare delivery, health and safety training, cancer prevention efforts, and the critical role of community health workers. Daniel shares insights on addressing...
Jan 21, 2025•41 min•Ep. 170
In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis and guest Julian Lee dive into crucial topics like health equity, type 2 diabetes, and African American health disparities. Together, they explore systemic racism in healthcare, aversive racism, healthcare structural barriers, and health outcomes disparities, with a focus on the African American community in Sioux City, Iowa. Learn about unconscious bias in healthcare, health inequity solutions, and the impact of income inequ...
Jan 14, 2025•46 min•Ep. 169
DiscussIn this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of medical debt and how it disproportionately affects under-resourced communities . Corey is joined by Jenifer Bosco , a Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and co-author of the Model Medical Debt Protection Act . Together, they explore the causes of medical debt, the role of healthcare systems and insurance companies, and practical solutions that can pr...
Oct 15, 2024•28 min•Ep. 168
In this powerful episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis revisits a heartbreaking yet vital story that shines a light on the devastating impact of air pollution on public health. Inspired by his 2022 interview with Marisol Iglesias-Gonzalez on the health impacts of climate change, Corey shares the story of Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah, a young girl from London whose life was tragically cut short by asthma, exacerbated by extreme air pollution. This episode explores how air pollutio...
Oct 01, 2024•12 min•Ep. 167
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis speaks with Kris Bennett, Director of Prostate Cancer Health Equity Initiatives at Movember, about the pressing issue of prostate cancer in Black men. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Kris shares key insights on how early detection, increased awareness, and addressing systemic health disparities can save lives. Discover why Black men are at higher risk for prostate cancer and what’s being done to promote equit...
Sep 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 166
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast , host Corey Dion Lewis dives deep into the concept of healthcare access and how it drives health disparities. What does it mean to have access to healthcare truly, and how do barriers like cost, location, and cultural competency create massive gaps in health outcomes? We explore the five dimensions of healthcare access—availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and quality—and discuss how they intertwine to shape the lives of margin...
Sep 16, 2024•10 min•Ep. 165
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis is joined by Coach Melody, President and Chief Wellness Strategist at Unwrap U, to discuss one of the most pressing health issues affecting our youth: childhood obesity. They dive deep into the alarming statistics, practical solutions for families, and the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition. Coach Melody also shares insights on her successful FamFun3K initiative, encouraging families to get moving and priorit...
Sep 09, 2024•20 min•Ep. 164
Join us as we explore ethical community engagement, health justice, and health equity with Dr. Ebony Johnson. In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, we dive into data diversity, community trust, public health, research ethics, policy impact, and the social determinants of health. This conversation, hosted by Corey Lewis, uncovers the challenges and opportunities in community-based research, partnerships in research, health communication, health policy, health outcomes, and the critical ...
Sep 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 163
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Paula Bell, aka Ninja P, a seasoned business consultant and wellness advocate, to explore the disconnect between corporate wellness initiatives and true health equity. Paula shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a health and wellness entrepreneur. She offers unique insights into how companies can better support their employees holistically—beyond just gym memberships and basic health coaching. They di...
Aug 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 162
Thank You to Our Sponsor A special thank you to our My City My Health Presenting Sponsor, UnityPoint Health. To learn more about UnityPoint, visit www.unitypoint.org . In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, we sit down with Kenya Caledon Ceron, a passionate advocate for immigrant rights and mental health services. Kenya shares her powerful personal story of overcoming childhood trauma, receiving a PTSD diagnosis, and navigating the unique barriers that immigrants face in accessing menta...
Aug 12, 2024•38 min•Ep. 161
Welcome to The Healthy Project Podcast, My City, My Health series. In this insightful episode, guest host Brooklyn Lowry sits down with Jazzmine Brooks, a dedicated certified doula, Black maternal health advocate, and community wellness leader. Jazzmine shares her incredible journey from Southside Chicago to becoming pivotal in Iowa's health community. She discusses her role at the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, her non-profit Jai Olive Wellness, and her work in food security through the Doub...
Jul 29, 2024•43 min•Ep. 160
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast's My City, My Health edition, host Brooklyn Lowry sits down with Maria Torres, the Health Equity Coordinator for Pottawattamie County Public Health. They discuss the importance of mental health advocacy, the challenges immigrant communities face, and Maria's personal journey and insights. Don't miss this inspiring conversation and learn how you can contribute to health equity in your community. Get tickets for this year's My City My Health event to ...
Jul 15, 2024•15 min•Ep. 159
Join Corey Dion Lewis in this insightful episode of The Healthy Project Podcast as he talks with Dr. Sandra E. Ford, the former special assistant to the President for public health and science in the White House Domestic Policy Council. She is also the principal author of the White House Action Plan identifying whole-of-government policy actions to address SDoH. This episode dives into the US playbook to address SDoH, offering valuable insights into policies and practices aimed at promoting heal...
Jul 09, 2024•30 min•Ep. 158
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis engages in a compelling conversation with Bettina Dolinsek, President of the Iowa Council of the United Blind and a passionate advocate for accessible absentee ballot voting. Bettina shares her journey and the significant strides being made to ensure independent and private voting for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. She delves into the challenges these voters face, the importance of technological solutions, and...
Jul 01, 2024•25 min•Ep. 157
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Chrissy Dunplanter, a dedicated Community Health Worker from Carelon Health. Dive into a compelling discussion about the impact of community health workers, the daily challenges they face, and the vital role they play in healthcare. Chrissy shares her journey from a medical insurance coordinator to a community champion, offering insights into patient interaction, healthcare advocacy, and the significance of comm...
May 13, 2024•17 min•Ep. 156
Join host Corey Dion Lewis on The Healthy Project Podcast as he welcomes Mighty Fine, MPH, CHES, the Associate Executive Director of Public Health Practice and Policy at the American Public Health Association. In this episode, they explore the intersection of gun safety and public health, discussing innovative strategies to address gun violence through community-focused solutions. Mighty Fine shares insights on broadening the narrative around gun safety, emphasizing preventive measures and the r...
May 06, 2024•23 min•Ep. 155
Welcome to another empowering episode of The Healthy Project Podcast! In this episode, host Corey Dion Lewis has a great conversation with Maria Torres, a passionate advocate for health equity and the Health Equity Coordinator for Pottawatomie County Public Health. What's Inside This Episode: Maria shares her fascinating journey from aspiring to be an aircraft mechanic to leading health equity initiatives. Discover how Maria’s immigrant background from El Salvador and her diverse experiences sha...
Apr 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 154
In this compelling episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis welcomes Dr. Alison Brown, a distinguished public health nutrition and health disparities researcher. Dr. Brown shares her extensive insights into the critical intersection of nutrition, cultural humility, and health disparities. Here's what you can expect from this enlightening discussion: Show Notes: In this compelling episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis welcomes Dr. Alison Brown, a disti...
Apr 08, 2024•28 min•Ep. 153
This episode is sponsored by Iowa Immunizes. To learn more about their initiatives, visit https://www.iowaimmunizes.org/ . In this engaging episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with the incredibly dynamic Dr. BCW, hailed as one of the most active figures in healthcare advocacy. Dive into a candid conversation exploring the critical importance of vaccinations, especially for the historically marginalized and vulnerable populations amidst the backdrop of the COVI...
Apr 01, 2024•17 min•Ep. 152
This episode is sponsored by Iowa Immunizes. To learn more about their initiatives, visit https://www.iowaimmunizes.org/ . In today's episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer of WebMD, for a compelling discussion on the evolving landscape of COVID-19 as we step into 2024. Dr. Whyte, having interviewed over 400 guests during the pandemic, shares his valuable insights on the shift in public perception, the journey from confu...
Mar 25, 2024•26 min•Ep. 151
In this empowering episode of the Healthy Projects Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis is joined by public health advocate and podcast co-host ELG to shed light on a crucial health topic - colorectal cancer. Recorded during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this discussion gets into personal experiences with colonoscopies, the significance of early screening, and overcoming healthcare barriers in the Black community. Together, they tackle the stigmas surrounding preventive health measures and share ...
Mar 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 150
