In this enlightening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Heather Jones-Brown, a fervent advocate for civic engagement and health equity. Heather, who also works in staff equity at Grinnell College, dives deep into the critical role civic participation plays in shaping health outcomes within communities. From debunking voter registration myths to emphasizing the impact of local elections, Heather offers invaluable insights into how engaging in the democrat...
Feb 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 149
In this enlightening episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Jill Wells, an artist, advocate, and pioneer in combining art with advocacy to create social change. Jill shares her journey from being a substance use counselor to embracing her true calling as a full-time artist and mentor. Discover how she leverages her unique blend of artistry and advocacy to address intersectional social issues, empower the youth, and promote art as a viable career path. Dive i...
Feb 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 148
In this insightful episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis engages in a profound conversation with Alyson Simmons, the founder and executive director of the Central Iowa Trauma Recovery Center. Alison shares her journey from being a consultant to spearheading an organization dedicated to aiding survivors of violent crime through comprehensive and culturally responsive care. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs faced in providing such essential services, es...
Jan 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 147
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Healthy Project podcast with your host, Corey Dion Lewis. In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of health equity and the power of lived experiences with our esteemed guest, Quinny Sanchez Lopez. Quinny is passionate about stakeholder engagement, highlighting the voices of people with lived experiences, and equitable access to social drivers of health. Quinny currently serves as an appointed member of North Carolina’s Andrea Harris Equity Task...
Jan 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 146
In this enlightening episode, our host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with the multifaceted entrepreneur, Ben McDougal. Dive into a conversation that bridges the gap between entrepreneurship and public health, highlighting how these worlds intertwine to create impactful change. Short Bio: Ben McDougal is an author, founder, technologist, investor, and entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in the connected era. What You'll Discover in This Episode: [00:26] Ben's Origin Story: Explore Ben's journey from e...
Jan 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 145
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis interviews Ronnie Cyrus-Jackson about her book 'Unmasking the Hurt' and her journey with mental health. The conversation covers topics such as overcoming trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), building a strong foundation, and approaching conversations about mental health. Ronnie shares her personal story of growing up in the foster care system and experiencing various forms of abuse. She discusses the inspiration behin...
Dec 05, 2023•39 min•Ep. 144
In this episode, host Corey Dion Lewis explores the growing trend of mindful drinking and non-alcoholic beverages. He interviews Jessa Frances, an expert in the industry, to discuss the concept of mindful drinking and its benefits. They also delve into the concerns and considerations for individuals transitioning to a mindful drinking lifestyle. Jessa highlights the availability of healthier alternatives in non-alcoholic drinks, including plant-derived options with added health benefits. She pro...
Nov 27, 2023•26 min•Ep. 143
In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis engages with Holly Freishtat, the Senior Director of Feeding Change at the Milken Institute, in a profound discussion about the transformative role of food in healthcare. Holly shares her extensive experience in the food system, policy making, and her work on pioneering food as medicine initiatives. Delve into how food prescriptions, medically tailored meals, and nutrition security are reshaping the landscape of healthcare and...
Nov 20, 2023•24 min•Ep. 142
In this episode of the Healthy Project, host Corey Dion Lewis engages with Dr. Félix Manuel Chinea, the head of health equity and inclusion strategy at Doximity, in a comprehensive discussion about health equity from a health tech perspective. They explore the nuances of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and health equity, delving into their intersections and divergences within the health tech context. Dr. Chinea shares his personal motivations, cultural influences, insights on how technology ...
Nov 13, 2023•32 min•Ep. 141
In this episode of the Healthy Project podcast, I have fitness coach Meddy Paulus talk about the transformative power of fitness as a tool for empowerment, especially within communities of color. Meddy shares her personal and professional insights on how exercise transcends the realm of physical wellness to become a catalyst for community strength, generational health, and individual empowerment. Show Notes 0:00 - Introduction A brief overview of the episode's theme and guests. 3:50 - Bridging t...
Nov 06, 2023•42 min•Ep. 140
In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, we get into the world of education, representation, and the power of parental involvement with special guest, Johnston School Board candidate Lya Williams. Lya is an engineer turned stay-at-home mother with a passion for STEM and education. She currently serves on Johnston School's SIAC committee. We navigate through topics such as the changing dynamics of school demographics and the significance of STEM vs. STEAM, Lya sheds light on the importance...
Nov 02, 2023•30 min•Ep. 139
Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Healthy Project: My City, My Health edition". Today, our host Krisha Keeran, a senior at the University of Iowa with a passion for psychology and healthcare equity, dives deep with DeAndreya Searight. DeAndreya, a certified health education specialist and community engagement executive, shares her extensive experience in serving communities across the U.S. and her commitment to tackling health disparities. Show Notes: 00:00.578: Introduction by Krish...
Oct 31, 2023•12 min•Ep. 138
Join us in this enlightening episode as My City My Health intern Krisha Keeran sits down with Corey Dion Lewis, a passionate advocate for health equity and the founder of The Healthy Project and host of The Healthy Project Podcast. Corey shares his journey into the world of health equity and the inspiring story behind the My City My Health Conference. Learn how this unique conference is fostering connections and conversations among health professionals and thought leaders, leading to impactful c...
Oct 17, 2023•29 min•Ep. 137
In this compelling episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, I welcome Vanessa Guzman, the dynamic force behind Smartrise Health, a platform meticulously designed to re-engineer and enhance care processes across health systems and organizations. Dive deep with us as we explore the innovative methodologies employed by Smartrise Health in mitigating health disparities and promoting equitable care. Discover insights into: The comprehensive re-calibration and redesign of care processes for health syst...
Oct 09, 2023•28 min•Ep. 136
In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of Medicaid's Redetermination process. For many, the intricacies surrounding Medicaid eligibility and reevaluation can be a labyrinth. Join us as we unravel the key aspects you need to be aware of, from the essential criteria to the nuances that might just make all the difference for beneficiaries. Whether you or a loved one are currently on Medicaid, or if you're a professional navigating these waters for your clients, this discussion will she...
Sep 05, 2023•26 min•Ep. 135
In this episode of 'The Healthy Project Podcast,' delve deep into the pressing health disparities faced by Native American communities. With Jennifer Wolf, an advocate for indigenous health and the driving force behind Project Mosaic, we shine a light on the current health challenges—from substance abuse to mental health—and the innovative, culturally sensitive approaches being employed to address them. Discover the significance of data sovereignty, the nuances of integrated care, and the inspir...
Aug 28, 2023•33 min•Ep. 134
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Chayla Morris, PharmD, BCACP. Chayla is the Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator at Broadlawns Medical Center and Healthcare Consultant. we dive deep into the importance of patient-provider communication, the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare teams, and the critical nature of prevention in modern healthcare. We explore real-world scenarios where patients are empowered to speak up about their concerns, ensuring they're not just passive recipient...
Aug 21, 2023•32 min•Ep. 133
In this episode of the Healthy Projects podcast, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Tru Pettigrew, Chief Impact Officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Linx to discuss the profound connections between equity in education and health equity. Diving deep into the impacts of historic decisions, such as the Brown vs. Board of Education, they unravel the unintended consequences and the ripple effects these have had on Black communities, especially Black male students and teachers. Tru emphas...
Aug 14, 2023•35 min•Ep. 132
Julian Neely, M.S. United League and LINC Director at United Way of Central Iowa joined the Healthy Project podcast to discuss public health equity, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, understanding policy, and addressing historical societal debris. He highlighted disparities in resources like grocery stores and health services and underscored the need to learn from past community strategies. The conversation also touched upon the role of policy comprehension and utilizing local...
Aug 07, 2023•37 min•Ep. 131
"We as poor people need help. We as whatever caveat comes your way, we need help because it's just a human response. We were made to ask for help. We were made to look for help, period. It's biblical and it's natural however way you want to look at it." - Breanne Ward In this thought-provoking episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis engages in a compelling conversation with guest Breanne Ward, a respected mental health therapist, and advocate. Together, they explore the imp...
Jul 31, 2023•43 min•Ep. 130
In this episode, we welcome Keesha Ward, founder of Vegan Knees, for a deep dive into her remarkable journey toward wellness and her commitment to veganism. Listen in as Keesha discusses her experiences from childhood food education, navigating cultural food traditions, and how those experiences paved the way to her current wellness-focused lifestyle. Keesha shares her unique insights on the role of food as medicine, the struggles of making healthier dietary choices, and how she's transforming t...
Jul 24, 2023•53 min•Ep. 129
In this captivating episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, our host delves into an enlightening discussion with Kayla Bell-Consolver, a dedicated therapist and advocate for mental health. Kayla passionately discusses her approach to therapy, which emphasizes authenticity and a deep connection with her clients, focusing particularly on black, indigenous, and LGBTQ communities. She also shares valuable insights on the importance of recognizing early life influences on mental health and how our pa...
Jul 17, 2023•32 min•Ep. 128
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis chats with Pleasant Radford, Health Equity Officer at UCare, a health equity expert, community advocate, and podcaster himself. They delve into the roots of Pleasant's passion for health equity, his experiences of community service and engagement, and the inspiring story behind his podcast, the Heart of Equity. This conversation is a deep exploration of how health equity extends beyond one's job and permeates every aspect of l...
Jul 04, 2023•29 min•Ep. 127
"We each have a role to play in ensuring that our communities are better and healthier. Let's all roll up our sleeves and jump in and get involved in some community organization." - Pamela Garmon Johnson In this enlightening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, I speak with special guest, Pamela Garmon Johnson, National VP of Health Equity and Partnerships at the American Heart Association on the crucial topic of health equity and the significant role community to clinical linkages play in th...
Jun 27, 2023•34 min•Ep. 126
"You get your voice out through knowing who your representatives are...those people need to know what's important to you so you need to know who they are and they need to know who you are and what's important in your community." - Dr. Shaneeta Johnson In this enlightening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of climate change, health equity, and community empowerment. Dr. Shaneeta Johnson, is an Associate Professor of Surgery, Director of the Minimally Invas...
May 23, 2023•30 min•Ep. 125
In this episode of The Healthy Project, we delve into the often-overlooked issue of mental health, especially the subject of suicide. We sit down with Ysabel Garcia, a renowned mental health advocate, to discuss the nuances and complexities of suicide and mental health. Listen as we engage in a heart-wrenching yet inspiring conversation, aiming to dismantle stigma and provide solace to those in need. This is a conversation you don't want to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction to The Healthy P...
May 16, 2023•49 min•Ep. 124
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, I sit down with Philip Alberti, a renowned health equity expert and founding director of the AAMC Center for Health Justice . They dive deep into health justice, its impact on various communities, the significance of policy versus politics, and the power of local solutions. Listen in as Philip shares his insights and experiences working towards health equity and a more just society for all. Show Notes: [00:00] - Introduction to Philip Alberti and t...
May 09, 2023•34 min•Ep. 123
Join us for an insightful episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, hosted by Corey Dion Lewis, as he dives deep into a conversation with the inspiring Courageous Fire. They discuss the importance of mental health, community support, and the impact of the Back the Black campaign in the state of Iowa. Courageous Fire shares her passion for empowering Black women, especially those who are survivors of domestic violence, and highlights the upcoming events and initiatives designed to uplift the Black ...
May 03, 2023•34 min•Ep. 122
"But if I can show up in a way that connects with you as a human to another human and then I provide you with understanding, empathy, and then options that you get to choose from that you get to show your autonomy in, that's the key to it." - Dr. Neeru Bakshi In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, we dive into an insightful conversation with Dr. Neeru Bakshi about breaking barriers and empowering diverse communities in eating disorder treatment. Dr. Bakshi shares her experiences treatin...
Apr 25, 2023•31 min•Ep. 121
In this episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Bryan O. Buckley. Currently, Dr. Buckley is the Director of Health Equity Initiatives at the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). We discuss the importance of creativity, passion, and collaboration in public health, and how to inspire and uplift others in both professional and personal realms. Tune in to learn about Dr. Buckley's unique approach to public health, the value of questioning the status quo, and the po...
Apr 18, 2023•32 min•Ep. 120