
In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee engages with Dorian Johnson, a Public Health Educator and Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who combines skills-based health education and systems-level insight to every conversation. Known as “The PHuncle”, Dorian is a master at making complex public health concepts clear and engaging.
Together, Dr. Joyee and Dorian discuss the importance of humor in public health, effective communication strategies, and the need for collaboration over competition. The conversation also explores the decolonization of research, the importance of community engagement, and the need for humility in academia. Dorian also shares his journey into research and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in public health work, concluding with a call for a more relatable and engaging approach to health education.
Key Points From This Episode:
The Funko Concept and Its Significance [02:46]
Cultural Relevance in Public Health Communication [04:54]
Decolonizing Research and Self-Reflection [09:29]
Collaboration vs. Competition in Public Health [12:08]
The Power of Community and Humility in Research [15:37]
The Captain Planet Analogy for Collaboration [19:31]
The Importance of Seasoning in Academia [22:53]
First Experiences in Research and Community Engagement [26:12]
Redefining Research Beyond Traditional Methods [30:08]
Authenticity and Joy in Public Health Work [36:01]
✨ Before you go — I’d love your voice in shaping the future of our work. Please take a moment to complete the Public Health Impact Survey and join the waitlist for the 2026 Public Health Joy Summit. Together, we can keep building joy-filled, justice-centered spaces in public health.
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