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The Healthy Project Podcast
The Healthy Project
185 episodes
1 week ago
The Healthy Project Podcast explores the powerful intersection of health, society, and equity through real conversations with changemakers on the front lines of social impact. Each episode features thought leaders, researchers, and advocates who unpack how social structures — from policy to culture — shape the health of communities. Topics we explore include: Health equity and structural determinants Community-driven research and innovation Lived experiences of marginalized populations Public policy, systemic bias, and health outcomes Whether you're a public health professional, social science researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this podcast brings you grounded insights, bold ideas, and practical tools to drive change where it matters most.
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Social Sciences
Society & Culture,
Science
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All content for The Healthy Project Podcast is the property of The Healthy Project and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Healthy Project Podcast explores the powerful intersection of health, society, and equity through real conversations with changemakers on the front lines of social impact. Each episode features thought leaders, researchers, and advocates who unpack how social structures — from policy to culture — shape the health of communities. Topics we explore include: Health equity and structural determinants Community-driven research and innovation Lived experiences of marginalized populations Public policy, systemic bias, and health outcomes Whether you're a public health professional, social science researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this podcast brings you grounded insights, bold ideas, and practical tools to drive change where it matters most.
Show more...
Social Sciences
Society & Culture,
Science
Episodes (20/185)
The Healthy Project Podcast
How AI Tools Like Keikku Are Reshaping Clinical Work and Patient Care

This episode explores how technology and healthcare intersect. We talk with Jhonatan Bringas Dimitriades, MD, CEO of Lapsi Health, about Keikku, the first FDA-cleared smart stethoscope with an AI scribe. You will hear how this tool impacts clinical workflows, patient communication, and the broader healthcare system.

Key points covered
• How clinicians use AI during real-world visits
• Measurable time savings in documentation
• Data privacy and HIPAA/GDPR compliance
• Effects on clinician burnout and emotional fatigue
• Future applications of AI in public health and care settings
• Skills health professionals need as tech advances


Why it matters
• You see how AI tools shape medical decision-making and patient engagement
• You get insight into how tech adoption fits into social systems and workplace culture
• You hear practical examples that support ongoing conversations in public health and social science


Think about this
• How does technology influence trust in the patient-provider relationship?
• What skills will workers need as AI expands in healthcare?
• What policies should protect patients and providers as these tools grow?

Listen and reflect on how innovation, behavior, culture, and care systems interact.


Resources Mentioned:

  • Website: https://www.keikku.health/
  • Connect with Jhonatan: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X
  • Physician burnout research

Stay Connected & Support the Show:
Want to keep up with conversations like this that challenge the status quo and center community voices? Sign up for The Healthy Project newsletter at www.healthyproject.co for exclusive insights, resources, and updates you won't want to miss.

Love what you're hearing? Support independent podcasting that prioritizes truth over trends. Join THP+ for just $5/month and get bonus content, early access to episodes, and the satisfaction of knowing you're fueling more conversations that matter.
Visit www.healthyproject.co to subscribe and support today.

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1 week ago
20 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
How Changing "Equity" to "Fairness" Overnight Destroys Community Trust | Dr. Philip Alberti

What happens when organizations racing to survive suddenly scrub "equity" and "justice" from their websites—without asking the communities they serve? Dr. Philip Alberti, founding director of the AAMC Center for Health Justice, joins host Corey Dion Lewis for a powerful conversation about the real cost of changing language without changing process.

In this episode, Philip breaks down why speed matters, how community engagement isn't optional, and what it really means to build health equity for ALL communities—yes, including white ones. From navigating existential threats to imagining cross-racial movements for justice, this conversation challenges health equity professionals to hold the line on values while adapting to a hostile landscape.

Whether you're a health equity champion feeling the squeeze, a leader struggling with messaging, or someone who believes thriving communities are possible for everyone, this episode offers both validation and a roadmap forward.


Show Notes

In This Episode:

[00:00] Introduction - The LinkedIn post that started it all: "The more our organizations change their language, the less their communities trust them"

[03:10] The real existential threats facing health equity work—and the hidden cost of quick compliance

[05:29] Why the speed of institutional language changes sent the wrong message to communities

[08:18] The "health equity tourists" who jumped ship—and why that might not be all bad

[09:09] If health equity benefits everyone, why is it so divisive in 2025? Where did we lose the thread?

[11:25] Addressing the elephant in the room: health equity for ALL communities, including white ones

[13:10] Unpacking the false narrative that health equity creates winners and losers

[16:30] Why Black and Brown champions shouldn't have to build bridges—and Philip's fantasy nonprofit "The Daves"

[18:09] What's truly non-negotiable when it comes to language and messaging

[19:00] The 10 core principles of authentic community engagement from the National Academies model

[22:01] How to actually start building community partnerships (spoiler: just listen first)

[24:43] The organizational infrastructure changes that make community engagement possible

[27:57] What gives Philip hope: surprising public opinion data showing cross-ideological agreement

[31:49] Real-world example: Community Works and building relationships across political divides

[32:14] Health justice as both aspiration and operational framework—making the process the product

Key Resources Mentioned:

  • AAMC Center for Health Justice: AAMCHealthJustice.org
  • AAMC Principles of Trustworthiness Toolkit
  • AAMC CHARGE (Collaborative for Health Equity Act Research Generate Evidence) - free to join, 1,800+ members
  • Dr. Philip Alberti's article: "Health Equity Benefits All Communities" 
  • National Academies model of assessing meaningful engagement
  • Dr. Sarah Gollust's communication research on population health equity
  • Community Works organization featured in The Nation
  • The Vital Conditions for Health and Well-being

Guest Bio:

Dr. Philip Alberti is the founding director of the AAMC Center for Health Justice, where he leads work at the intersection of community engagement, health equity research, and policy change. A community-engaged scientist and practitioner by training, Philip brings experience from public health departments and a commitment to building trustworthy partnerships that center community wisdom. As a gay white man, he entered this work thinking about class-based and LGBTQ+ inequities, and now champions a tent big enough for all communities to thrive.

Connect with Dr. Philip Alberti:

  • AAMC Center for Health Justice: AAMCHealthJustice.org
  • Join AAMC CHARGE (free membership): Visit website for details

Stay Connected & Support the Show:

Want to keep up with conversations like this that challenge the status quo and center community voices? Sign up for The Healthy Project newsletter at www.healthyproject.co for exclusive insights, resources, and updates you won't want to miss.

Love what you're hearing? Support independent podcasting that prioritizes truth over trends. Join THP+ for just $5/month and get bonus content, early access to episodes, and the satisfaction of knowing you're fueling more conversations that matter.

Visit www.healthyproject.co to subscribe and support today.

★ Support this podcast ★
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2 weeks ago
39 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
83,000 Lives Lost to Health Inequity: Dr. George Rust | The Healthy Project

83,000 Americans die needlessly every year due to health inequity and systemic racism in healthcare. Dr. George Rust has spent 40 years fighting health disparities in America's most underserved communities, from migrant farmworker clinics in rural Florida to leading public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Rust reveals the structural inequities, racial health gaps, and preventable suffering he's witnessed throughout his career in medicine and public health. He shares hard-won lessons about earning trust in marginalized communities, navigating cultural competency challenges, and building coalitions for systemic change in American healthcare.

THE REAL COST OF HEALTH INEQUITY: Research shows that eliminating the Black-white gap in health outcomes would save 83,000 lives annually. In Atlanta alone, closing premature death rates between Black and white populations would restore 43,000 person-years of life every year to Black communities. These aren't just statistics—they represent grandmother-years, wisdom-years, and family-years lost to needless suffering caused by barriers to healthcare access, discrimination in medicine, and social determinants of health.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Why health disparities persist in American healthcare and how systemic racism drives preventable deaths
  • The concept of "trust adjacency" and how healthcare providers earn trust in communities of color
  • What 40 years serving underserved populations taught one doctor about cultural humility and respect in medicine
  • How COVID-19 exposed America's public health vulnerabilities and political interference in science
  • The difference between "me all vs. we all" – individual autonomy versus community responsibility in public health
  • Real stories of needless suffering: from the $500 hand surgery barrier to cervical cancer from lack of pap smears
  • Lessons from Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. David Satcher, and Dr. Louis Sullivan on health justice
  • Why respect matters more than you think in clinical settings and the "Lou Sullivan name tag" story
  • The Tallahassee measles case and what happens when ideology trumps evidence-based medicine
  • How to avoid physician burnout while fighting for social justice and health equity
  • Building coalitions and community partnerships for sustainable systemic change

ABOUT DR. GEORGE RUST: Dr. Rust is a public health physician and professor at Florida State University with over 40 years of experience in community health, health policy, and medical education. His career spans Cook County Hospital in Chicago, the Farmworker Health Association in rural Florida, and 25 years at Morehouse School of Medicine, where he worked alongside public health legends Dr. David Satcher (former U.S. Surgeon General) and Dr. Louis Sullivan (founding president of Morehouse School of Medicine and former Secretary of Health and Human Services).

His new book, "Healing in a Changing America: Doctoring a Nation of Needless Suffering" (Johns Hopkins University Press), examines how America's healthcare system creates preventable suffering through structural inequities, racial discrimination, and barriers to healthcare access. The book offers a roadmap for achieving health justice and eliminating health disparities across race, class, and geography.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: America is undergoing demographic transformation into a multicultural, pluralistic democracy, yet health inequities continue to widen. With political polarization affecting public health policy, attacks on diversity initiatives in medical education, and ongoing debates about vaccine mandates, quarantine protocols, and government intervention in healthcare, this conversation offers critical insights for healthcare professionals, policy makers, community organizers, and anyone committed to social justice.

Dr. Rust shares practical strategies for cross-cultural healthcare delivery, building trust with patients from different backgrounds, working within broken systems while advocating for reform, and maintaining resilience as a health equity advocate. His perspective combines clinical experience, public health expertise, academic leadership, and lived experience navigating racism in medicine as a white ally working in predominantly Black and Latino communities.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "You don't come into communities carrying trust with you. You have to earn it." "83,000 lives could be saved annually just by eliminating the Black-white health gap." "It's what Fitzhugh Mullen called tin cup medicine: 'Now please sir, may I have some healthcare?'" "Would you rather deal with having somebody not go to work for two weeks, or would you rather be explaining to the public why you let a measles outbreak happen?"

CONNECT WITH DR. RUST: Email: grust@fsu.edu Book: "Healing in a Changing America" available on Amazon and Johns Hopkins University Press

ABOUT THE HEALTHY PROJECT: The Healthy Project Podcast explores the intersection of health, equity, and justice through conversations with leaders transforming healthcare and public health. Host Corey Dion Lewis brings you stories of systemic change, health advocacy, and the fight for health justice in America.

Subscribe for weekly episodes on health equity, racial justice in healthcare, public health policy, community health, and social determinants of health.


Support The Healthy Project

NEW! THP+ Premium Newsletter Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, early episode releases, merch shop access, and more!

  • $5/month or $50/year
  • Subscribe at: healthyproject.co

Free Newsletter: Stay updated on new episodes and health equity resources at healthyproject.co

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4 weeks ago
45 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Breaking Sound Barriers: How Teleaudiology Is Advancing Health Equity

How can families in under-resourced communities access timely, culturally responsive hearing care for infants who are deaf or hard of hearing? In this episode, host Corey Dion Lewis is joined by Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, and Dr. Lauren Ramsey to explore the systemic, social, and structural barriers that impact access to early intervention and audiology services.

Together, they unpack how health systems, policy gaps, and social determinants influence care — and how teleaudiology may be part of the solution.

Topics Covered:

  • The impact of health literacy, transportation barriers, and medical mistrust on early hearing care
  • The potential of teleaudiology to bridge equity gaps in underserved communities
  • How insurance and policy structures shape access to pediatric hearing services
  • Why trusted relationships are essential for long-term care engagement
  • Practical steps policymakers, providers, and advocates can take today to expand equitable access

Why Listen:
This conversation blends public health research, clinical insights, and community perspectives, offering actionable ideas for anyone working at the intersection of health, equity, and social systems. It’s a must-listen for professionals in maternal and child health, health policy, and community-based care.

About the Guests:

Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-language pathologist, public health consultant, and advocate for equitable access to communication services. Founder of a private practice serving diverse populations.

Dr. Lauren Ramsey
Public health researcher and consultant with 20+ years of experience in maternal and child health, health equity, and racial and ethnic disparities in care access.

Resources & Links:

  • Connect with Pamela Rowe on LinkedIn

  • Connect with Dr. Lauren Ramsey on LinkedIn

  • Contact: hello@healthyprojectmedia.com

  • Join the movement: healthyproject.co
    — sign up for the newsletter & get involved


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1 month ago
32 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Closing the Oral Health Gap with Technology | Pamela Oren-Artzi , COO of GRIN

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis talks with Pamela Oren-Artzi, COO and co-founder of GRIN, a digital oral health platform reimagining how care is delivered for underserved communities. Pam shares her journey from technology leader to health innovator, the challenges of addressing oral care deserts, and how GRIN’s accessible, affordable tools are transforming the way providers reach patients—no broadband required.

We explore why oral health must be recognized as a core social driver of health, the connection between oral disease and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and the ripple effects that poor access to dental care can have on individuals, families, and the economy. Pam also offers valuable insights for health tech innovators on how to build equity into products from the ground up.

📌 Sponsored by GRIN – Learn more at https://www.get-grin.com/

Shownotes:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
00:45 – Meet Pam Orrin & the GRIN Mission
03:15 – Why Oral Health is Overlooked in Health Tech
06:35 – The Global Oral Health Crisis
09:00 – Early GRIN Impact Stories in Underserved Communities
12:20 – The Link Between Oral Health & Full Body Health
14:30 – Why Oral Health is a Social Determinant of Health
17:10 – Economic & Social Ripple Effects of Poor Oral Care
19:40 – Absenteeism, Malnutrition, and Hidden Impacts
23:30 – Building Equity into Product Design
25:15 – Serving Digitally Excluded Communities
26:40 – Measuring Equity, Efficiency & Behavioral Change
31:20 – Reducing Health System Burden
34:10 – Making Care Efficient for Patients & Providers
36:05 – Uplifting Communities Through Health Technology
38:25 – The Future of Digital Oral Health
43:20 – Advice for Health Tech Innovators
44:12 – How to Connect with GRIN
46:52 – Closing Thoughts

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3 months ago
48 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Stacy Wells on Health Equity, DEI, and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Stacy Wells, a purpose-driven leader and DEI practitioner working at the intersection of behavioral health, education, and public service. From her early days in the classroom to her current role leading health equity efforts in Minnesota’s direct care and treatment system, Stacy shares the challenges and lessons of navigating systemic racism, healthcare disparities, and the politicization of equity work.

Together, they explore how cultural humility, lived experience, and community input must shape our systems of care, and why staying committed to the work matters now more than ever.

Follow and subscribe to The Healthy Project Podcast for more conversations that push health equity forward.

🔗 For health information and resources, visit:
www.healthyproject.co


📌 Shownotes:
00:00 – Welcome and intro to Stacy Wells
01:10 – Stacy’s shift from PR to education to public health
03:45 – Minnesota’s persistent disparities in education and health
06:30 – The intersection of youth education and healthcare systems
09:15 – Supporting individuals with complex behavioral health needs
13:30 – Why cultural humility matters in direct care
18:00 – Including lived experience in designing care
22:15 – When community feedback challenges systems
28:00 – Speaking truth in professional spaces
30:50 – DEI backlash and its toll
36:15 – Holding space for joy and rest as a Black woman in the work
42:00 – Why staying curious and connected is key
43:30 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Stacy Wells

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3 months ago
44 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Medicaid at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Sr. Mary Haddad

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 responsibility we share in supporting those who are vulnerable. This is a timely and vital conversation about healthcare, equity, and advocacy.

📌 Show Notes:

  • Introduction to Sister Mary Haddad and her role at CHA (00:33)
  • Overview of Medicaid and why it's essential (02:48)
  • Details on proposed funding cuts and their potential impact (04:50)
  • The urgency of the moment and why it matters now (08:51)
  • Who is most at risk from these changes (10:53)
  • Consequences for emergency rooms and healthcare access (12:23)
  • Discussion on work requirements and policy misconceptions (13:07)
  • Effects on state governments and local economies (15:30)
  • Broader societal impact beyond Medicaid recipients (16:30)
  • Consequences for healthcare providers and Catholic health systems (19:13)
  • CHA’s advocacy efforts and how citizens can get involved (23:44)
  • A message of hope and community resilience (27:36)
  • Where to learn more and take action (29:48)
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4 months ago
31 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
What Is Preventative Health? (The Most Overlooked Tool in Healthcare)

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 isn’t about reacting. It’s about being ready.

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs a reminder to book that checkup.

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5 months ago
3 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Community Healing, Group Therapy & Mental Health Access with Tamar Blue of Mental Happy

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 down stigma in Black mental health spaces

Whether you’re a provider, peer specialist, or just someone looking for emotional support, you’ll gain insights into what true community healing can look like.

Guest:

Tamar Blue
Founder & CEO, Mental Happy
Website: https://www.mentalhappy.com

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarlucienblue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mentalhappy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhappyhumans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livementalhappy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalhappyinc

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6 months ago
34 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Handmade Purses, Healing, and Creative Expression

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 build community. This Freedom of Expression artist series highlights the power of creative expression and artist storytelling. Watch to hear how sewing reduces stress and fuels personal creativity.

Learn more about the Freedom of Expression Project here: https://www.foeproject.com/

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6 months ago
7 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
How Art Helped Me Heal: A Story of Creativity, Anxiety, and Belonging

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 purpose and belonging.

This episode is part of our collaboration with the Freedom of Expression Project, highlighting voices that use art for emotional resilience and empowerment.

🎨 Topics Covered:

  • Art therapy and mental health
  • Overcoming anxiety through creativity
  • Building community through self-expression
  • The role of faith and support systems
  • Finding purpose through art

🔗 Learn more about the Freedom of Expression Project and how you can support inclusive creative spaces in the video description.

#mentalhealth #arttherapy #creativeexpression #freedomofexpression #belonging #anxietyrelief #healthypodcast #publichealth #youthempowerment #healingthroughart #communitysupport

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6 months ago
20 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
The Power of Community Health Workers in Diabetes Care and Health Equity

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 education, community health workers, healthcare access, health equity, social determinants of health, American Diabetes Association, chronic disease management, public health policy, Black health equity, Healthy Project Podcast

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7 months ago
21 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Understanding Food Swamps: How Your Environment Shapes Health and Access to Nutrition

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 the built environment in shaping our health outcomes.

Whether you're a public health professional, community advocate, or just passionate about food justice and health equity, this episode offers a powerful and personal perspective on turning food swamps into food sanctuaries.

Show Notes:

  • What is a food swamp and how does it differ from a food desert?
  • Real-life stories from Corey’s work as a safety net health coach
  • How systemic barriers and zoning laws impact food access
  • The link between food environments and chronic disease
  • Exploring the intersection of food insecurity, fast food, and public health
  • Solutions: from urban farming and farmers markets to nutrition education and local policy reform
  • Why tackling food apartheid is about more than food—it's about justice and equity
  • Actionable steps to support low-income communities in accessing healthier food options
  • The role of Social Determinants of Health in shaping Long-term wellbeing

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to keep the conversation around community health and equity going.

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7 months ago
12 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
AI’s Role in the Future of Mental Health Care with Cole Smith

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, and addressing key concerns like AI bias in therapy and mental health data privacy. Cole shares insights on building a mental health startup, the future of AI-powered therapy, and how Opal is working to foster trust in healthcare technology.

Tune in as we talk about ethical AI in healthcare, the challenges and opportunities of teletherapy innovation, and how AI can support therapists rather than replace them. If you're curious about the future of digital therapy, how AI is closing the gap in mental health equity, and what this means for rural mental health, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes:

00:01 – Welcome to The Healthy Project Podcast with Corey Dion Lewis
00:46 – Introducing Cole Smith, founder of Opal, and his passion for AI in mental health
01:43 – The importance of strengthening the therapeutic alliance with AI support
02:09 – Ethical concerns in AI-powered therapy: Privacy, bias, and trust
03:21 – Overcoming resistance to AI in healthcare: How technology is here to stay
04:35 – The human element of AI in mental health: Balancing automation and personal connection
06:52 – How AI therapy assistants can help therapists better understand clients
08:30 – Addressing mental health accessibility in rural communities through AI
09:54 – Breaking down cost barriers and the fragmented nature of mental health tech startups
11:29 – The challenge of finding a therapist: How AI can improve patient-provider communication
14:29 – Helping healthcare professionals navigate AI tools without falling into fear traps
17:43 – How therapists can evaluate AI platforms for data privacy and HIPAA compliance
19:08 – The future of Opal: Expanding AI-powered mental health coaching to more healthcare sectors
21:11 – Where to find Cole Smith and explore Opal’s AI mental health resources

Guest: Cole Smith
Founder of Opal AI, a mental health tech company creating AI-driven solutions for therapists and patients.

Resources & Links:

  • Follow Cole Smith on LinkedIn

📢 Subscribe & Stay Connected!
💡 Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Healthy Project Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more.

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7 months ago
25 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Health Justice Explained: Dr. Seun Ross on Ending Medical Racism and Healthcare Disparities

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 public health advocacy, systemic racism in medicine, and healthcare reform, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The difference between health equity and health justice
✅ How medical racism is embedded in clinical decision tools
✅ The role of structural barriers in healthcare and their impact on health disparities
✅ The groundbreaking work Dr. Ross has done to eliminate race in medicine
✅ How policy change in health equity can improve outcomes for marginalized communities
✅ Actionable steps for public health experts and healthcare professionals to advocate for health justice

Episode Chapters

⏳ 00:00 - Introduction – Corey Dion Lewis introduces the topic and guest.
⏳ 00:37 - Meet Dr. Seun Ross – Background on Dr. Ross and her passion for health justice.
⏳ 01:48 - Defining Health Justice – The difference between health equity, health justice, and social determinants of health.
⏳ 04:01 - Layers of Health Inequity – Understanding structural barriers in healthcare and racial disparities in medicine.
⏳ 06:21 - Why Well-Intended Programs Fail – The need for holistic approaches in healthcare reform.
⏳ 08:24 - Addressing Root Causes – Why fixing social determinants of health alone isn’t enough.
⏳ 10:51 - Race in Medicine: A Structural Barrier – How racial bias in healthcare affects patient care.
⏳ 12:20 - Removing Race from Clinical Guidelines – Dr. Ross’s work in eliminating medical racism from clinical decision tools.
⏳ 15:10 - The Impact of Removing Race-Based Algorithms – Real-world effects of policy change, including kidney transplant disparities.
⏳ 17:02 - The Role of Multidisciplinary Experts – Why public health experts, sociologists, and policy makers must work together.
⏳ 19:50 - Navigating Healthcare Advocacy in 2025 – How to continue healthcare advocacy despite political challenges.
⏳ 21:46 - Health Equity and the Law – Legal protections for health justice movement and healthcare inequities.
⏳ 23:31 - Dr. Ross’s Future Advocacy Work – Upcoming projects with the Encoding Equity Alliance.
⏳ 25:09 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect – Where to find Dr. Seun Ross online.

Resources & Links

🔗 Connect with Dr. Seun Ross on LinkedIn
🔗 Learn more about the Encoding Equity Alliance

Connect with Me:
Website: https://www.coreydionlewis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreydionlewis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreydlewis/
Learn More About The Healthy Project:
Website: https://www.healthyprojectmedia.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

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9 months ago
26 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Improving Healthcare Access for Farmworkers

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 health disparities, building impactful partnerships, and creating culturally responsive care for underserved communities. Tune in to discover strategies for supporting migrant worker health and overcoming challenges like mass deportations and healthcare access barriers.

Show Notes:
[00:01] Introduction to the Healthy Project Podcast and host Corey Deion Lewis
[00:24] Special episode overview: My City My Health conference and Ask a Pro platform
[01:02] Meet Daniel Zennel, CEO of Proteus, and learn about the organization's history and mission
[02:32] Overview of Proteus' services: Job training, education assistance, and health resources
[04:25] Health and safety training: Addressing heat stress, pesticide exposure, and farm worker safety
[06:02] Mobile healthcare delivery model: Bringing care directly to farm workers
[07:18] Health equity in action: The role of farm workers in our daily lives and bridging care gaps
[09:25] Supporting immigrant health: Strategies to address diverse community needs
[17:29] Translators and AI in healthcare: Balancing technology and human interpretation
[22:51] Preparing for mass deportations: Organizational strategies for supporting vulnerable populations
[30:02] Cancer prevention initiatives: Focus on breast, cervical, and colorectal screenings
[32:40] The importance of partnerships: How collaborations expand public health impact
[35:41] Daniel’s personal connection to farm worker advocacy and Proteus' mission
[38:40] Closing remarks and how to connect with Proteus


Links and Resources:

  • Learn more about Proteus: ProteusInc.net
  • Follow Proteus on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
  • Connect with Daniel Zennel on LinkedIn: Daniel Zennel
  • Support the Healthy Project Podcast: Like, subscribe, and review to help amplify the conversation!

Call to Action:
Interested in partnering or supporting? Reach out at hello@healthyprojectmedia.com. Let’s push the boundaries of health equity together!

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9 months ago
40 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Uncovering Health Disparities: Dr. Julian Lee on Racism, Diabetes, and Health Equity

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 inequality and health. This conversation emphasizes improving healthcare trust, patient advocacy, addressing racial health disparities, historical healthcare inequities, and the role of DEI in healthcare. Gain insights into community health challenges, reducing diabetes complications, and the social determinants of health.

Show Notes:
0:00 – Introduction and Welcome
2:15 – Meet Dr. Julian Lee: His Role and Passion for Health Equity
3:42 – Exploring Racism’s Impact on Diabetes Outcomes in African Americans
5:38 – A Personal Journey: How Losing His Father Inspired Advocacy
8:57 – Moving from Awareness to Action in Health Equity
10:25 – Convincing People to Care: Addressing Resistance and Building Compassion
15:20 – Racism in Healthcare: Aversive, Structural, and Overt Forms
20:06 – The Curb Cut Effect: How Inclusive Solutions Benefit All
29:18 – Tackling Bias and Stereotyping in Clinical Interactions
33:03 – Structural Changes for Health Equity: Workforce Diversification and Accountability
36:27 – Mistrust in Healthcare: Historical Roots and Present Challenges
40:49 – Key Findings on Diabetes Disparities in African American Communities
43:44 – Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Julian Lee 

Learn More About Healthy Project Media:
Website: https://www.healthyprojectmedia.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness 

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10 months ago
46 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Breaking Down Medical Debt: How It Impacts Under-Resourced Communities & Solutions for Change

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 protect vulnerable individuals from crippling financial burdens.

Jenifer shares actionable insights on how to navigate the healthcare system, what hospitals and policymakers can do to alleviate medical debt, and how civic engagement can empower individuals to demand change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deep-rooted complexities of medical debt and what can be done to bring about health equity and financial relief.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro: Corey welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of medical debt and its impact on underserved communities.
01:14 - Guest Introduction: Meet Jenifer Bosco, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, who shares her work on financial and medical debt advocacy.
02:35 - Causes of Medical Debt: Jenifer explains the common causes of medical debt, from rising healthcare costs to lack of insurance and high out-of-pocket expenses.
05:22 - Impact of Medical Debt on Access to Healthcare: Discussing how the fear of medical bills can prevent people from seeking necessary healthcare services.
07:39 - The Role of Healthcare Systems: Jenifer talks about what hospitals can do to reduce the burden of medical debt, including financial assistance programs and better debt collection practices.
10:18 - Importance of Financial Assistance Policies: Understanding the need for more accessible and transparent financial aid options for low-income patients.
15:47 - The Role of Insurance Companies: Corey and Jenifer discuss how underinsurance and high-deductible health plans contribute to medical debt, and the role of expanding Medicaid.
19:33 - Empowering Communities: Civic engagement strategies to help communities advocate for better healthcare policies and protections from medical debt collection.
24:03 - The Future of Medical Debt Reform: Jenifer shares her perspective on how ongoing reforms and consumer protection laws can shape a more equitable healthcare system.
25:22 - How to Connect: Resources and contact information for Jenifer Bosco and the NCLC for those looking to learn more or get involved.


Resources Mentioned:

  • Jenifer Bosco on LinkedIn
  • NCLC on Facebook
  • Twitter: @nclc4consumers
  • NCLC Website
  • NCLC’s Medical Debt Resources
  • NCLC’s Model Medical Debt Protection Act

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay up to date with all things health, wellness, and public health advocacy, make sure to follow me on social media:

  • X (formerly Twitter): @CoreyDionLewis
  • Facebook: Health Coach Lew
  • Instagram: @CoreyDionLewis
  • LinkedIn: Corey Dion Lewis
  • TikTok: @CoreyDionLewis
  • Website: CoreyDionLewis.com
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1 year ago
28 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
How Air Pollution Took Ella's Life: A Wake-Up Call for Public Health and Climate Justice

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 pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities, the importance of systemic change, and actionable steps we can take to prevent similar tragedies.

Learn how we can fight for clean air, health equity, and climate justice. Don't miss this call to action!

Chapters: 
00:00 - Introduction: Ella's Story and Climate Change
01:18 - Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah: The Devastating Impact of Air Pollution
03:14 - The Legal Breakthrough: Air Pollution as a Cause of Death
05:20 - Air Pollution's Disproportionate Effect on Vulnerable Communities
06:10 - Solutions: Addressing Air Pollution Systematically
08:18 - Closing Thoughts: Advocacy and Action for Clean Air

Check out the 2022 episode with Marisol Iglesias-Gonzalez on the health impacts of climate change

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay up to date with all things health, wellness, and public health advocacy, make sure to follow me on social media:

  • X (formerly Twitter): @CoreyDionLewis
  • Facebook: Health Coach Lew
  • Instagram: @CoreyDionLewis
  • LinkedIn: Corey Dion Lewis
  • TikTok: @CoreyDionLewis
  • Website: CoreyDionLewis.com

Follow me for insights, updates, and tips on health equity, mental wellness, and more! Let’s keep the conversation going!


Subscribe for more content on health equity, climate change, and public health!
#AirPollution #HealthEquity #ClimateJustice #CleanAir #EllaRobertaKissiDebrah

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1 year ago
11 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
Prostate Cancer in Black Men: Health Disparities, Early Detection, and Equity with Kris Bennett of Movember

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 equity in healthcare.

Learn about the importance of PSA tests, breaking the silence around men’s health, and actionable steps for early diagnosis and better outcomes. If you care about men’s health, health equity, and cancer prevention, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction to Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Corey introduces the topic of prostate cancer awareness, especially its impact on Black men, and welcomes guest Kris Bennett.

02:15 – Meet Kris Bennett from Movember
Kris shares his background in public health, basketball, and his journey into health equity initiatives.

05:30 – Why Black Men Are at Higher Risk for Prostate Cancer
A deep dive into the statistics and systemic factors that disproportionately affect Black men when it comes to prostate cancer diagnosis and outcomes.

09:00 – Cultural Barriers: Why Aren’t We Talking About It?
Kris discusses the cultural stigmas and barriers that prevent open conversations about prostate health, especially in underserved communities.

12:45 – Breaking Down Barriers to Accessing Healthcare
The conversation shifts to the challenges Black men face in accessing quality healthcare and the need for building trust with providers.

16:30 – The Importance of PSA Testing for Early Detection
Learn about the PSA test, why it’s critical for early diagnosis, and how Black men can advocate for themselves in healthcare settings.

20:15 – Movember’s Prostate Cancer Health Equity Initiative
Kris shares details about Movember’s groundbreaking initiatives aimed at reducing prostate cancer disparities and improving outcomes for men of color.

26:00 – Call to Action: Steps You Can Take
Corey and Kris discuss actionable steps listeners can take to support prostate cancer awareness, including getting screened and having important conversations about men’s health.

31:00 – How to Connect with Kris Bennett and Learn More About Movember
Closing remarks with information on how to reach out to Kris Bennett and get involved with Movember’s health equity initiatives.

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1 year ago
35 minutes

The Healthy Project Podcast
The Healthy Project Podcast explores the powerful intersection of health, society, and equity through real conversations with changemakers on the front lines of social impact. Each episode features thought leaders, researchers, and advocates who unpack how social structures — from policy to culture — shape the health of communities. Topics we explore include: Health equity and structural determinants Community-driven research and innovation Lived experiences of marginalized populations Public policy, systemic bias, and health outcomes Whether you're a public health professional, social science researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this podcast brings you grounded insights, bold ideas, and practical tools to drive change where it matters most.