America has always had a cagey relationship with the art and craft and business  of cinema.  In  this episode, acclaimed film director King Hollis speaks about the dynamic connection between what we see on film and television, and what we perceive and judge as  reality— and truth.  Said King Hollis, “…in the early days of cinema, the culture shapeed the movies but in these days,  it is  the movies and television , which shape the culture. “ What does this mean for us going forward?”  We  take a deep and  purposeful drive into the depths of art and cinema as the soundtrack and movement for those whose voices and stories are often pushed into the background.

We grow and develop with ideas about what justice is—or, is not.  But in a Nation founded and shaped —as we are told— by Judeo-Christian values— perhaps we should examine justice within that  framework. In this episode, we’re going to unpack the realities of justice and how we believe it should inform and influence our choices. Many in our society are quick to say, ‘freedom isn’t free.’  Neither is justice. There is a cost attached to it. A personal cost and a societal cost. In a frame dominated by a commitment to capitalism and scientism, how does the lack of access to health care, economic stability and emotional well-being pollute all of our lives? And, what should we do? Justice laments the tragedy of broken humans; then does something about it.

The awe-inspiring vision of CEO Cheri Tillis-- leader of the 'Fathers and Families Support Center of Missouri' --  is changing the trajectories of families. Through her stunning, innovative --work and belief that 'Every father is a great father,'--  this organization actively re-frames  and re-establishes the essential role that fathers must play in the lives of children-- whether they are in the home or not. Tillis' pioneering  work can become a beacon of hope across this Nation.

Clarence Hill is the beat writer for the Dallas Cowboys and one brilliant jounalist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. We appreciate him being on the show and value the deep insights he shares. Our podcast series deals with issues of health inequities health disparities primarily in the world of black infant mortality. But we’ve expanded it because none of those issues regarding African-American health exists in a silo. We’ve taken a broader systems view to understanding the healthcare disparities that are it work that net out in metrics of  heightened amounts infant mortality reduced life expectancy.  What’s troubling me lately is that I want to figure out to determine a way to encourage more athletes to use their  voice and influence to illuminate matters of health disparities in health in equities here in the United States.  Clarence offers his thoughts on this and much more--and he tries to convert  me to consider attending a Cowboy game. 

Chattel slavery. The owning and trafficking of humans has been around since the beginning of time. But slavery in the United States was especially harsh and cruel. At the beginning of the war we now call the 'Civil War,' there was a rhetoric used about 'protecting our way of life,' or 'preserving the union.' The reality is that is war was  about the continuation of slavery in the United States. Since our podcast is designed around health care disparities, black infant mortality,  and black maternal health we're going to build in how the aftermath of the war and Jim Crow laid the foundation fo inequities reduced access to health care that exists to this day. But first, we talk about Juneteenth.

We spent the hour with Pastor Phil Jackson of the Firehouse Community Arts Center (FCAC) in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. The team at FCAC is impacting the community to reduce violence, help young people acknowledge and face trauma and improve health care outcomes. More info about Pastor Jackson's work can be found here: thefcac.org.  

Lindell welcomes to The_Gap Podcast Series Joyce Tapley, CEO of Foremost Family Health Centers, to explore the shortcomings and virtues of America's healthcare system.

On the season two premiere of The_Gap Podcast Series, Lindell welcomes back midwife Jasmine Farrish of Community Wellness of Tyler to discuss COVID 19's impact on maternal healthcare.

Kiva Harper, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), examines the perceptions, practices and stigmas about mental health and wellness.

On the latest installment of The_Gap Podcast Series, Lindell Singleton is joined by Dr. Kyrah Brown, University of Texas, Arlington, Assistant Professor, Public Health. Dr. Brown discusses the long-term and harmful effects of weathering on expectant black mothers and solutions to combat this ever-present health hazard.

Dr. Ladrian Brown, Midwife Jasmine Farish and Dir. of Healthy Start, Misty Wilder, all offer their insights on the Coronavirus' effects on new and expecting moms.

The founder and executive director of the Grandberry Intervention Foundation, Sharon Grandberry, discusses the state of Foster care and adoption.

Claudy Jean Pierre -- Haitian native and graduate student in epidemiology at University of Texas, Arlington -- discusses the immense challenges of prenatal care and infant mortality on the isle of Haiti

Dr. Kyrah Brown provides a view of black infant mortality and maternal wellness through the prism of public health.

Midwife Jasmine Farrish of Community Wellness of Tyler discusses maternal health and maternal health outcomes in East Texas

Amanda Alvarez of Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas continues the discussion about the importance of breastfeeding.

Amanda Alvarez of Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas discusses breastfeeding.

Nutritionist Paul Ritter discusses best practices for pregnancy nutrition.

A national forum combatting Black Infant Mortality and Maternal Mortality.