In this powerful solo Season 4 finale of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington shares a deeply personal reflection on what 2025 demanded of her — and what it revealed about all of us in public health.

After reaching a long-dreamed-of six-figure milestone, Dr. Joy entered 2025 expecting abundance. Instead, she encountered one of the most challenging years of her life — marked by financial strain, caregiving, spiritual warfare, and the continued dismantling of public health systems. In this episode, Dr. Joyee unpacks the truth many don’t talk about: abundance is not accessed without first confronting scarcity.

This is a conversation about endurance — not as survival, but as preparation. About joy — not as softness, but as strategy. And about rebuilding public health not from institutions rooted in extraction, but from communities rooted in healing, power, and faith.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Health professionals are burned out, underfunded, and under attack.[1:00]

• We need more than just another conference; we need restoration. [3:00]

• Joy is a strategic choice in public health. [5:00]

• You can't step into abundance until you face scarcity. [6:00]

• Scarcity mindset affects both mental and physical health. [7:00]

• Endurance is built through challenges, not ease. [17:00]

• Abundance and scarcity cannot coexist. [20:00]

• Choosing joy amidst adversity is an act of resistance. [21:00]

• Public health is at a reckoning, exposing old systems. [23:00]

• Community is essential for transformation and healing. [25:00}

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee sits down with Silas Buchanan, founder and CEO of Our Healthy Community, a social impact consulting firm in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine. Their mission: to close the distance between faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and healthcare stakeholders.

Together, Dr. Joyee and Silas explore what it truly means to bridge the gaps between communities and the health systems meant to serve them. Silas shares why a web-based ecosystem is essential for empowering underserved communities through technology, ownership, and collaboration. He also highlights the influence of faith-based institutions in health messaging and the urgent need for community voices in designing digital health tools. This conversation shines a light on equity in research and the transformative power of community engagement in achieving real health equity.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The goal is to bridge gaps between community organizations and healthcare stakeholders. [02:46]

• Technology can empower communities and improve health outcomes.[08:57]

• Community input is essential in the design of health technologies. [12:00]

• Ownership of digital spaces is crucial for community control. [14:53]

• Equity in research and development is necessary for effective solutions. [20:57]

• Faith-based organizations play a vital role in health messaging. [23:52]

• Options are better than money; providing more choices leads to empowerment. [29:54]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee takes listeners behind the scenes of the movement that is reshaping how we think about public health. With honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. Dr. Joyee speaks to the exhaustion, grief, and burnout that so many public health professionals are carrying in 2025. She acknowledges the frustration of working in systems that undermine your purpose, devalue your expertise, and drain your spirit—and she assures listeners: I see you, because I am you.

Dr. Joyee shares her own journey from surviving toxic institutions to building a six-figure, community-led consulting practice rooted in equity and liberation. She highlights the hard truths of the field today: public health has been attacked, funding slashed, and trust eroded. Yet even in the midst of collapse, she insists that joy, purpose, and power are still within reach.

This episode introduces the framework that guides the entire Public Health Joy movement: Rest, Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist. Dr. Joyee breaks down why rest is essential to liberation work, how re-imagining frees us from institutional dependency, how rebuilding equips us to act on our purpose, and how resistance fuels sustainability rather than burnout.

Listeners are invited to join the Public Health Joy Summit happening January 14–16, 2026—a virtual, immersive experience that offers practical skill-building, community care, real-world training, and a collective space for reimagining what public health can become. Dr. Joyee reminds us that institutional permission is not required to transform communities—and the future of public health depends on the leaders who dare to build new systems now.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Public health is about community, not just institutions.

• Rest is essential for sustainable public health work.

• Community-led solutions can transform public health.

• The current systems are designed to control, not serve.

• Public Health Joy is a resistance movement.

• We need to re-imagine public health together.

• Burnout culture is detrimental to public health professionals.

• The Public Health Joy Summit is a call to action.

• Your lived experience is valuable in public health.

• Joy is a revolutionary act in the face of adversity.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington sits down with Ginny Katz, the Founder and CEO of HazAdapt, a groundbreaking company dedicated to building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. As the Head of Research at HazAdapt Community Resilience Tools, Ginny leads the charge in developing innovative, technology-driven solutions that redefine how we prepare for and respond to disasters. Together, Dr. Joyee and Ginny explore the intersection of public health, technology, and human connection, shedding light on how digital innovation can empower individuals and communities before, during, and after crises.

Throughout their conversation, they dive deep into the foundations of disaster preparedness, breaking down what it truly means to understand and define hazards—from natural disasters to social and systemic challenges. They discuss the critical role of community engagement in emergency management and how inclusive, people-centered approaches can transform preparedness into collective empowerment. Dr. Joyee and Ginny also unpack the often-overlooked impact of racism as a public health hazard, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, promoting equity, and centering healing and joy as vital components of resilience.

This episode offers a powerful reminder that disaster preparedness isn’t just about surviving the storm—it’s about building communities that thrive through connection, compassion, and innovation.

Key Points From This Episode:

• HazAdapt focuses on community-centered disaster preparedness.

• Technology should move at the speed of trust.

• Resilience is about adapting and growing stronger after disasters.

• Community engagement is crucial for effective disaster response.

• Racism is a significant hazard that affects community safety.

• Lived experience provides valuable insights into hazards.

• Disasters shape communities and their responses.

• Healing and joy are essential for community resilience.

• Public health and emergency management must collaborate.

• Empowering communities leads to better preparedness.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee speaks with Maudra Brown, MPH, an innovative Chief Health Strategist and Founder of MRB Public Health Consulting. This forward-thinking consulting firm is dedicated to advancing public health initiatives through innovative strategies, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to community engagement.

Together, they discuss the current challenges facing public health, including the recent resignations of CDC leaders and the ongoing crisis in the field. They explore the need for public health professionals to reclaim their power, navigate policy changes, and engage communities effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic action, empowerment, and reimagining public health leadership to address the pressing issues of today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Public health is facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. 

• The resignation of CDC leaders reflects deep systemic issues. 

• Public health professionals must reclaim their power and expertise. 

• Strategic action is necessary to navigate policy changes.

• Community engagement is crucial for effective public health solutions.

• Public health professionals should not wait for permission to act.

• The future of public health requires new leadership models.

• Empowerment and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles.

• Public health strategies must be reimagined for current realities.

• Finding joy in public health work is essential for sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

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.

Take the survey and join the waitlist 👉🏾 https://forms.gle/BeAZfYiRHkPPZ3BQ8

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington shines a light on the challenges we face in public health and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. She reminds us that reflection and resilience aren’t optional—they’re essential. By acknowledging our pain and our struggles, we create the foundation for growth, healing, and transformation. 

Dr. Washington calls us to rest, reset, and prepare for the comeback. Change doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentional strategy, empowered communities, and collective action. That’s why she’s inviting us to join an upcoming summit designed to unite voices, spark innovation, and mobilize for meaningful change. The fight is real, but so is the power of our comeback. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Navigating Technical Challenges and Setting Intentions [00:00] 

• Reflecting on Personal and Collective Journeys [02:31]

• Acknowledging Pain and Building Resilience [04:46]

• Understanding the Fight in Public Health [06:32]

• Preparing for the Comeback: Strategies for Change [07:58] 

• The Power of Rest and Reimagining Public Health [10:38] 

• Mobilizing for Transformation and Community Empowerment [13:43] 

• The Call to Action: Summit for Change [16:23]

• Closing Reflections and Prayer [19:12] 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, Dr. Joyee interviews Dr. Renaisa Anthony, MD, MPH—physician, public health leader, and founder of Momentum Park. Dr. Anthony discusses her journey in maternal health, the importance of community, and the role of technology and AI in advancing healthcare equity. 

Dr. Anthony shares personal experiences that motivated her to create impactful solutions for marginalized populations and emphasizes the need for a supportive network in public health. The conversation also highlights the innovative work of Sheniece, an AI-driven support system for mothers, and the joy that comes from serving the community.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The Importance of Community in Maternal Health [2:00]

• Personal Experiences Driving Change [5:00]

• The Role of Technology in Healthcare [8:07]

• AI and Its Impact on Healthcare [10:57]

• Navigating the Tech Landscape [13:56]

• The Journey of Purpose and Innovation [16:49]

• Iterative Learning and Agile Methodologies [20:36]

• The Importance of Immersion in Learning [24:13]

• Mindset vs. Skillset in Professional Growth [26:31]

• Funding Dynamics in Public Health [29:09]

• Building Community and Support Systems [30:57]

• Joy in Service and Legacy Building [38:07]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, we are joined by Cookie Miller, a functional wellness strategist. Cookie discusses the importance of self-care, emotional resilience, and time management for public health professionals. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals in the public health sector to prioritize their own well-being in order to effectively serve others.

Cookie shares practical strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and rediscovering joy in life, while Dr. Joyee Washington adds personal insights and experiences. Together, they explore how societal pressures impact health habits and the significance of building emotional resilience to navigate challenges in both personal and professional life.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Public health professionals often neglect their own well-being. [4:00]

• Self-care is essential for effective advocacy and service. [5:00]

• Time management is often a form of self-deception. [10:00]

• Societal pressures can distort our perception of time. [11:00]

• Slowing down can improve health and emotional well-being. [13:00]

• Rediscovering hobbies can enhance joy and fulfillment. [20:00]

• Emotional resilience is crucial for navigating challenges. [23:00]

• Setting boundaries is necessary for maintaining mental health. [27:00]

• Prioritizing what truly matters can lead to a more fulfilling life. [28:00]

• Finding joy in helping others can be incredibly rewarding. [36:00]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

True accessibility in public health education means designing with everyone in mind from the start, not treating it as an afterthought. Joining us today to talk about building more inclusive, learner-centered e-learning experiences is Leah Roman. Leah is the owner and principal consultant at Roman Public Health Consulting LLC, where she applies over 20 years of experience designing accessible training for public health and related workforces.

In this episode, she shares how flexibility, empathy, and intentional design can help meet the needs of all learners, especially in virtual spaces. From transcripts to alternative text for visual images, Leah offers practical ways to reach adult learners and be as inclusive as possible through thoughtful design. Whether you're creating a course or sharing resources online, this conversation will leave you rethinking how to make your work more inclusive and impactful!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How to gain access to the replay of the Bracing for 2025 Virtual Summit. [0:00]

• Introducing today’s guest, Leah Roman, and her career background. [02:19]

• How Leah was first exposed to e-learning and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [05:42]

• What accessibility means in e-learning and virtual environments. [08:23]

• A story from Dr. Joyee Washington about teaching biostats online. [12:50]

• Helping clients shift from in-person to online by rethinking learning goals and delivery. [15:29]

• How to understand and match the needs of your audience. [21:06]

• The importance of creating flexibility and choice in online learning. [22:29]

• Adapting for learners with visual challenges and describing images accessibly. [26:11]

• How to keep accessibility top of mind by building it into checklists and daily workflows. [28:46]

• Unlearning old presentation habits to better serve all learners. [31:29]

• What brings Leah joy in her work as a consultant. [33:59]

• Ways to connect with Leah and learn more about her work. [35:56]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

We’re all touched by policies every day, and anyone can be a policy changemaker within their community. Today, we’re joined by the incredible lawyer, author, and DEI strategist, Kristi Guillory, to discuss the power of storytelling in public health and health policy.

Tuning in, you’ll learn about Kristi’s mission in the public health space, what policy, advocacy, and lobbying mean, how they are related, and so much more! Kristi walks us through what sparked her interest in becoming a lawyer and where her journey with storytelling started before discussing the positive sides of being an entrepreneur.

Kristi also reminds us that rejection is an opportunity to grow, and pain is a lesson in empathy. You’ll even learn more about her book on gratitude and what brings Kristi joy in her work. You dont want to miss this!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming today’s guest, Kristi Guillory, to the show. [02:24]

• Kristi tells us about herself and her career mission. [04:00]

• Differences and relationship between public health policy, advocacy, and lobbying. [08:21]

• What inspired Kristi to study law and the importance of being flexible in your career. [15:11]

• How the devastation of the public health sector can be seen as a growth opportunity. [28:53]

• Kristi’s book, Harper Counts Her Blessings, and the power of gratitude. [34:26]

• What brings our guest joy in her work. [36:10]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

Get ready for the next episode on the Public Health Joy Podcast!🔥This Friday, we learn from a trailblazer who's been changing the game in public health, policy, and funding. We will be joined by the incredible Elizabeth Peck — a public policy and philanthropy expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. 💼💪 Elizabeth is the founder of EP Strategies, a woman-owned consulting business that centers equity and community in everything it does.

From her early work at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy to her current leadership in helping organizations secure funding without compromising values, Elizabeth shares wisdom that will inspire professionals at every stage. This episode dives deep into the real-life impact of public health, the importance of equity centered funding strategies, and how to prepare for a future filled with uncertainty and possibility. 🌍✨ Don’t miss this honest, heartfelt, and strategic convo that reminds us why community-centered work matters more than ever.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How to gain access to the replay of the Bracing for 2025 Virtual Summit. [0:00]

• The community-centered approach that Elizabeth applies to her work. [02:19]

• Her systems-based understanding of public health work. [06:02]

• Her career start in adolescent sexual health at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy. [11:45]

• Finding diverse sources of funding in a competitive environment. [15:59]

• Preparing for the next chapter in a chaotic landscape through data and collaboration. [21:48]

• Keeping strategic focus while pursuing much-needed funding. [26:39]

• The opportunity for philanthropy to make progress in its definition of success. [29:00]

• Excellent results and value-aligned work: Elizabeth’s sources of Public Health Joy! [30:27]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

Swimming is more than just staying afloat in water; it’s a much deeper necessity that can also serve as a therapeutic outlet for communities in need. Today, we are joined by drowning prevention specialist Kiana Pauline, the Founder and CEO of Total Body Submersion – a community-centered organization geared toward building water confidence for people to fall in love with swimming and indeed, life.

Kiana begins by explaining who she is and what she does before detailing common swimming stereotypes that are best forgotten. Then, we learn about how adults approach swimming in communities of color, why Kiana founded Total Body Submersion, how her company affects her work in various communities, and how her background in healthcare administration influenced her approach to water safety.

Lastly, we discover the power of water as a healing tool, why swimming can be categorized as a public health concern, why our solutions need to evolve with ever-changing social determinants of health, and how today’s guest finds daily joy at work. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Drowning prevention specialist, Kiana Pauline describes her nature and work. [03:43]

• Swimming stereotypes that she is working hard to dispel. [05:59]

• How adults in Black and Brown communities approach swimming. [09:20]

• Why Kiana started Total Body Submersion and how it affects her community work. [11:36]

• Water therapy: Solving life’s biggest problems, one stroke at a time. [15:41]

• How Kiana’s past in health care administration informed her approach to water safety. [19:33]

• Why her work is an important public health concern. [22:20]

• How social determinants of health evolve, and why our solutions need to keep up. [29:00]

• Understanding what brings Kiana Pauline joy in her work. [30:55]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

What if government contracting didn’t have to be competitive but could be collaborative instead? Joining Dr. Joyee Washington today is Dr. Lauren Josephs, researcher, CEO of Visionary Vanguard Group, and self-proclaimed “destiny helper.”

Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest’s career, how she got into government contracting, the importance of embracing hard work, and so much more! We delve into some of Dr. Josephs’ strategies in handling challenges such as budget cuts before she shares the experience of being awarded her first contract.

We also discuss the power of gratitude in all endeavors, successful or not. Finally, our guest tells us what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and find out how you can purchase The Bracing for 2025 Summit Replay, press play now!

P.S. Got a public health business and want to amplify your brand? Become a sponsor of the Public Health Joy Podcast today! Complete our sponsorship request form here: https://clients.joyeewashington.com/public/form/view/6685b1f173bbe6003a105903

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Lauren Josephs. [02:15]

• How Dr. Josephs got into the world of government contracting work. [05:49]

• A reminder that all achievements require a certain level of hard work. [13:10]

• Practical strategies Dr. Josephs uses to handle challenges in her work. [14:58]

• Insight into her experience of being awarded her first contract. [20:29]

• Why she’s always grateful for every opportunity, no matter the outcome. [29:54]

• What brings Dr. Josephs joy in her work. [31:24]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

A lot of people don’t understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion actually are. That’s one reason why it’s such a hot topic today.  Lekeshia Hicks is a seasoned human resource strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Lekeshia Angelique Consulting. She joins the podcast today to speak about the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health.

Tuning in, you’ll hear Lekeshia’s perspective on what DEI does and does not mean, where equal employment opportunity finds relevance, and how government contracting interacts with DEI.

We also dive into the perspective of servant leadership in DEI work and what it means to approach leadership from a place of empowering others. Lastly, Lekeshia shares the true joy of her work, which is in seeing lives genuinely changed.

Key Points From This Episode:

How do structural inequalities shape public health and how can research be reimagined to dismantle them? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrea Mantsios, Founder and Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation in Action (PHIA), a consultancy committed to centering community voices in health research and interventions.

As a passionate public health researcher, Andrea joins us today as we dive into the power of community-led research, how shifting public health work from academic institutions to grassroots settings drives meaningful change, and why centering lived experience is essential to advancing health equity.

If you’re ready to rethink who holds the knowledge, how change happens, and what solidarity in public health really looks like, tune in to this thought-provoking conversation with Andrea Mantsios!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Andrea and her path into public health. [02:17]

• Why academic research and individual interventions aren’t enough. [05:35]

• Collaboration in action: the power of community-led research. [08:20]

• The impact of the current political climate on health outcomes. [11:56]

• Community as the antidote to broken systems. [14:14]

• Why it’s important to fight for those affected by systemic injustice. [17:32]

• The need to continuously adapt and re-evaluate what success looks like. [19:11]

• Resources and strategies to leverage in the midst of uncertainty. [23:24]

• The power (and joy) of prioritizing meaningful human connection. [29:13]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

What if we redefined healthcare beyond just doctor’s visits and medication? In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington welcomes Dr. Jacob Kendall, a passionate advocate for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and disabilities.

Having undergone two open-heart surgeries and served as a caregiver for loved ones with heart disease, Dr. Kendall brings a deeply personal perspective to this conversation. He introduces his "four-dimensional health" framework, highlighting how health is not just medical but also social, financial, and systemic.

He also explores the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the power of self-advocacy, and the vital role of caregivers (as well as practical tips to help them care for themselves). If you’ve ever struggled with managing chronic illness or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insights to help you build resilience and find joy in the process!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15]

• Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15]

• The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01]

• How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02]

• The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26]

• Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33]

• Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41]

• Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06]

• The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28]

• How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11]

• Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08]

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15]

• Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15]

• The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01]

• How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02]

• The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26]

• Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33]

• Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41]

• Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06]

• The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28]

• How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11]

• Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

Workplace culture has changed drastically (especially since the pandemic), and employers can no longer afford to put the well-being of their employees on the back burner. Today on the Public Health Joy Podcast, Jennice Chewlin, founder of Chewlin Group, joins us to discuss workplace well-being and how to find joy in ordinary moments in your career.

Tuning in, you’ll hear about Jennice’s career, what her organization does to help nourish work environments, the issues with the ‘old’ way of working, what we can learn from it, and what joy in the workplace means to Jennice. We delve into the importance of allowing your joy to exist, even in moments of pain before discussing the positive impact of bringing joy into the workplace consciously.

Jennice even shares some advice for any leaders who want to make changes to the culture of their organization so that they can nourish their employees and foster a sense of joy and purpose. Finally, our guest tells us what brings her joy in her work. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Jennice Chewlin to this episode. [2:06]

• What the Chewlin Group does to nourish work environments. [3:50]

• Why the old way of working was problematic and what we can learn from it. [14:33]

• Jennice shares her definition of joy in the workplace with listeners. [16:02]

• The importance of allowing your trauma and joy to co-exist. [24:11]

• Outcomes of intentionally bringing joy into the workplace. [31:08]

• Advice for anyone who wants to make these changes in their organization. [31:08]

• What brings Jennice joy in her work. [36:13]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In a world that is so preoccupied with assigning blame instead of looking inward, quantitative data provides a fact-focused reprieve, especially when paired with a human-centered approach to data equity. Today, we are joined by Heather Krause, a cross-sector thought leader and speaker on data equity issues with a cutting-edge approach to project design, data collection analysis, reporting, and visualization.

As its founder, Heather begins by detailing the work of We All Count before explaining why quantitative data cannot be ignored no matter what circumstance. We learn about the burdens of responsibility of how data is understood and processed, how to change our biased mindsets around data and numbers, the importance of art and creativity in numbers, and why there’s a need to think more critically about quantitative data and approach it from a human-centered perspective.

We also gain insight into the impact We All Count is having in the communities it serves, the value of threading the needle back to find the source of information (or, in our case, the formula), where AI fits in, and all the things that bring Heather Krause joy while she’s at work.

Finally, here’s some good news for all Joyriders: Official Public Health Joy Podcast merchandise is now available on our website! Thanks for listening, see you next time. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Data Scientist Heather Krause explains who she is and what she does. [01:21]

• The ins and outs of the organization she founded – We All Count. [03:57]

• Recognizing that you’re the problem by societal constructs and how to move forward. [06:19]

• Why stats and numbers are always important, regardless of how we feel. [09:16]

• Art therapy: why numbers are art, and being more creative in teaching and learning. [13:12]

• The importance of unlearning our fear of numbers and data. [17:45]

• Thinking more critically and doing so from a human-centered perspective. [23:30]

• More details on the overall impact of the work being done at We All Count. [25:02]

• Why it matters to understand who designed the formula and a quick look at AI. [29:38]

• Heather describes all the things that bring her joy at work. [35:48]

• It’s time to get your official Public Health Joy Podcast merchandise; now available on our website! [38:26]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

A loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings life-altering challenges not only for the individual but for the entire family. In this heartfelt episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Herb Caldwell, who opens up about the deeply personal journey that led him to create the Mama Joe Project, a groundbreaking initiative named after his late mother, who inspired his mission to support families facing Alzheimer's and dementia.

The Mama Joe Project is a community-centered initiative focused on raising awareness and reducing health disparities. With over two decades in higher education and community engagement, Dr. Caldwell is uniquely positioned to address the critical need for accessible resources in Black communities, where Alzheimer’s affects women over 60 at disproportionately high rates.

He shares the importance of vulnerability in caregiving, the personal and systemic challenges that so many families face, and practical strategies to support your loved ones with dignity and care. Tune in to discover caregiving insights, actionable resources, and a powerful story of resilience that calls upon all of us to support one another in the face of life-altering diagnoses!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Dr. Herb Caldwell and the Mama Joe Project. [04:45]

• Key risk factors for Alzheimer’s: age, racial background, and gender. [06:50]

• Background on Dr. Caldwell's mother, the inspiration for the Mama Joe Project. [08:38]

• The importance of vulnerability and personal stories to support community health. [12:07]

• Insight into the realities of being a caregiver and why healthy outlets are crucial. [14:04]

• Community engagement and the value of the Mama Joe Project documentary film. [17:38]

• FUBU and the need to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s in Black communities. [22:27]

• The importance of early detection, especially if you’re a high-risk candidate. [28:31]

• What Dr. Caldwell has learned about himself through the Mama Joe Project. [32:59]

• The joy of knowing that his mother’s legacy will continue to help others. [35:33]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/