WaSSUP: Recent Episodes

The WELL Team

Wellness and Students, Stetson University Podcast. A wellness podcast aimed towards the Stetson University community to provide another medium of peer and community education. Hosted by members of Stetson's health and wellness peer-education group, the WELL Team.

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In this episode, we are joined by Stetson University Health Sciences professor Dr. Scott Powers. We discuss a variety of topics including recommended amounts and types of exercise for most adults, potential applications of a proposed "exercise pill", as well as the American College of Sports Medicine and its "Exercise is Medicine" campaign. Enjoy!

Supplemental Info:

  • New Yorker Article (mentioned in episode)
  • Information on Polio:
    • CDC Page on Polio Elimination in the U.S.
    • Mayo Clinic - Polio Epidemic & Vaccine Timeline

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In this episode, we are joined by the WELL Team's Sexual Health program lead, Madeline Strojie. We will be talking about sexual health, specifically related to STIs and STDs. We’ll aim to answer questions such as: How can I be safe from STIs/STDs when engaging in sexual activities? How can I approach conversations with my sexual partner about using protection or getting tested? What types of protection are there? What risks are there in having certain STIs and what treatment options are available?

Supplemental Resources:

  • Stetson Health Services - among other services to students, they offer free confidential pregnancy testing, STD testing, and birth control counseling
  • CAN Community Health - "The mission of CAN Community Health is to inspire and contribute to the health and well-being of those affected by HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases by providing the best care through outreach, integrated clinical practice, advocacy, education, and research."
  • CDC Info Page - "Body Fluids That Transmit HIV"
  • Stetson University Gender-based Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Intimate Partner Violence Policy Web PDF
  • Planned Parenthood Info Page - (External) Condom
  • Planned Parenthood Info Page - Internal Condom

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In this episode, we discuss how to create a culture of consent on college campuses and beyond, with conversations on being an active bystander, as well as other topics related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking prevention. This episode contains important information but includes topics that may be sensitive to some people. Listening at your own pace, taking breaks, or listening with a friend is encouraged. Below are some supplemental resources to what was discussed in the episode.

Stetson Resources:

  • Title IX - Home Page
    • Terms and Definitions Page
    • Definitions & Basic Description of Title IX Processes PPT PDF
  • Student Counseling Services - Home Page
  • Peer Advisory Council for Title IX (P.A.C.T.) - Home Page
    • Instagram
    • Support Group for Survivors of Dating and Domestic Violence (P.A.C.T in collaboration with the Beacon Center and Deland Victim Advocates) - Starts Wednesday, March 16 and runs for 6 weeks; Wednesdays @4:30 PM Elizabeth 103
  • Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) - Instagram

Local Resources:

  • Beacon Center - Home Page
    • Hotline: 386-255-2102

National Resources:

  • RAINN - Home Page
  • One Love Foundation - Home Page

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Relationships: friendships, family, significant others, life partners - they can be fantastic and fun, maybe stressful at times, maybe a good source of support at others, and usually take a lot of work. In this episode, join in on a conversation with Veronica Fuentes ( one of our great Program Leads from P.A.C.T) about healthy relationships. We mostly talk about this in the context of romantic relationships but topics covered (including boundary setting, respect, and communication) are important in every type of interpersonal relationship. Enjoy!

Stetson Confidential Resources:

  • Counseling Services: counseling@stetson.edu | (386) 822-8900
    • (offers couples & relationships counseling)
  • Health Services: healthservices@stetson.edu | (386) 822-8150
  • Chaplains: RSL Office (386) 822-7403
    • Sensei Morris: msullivan1@stetson.edu
    • Pastor Demetris: dpressley@stetson.edu

Supplemental Resources:

  • One Love's "10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship"
  • One Love's "10 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship"
  • We, As Ourselves Resources Page - We, As Ourselves aims "to reshape the narrative around sexual violence and its impact on Black survivors."
  • The Network/la Red 24-Hour Hotline Info Page - "provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBQ/T) folks, as well as folks in SM/kink and polyamorous communities who are being abused or have been abused by a partner."
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline Webpage - has safe browsing/fast exit features
  • NDV Hotline "Create a Safety Plan" Webpage - has safe browsing/fast exit features

Volusia Rape Crisis Center: (800) 503-7621
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-4673

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In this episode of WaSSUP, we are joined by the WELL Team's Mental Health Program Lead, Ocean Crawley-Sweeney. What is social media? How is it helping us? How is it hindering us? Tune in for a great conversation on the pros and cons of social media and how you can set boundaries to get the most out of its use!

Additional Resources:

  • Stetson Student Counseling Services
  • Some cool mental health apps! Insight Timer, Calm, Todoist, Moodfit
    • (We are not affiliated with any of these apps and some may have in-app purchases, but they are linked here for you to check them out!)
  • S3 Ep3: Mental Health - Body Image - in this previous episode with Dr. Lindner, she discusses social media in relation to Social Comparison Theory and Body Image

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This episode covers a bunch of relevant information to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, answering such questions as "Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID (Omicron)?" "What does the vaccine do?" "Is Omicron really 'more transmissible' and 'less deadly'?" For answers to these questions and information on variants, viral fitness, preventative measures, and so much more, have a listen in! Our guest for this episode is Stetson University professor and virologist Dr. Kristine Dye.

The best way to listen to this episode is from start to finish as many of the concepts and info discussed build off of each other as the conversation goes along. But if you want to listen to specific points again, these may be helpful.
Timestamps:
6:20 - Variants: General Info
17:50 - Omicron: Detection
21:45 - Omicron: Origins
32:39 - Omicron: "Less Deadly" -- breaking down misconceptions
51:40 - Omicron: "More Transmissible" -- breaking down misconceptions
57:55 - Vaccine Science: Quick Recap (See S2 Ep11 for more detailed info on this!)
1:02:39 - Vaccine Efficacy and Boosters
1:15:40 - Safety and Prevention Strategies

Additional Resources:
* Safer Stetson Website - Hub for information on vaccines & boosters, masks/facial coverings, testing dates, and campus COVID policies * CDC COVID-19 Landing Page - With links to pages on quarantine/isolation, facial coverings, Omicron, and more * Unbiased Science Podcast - A great resource for evidence-based science communication surrounding COVID-19-related topics and much more! Hosted by a public health expert and data scientist as well as an immunologist and microbiologist. Highly Recommend!

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In this episode we are joined once again by Dr. Danielle Lindner, Associate Professor of Psychology at Stetson University. This time, we are talking about self-compassion. What is self-compassion? How is it different from self-esteem or self-worth? What does it look like to cultivate a practice of self-compassion? Listen and find out the answers to these questions and more!
Additional Resources:

  • Official website for one of the leading researchers into self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff.
  • Stetson Student Counseling Services - free confidential resource to currently enrolled Stetson students

And some recommendations from Dr. Lindner!

  • Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff (I know for certain that we have this one in our library)
  • The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer
  • Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Their Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive by Kristin Neff (This book is geared toward women, but the kind of fierce self-compassion Kristin Neff writes about here is applicable to everyone)
  • Many resources related to self-compassion can be found at self-compassion.org, including audio files of some excellent mindfulness resources. This is the link to the self-compassion break exercise I think I mentioned in the podcast: https://self-compassion.org/exercise-2-self-compassion-break/

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This episode's guest is Dr. Danielle Lindner, Associate Professor of Psychology at Stetson University. Join us for a conversation on body image, body dysmorphia, and their impact on one's health. We discuss some support resources for people that may be struggling with body image and we also talk about Dr. Lindner's research on Objectification Theory and Social Comparison Theory related to body image and disordered eating.
Additional Resources:

  • Stetson Student Counseling Services - free confidential resource to currently enrolled Stetson students
  • Link to book mentioned in the episode, Living with Your Body and Other Things You Hate by Emily Sandoz and Troy DuFrene
  • Positive Body Image Workbook: A Clinical and Self-Improvement Guide by Nichole Wood-Barcalow, Tracy Tylka, and Casey Judge
  • The Body Image Workbook: An Eight-Step Program for Learning to Like Your Looks by Thomas Cash

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In the second episode of Season 3, we are joined by Stetson student and NSCA certified personal trainer, Kirk Mattern. We cover some interesting topics and Kirk provides some great resources for getting into an exercise or physical activity routine, or ways to make your current routine more fun and safe.
Here are some additional resources based on what we discussed in the episode:
Stetson Wellness and Recreation Resources: Intramural & Club Sports, Hollis Center Facilities, Fitness Resources
Suggested YouTube Channels: Eugene Teo, Jeff Nippard, Squat University

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In this episode we kick off Season 3 of WaSSUP with a conversation on some mental health topics! Listen in on this discussion about eating disorders, attending a foreign university, athletics, and more with Meggie Schneider, the Health Promotion Specialist Graduate Intern for Wellness and Recreation at Stetson. Enjoy!

Here is some supplemental info based on our conversation:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Info by Eating Disorder Page
- NEDA: Stages of Recovery Page
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Eating Disorders Page
- Stetson Student Counseling Services Webpage

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Listen in on this conversation between Carmen Johnson, Esq. (Stetson's Executive Officer for Diversity, Collaboration, and Inclusion), Christie St. Vil (first-year student from Stetson's Black Student Association), and your host, Royce Newman as they discuss the health of black communities in the U.S. Topics include health perspectives and behaviors, health disparities, the impact of socioeconomic inequities, and the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on black communities in the U.S.
Additional Info:

  • Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
  • Henrietta lacks - recent news: “Family of Henrietta Lacks Files Lawsuit over Use of Stolen Cells, Lambasts Racist Medical System”
  • Infant mortality rates in the U.S. - CDC Data from 2018 and 2019
  • The U.S. government, housing developments, and socioeconomic impacts for black and minority communities – Two NPR programs (you can listen or read the transcripts)
  • “Historian Says Don't 'Sanitize' How Our Government Created Ghettos”
  • “A ‘Forgotten History’ of How the U.S. Government Segregated America”
  • Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death Rates By Race/Ethnicity in the U.S.

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In this episode we are joined by Dr. Kristine Dye, an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences and Biology at Stetson. We discuss the fields of virology and immunology, vaccine research and approval, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and vaccine hesitancy. This episode is packed with some really helpful and relevant information so we hope you enjoy!

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In this episode we are joined by Rachel Barrios, president of Stetson's Organization for Native American Revitalization (SONAR). We discuss several topics related to health, healthcare, and Native American communities in the U.S. including food insecurity, health coverage, the IHS, and health disparities. There are also some other conversation topics relating to indigenous communities throughout the U.S. and Canada and some additional info and resources about those topics are provided below. Enjoy!

  • NDN collective website and Instagram
  • Illuminative website and Instagram
  • Demographics from the National Congress of American Indians
  • Food insecurity on Native American reservations: First Nations Development Institute Factsheet, Tribal Health Article: Restoring Food Sovereignty for Native American Communities
  • How to include Indigenous Researchers and their knowledge – Nature article on diversity and representation of indigenous scientists in academia and research, as well as incorporating and respecting indigenous knowledge and sovereignty in natural sciences research
  • Huffpost article on misappropriation and non-indigenous profit off sage/smudging and how to ethically buy sage from Native-vendors

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Another great two-guest episode with Michael Nguyen and Claire Sigl from Stetson's Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC). The guest share personal insights into their community and information about the diversity among the Asian American population in the U.S. Conversation topics include health behaviors and disparities, COVID-19 and racially motivated hate crimes, the AAPI bill, and Stetson APAC. 

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Hey, folks! In this episode, we are joined by Stetson University's Associate Professor of World Languages & Cultures and Latin American & Latino Studies, Dr. Pamela Cappas-Toro. We cover a host of topics related to the diversity of the Latinx population in the U.S. and how various cultural and socioeconomic factors impact this population's access to and use of the healthcare system.
For some additional information on some other topics mentioned in the episode, check out these links:

  • Latino Health Behavior: An Exploratory Analysis of Health Risk and Health Protective Factors in a Community Sample - This study explores demographic and cultural variables that may affect health risk and health-protective factors for a community sample of Latino adults. It investigates variables such as fatalism, machismo, caballerismo, diet, anger and stress levels, health preventive behaviors, and medical compliance

Note before reading: The following links cover heavy topics

  • This Page from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has information on the Tuskeegee Syphilis Study, its timeline, how it changed research practices and conduct to ensure ethical standards were met in future health studies, and Frequently Asked Questions about the study.
  • Nonconsensual hysterectomies in Native American women and other minority groups in the U.S.
    • A 1970 Law Led to the Mass Sterilization of Native American Women. That History Still Matters - New York Times article
    • Unwanted Sterilization and Eugenics Programs in the U.S. - PBS article
    • Native Voices - National Institute of Health's National Library of Medicine

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Hey, listeners! Tune in to this episode with guests Corinna Lunsford and Kiler Melvin as we talk about health in fraternity and sorority life. We discuss health knowledge and health behaviors of the Greek community, misconceptions about Greek Life, stigma, positive change, and differences between the health behaviors of fraternities and sororities. Enjoy!

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In this episode we are joined by Stetson student athlete Maddy Jump to talk about the university athletics community, culture, and health perspectives. We discuss health knowledge and health behaviors, time management, misconceptions, and more! Listen in to see how the physical, social, and intellectual dimensions of wellness interact to impact how student athletes view health and work towards their performance goals.

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In this episode, we are joined by Sara Smith (update Nov 2021: she is now Sara Paez!), the Director of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Prevention at Stetson University. We discuss health disparities in terms of access and quality through the lens of sex and gender. There's a lot of interesting information here and a lot to think about so we hope you enjoy it!
Here is some supplementary information to topics discussed in the episode:

  • Well Years - “...well-year which is defined as the equivalent of a completely well-year of life. The well-year is a comprehensive expression of benefits minus side effects that may be useful for individual patient decision-making.”
  • Endometriosis Informational Resources – Endometriosis Association, Endometriosis Foundation of America, John Hopkins Medicine page on endometriosis
  • Estrogen and Bone Health – The abstracts from these research studies provide a good summary of estrogen’s relationship to bone health: Estrogen and the Skeleton, Estrogen and Bone Metabolism
  • Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Resources (provided by Sara Smith) -
    • Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN): rainn.org has an online crisis chat as well as a ton of information on sexual violence. RAINN also has a hotline, 800-656-HOPE(4673)
    • The National Domestic Violence Hotline: At thehotline.org there is an online help chat and information on domestic/dating violence. They also have a hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and you can text them for help by texting "START" to 88788
    • The Volusia Rape Crisis Center: Volusia County's local rape crisis center with amazing victim advocates. You can reach them at 800-503-7621
  • Stetson Peer Advisory Council for Title IX (PACT)
  • PACT Instagram: @stetsonpact
  • Stetson Title IX Office

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Another exciting two-guest episode with the Stetson Fronk Scholars Billy Burke and Nadesha Phipps. In this episode, we discuss opioids and opiates, drug misuse, abuse, and addiction, and how the opioid epidemic in the U.S. has impacted the healthcare system. We also discuss some more positive and hopeful topics such as different programs and solutions being used to mitigate the damage of this issue or work on its prevention.
Here is some supplemental information about some of the topics we discuss, as well as the webpage for the Fronk Scholars:

  • Fronk Scholars Webpage
  • Drug Decriminalization – This page has information regarding the arguments for drug decriminalization and statistics showing the impact of Portugal’s drug decriminalization in the early 2000s.
  • Decriminalization vs. Legalization – An article from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation of Australia explaining decriminalization, legalization, and the differences between the two.
  • Needle Exchange Programs – Information from American Addiction Centers on the evidence behind needle exchange program efficacy and how they work.

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Today we are joined by returning guest, Christina Kulpa, Associate Director of Stetson Wellness and Recreation. In this episode we address questions such as: What is health promotion? How do people learn about health topics? What strategies do colleges and universities use to support the health of their students?
We discuss the goals of health promotion, evidence-based strategies, and how to make sure the health information you are getting is accurate and reliable. 

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Listen in as Royce is joined by Stetson Psychology professor Dr. Lisa Robison! We discuss the change in health issues in the U.S. from infectious to chronic diseases, how medical practices and professions have adapted to this change, as well as different models and perceptions of health. 
At about 23 minutes in, one of the Hollis Center exit door alarm goes off in the background for a minute, sorry in advance! 

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Hey, everyone! We are back with our next season of WaSSUP. This season we explore the U.S. healthcare system so our first episode goes over some basic organizational info and terminology. Listen in as I am joined by Director of Stetson Health Services, Johana Burgos, as we discuss this topic. Here are some additional resources related to our conversation:

  • A View of Healthcare Around the World – different healthcare system models
  • Stetson Health Services Website
  • 7 Tips For Fighting And Paying A Big Hospital Bill - Brief explanation on some strategies to negotiate costs, payment plans, and some other links to sites where you can compare local hospital rates.
  • The Ultimate Guide To Disputing A Medical Bill And Reducing Your Payment - Step-by-step explanation of reviewing medical bills and explanation of benefits from insurance provider. A bit more comprehensive than the above article but helpful in giving some direction if you find errors in your bill.

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In this episode we dive into the relationship between the natural and built environment and human health. We discuss climate change, pollution, agriculture, t r e e s, extreme weather and more! While doing so, we tie each topic or concept back to how it directly or indirectly impacts our health and wellbeing.
Here are some supplementary resources/information from topics we cover:
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/16/how-urban-planners-preference-for-male-trees-has-made-your-hay-fever-worse
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941124/
- Hatter Harvest and other Environmental Orgs. at Stetson: https://www.stetson.edu/other/environmental-sustainability/environmental-clubs.php
- https://www.ready.navy.mil/be_informed/natural_hazards/heat_wave/Flag_Conditions.html
- https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/06/weather/europe-heat-wave-forecast/index.html

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In this episode we are joined by two fantastic guests to talk about the Social Dimension of Wellness! We go over topics such as activism, how the pandemic has affected our social lives and community engagement opportunities, and the varying factors that influence our sense of community and how that, in turn, affects our well-being. This is definitely an episode for reflection and introspection, we hope you enjoy it!

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Hey, folks! In this episode we are talking about that $$$ cash money.  We cover budgeting strategies, personal finance, college and university financial aid, and more. There is some really great information here for Stetson students, but if you don't go to Stetson or have already graduated, there may be some helpful tips and strategies in this episode for you as well!

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In this episode, take a listen in as we are joined by Stacy Collins, the Director of Academic Success at Stetson University! We talk about finding your "why" as a student, study strategies, and how to take care of your brain so you can be a better student and a better learner.
P.S.: Don't forget to take notes!

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In this episode, listen in on our convo as we discuss the physical dimension of wellness! We talk about fitness, nutrition, sleep, cooking tempeh, and more!

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In this episode we are joined by Stetson's Director of Career and Professional Development to talk about occupational wellness. We spend so much time at work and school so give this a listen if you are curious about how to get the most fulfillment out of what you do! We cover topics such as career readiness and growth for undergraduate students, growth vs. purpose mindsets, and the move towards fulfilling work in the workplace.

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Hello everyone!
In this episode, we discuss the emotional dimension of wellness with Nicole Pizza, one of Stetson's amazing counselors from Student Counseling Services. We cover topics such as the differences between mental health and emotional wellness, self-care, how 2020 has had an impact on emotional health and relationships, and more! Enjoy :)

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In this episode, we are joined by Sensei Morris Sullivan, one of Stetson University's chaplains. Have a listen in as we discuss the differences between being spiritual and religious, ways to cultivate a spiritual practice, the importance of interfaith dialogue, and more!

This is the first of eight episodes exploring the different dimensions of wellness, enjoy and stay tuned for future episodes!

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Listen in on the first episode of the WELL Team's new podcast! We discuss what Stetson's WELL Team is, how our programming has changed to adapt to COVID-19, and outline our plans and goals for the podcast. Enjoy!