Business of Human Flourishing: Recent Episodes

Tripp Johnson

Welcome to the Business of Human Flourishing podcast, where serial social entrepreneur Tripp Johnson explores the business side of healthcare, education, and technology and shows how they can promote human flourishing. The Business of Human Flourishing asks how healthcare, education, technology, and social entrepreneurship impact our ability to be the best versions of ourselves. Tripp facilitates in-depth, unfiltered conversations with leaders in various sectors united behind one common theme: the desire to make the world a better place. These episodes will provide a behind-the-curtain look at what it means to be social entrepreneurs: the good, the bad, and the ugly. www.advaitaventures.com

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We often turn to discipline for healing. The structure gives us safety, rhythm, something to hold onto when life feels uncertain. But at some point, that same structure has to give us back to ourselves.

In this episode, Tripp talks with Zoë Ward, a longtime Ashtanga practitioner and author of The Unruly Ascetic, about what happens when devotion meets discernment. Together they explore how methods that begin as lifelines can become cages if we never learn to listen to our own bodies and intuition.

Zoë spent a decade studying with Sharath Jois in Mysore, India, before stepping back from teaching to reimagine what practice can be. She shares how she’s returning now with a renewed commitment to love-based discipline, consent, and self-trust — and how the journey from seeker to finder often begins with letting go.

Check out Zoëy's Instagram for more on Ashtanga Yoga and to see her amazing art! - unrulyascetic

About Flourish by Advaita Health

Flourish by Advaita Health explores how people, providers, and communities move from suffering to flourishing. Each episode weaves together perspectives from healthcare, wellness, and human experience — from the science of mental and physical health to the art of living well.

Advaita Health is a North Carolina–based behavioral health organization dedicated to supporting whole-person flourishing. Learn more about our work and clinical services below.

  • 🌿 Advaita Health: advaitahealth.com
  • 🩺 Advaita Integrated Medicine: aimwellbeing.com
  • 🎙️ Podcast: Flourish by Advaita Health
  • 📸 Instagram: @advaitahealth
  • 💼 LinkedIn: Advaita Health
  • 📩 Subscribe for new episodes and updates

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Psychiatrist and executive coach Dr. Hector Rodriguez joins Tripp to explore the intersection of brain health, trauma, and meaning. With a background in both medicine and divinity, Dr. Hector bridges neuroscience with spirituality, showing how trauma patterns appear in brain imaging and how lifestyle, nutrition, and connection help us rewire for healing.

The conversation ranges from the science of SPECT scans and metabolic psychiatry to the art of living well. Dr. Hector shares why small, sustainable habits matter more than quick fixes, how movement and nutrition support mental health, and why connection and touch are biological necessities. Together they unpack the tension between modern overstimulation, social media self-diagnosis, and the timeless need for rest and ritual.

This episode invites listeners to think differently about mental health—less as fixing what’s broken and more as tending to the soul. In Dr. Hector’s words, psychiatry is the medical treatment of the soul, and flourishing begins when we remember what it means to be fully human.

In This Episode

  • Trauma, brain imaging, and the “diamond” activation pattern
  • Metabolic psychiatry and using lifestyle as medicine
  • Sustainable change: how to rebuild motivation step by step
  • Overstimulation, ADHD, and reclaiming attention in a noisy world
  • The social media effect on self-diagnosis and stigma
  • Hugging, oxytocin, and why connection heals the nervous system
  • Supplements, peptides, and the essentials before optimization
  • Psychiatry as care for the soul—bridging science and spirituality

Hector Rodriguez, M.D., M.Div. is a bilingual psychiatrist, executive coach, and speaker specializing in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and sexual wellness. Known as Dr. Hector, he combines advanced brain imaging (SPECT), psychopharmacology, and trauma-informed psychotherapy with nutrition, movement, and lifestyle design to create whole-person healing. With both a medical degree and a Master of Divinity, he bridges neuroscience with meaning and purpose, helping people move from survival to flourishing.

More from Dr. Hector

  • 🌐 https://whitebutterflyclinic.com/
  • 🌐 https://doctorhector.com/
  • 📱 https://www.instagram.com/doctor_hector/
  • 📱 https://www.instagram.com/whitebutterflyclinic/

About Flourish by Advaita Health

Flourish by Advaita Health explores how people, providers, and communities move from suffering to flourishing. Each episode weaves together perspectives from healthcare, wellness, and human experience — from the science of mental and physical health to the art of living well.

Advaita Health is a North Carolina–based behavioral health organization dedicated to supporting whole-person flourishing. Learn more about our work and clinical services below.

  • 🌿 Advaita Health: advaitahealth.com
  • 🩺 Advaita Integrated Medicine: aimwellbeing.com
  • 🎙️ Podcast: Flourish by Advaita Health
  • 📸 Instagram: @advaitahealth
  • 💼 LinkedIn: Advaita Health
  • 📩 Subscribe for new episodes and updates

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In this crossover episode between Tripp Talks and Flourish by Advaita Health, Tripp sits down with Kate O’Donnell, an Ayurvedic practitioner, longtime Ashtanga yoga teacher, and author of The Everyday Ayurveda Cook.

Tripp first encountered Ayurveda while studying yoga in Mysore, India—and it’s something he’s returned to at different points in his life. Kate’s work has been part of that journey, from her teaching in Boston to her accessible cookbooks (highly recommend the dosa recipe).

Together, they explore what Ayurveda offers for everyday life: a framework for rhythm, nourishment, and self-care that complements modern Western approaches to wellness.

In this episode:

  • How yoga and Ayurveda share roots but serve different purposes
  • Why Ayurveda is designed for “householders” living full, modern lives
  • Simple daily rhythms to support digestion, sleep, and mood
  • The balance of nourishment and purification in health
  • Seasonal and lunar cycles, and how they influence the body
  • Small, practical shifts that make a big difference — like eating with the sun and letting one meal digest before the next

About Kate O’Donnell:

Kate O’Donnell is a nationally certified Ayurvedic practitioner, author, and educator with more than twenty-five years immersed in India’s wisdom traditions. She is the founder of the Ayurvedic Living Institute, where she leads trainings, seasonal cleanses, and mentorship programs designed to make Ayurveda accessible for modern life.

A longtime Ashtanga yoga teacher, Kate has completed over a dozen extended trips to India to study yoga, Ayurveda, and Sanskrit philosophy. She’s the author of four books, including the acclaimed Everyday Ayurveda series, which helps readers bring ancient principles into the kitchen and daily rhythm.

Kate teaches internationally, hosts the Everyday Ayurveda with Kate podcast, and continues to explore how traditional systems of health can support balance, clarity, and joy in the modern world.

🔗 Ayurvedic Living Institute | Instagram | Podcast

About Flourish by Advaita Health

Flourish by Advaita Health explores how people, providers, and communities move from suffering to flourishing. Each episode weaves together perspectives from healthcare, wellness, and human experience — from the science of mental and physical health to the art of living well.

Advaita Health is a North Carolina–based behavioral health organization dedicated to supporting whole-person flourishing. Learn more about our work and clinical services below.

  • 🌿 Advaita Health: advaitahealth.com
  • 🩺 Advaita Integrated Medicine: aimwellbeing.com
  • 🎙️ Podcast: Flourish by Advaita Health
  • 📸 Instagram: @advaitahealth
  • 💼 LinkedIn: Advaita Health
  • 📩 Subscribe for new episodes and updates

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In this episode of the Advaita Health Podcast, Tripp Johnson sits down with Dr. Dewayne Book, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Advaita Health. With nearly four decades of experience, Dr. Book’s career spans from his early days as a substance abuse counselor to leading Duke University’s psychiatry residency training in addiction treatment, and now shaping clinical practice at Advaita Health.

Dr. Book shares his personal journey through recovery, the importance of bringing oneself into the therapeutic relationship, and the evolution of addiction treatment—from the early days of “one-size-fits-all” counseling to the integration of medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone. He also reflects on how psychiatry and social work shaped his philosophy: that healing begins not with protocols or prescriptions, but with genuine human connection.

The conversation covers medication-assisted treatment, co-occurring disorders, the shifting landscape of substance use in America, and why patient relationships remain the most powerful intervention. Whether you are a clinician, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of behavioral health, this episode offers both deep clinical insight and timeless wisdom about what it means to truly care for patients.

  • 00:02 – Introduction to Dr. Dewayne Book and his career path
  • 03:06 – Starting as a counselor with “10 months of sobriety and a psychology degree”
  • 04:18 – The seed of a medical philosophy: showing up as oneself in the room
  • 06:18 – From counselor to social worker: discovering the limits of training and the call for more education
  • 08:23 – Choosing medical school: seeking knowledge and professional authority
  • 12:03 – Nearly relapsing during the move to North Carolina and finding recovery support at Duke
  • 13:22 – Joining Fellowship Hall and shaping residency training in addiction psychiatry
  • 17:47 – Introducing buprenorphine to reduce AMA rates in detox
  • 22:05 – The evolution of medication-assisted treatment: methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and disulfiram
  • 26:31 – Using every tool in the box: medication, therapy, relationships, and community
  • 31:02 – Shifts in drug epidemics: crack, meth, opioids, cannabis
  • 34:10 – Diagnosing comorbidities and substance-induced disorders
  • 39:53 – TMS, depression, and why addressing substance use is non-negotiable
  • 42:18 – Recovery capital, behavior change, and the role of relationships
  • 50:18 – Advice for young psychiatrists entering addiction medicine
  • 52:14 – Closing reflections on a career shaped by “just doing the next right thing”

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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What happens when your strategy, your soul, and your spreadsheet don’t align?

In this episode of Open-Source Health, Tripp and Marcus unpack what it means to make conscious trade-offs—in business, in leadership, and in life. They reflect on a recent offsite, where the Advaita Health team wrestled with hard decisions about hiring, investment, and what to prioritize as the company matures. But this conversation isn’t just about money—it’s about meaning.

They dive into the tensions between striving and contentment, personal growth and organizational demands, and why “doing what you’re inclined to do” may be the most sustainable strategy of all. Along the way, you’ll hear reflections on jiu-jitsu, nonduality, psychological safety, and how flourishing starts with the people delivering care—not just those receiving it.

If you're a leader, clinician, or simply a human being wondering how to align your values with your work, this one's for you.

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp shares personal reflections from his time in Spain—what it means to find rhythm, presence, and community while practicing Ashtanga yoga abroad, and how these anchors impact how we show up in life and work.

Switching gears into a deep dive on one of the most opaque corners of healthcare: pricing. Tripp and Marcus unpack machine-readable files—massive datasets that disclose what insurance companies actually pay providers. They explore why this matters, how Advaita is building a tool to make it usable, and why transparency is not just a technical challenge, but a values-based decision.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Practicing Yoga in Spain
04:00 – Rhythm, Family, and Flourishing
06:50 – What Are Machine-Readable Files?
09:00 – Why This Data Matters in Healthcare
12:30 – Who Uses It Today?
15:00 – Complexity vs. Conspiracy
19:00 – Transparency as a Strategic & Moral Choice
24:30 – Building Advaita’s MVP
29:30 – The Power of Consistency: Brad Stulberg Quote

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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This week on Open-Source Health, we take you behind the curtain of our own brand evolution—where it’s worked, where we’ve failed, and what’s next. Tripp and Marcus open up about the messy, iterative process of defining who we are as an organization, especially as we’ve grown from Green Hill Recovery to AIM to Advaita Health.

We unpack how our identity has shifted alongside our services, values, and long-term vision. From conversations about mastery and failure to reflections on accessibility in healthcare, this is a raw and honest look at what it takes to grow an organization with integrity. Plus, we get personal with Marcus’s journey into health, fitness, and contemplative practice, shaped by his roots in Eastern North Carolina.

If you’ve ever wrestled with branding, scaling, or making values-driven decisions in healthcare, this one’s for you.

Takeaways:

  • Why mastery is a slow, failure-filled process—and why that’s a good thing
  • How our brand has evolved from Green Hill Recovery to Advaita Health
  • Lessons learned from missteps in branding and communication
  • The tension between who we are now and who we’re becoming
  • Personal reflections on health, identity, and leadership growth

Chapters:
00:00 – Starting with Decaf Espresso and Catching Up
01:00 – The Long Road to Mastery (and Failing Along the Way)
05:00 – Marcus’s Health and Flourishing Journey: From Small-Town NC to Contemplative Practice
14:30 – Our Branding Missteps (and What We’re Learning)
28:00 – Clarifying Green Hill Recovery vs. Advaita Health vs. AIM
35:00 – Why Brand Clarity Matters for Healthcare Organizations
42:00 – Leadership Lessons: Holding Tension Between Present Reality and Future Vision
46:00 – Lessons Learned: The Value of Failing Repeatedly

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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This week on Open Source Health, Tripp checks in from Valencia, Spain, reflecting on what it means to lead with intentionality while managing complexity back home. Marcus and Tripp unpack the personal and organizational shifts that made this kind of work-from-anywhere leadership possible, from data infrastructure to performance management systems. They dive into how deliberate leadership transitions—like Dr. Book stepping into the Chief Medical Officer role—reflect a broader organizational commitment to aligning personal growth with company strategy.

They also announce a major next step for Advaita Health: launching a Mental Health PHP/IOP (Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Program). The conversation explores how building a closed-loop behavioral health system requires both patience and long-term vision, resisting the urge to chase short-term wins in favor of sustainable impact.

Key Topics:

  • What slow productivity looks like for a CEO working abroad
  • The leadership development philosophy behind Advaita’s recent medical leadership changes
  • How data and management infrastructure support strategic decision-making
  • Why Advaita is moving toward a true integrated outpatient behavioral health system
  • The internal debate: When is the right time to launch new services?

Chapters:
00:00 – Checking in from Valencia
02:00 – Slow Productivity and CEO Mindset Shift
05:30 – Why Tripp Took the Trip: Professional Development and Leadership Evolution
07:45 – Building Internal Capacity: Data, Dashboards, and Leadership Systems
11:00 – The Infinite Game and Designing for Flourishing
15:00 – Mental Health PHP/IOP: The Next Strategic Move
20:00 – How Data-Driven Decision-Making is Changing the Way We Work
25:00 – Cultural Shifts: Clarity, Calm, and Team Development
30:00 – Organizational Announcements: New Roles and Career Pathing
35:00 – Wrapping Up: A Scalable, Developmentally Intentional Future

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp and Marcus unpack a different kind of leadership discipline—the kind that doesn’t show up on your calendar. They explore what it means to lead with intention rather than intensity, and how slowing down can actually be the most strategic move for a founder, parent, and partner.

Tripp reflects on his upcoming month-long trip to Spain as a forcing function to step into a more strategic role, and what it means to run a values-driven company without falling into the hustle trap. From hyper-productivity and masculine-coded “grind culture” to the real emotional labor of leadership, this episode asks: how do we balance growth with flourishing?

Takeaways

Hustle isn't always helpful—clarity often beats effort.

Asking for help is a superpower, but over-advising can derail you.

Leadership means managing your inner state, not just your output.

Leverage isn’t just capital—it’s time, trust, and media too.

If you want to scale a values-driven company, start by living your values.

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this urgent solo episode, Tripp Johnson, CEO of Advaita Health and a veteran himself, sounds the alarm on a major policy change from TRICARE that quietly went into effect in January 2025. While it hasn’t made national headlines, the consequences are real and devastating for psychiatric nurse practitioners, physician associates, and—most importantly—the military families they serve.

TRICARE has stopped reimbursing psychotherapy add-on codes for NPs and PAs, slashing pay by up to 50% for comprehensive mental health visits. This bureaucratic decision undermines integrated care, threatens patient-provider relationships, and risks pushing more veterans and service members out of treatment altogether.

Tripp breaks down:

What changed in TRICARE’s reimbursement policy

Why this decision makes access to care worse, not better

How it impacts providers, clinics, and most critically, patients

Why this isn’t just a billing issue—it’s a values issue

What providers, patients, and policymakers can do right now

This episode is a call to action. If you care about mental health access for those who’ve served, this is your moment to listen, share, and speak up.

Takeaways:
• TRICARE has eliminated reimbursement for psychotherapy codes for NPs and PAs
• Reimbursement drops by up to 50% per visit, making care unsustainable
• Providers are reconsidering TRICARE participation nationwide
• Veterans risk losing trusted relationships and access to care
• Action is needed—from clinicians, patients, and policymakers alike

Chapters:
00:00 – A change no one is talking about
01:12 – What this means for providers and patients
02:30 – The business model impact
03:33 – This is a values issue, not a billing issue
04:25 – What you can do about it

Listen. Share. Raise your voice. This isn’t just about policy. It’s about people.

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp and Marcus reflect on a pivotal leadership meeting that marked a shift in the company's culture, operations, and leadership mindset. What began as a review of utilization data turned into a celebration of people-driven progress—proof that investing in culture isn’t fluff, it’s infrastructure.

They explore what it means to transition from founder-led intensity to trust-based leadership, how true patient-centered care requires internal alignment, and why the best organizations hold the tension between business and care, metrics and meaning, structure and soul. Also: thoughts on AI, algorithmic silos, and why MCT oil might just ruin your day.

Key Takeaways:

  • Culture isn’t just a vibe—it’s operational scaffolding for healthcare delivery.
  • Real leadership means knowing when to let go and let your team lead.
  • Patient retention must come from connection, not coercion.
  • Organizational success stems from ontological alignment—being, not seeming.
  • AI will transform healthcare, but human connection is our competitive edge.

Chapters:
00:00 Leadership highs & coalescing culture
01:40 Values-driven strategy meets utilization data
06:00 Building vs maintaining tension
08:20 Honest feedback, trust, and evolving leadership
10:38 Letting go: the CEO's job after startup mode
13:00 Local knowledge and decentralized expertise
15:00 A case study in mentorship, data, and retention
19:00 Alignment between values, outcomes, and sustainability
25:00 The future of healthcare: AI vs human connection
27:30 Culture at scale + unexpected hiring wins
30:00 Keto, self-awareness, and digestive caution

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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AI’s most popular use case in 2025 isn’t coding or writing—it’s therapy and companionship.

In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive into the implications of that surprising stat. What does it mean for behavioral health providers? How do we prove our value when AI is already winning on access and affordability?

They explore:

  • The growing use of AI for therapy, companionship, and even finding purpose
  • Why “people are the point” still matters—if we make it matter
  • How behavioral health might shift toward community-building and real-world relationships
  • What flourishing looks like in a world of curated isolation and algorithmic comfort
  • Why the future of therapy might look more like a YMCA than a clinic

Whether you're a provider, a patient, or just AI-curious, this episode asks the questions we all need to wrestle with—before the market makes the decisions for us.

Want to share your thoughts or join the conversation? Email us or comment below. info@aimwellbeing.com

More from us at aimwellbeing.com

Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Ketosis Check-In
05:40 – AI’s Most Common Use Case: Therapy
08:15 – Can AI Replace Human Connection?
12:00 – Why Behavioral Health Is Ripe for Disruption
17:00 – “People Are the Point” vs. AI Utility
22:00 – Reframing the Future of Therapy
29:00 – Flourishing, Loneliness & the Role of Healthcare
33:00 – Final Thoughts & Listener Callout

#AIinHealthcare #MentalHealthTech #BehavioralHealth #ChatGPT #OpenSourceHealth

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, Tripp and Marcus unpack a core question: can the modern mental health system actually help people flourish? They explore how today’s therapy and medication models often focus on managing symptoms, not building lives worth living. From AI therapy and TikTok diagnoses to loneliness, resilience, and whether healthcare should even try to promote flourishing—this is a deep, candid conversation grounded in real experience.

If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy is enough—or what comes after surviving—this one’s for you.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & life updates
01:20 – A new psychiatrist joins the team
03:00 – Spain trip & vegan jokes
05:20 – Pajamas: the philosophical debate
06:30 – What is human flourishing?
08:20 – Modernity vs eudaimonia
10:45 – Technology and pseudo-connection
13:00 – Is healthcare even built for flourishing?
17:00 – Why loneliness is the new epidemic
19:00 – Meta's “AI friends” & simulated relationships
22:00 – Is therapy just another simulation?
24:00 – Coaching vs therapy
29:00 – When therapy pathologizes normal life
32:30 – Jiu-jitsu, community, and real mental health
36:00 – Why the biological layer still matters
39:00 – Can healthcare actually guide flourishing?

Links & Mentions:
🔗 Blog: aimwellbeing.com/blog
🔗 Tripp’s writing: trippj.com/blog
🔗 More from Tripp: Tripp Johnson on LinkedIn
📖 Scott Galloway quote – “Paleolithic brains, medieval institutions, godlike technology”
📚 Concepts: Eudaimonia, Biopsychosocial model, Non-dualism, Simulacrum

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, we delve into the complexities of ADHD diagnoses in today's fast-paced society. We explore the surge in stimulant prescriptions, the nuances of self-identification, and the broader implications of our modern environment on mental health. Join us as we unpack these topics through the lenses of transdiagnostic approaches, contemplative perspectives, and the biopsychosocial model.

Resources

Two Very Different Approaches to Time Management: A reflection on managing attention and energy through structured systems versus intuitive flow—and why knowing your style matters. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/two-very-different-approaches-time-mgmt-tripp-johnson-0de0e

ADHD Tips: Finding Focus in a World Full of Distractions: Practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms in daily life. https://aimwellbeing.com/adhd-tips-finding-focus-in-a-world-full-of-distractions

Understanding Psychiatry for ADHD: An overview of psychiatric approaches to ADHD treatment. https://aimwellbeing.com/understanding-psychiatry-for-adhd/

Alternatives to Adderall: Exploring different treatment options beyond Adderall for ADHD. https://aimwellbeing.com/alternatives-to-adderall/

Scott Galloway's Perspective: Exploring the intersection of ancient instincts, outdated institutions, and modern technology. https://www.profgalloway.com/war-on-the-young/

New York Times on ADHD Diagnoses and Stimulant Prescriptions: An in-depth look at the rise of ADHD diagnoses and stimulant use, examining how evolving cultural attitudes, commercial incentives, and gaps in research are shaping treatment trends. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/magazine/adhd-medication-treatment-research.html

Chapters
00:00 Weekend Reflections and Personal Growth
01:58 ADHD Diagnosis and Mental Health Skepticism
05:05 Non-Dualism and the Concept of Self
10:02 Substance Use Disorder: Assessing Severity
14:58 The Importance of Context in Treatment
19:59 Patient Care Philosophy and Flourishing
24:58 ADHD, Stimulants, and Long-Term Effects
30:11 The Role of Community in Treatment
34:55 Attracting the Right Patients for Flourishing

Links
Instagram: instagram.com/aimwellbeing
Facebook: facebook.com/aimwellbeing
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/advaita-health
Website: aimwellbeing.com

LinkedIn (Tripp Johnson): linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson88
Tripp’s Personal Blog: trippj.com/blog

Follow & Connect:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp and Marcus dive deep into the under recognized world of behavioral addictions. From gambling and pornography to TikTok and Tinder, they explore how frictionless access to dopamine-driven behaviors is rewiring our brains — and what that means for mental health, public policy, and clinical practice.

Chapters:

Tech troubles and dopamine casinos (00:00)
Is gambling addiction real? (01:30)
Sex addiction, the DSM, and insurance gaps (03:00)
Behavioral addiction vs business: Intermittent reinforcement (05:00)
Crypto, options trading, and the normalization of risk (06:30)
Porn, dating apps, and frictionless intimacy (09:00)
Impulse control, parenting, and hedonic competitors (13:00)
From obesity to tech overuse: The friction thesis (15:00)
What’s next: Recognizing process addictions (17:00)
A call for deeper public awareness and structural change (21:00)

Visit aimwellbeing.com to learn more about how we are personally working on these issues.

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Tripp Johnson

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In this conversation, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate explore various themes including emotional cycles, the art of cooking, the differences between coaching and therapy, the importance of mentorship, and the complexities of intentions and perceptions. They also delve into psychoanalysis and non-dualism, discussing how these perspectives can intersect and inform personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes the value of finding common ground in diverse beliefs and experiences. In this conversation, Marcus Shumate and Tripp Johnson explore the complexities of human connection, the value of mentorship and coaching, and the importance of finding the right therapist. They discuss the challenges of differing worldviews, the role of motivation in learning, and the dynamics of therapeutic relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of human interaction in personal growth and the importance of being open to guidance while also maintaining discernment in relationships.

00:00 Navigating Emotional Cycles
03:12 The Art of Cooking and Passion Projects
06:03 Coaching vs. Therapy: A Deep Dive
09:08 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth
11:48 Understanding Intentions and Perceptions
14:57 Psychoanalysis and Non-Dualism: Bridging Perspectives
17:59 Finding Common Ground in Diverse Beliefs
21:52 The Challenge of Worldviews
23:02 The Value of Human Connection
25:44 Navigating Learning and Motivation
30:04 The Role of Coaching and Mentorship
34:01 Finding the Right Therapist
39:55 The Dynamics of Therapeutic Relationships

Visit aimwellbeing.com to learn more about Advaita Health

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this conversation, Lauren Settle shares her journey in healthcare, emphasizing her passion for patient-centered care and the importance of education in shaping her career. She discusses the challenges of managing a healthcare facility, the role of empathy in leadership, and the integration of AI and data-driven decision-making in healthcare operations. Lauren also highlights the significance of mentorship and continuous learning for aspiring healthcare professionals, encouraging them to seek guidance and stay informed about industry trends.

Key Takeaways

  • Healthcare is a fundamental right that needs improvement.
  • Education provides a foundation for real-world application.
  • Hands-on experience is crucial in understanding healthcare operations.
  • Empathy is essential in leadership and management roles.
  • AI is transforming the healthcare landscape and should be embraced.
  • Data-driven decision-making enhances patient care and operational efficiency.
  • Mentorship plays a vital role in career development.
  • Continuous learning is necessary in the ever-evolving healthcare field.
  • Finding the right job fit is important for career satisfaction.
  • Leadership involves understanding and addressing team challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Passion
02:58 Education and Career Path
06:07 Real-World Application of Education
08:57 Challenges in Healthcare Management
11:52 Empathy and Leadership
14:46 The Role of AI in Healthcare
17:59 Data-Driven Decision Making
21:13 Mentorship and Continuous Learning
23:57 Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals
27:02 Reflections on Leadership and Growth

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate explore the intersections of community, therapy, and the challenges faced by men in today's society. They discuss the importance of finding community, the skepticism surrounding therapy, and the impact of technology on male loneliness. The conversation emphasizes the need for mutual aid and real-world interactions as essential components of mental health and well-being.

Community is crucial for men's mental health.

Technology contributes to feelings of loneliness in men.

Therapy can be a tool, but community is vital.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates
03:53 Jujitsu and Ashtanga: The Politics of Practice
06:58 The Search for Community in Modern Times
09:53 Therapy: A Double-Edged Sword for Men
12:52 Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Therapy
16:03 The Role of Community in Personal Growth
19:05 Finding Meaning Beyond Traditional Institutions
23:02 The Value of Group Therapy
26:53 Exploring Men's Groups
30:10 The Importance of Community
32:59 Challenges Facing Young Men
37:26 The Role of Technology in Isolation
41:44 Therapy and Community Connection

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this first episode of 2025, Tripp Johnson (CEO) and Marcus Shumate (Growth Director) return to the mics with reflections, lessons, and a major announcement: the launch of a Managed Services Organization (MSO) at Advaita Health.

They pull back the curtain on what it’s taken to build a behavioral health company from the ground up—financial crises, payroll scrambles, fraudulent reporting—and how that hard-earned experience is now being offered as a service to help other providers thrive.

The episode moves from personal New Year reflections to a clear-eyed look at what makes the healthcare system so administratively broken, and how Advaita’s unique infrastructure and operational mindset can be shared with others in the field. Expect candid moments, pragmatic business insights, and a deeper look at how behavioral health can be both values-driven and operationally excellent.

Whether you're a clinician, founder, or healthcare operator, this episode is a powerful listen on building something resilient, sustainable, and impactful.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro & Holiday Recap
Casual check-in on holiday travel, reflection, and starting the year intentionally.

05:32 – “No Crisis This January” – A New Chapter
Tripp shares how this is the first year without a financial or operational crisis at Advaita—and why that matters.

09:50 – Launching an MSO: What It Means & Why Now
The big reveal: Advaita is launching a Managed Services Organization. Tripp and Marcus explore what this means for the company and the industry.

14:43 – What Most Healthcare Practices Get Wrong
Tripp reflects on common operational pitfalls in healthcare and why providers often undervalue good admin infrastructure.

18:10 – The Power of Real-Time Data in Operations
Why having live financial forecasting and connected systems creates a competitive edge—and peace of mind.

22:25 – Should You Outsource or Build In-House?
An honest look at trade-offs, cost structures, and lessons learned.

27:50 – Aligning Values with Growth
Why offering MSO services is more than a business decision—it’s about helping others avoid pain and thrive.

32:15 – Growing People, Not Just Revenue
Tripp and Marcus discuss building internal career ladders and creating opportunities for team members to grow within the organization.

36:40 – Final Reflections & What’s Ahead in 2025
Closing thoughts on what excites them most about the year ahead.

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, Tripp and Marcus discuss the inflection point Advaita Health is facing as it moves from a scrappy small company to a structured, growth company. They explore:

✔️ The tension between corporate and frontline teams

✔️ The challenges of scaling without private equity

✔️ Why growth doesn’t always make things easier

✔️ How leadership gets harder as an organization evolves

✔️ The trade-offs between short-term profits and long-term impact

If you’re in healthcare, leadership, or building a company, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of growth, culture, and strategy.

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Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, Marcus Shumate and Tripp Johnson continue their discussion on the healthcare system, focusing on the challenges of balancing cost containment with providing quality care. They dive deep into the concept of utilization management, exploring how insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield are grappling with financial difficulties while still trying to manage healthcare costs. They discuss the complexities of the healthcare system, where providers, insurers, and patients often find themselves caught in a game of "tit for tat," ultimately harming patients and providers. The episode also touches on the role of leadership in insurance companies and the importance of a balanced approach to healthcare management.

Key Points:

  • Insurance Companies’ Financial Struggles: Insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield are losing money, leading them to cut reimbursements to providers, which harms both care quality and financial stability.
  • The "Tit for Tat" Dynamic: Denied reimbursements and delayed payments create a cycle where providers over-request services to make up for financial gaps, negatively impacting patients.
  • Utilization Management: Utilization management controls costs by ensuring medical services are necessary, but it can lead to frustrating delays and denials for patients.
  • Financial Pressure on Providers: Delayed payments, like Blue Cross Blue Shield owing $300,000, force providers to take actions that may complicate patient care.
  • Leadership Crisis at Blue Cross Blue Shield: Blue Cross is struggling with poor leadership, which undermines trust and leads to cost-cutting measures that hurt providers and patients.
  • Profitability and Sustainability: Insurance companies need to be profitable to stay solvent, but excessive profit-seeking can harm care quality and create financial imbalances.
  • Collaboration Between Providers and Insurers: Effective collaboration is necessary to improve healthcare, with standardized processes ensuring proper care without unnecessary denials.
  • Systemic Complexity of Healthcare: The healthcare system is complex, and while frustrations are valid, the systemic issues driving decisions should also be understood.

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate discuss the intricate process of scaling a healthcare company while maintaining a strong, patient-centered culture. Tripp shares insights on the role of upward mobility and generational wealth in retaining top talent, and how equity compensation structures are key to attracting the right people. The discussion contrasts healthcare business models with those of tech and venture capital-backed companies, highlighting the importance of aligning incentives for sustainable growth. Tripp also explores the complexities of balancing short-term financial goals with long-term company values, and the need for structural innovation in compensation models to foster growth without compromising patient care.

Key Points:

  • Upward Mobility and Generational Wealth: Great companies should enable employees to secure upward mobility and wealth, which is crucial for long-term success and retention.
  • Equity and Compensation Structures: Equity compensation becomes a critical tool for attracting and retaining talent, especially in the context of growing companies.
  • Balancing Growth with Culture: Scaling a company without sacrificing culture or patient care is a key challenge in healthcare businesses.
  • Tech vs. Traditional Models: Unlike traditional businesses, tech companies prioritize growth and market share before profitability, a strategy that could benefit healthcare companies looking to scale.
  • Innovative Equity Models: Tripp discusses the need for flexible, performance-based equity structures to align incentives and ensure long-term success.
  • Equity Buybacks: Companies must plan for scenarios where executives leave, as this could involve buying back their equity, which presents liquidity challenges for smaller businesses.
  • Flexibility in Compensation: The right mix of performance bonuses and equity incentives is essential for attracting the right people and scaling the business effectively.
  • Structural Innovation: Beyond technology, companies need structural innovation in how they operate, particularly in terms of compensation and organizational design.
  • Long-term Incentive Alignment: Getting the incentives right early on is essential for attracting talent that will drive growth while staying true to the company’s core mission of providing high-quality care.

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Tripp Johnson

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View Details

In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate delve into the implications of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) potentially leading the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss RFK's controversial views, particularly his criticisms of the pharmaceutical industry and his stances on public health issues like diet and vaccination. The hosts explore the complexities of health discourse in the age of social media, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding rather than binary thinking. They also address broader societal challenges affecting health, including access to nutritious food and the societal pressures contributing to mental health issues. Ultimately, they advocate for fundamental lifestyle changes and a more realistic approach to health and wellness.

Key Points

  • RFK's Leadership Role: The discussion revolves around RFK's appointment to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting his controversial views on vaccines and the pharmaceutical industry, which can polarize public opinion.
  • Nuanced Health Discourse: The hosts criticize the oversimplification of health issues in social media, arguing for a balanced perspective that recognizes both legitimate concerns and the value of established medical advancements.
  • Societal Responsibility for Health: They contend that mental health challenges are often rooted in societal issues rather than just individual problems, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic factors that contribute to anxiety and depression.
  • Skepticism Towards Quick Fixes: The podcast critiques the tendency to seek quick health solutions, like trendy diets or supplements, and instead advocates for sustainable lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition and regular exercise.
  • Complexity of Nutrition: The conversation includes the challenges of promoting healthy eating in a society where access to nutritious food can be limited, particularly in food deserts, and highlights the need for more equitable food policies.
  • Understanding Health Trends: The hosts discuss the importance of being critical consumers of health information, questioning the motives behind health fads and advice, and stressing that all health discussions should consider individual circumstances and scientific validity.
  • The Role of Chemicals in Food: They address misconceptions about chemicals in food, arguing that all substances are chemicals and that a focus on "natural" foods can often overlook the importance of balanced nutrition and dietary science.

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

View Details

In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate walk you through their take on the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare providers in navigating the insurance landscape, particularly with Blue Cross Blue Shield in North Carolina. They discuss the frustrations stemming from delayed payments and administrative hurdles that not only impact their practice but also compromise patient care. Tripp shares insights on the implications of these issues for the broader healthcare system, emphasizing the need for collaboration between providers and insurers to ensure accessible and affordable care. Through candid conversations, the episode sheds light on the complex interplay between healthcare delivery and insurance, advocating for greater accountability and systemic change.

Key Points:

  • Delays in Payments from Blue Cross: Tripp Johnson highlights ongoing struggles with Blue Cross Blue Shield, citing significant delays in payment for services rendered. These issues affect cash flow and the overall sustainability of provider organizations, which is crucial for maintaining quality patient care.
  • The Impact of Administrative Barriers: The episode discusses the complex administrative requirements imposed by insurers, such as prior authorizations, which can delay access to necessary care. These barriers can lead to worse health outcomes for patients, particularly in behavioral health services.
  • The Role of Insurance in Healthcare Affordability: Both hosts emphasize the importance of a collaborative relationship between providers and insurers to create a healthcare system that is not only profitable but also accessible and affordable for patients. They argue that a breakdown in this relationship undermines the foundational goals of the healthcare system.
  • Advocacy for Systemic Change: Tripp expresses a desire to engage with policymakers to address the consumer protection issues arising from the monopolistic practices of large insurers like Blue Cross. The conversation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in insurance operations to protect both patients and providers.
  • Building a Coalition for Change: The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to join the effort in advocating for better practices within the insurance industry. Marcus and Tripp encourage collaboration among providers, patients, and advocates to push for necessary reforms in the healthcare system.

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Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

View Details

In this episode, Tripp Johnson shares his experiences and frustrations as a provider dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) in North Carolina, particularly regarding their insurance claims processing and payment issues. He emphasizes the importance of being an in-network provider for quality patient care but expresses concern over BCBS's recent changes and practices that have negatively affected payment for services rendered. Johnson discusses specific incidents where payments were delayed or denied, highlighting systemic issues within BCBS. He raises concerns about the potential financial instability of BCBS and its impact on the healthcare landscape in North Carolina.

Key Points

  • In-Network Advocacy: Being an in-network provider is morally and strategically beneficial, but it comes with significant administrative challenges.
  • Claims Payment Issues: Johnson details a lengthy struggle to receive payments for services provided under BCBS, including a specific incident where $150,000 was held up for over 18 months.
  • Complex Taxonomy Changes: Recent changes in BCBS's billing taxonomy created confusion and payment issues for different levels of care (Partial Hospitalization vs. Intensive Outpatient).
  • Prior Authorization Delays: There are significant delays in obtaining prior authorizations for treatments, impacting the timely care of patients with substance use disorders.
  • Potential Death Spiral: Speculation that BCBS might be facing serious financial challenges due to the loss of a large state health plan contract, leading to potentially unethical practices to conserve cash.
  • Need for Complaints: An emphasis on the importance of documenting issues and filing complaints with the Department of Labor and the Department of Insurance to seek resolution.
  • Historical Context: A reflection on BCBS's reputation in North Carolina, noting its long-standing role as a trusted insurer and expressing concern over recent changes.

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Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, hosts Marcus Shumate and Tripp Johnson engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the implications of educational disparities between men and women, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the importance of civic engagement at the local level. They explore how societal values around education affect dating dynamics, particularly for college-educated women seeking partners with similar qualifications. The conversation touches on the skepticism towards public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing anti-establishment sentiment, highlighting how these factors contribute to political disenfranchisement among young men. Ultimately, they call for a return to community involvement and a more balanced approach to political discourse, encouraging listeners to engage with local governance.

Distrust in Institutions: Marcus shares observations on the increasing skepticism toward institutions that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. He points out how public health messages often felt disjointed from reality, leading to a broader distrust of authority figures and established norms.

Civic Engagement and Local Politics: Tripp emphasizes the need for people to engage more in local governance instead of focusing solely on national issues. He argues that understanding and participating in local politics can help address community grievances and rebuild trust in institutions.

The Value of Bureaucracy: Both hosts discuss the essential role of bureaucracies in providing necessary services, such as clean drinking water and food safety. They caution against the anti-establishment sentiment that overlooks the benefits of structured governance and the achievements of society.

Encouragement for Balanced Perspectives: The episode concludes with a call for listeners to lower the temperature of their political discussions. Marcus urges people to disconnect from online outrage and engage meaningfully with their communities, promoting healthier discourse and civic responsibility.

Educational Disparities: Tripp highlights that men are graduating from college at half the rate of women, which affects their attractiveness in the dating market. He discusses how this creates a smaller dating pool for college-educated women who typically seek similarly educated partners.

Impact of Dating Apps: The speakers note that dating algorithms often lead women to prioritize only a small percentage of available men, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy among less favored men. This contributes to a cycle of frustration and alienation for those men.

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Tripp Johnson

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  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this enlightening episode, Marcus Shumate sits down with Corey Kennedy to discuss the complexities of postpartum depression and the critical importance of support systems for new parents. Corey candidly shares her personal journey through postpartum challenges, highlighting the lessons learned from her first and second experiences. She emphasizes proactive measures, open communication, and the need for workplaces to better accommodate new parents. The conversation is a heartfelt reminder that it’s okay to seek help and that motherhood, while rewarding, often comes with its own set of difficulties. Join us as we explore how to create a more understanding and supportive environment for all parents.

Key Points:
Corey's Personal Journey:
Corey shares her experiences with postpartum depression, detailing the proactive steps she took during her second pregnancy to seek help and support, in contrast to her first experience.

The Importance of Open Communication: Corey emphasizes how discussing her struggles with her husband and support system was crucial for her recovery, allowing her to express her needs and receive the necessary help.

Workplace Education and Support: She advocates for greater awareness among employers about postpartum challenges, stressing the need for flexible work arrangements and gradual transitions back to work to better support new parents.

Normalizing the Challenges of Motherhood: Corey encourages parents to openly discuss the difficulties they face, highlighting the importance of recognizing that both joy and struggle coexist in the journey of motherhood.

Seeking Help as a Sign of Strength: The episode concludes with Corey advising new parents that it’s perfectly okay to ask for help, and that acknowledging the complexities of motherhood is essential for well-being.

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  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

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In this episode, Marcus Shumate and Tripp Johnson dive deep into the world of insurance billing, focusing on the nuances of in-network and out-of-network practices in behavioral health. Tripp shares his insights from transitioning to in-network provider status, discussing the benefits such as increased patient volume and stabilized revenue streams, while also addressing the complexities and challenges faced during the process.

The conversation covers the different billing models—cash pay, out-of-network, and in-network—highlighting how in-network billing can lead to quicker payments and improved access to care. Tripp reflects on their initial missteps, the importance of renegotiating contracts, and the evolving landscape of healthcare insurance. They also touch on future trends, including the potential for AI-driven solutions to streamline billing processes.

Whether you're a healthcare provider or simply curious about insurance billing, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Key Points:

  • In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: The episode explains the differences between in-network and out-of-network providers, focusing on contracts with insurance companies and the impact on costs and billing for patients.
  • Advantages of In-Network Status: There is a discussion about the benefits for behavioral health providers who are in-network, including increased patient access, higher volumes, and better visibility to clients seeking care.
  • Challenges in Contracting: The episode addresses challenges providers face in securing in-network contracts, such as lower reimbursement rates and the time and resources needed for negotiations.
  • Strategies for Securing Contracts: Practical strategies for obtaining in-network status are shared, including understanding the contracting process and building relationships with insurance companies.
  • Impact of AI and Technology: The role of AI and technology in improving billing practices is explored, highlighting how these tools can streamline claims management and enhance revenue cycle efficiency for providers.

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  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/advaitahealth
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advaitahealth
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advaitahealth
  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

View Details

In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive into the heart of a recent natural disaster that struck Western North Carolina. Marcus shares his firsthand experiences, from evacuating his family and helping neighbors without clean water to delivering essential supplies and organizing grassroots relief efforts. The conversation goes beyond the immediate aftermath of the disaster, exploring the deeper lessons learned about civic duty, community resilience, and the importance of practical action over performative responses. They discuss how empathy can sometimes cloud effective decision-making in a crisis and why basic needs like food, water, and shelter are the first steps to addressing mental health in a disaster scenario.

Key Points:

  • Western North Carolina Natural Disaster: Marcus shares the story of how a sudden natural disaster hit Western North Carolina, causing massive flooding, widespread power outages, and infrastructure breakdowns.
  • Emergency Response and Rescue: Marcus and Tripp discussed their hands-on response, including evacuating people, delivering emergency supplies, and setting up generators to power wells for clean water in affected areas.
  • Leveraging Networks for Fundraising and Resources: AIM (Advaita Integrated Medicine) team and community came together to raise funds and deliver supplies. Marcus reflected on the importance of leveraging personal networks during crises.
  • Empathy vs. Utility in Crisis Situations: Marcus highlights the tension between wanting to stay and help versus doing what’s most useful, acknowledging that sometimes leaving to leverage outside resources is more beneficial.
  • The Challenge of Information in Crisis: Poor communication and infrastructure breakdowns led to widespread misinformation, which made relief efforts difficult and caused confusion about the accessibility of Western North Carolina.
  • Reflections on Civic Duty: Both hosts reflected on the importance of civic duty and the impact of coming together as a community to support each other in times of need.
  • Criticism of Performative Actions: They express frustration over performative gestures, like thoughts and prayers or opportunistic marketing from companies during crises, and emphasize the need for genuine, useful action.
  • Polarization During Crises: Disappointment was voiced over how political polarization surfaced, with people outside the disaster zone turning the situation into a political issue when, in reality, the community came together across political divides.

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  • Website: aimwellbeing.com

Tripp Johnson

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson
  • Website: https://www.trippj.com/

View Details

In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate discuss the complexities of running digital ads for healthcare services, their decision to bring digital marketing in-house, and how data plays a crucial role in making informed decisions. They explore the challenges they faced in website traffic, working with marketing agencies, and building data-driven policies for caseload management. The episode dives into aligning operations, marketing, and patient care to deliver world-class healthcare efficiently while reducing costs. They also touch on the importance of pricing transparency in the insurance space and future plans to analyze insurance reimbursement rates across the country.

Key Points:

  • Challenges in running digital ads for healthcare services.
  • Importance of bringing digital marketing in-house to save costs and build internal knowledge.
  • Using data to guide marketing strategies and drive website traffic, prospects, and leads.
  • Misaligned proposals from agencies vs. internal strategies.
  • Caseload management and ensuring patient follow-ups using Power BI reports.
  • Setting clear policies for medical visits and follow-up procedures for better patient care.
  • Data-driven operational decision-making improves patient care and lowers administrative burden.
  • Upcoming transparency in insurance coverage rules and their implications for healthcare providers.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate discuss upcoming changes to Green Hill Transitional Living, exploring a shift from the traditional, transitional living model to a more streamlined, coaching-centric approach. They dive into the challenges of balancing clinical work and day-to-day life coaching while maintaining a patient-centered focus. The discussion also touches on how these changes will lower costs while improving care, emphasizing autonomy and real-world readiness for their clients.

Key Points

  • Transition to a Coaching-Centric Model: Green Hill is shifting from traditional transitional living to a coaching-first approach, reducing hand-holding and focusing on empowering individuals for long-term success.
  • Cost Reduction and Efficiency: The new model will reduce the monthly cost from $8,000 to $5,000 by eliminating unnecessary activities and staff overlap, while still maintaining high-quality coaching and care.
  • Separation of Clinical and Coaching Roles: Clinicians will focus on therapy and mental health management, while recovery coaches will handle day-to-day life skills, goal-setting, and behavioral support.
  • Improving Patient Outcomes: By emphasizing autonomy, clients will be responsible for managing their own transportation, appointments, and daily tasks, helping them prepare for real-world challenges.
  • Family and Systemic Dynamics: The coaching model addresses the need to separate family anxieties from patient care, allowing both clients and their families to work on their individual challenges.
  • Streamlining Operations for Long-Term Sustainability: The shift will allow Green Hill to maintain high-quality services while being financially sustainable, by using data-driven care coordination and focusing on what truly matters for recovery.
  • Collaborative Care: Coaches and clinical staff will continue to collaborate on care, but their roles will be clearly defined to avoid overlap, confusion, and inefficiencies.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive into the complexities and ethics surrounding patient acquisition in healthcare, with a specific focus on digital marketing strategies and the potential pitfalls in hospital systems. They discuss a controversial New York Times article about Acadia’s alleged unethical practices, along with their challenges and reflections in the mental health and substance use treatment space. The conversation ranges from the moral dilemmas of marketing healthcare services to the significance of patient-centered care and the importance of building ethical, sustainable business practices.

  • Discussion of Acadia’s practices and the issue of involuntary commitment (IVC) in psychiatric hospitals.
  • Ethical considerations around patient acquisition, especially within strained hospital systems.
  • The role of mobile assessors and the ethical challenges they present in healthcare.
  • The tension between digital marketing, business development, and maintaining patient-centered care.
  • Reflections on how best to market mental health and substance use disorder services.
  • Insights on Google’s monopoly in the digital marketing space and its effects on healthcare providers.
  • Discussion on the shift from boutique to more scalable, digital strategies in healthcare outreach.

Links:

  • NYT Article on Acadia Healthcare
  • Mission Hospital Lawsuit (NC AG sues HCA)

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson sits down with Kayla Fenty, LCSW, LCAS, a clinical therapist at the Advaita Collective, to discuss the intersection of the criminal justice system and substance use disorder treatment. Kayla shares her journey into social work, highlighting her experiences in different levels of care, from residential to outpatient treatment. They explore the challenges of providing person-centered care within the constraints of policy and insurance systems and the importance of rapport-building in therapy.

Key Points

  • Kayla’s Journey into Therapy: How personal experiences led Kayla to a career in mental health and social work.
  • Joining the Advaita Collective: Kayla’s decision to join the team and how the organization’s culture and flexibility align with her values.
  • Intersection of Criminal Justice and Substance Use Disorder: The impact of incarceration on mental health and substance use treatment.
  • Challenges of Insurance and Policy in Healthcare: How external factors like insurance policies influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
  • Rapport Building in Therapy: The critical role of trust and rapport in effective therapy, especially in substance use treatment.
  • Diversity in Treatment Approaches: Kayla’s use of varied therapeutic methods tailored to individual client needs.
  • The Importance of a Holistic Approach: Addressing the whole person in therapy, including emotional, social, and cultural factors.
  • Advice for Aspiring Social Workers: Encouragement for flexibility and openness to diverse opportunities in the field.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate delve into the financial realities and challenges of providing affordable sober living. They discuss the difficulties in balancing quality care with financial sustainability, the moral complexities of pricing in the behavioral health space, and why delivering affordable, effective sober living is so challenging. The conversation explores the spectrum of sober living options, from low-cost Oxford Houses to high-end transitional living, and examines why the value proposition of these services often breaks down for both providers and families.

Key Points:

  • The Financial Strain of Sober Living: Analysis reveals that their sober living operation is losing significant money each month, highlighting the challenge of making it financially sustainable.
  • Spectrum of Sober Living Options: Discussion on the differences between low-cost peer-led models like Oxford Houses and high-cost transitional living, including the services and value propositions of each.
  • Challenges of High-End Transitional Living: The difficulties in justifying high costs for transitional living and the misaligned incentives that often come with it.
  • Moral Complexities: The emotional and ethical burden on providers when families struggle to afford necessary care, and the potential for burnout among staff.
  • Policy and Market Failures: The need for government intervention and policy changes to make quality sober living accessible and financially viable at scale.
  • Long-Term Planning for Families: Advice for families to consider the long-term costs and potential for ongoing treatment needs, rather than focusing on short-term solutions.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive deep into the challenges and rewards of leading a healthcare organization through growth and transformation. They discuss the recent developments at the Advaita Collective, including the successful on-time and under-budget completion of the Chapel Hill office, and explore the complexities of updating compensation models to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Tripp and Marcus also share insights on maintaining balance amidst work pressures, the importance of clear data in decision-making, and the ongoing quest to solve meaningful healthcare problems. This candid conversation sheds light on the realities of managing a healthcare enterprise and the constant iteration required to stay ahead.

Key Topics:

  • The completion of the Chapel Hill office project
  • Adjusting compensation models in response to market shifts
  • Balancing work demands with personal well-being
  • The role of data in making informed decisions
  • The challenges of applying research in clinical practice
  • The need for more substantive and practical healthcare conferences

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode of Open Source Health, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate sit down with Alp Akdeniz, founder of Netcati (pronounced: neh-jah-tee) Corp and co-founder of FP&Automation, to discuss the critical role of data and analytics in healthcare. Alp shares his journey from finance to data analytics, his work with healthcare companies, and his current collaboration with the Advaita Collective . The conversation covers the challenges of integrating disparate data sources, the foundational work needed before leveraging AI, and the long-term vision for using data to enhance patient care and business efficiency.

Key Points

  • Introduction to Alp Akdeniz: Alp’s background in finance, his transition into data analytics, and his work in healthcare.
  • The Importance of Data Integration: Discussion on the challenges of bringing together different data sources like EHR, HR, and CRM data.
  • Foundational Work Before AI: The necessity of having clean, structured data before AI can be effectively utilized in healthcare.
  • Overcoming Data Silos: Addressing the barriers of data silos and the importance of leadership in driving data initiatives.
  • Practical Applications of Data in Healthcare: Insights on how data can improve patient-provider matching, optimize utilization, and enhance operational efficiency.
  • The Long-Term Vision: Exploring the potential of becoming a leader in healthcare analytics and the possibility of expanding into a SaaS model.
  • Adoption Challenges: The human element in data adoption and the importance of trust in data for effective decision-making.
  • Future of AI in Healthcare: Speculations on the role of AI in transforming healthcare and the practical steps being taken to prepare for it.

About AlpAlp Akdeniz is the founder of Necati Corp, a company specializing in Microsoft Power BI and Data Analytics consulting, and co-founder of FP&Automation, which specializes in Power BI consulting and Enterprise Performance Management Implementations. Alp has a passion for problem-solving and coming up with creative ways to automate using Microsoft technologies. Outside of work, Alp loves to try new restaurants; Japanese is his favorite cuisine. A fun fact is that Alp's family has 50 chickens and four ducks, giving him an endless supply of eggs for breakfast.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp and Marcus are joined by Kristen Poppe for a deep dive into the philosophy of Stoicism and its relevance in modern life. The conversation touches on the resurgence of Stoicism, the distinction between self-improvement and therapeutic work, and the challenges of holding space in therapy. The trio also discusses the weight of identity, the inevitability of death, and the role of authenticity in leadership and life. This candid conversation offers listeners a blend of philosophical insights and practical reflections, making it a thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in mental health, personal growth, and the human condition.

Key Points:

  • Stoicism: The resurgence and accessibility of Stoicism in today's world.
  • Identity and Therapy: Balancing the therapist's role with authenticity.
  • Death and Authenticity: How conversations about death can deepen human connection.
  • Leadership: The pressures and responsibilities of leading with integrity and humanity.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson, CEO, and Marcus Shumate, Growth Director, discuss the challenges and successes of scaling their healthcare practice, particularly the opening of a new Chapel Hill location. They explore the importance of integrating data across their CRM and EHR systems to create a seamless patient journey from the first contact to discharge. Tripp and Marcus dive into the necessity of data literacy within their organization and the steps they’ve taken to ensure that data informs every decision, from patient-provider matching to operational efficiency. The conversation highlights the role of real-time data in improving both patient and provider experiences and the potential for AI to uncover previously hidden correlations that can enhance outcomes.

Key Topics:

  • Challenges of scaling healthcare operations and opening a new location
  • Integrating CRM and EHR data to improve patient and provider experiences
  • The journey from spreadsheets to a centralized data warehouse
  • The importance of data literacy and real-time feedback loops
  • Using data to refine patient-provider matching and operational processes
  • The future of AI in uncovering hidden insights in healthcare data

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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Rebrand alert! Hosts Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate introduce "Open Source Healthcare," a podcast dedicated to transparency and sharing in the healthcare industry. They delve into the rationale behind the rebranding and the mission to openly share their journey, insights, and challenges in transforming healthcare. The discussion highlights the importance of building scalable solutions, the necessity of regulation, and the ethical considerations in for-profit healthcare. The hosts emphasize the value of community, the role of data in improving patient outcomes, and the need for continuous communication within their organization. Future episodes promise deeper dives into specific topics, including policy implications, economic principles in healthcare, and personal stories from their team.

Key Topics:

  • The significance of rebranding to "Open Source Healthcare"
  • The vision of creating a scalable model in healthcare
  • Challenges and benefits of transparency and open sharing in the healthcare industry
  • The role of regulation and ethical considerations in for-profit healthcare
  • Importance of data and patient matching in improving care
  • Building community and continuous communication within the organization
  • Future episode previews and upcoming topics

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive into the complex world of private equity in healthcare, particularly its impact on behavioral health. They explore common myths, the pros and cons of accepting private equity investments, and the implications of these investments on the quality of care. Tripp and Marcus also discuss the intricacies of incentives, personal finance, mental health, and the challenges of delivering high-quality, personalized care in a capitalist society.

Key Topics:

  • Private equity in behavioral health
  • Investors, incentives, and managing expectations
  • Pros and cons of equity financing
  • Balancing growth (access) with quality of care
  • The pursuit of objectivity in behavioral health
  • Ethical decision-making in healthcare management

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, we delve into the dark side of digital marketing within the behavioral health industry. Join us as we explore the predatory practices that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking care, and discuss how our organization strives to align marketing strategies with our core values of integrity and patient-centered care. Learn about the challenges we face, the ethical dilemmas in the marketing landscape, and the steps we are taking to ensure our digital presence genuinely serves those in need. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the importance of ethical marketing in behavioral health.

Key Points:

  • Introduction to predatory marketing practices in behavioral health
  • The role of search engine optimization (SEO) in behavioral health marketing
  • The dangers of misleading advertisements and sales funnels
  • Aligning marketing strategies with ethical practices and patient needs
  • The challenges and benefits of handling digital marketing in-house
  • The future of digital marketing with AI and evolving Google algorithms
  • Advice for other behavioral health marketers

Resources Mentioned:

  • Google's LegitScript certification for substance use treatment ads
  • Tools for understanding and improving SEO
  • HubSpot and YouTube for digital marketing learning
  • ChatGPT for content generation and research

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:23 - Discussion on low-profit margins and ethical challenges
01:26 - SEO and predatory marketing practices
03:00 - The impact of misleading ads on vulnerable individuals
05:00 - Ethical marketing and aligning with patient needs
07:00 - Handling digital marketing in-house
09:00 - The future of digital marketing with AI
11:00 - Advice for other behavioral health marketers

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive into the complexities of healthcare policy, focusing on the recent changes proposed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. They discuss the importance of creating scalable value proposition if you want to have a seat at the table for healthcare policy. Tripp and Marcus share their experiences advocating for changes to policies that would have significantly impacted access to care in the state. They emphasize the need for healthcare providers to be actively involved in policy discussions to drive meaningful change and improve accessibility, quality, and affordability of care.

Key Topics:

  • The significance of having a scalable value proposition in healthcare.
  • Challenges and opportunities in transitioning from boutique private pay to in-network insurance contracts.
  • Recent policy changes by Blue Cross Blue Shield NC and their implications.
  • Advocacy efforts by providers and trade organizations to influence policy.
  • The balance between ethical decision-making and business interests in healthcare.
  • The role of community mental health and its impact on policy and care delivery.
  • Importance of stakeholder engagement and creating value for providers, patients, and payers.

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson dives into Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina's (BCNC) updated policy regarding partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) services for substance use treatment. Tripp outlines the unrealistic requirement for psychiatrists to evaluate every patient within two days of admission and weekly thereafter, highlighting the shortage of psychiatrists in North Carolina. He discusses the potential impacts on treatment providers and patients, and the broader implications for behavioral health care access and quality in the state. Tripp shares his insights on the recent coalition efforts to delay the policy's implementation and the ongoing fight to ensure practical, effective healthcare regulations.

Key Points:

  • Policy Overview: BCBSNC's new requirement for psychiatrists in PHP.
  • Impact: Challenges due to the shortage of psychiatrists.
  • Coalition Efforts: Advocacy to delay and revise the policy.
  • Future Steps: Importance of collaboration between providers, payers, and policymakers.

SIGN THE PETITION TO DELAY PROPOSED CHANGES

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive into the complexities of recruiting medical providers, maintaining organizational values, and navigating the behavioral health landscape. They share candid insights into the challenges and strategies of recruitment, the evolving nature of their pitch, and the importance of values-driven leadership.

Topics Discussed

  • Recruiting efforts and strategies
  • Evolution of the recruiting pitch
  • Values-driven leadership
  • Balancing patient care and operational efficiency
  • Data-driven patient care

Find us on the web:

  • Advaita Integrated Medicine
  • Green Hill Recovery

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In this episode, Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate dive deep into the intricacies of growth within the healthcare industry, specifically focusing on the balance between expansion and maintaining quality care. They explore the often perceived conflict between staying small and intimate versus scaling up to provide broader services and value. Tripp shares his perspective on how growth does not necessarily equate to losing the human touch, drawing from personal experiences and organizational goals at the Advaita Collective.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Dynamics of Growth:

  • Tripp discusses the expected growth of their healthcare practice, anticipating a doubling of both therapists and medical providers within a year.
  • The conversation delves into the perception of growth in healthcare and the tension between expansion and maintaining personalized care.

Human Connection vs. Expansion:

  • Tripp and Marcus examine the notion that growth can lead to a loss of personal connection with clients and staff.
  • Tripp argues that with the right leadership and systems in place, it's possible to scale while preserving the human element of care.

Balancing Culture and Systems:

  • The episode highlights the importance of strong organizational culture and systems to support growth.
  • Tripp emphasizes the need for goal alignment among staff and how this fosters a thriving workplace even as the organization expands.

Institutional Knowledge and Data Integration:

  • The challenges of maintaining institutional knowledge during periods of rapid growth are discussed.
  • Tripp stresses the importance of effective data management and communication systems to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Ethical Considerations and Growth:

  • The ethical implications of growth and the criticism of corporate healthcare are explored.
  • Tripp shares his views on maintaining ethical standards and quality care in a growing organization, countering the negative stereotypes associated with larger healthcare entities.

Future Outlook and Recruitment:

  • Tripp mentions upcoming recruitment efforts for therapists and psychiatric providers as part of their expansion plans.
  • The conversation concludes with a call to action for potential candidates who are passionate about working in an integrated and supportive team environment.

If you're a healthcare professional looking to join a growing, dynamic team that values both human connection and personal growth, reach out at careers@aimwellbeing.com. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry!

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In this inaugural solo episode, I dive into the latest strategies and reflections from the past week at Advaita Health Ventures. Join me as I explore the critical importance of aligning incentives, the challenges of managing a growing team, and our journey toward becoming a data-driven organization. From tackling utilization issues to implementing innovative compensation models, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lessons we've learned and the steps we're taking to scale sustainably.

Topics Covered

  1. Aligning Incentives:
    • The concept of aligning individual goals with organizational goals.
    • Challenges of aligning incentives in a growing company.
    • Strategies implemented: financial incentives, productivity bonuses, and additional PTO options.
  2. Utilization and Data-Driven Decisions:
    • Overview of our approach to data integration and utilization.
    • Benefits of transitioning to a data-driven model.
    • Examples of data-driven improvements in patient care and provider workload management.
  3. Compensation Models and Flexibility:
    • New compensation structures: straight salary, productivity-based pay, and 1099 options.
    • Offering flexibility to providers based on their personal and professional needs.
  4. Recruitment and Team Building:
    • Implementing a referral bonus program to attract top talent.
    • Strategies for identifying and recruiting high-quality candidates.
  5. Learning from Mistakes:
    • Reflecting on a recent hire that didn't work out as planned.
    • Importance of setting up new roles for success and understanding organizational needs.
  6. The Path Forward:
    • Plans for hiring a full-time data analyst.
    • Importance of building a solid data architecture for future growth.
    • Upcoming projects and the excitement of scaling the organization.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aligning incentives is crucial for sustainable growth and employee satisfaction.
  • Becoming a data-driven organization requires a solid data architecture and thoughtful integration.
  • Flexibility in compensation and recruitment can help attract and retain top talent.
  • Continuous learning and adaptation are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

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Join Tripp Johnson and Marcus Shumate as they delve into the intriguing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this episode, they explore the polarizing views on AI adoption, its impact on creativity, and its potential to transform various industries. From the ethical implications to practical applications, Tripp and Marcus provide insightful analogies and real-world examples to discuss how AI is reshaping our lives and work. Tune in to discover why being an early adopter can be both exciting and essential in this rapidly evolving landscape.

More From Tripp

  • Tripp's Blog

Follow the Advaita Collective

  • www.aimwellbeing.com
  • www.greenhillrecovery.com
  • www.advta.ai

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In this episode of Tripp Talks, he delves into the intricacies of healthcare outcomes measures, critiquing the system for boasting of efficacy without foundational substance. With a passion for transparency and reform, Tripp leads the discussion on the need for a shift towards structural and process measures before celebrating outcomes. He dispels common industry illusions and offers an unfiltered perspective on how healthcare can truly work for the benefit of people.

Tripp expresses his frustration with the healthcare industry's current fascination with outcomes measures, arguing that these often self-produced metrics are premature without robust structural and procedural foundations. He underscores the value of organization composition, accreditations, and proper engagement strategies in truly documenting healthcare effectiveness. Later in the dialogue, technological solutions take center stage. The conversation highlights how advancements like sentiment analysis and AI can make healthcare more efficient and patient-friendly, aligning with the ultimate goal of human flourishing.

More From Tripp

  • https://www.trippj.com/blog
  • https://www.trippj.com/newsletter-signup

Follow Tripp

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson88/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson88/
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_uxAu_AapdxSgjupgPCPUQ

Follow the Advaita Collective

  • www.aimwellbeing.com
  • www.greenhillrecovery.com
  • www.advta.ai

Music & Editing

Tyler Ford / By George (www.bandbygeorge.com)

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Behind the Scenes at Advaita Collective," where we pull back the curtain on the inner workings of our behavioral health company. In this episode, our CEO takes you through the latest happenings in the field, gives updates on current projects and initiatives, and introduces you to our newest team members. Dive into our mental model on how to approach challenges and opportunities, and stay tuned for our discussions on current events affecting our sector. From celebrating milestones like Nick's 14-year anniversary with us to discussing the potential impacts of the NC Opioid Settlement and the exciting developments in AI and analytics at advta.ai, this episode is packed with insights. Join us as we explore how all these elements contribute to delivering greater value to our patients and team members.

Timestamps

0:01:52 - Transitioning to Microsoft cloud infrastructure and benefits
0:03:19 - Launching PHP and outpatient detox programs
0:04:43 - Importance of organizational values and their evolution
0:08:45 - Celebrating Nick's 14 years of recovery
0:09:15 - Adapting to changes in treatment field and leveraging technology
0:10:54 - Streamlining reporting and data use for accountability
0:11:22 - Building connections from EHR to Power BI for analytics
0:12:12 - Using Power BI to automate clinical utilization data
0:12:51 - Analyzing prescribing habits and medical data with Power BI
0:14:06 - AI's impact on healthcare and future integration plans
0:15:23 - Phases of innovation initiative: analytics, cloud architecture, AI
0:16:59 - Leveraging AI to streamline healthcare processes and improve patient experiences
0:18:21 - AI as a tool to increase time spent with patients
0:19:34 - Focusing on data analytics and patient-provider relationship in healthcare
0:20:31 - Launching a new website and building custom solutions
0:21:45 - Positioning oneself for success instead of predicting outcomes
0:23:51 - Tripp discusses company's expansion and motivations behind new spaces
0:25:24 - Importance of personalized care and training for therapist team
0:26:26 - Vision of offering primary care and specialized services in the long term
0:26:37 - Progress and impact of Change Healthcare situation
0:27:07 - Cyberattack on Change Healthcare and resulting halt in claim payments
0:28:13 - Optimism about payments picking up, chaos caused by the situation
0:28:55 - Concerns about cybersecurity and data protection
0:30:07 - Criticism of UnitedHealthcare's handling of cyberattack and compensation offer
0:30:35 - Impact of cyberattack on healthcare system and future of cybersecurity
0:31:03 - Company's preparedness and importance of awareness and security measures
0:31:28 - Focus on security in transition away from Google
0:31:56 - Company's presence in Chapel Hill and expansion plans in the area
0:37:14 - Excitement and pride in leading the team


Check out Tripp's Feature on Will White's "Stories from the Field" Podcast

"Tripp Johnson's Journey to Behavioral Healthcare Innovation"

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fKxVJ1k6pYPqiEct3ImFV?si=1012a04c98554909

Discover Tripp's Blogs

https://www.trippj.com/blog

Sign up for Tripp's Newsletter

https://www.trippj.com/newsletter-signup

Follow Tripp:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trippjohnson88/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trippjohnson88/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_uxAu_AapdxSgjupgPCPUQ

Follow the Advaita Collective:

  • www.aimwellbeing.com
  • www.greenhillrecovery.com
  • www.advta.ai

Music & Editing:

  • Tyler Ford / By George (www.bandbygeorge.com)

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From critical race theory to neurodivergence on college campuses, this conversation covers a lot of ground. Tripp sits down with Wesley Wade to discuss the neurodivergent college experience, resources available, and Wes’s experience in higher education. Topics covered include:

  • Cultivating a health social media diet
  • The role of history in determining our future
  • Health insurance + for-profit healthcare (and therapy)
  • Individualism vs. collectivism
  • Identity-first vs. person-first language
  • The neurodivergent student experience

Wesley Jackson Wade is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a licensed clinical addictions specialist, a certified clinical mental health counselor, and a national certified counselor. He is the owner and operator of Forward Counseling & Consulting, a small consulting and private counseling practice in NC. Wesley holds a bachelor’s degree from NC State University, two master’s degrees from North Carolina Central University–one in clinical mental health counseling and another in career counseling– and he is currently working on a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, & Human Development with a concentration in Counseling and Counselor. Wesley has 9+ years of industry experience, 7+ years of higher education experience, and enjoys teaching, writing, navigating difficult conversations, and leading large-scale complex projects. Wesley is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion with a passion for matters of race, gender, neurodiversity, and disability.

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In this week’s episode, Tripp sits down with Michael Gilpin of Alpha 180 to hear more about his journey from college dropout to a Chapel Hill graduate. Gilpin shares about how his personal collegiate recovery experience led him to work in the recovery field.

Here are some highlights that Tripp & Michael cover:

  • Gilpin’s personal collegiate recovery journey
  • The landscape of working in the substance abuse/recovery field
  • How Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is relevant to collegiate mental health
  • What role do insurance companies play in making mental health care prohibitive?
  • What role do colleges play in the collegiate mental health crisis? Is it their responsibility?

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In this week’s episode, Tripp talks with Dr. Hendree Jones. Dr. Jones is a research and clinical psychologist, an internationally recognized leader in behavioral health, and a mother to a college freshman. This wide-ranging conversation

Here’s a glimpse at what Tripp and Hendree cover:

  • The importance of integrated care: treating both mental and physical health in one system
  • COVID’s role in creating “two freshman classes” and how that’s increasing mental health issues on campuses throughout the country
  • Increased social isolation due to COVID and how
  • The spike in mental health diagnoses and campus emergencies
  • Social media’s impact on college students
  • The importance of connection between parents and students
  • Behavioral signs a student is struggling with mental health
  • The importance of keeping open lines of communication and avoiding blaming and shaming
  • The urgency colleges and universities should feel towards addressing student mental health
  • The role of connection in retaining clinicians in collegiate environments

Dr. Hendree Jones is a research and clinical psychologist. She serves as the Executive Director of UNC-Horizons, and she’s an internationally recognized expert in behavioral and pharmacologic treatments for pregnant women and their children. Dr. Jones has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1994, has over 200 peer-reviewed publications, and has authored two books. Dr. Jones is an advisor to the UN, WHO, SAMHSA, ASAM, and ACOG through which she consults throughout the United States and abroad.

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In this week’s episode, Tripp sits down and talks with Joanna Lilley. Joanna is a Therapeutic Consultant and works with individuals and families who are often leaving higher education to receive treatment for mental health and substance use. Joanna started her career in higher education counseling and ended up leaving, partially due to the inability to serve students in the most meaningful and impactful ways.

Here’s a glimpse and what Tripp and Joanna cover:

  • Joanna’s journey from higher ed counseling to therapeutic consulting
  • The dark side of “student retention”
  • The role of a therapeutic consultant in a young adults journey to wellness
  • How college campuses are ill-equipped to respond to the de-stigmatization of mental health concerns
  • How “helicopter parenting” leaves young adults unprepared to navigate struggles in college
  • College isn’t going anywhere - you don’t have to have a linear path to be “successful”

Since 2016, Joanna Lilley of Lilley Consulting has been helping families and young adults find treatment options during a time of transition or crisis. Joanna dedicates herself to working solely with emerging adults who unravel before going to college, when they land on a college campus, or after college graduation. She is also the host of the Success is Subjective podcast, co-founder of the College Parent Survival Network, and a squeaky wheel about the mental health epidemic in higher education. To learn more about Joanna and her work, follow the links below.

Website PodcastFacebookLinkedInInstagram

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In this week’s episode, Tripp interviews UNC-Chapel Hill graduate student Gabi Herter. Gabi is currently completing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in health policy. She is particularly interested in improving the accessibility of mental health services, such as peer support centers, on campuses across the nation. After Gabi faced mental health concerns of her own and struggled in finding accessible resources, she realized the gravity of the crisis that she was not alone in facing. Having grown up and completed her undergraduate degree in Canada, Gabi also offers some unique perspectives on how the collegiate mental health resources differ, all while leading listeners to a much bigger conversation- what is the solution?

**Gabriella Herter is a Graduate student at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, currently completing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. Before attending UNC-CH, Gabriella attended Queen’s University located in Kingston, Ontario, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Studies and Sociology and completed a Certificate of Law. Gabriella hopes to apply the knowledge and skills she has gained from her professional and personal experiences with the U.S. and Canadian Health Care Systems to improve how we address Mental Health and Wellbeing in the United States. Gabriella enjoys baking, hiking with her dog, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops in her free time.

To learn more about Advaita Integrated Medicine, visit www.aimwellbeing.com**

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Welcome to Season 2 of the Business of Human Flourishing Podcast, a series that addresses the growing mental health crisis on college campuses nationwide. In this episode, Tripp and Jake discuss the unmet need for mental health services and support and the challenges campus communities face with the current model of care.

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How did Tripp trick Jake into starting two companies at once (while running a third?) The partners discuss why they’re choosing to bet on themselves and how increased credibility gives them the confidence to do so.

In the final episode of season one, Tripp sits down with Jake to discuss the growth rollercoaster they’ve been riding. This is one of those glimpses into the “sausage-making” process that is social entrepreneurship. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges entrepreneurs face when they decide to bootstrap growth and shows how they’ve gotten comfortable knowing there isn’t one “right way” to do things.

How do you go from a startup where its “all hands on deck” to a mature organization? In the early days of a company, there is always too much work and not enough time–everyone pitches in to knock out the most pressing items. As a company matures, leaders must carve out specific roles and responsibilities to provide clarity to team members. This process repeats itself over and over as the organization grows. It’s an imperfect process that can feel chaotic and overwhelming. In this episode Jake and Tripp discuss how they are running a mature organization, Green Hill, and a startup organization, AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine, while all the while trying to launch a much, much larger company.

Here’s a glimpse at what we covered in the Partner Corner Episodes of season one.

  • Fundraising versus bootstrapping
  • Bootstrapping a new company from existing infrastructure (and the associated growing pains)
  • Why can’t Jake seem credible to mentors because of how he’s running the finance department?
  • How credibility decreases the riskiness of financial decisions
  • The importance of building a network of partners -- bankers, advisors, accountants -- to help make better decisions
  • Which business functions are being moved from Green Hill up to the parent company, Advaita Health Ventures?
  • The importance of leaving ego at the door

Green Hill Recovery: www.greenhillrecovery.com

AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine: www.aimwellbeing.com

Advaita Health Ventures: www.advaitaventures.com

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From working with refugees in Houston and El Salvador to working in community mental health and the “NATSAP World”, Daniel Fishburn has dedicated his life to serving others.  He’s been a mentor, colleague and friend of mine for years, so I was super excited to have him on the podcast! 

Here’s a bit of what we covered in this episode:

  • Pros and cons of for-profit vs. not-for-profit healthcare and treatment
  • Human-centered capitalism
  • The journey from addiction to recovery
  • Spirituality in life and leadership
  • The stories we tell ourselves
  • Employee retention vs. team development and the role of a leader
  • The concept of ‘no-self’ and how it pertains to leadership
  • The good, the bad, and the ugly of NATSAP

This was a super wide ranging episode -- hope you enjoy listening! 

Daniel Fishburn is a licensed clinical social worker, leader in recovery, and former CEO with a longstanding background in wilderness therapy programs and hands-on service to marginalized populations in the United States and abroad. He recently opened his private practice, DBF Counseling, in Asheville, NC. To learn more about Daniel check out his website: https://dbfcounseling.com/. 

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Tripp and Jake introduce their latest venture, Adviata Integrated Medicine (AIM), in this week's episode. Since they've been building out a substance use disorder treatment program for the past several years and want to provide the best possible treatment, AIM started as a way to offer psychiatry in-house. The practice will include psychiatric, therapeutic, and primary services.

The partners saw a need in the health care ecosystem for a practice model that provides deeper, more holistic treatment options than the standard "here's a pill, see you later" approach to mental health treatment, and were able to leverage their network to organically cultivate a talented team committed to creating the change they'd like to see in the healthcare system.

Adviata Integrated Medicine launches on November 15, 2021 in Raleigh, NC.

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In this installment of the Partner Corner, Tripp and Jake discuss the pitfalls of leadership and how being wrong can provide an opportunity to see values in action. As they get ready to launch Advaita Health Ventures, the partners talk about how they are meeting their goals and how the simple act of dressing for the workday can impact their productivity.  Tripp and Jake explore how organizational choices and time management on a personal level translate to the overall success of their team and how those intentional actions impact the communities they serve.

www.advaitaventures.com

www.greenhillrecovery.com

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As SAS’ National Director of Behavioral Health and Whole Person Care, Dr. Josh Morgan helps public sector health agencies use data and analytics to support a person-centered approach to improving health outcomes. SAS is a company that develops and markets a suite of analytics software, which helps access, manage, analyze and report on data to aid in decision-making. 

A licensed psychologist, Dr. Morgan was previously San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health’s Chief of Behavioral Health Informatics. His clinical work includes adolescent self-injury, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, psychiatric inpatient units, and university counseling centers.

Dr. Morgan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

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Tripp and Nico are competitors on paper. Their respective companies, Green Hill and Alpha 180, basically do the same thing, yet they struck up a friendship built on mutual admiration and respect. In this episode, they talk about the challenges of leading an organization, the importance of having mentors, the best ways to cultivate a healthy company culture, and how to prioritize intentional time with family.

Nico Doorn, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of Alpha 180, a Transitional Living Program and outpatient treatment provider for young men in downtown Austin, Texas. He was born in the Netherlands, grew up in Raleigh, NC, and entered recovery in Nashville, TN. He has a master's in education in human development studies with a focus on clinical mental health counseling. Nico brings over a decade of experience in the addiction and recovery field and has worked in various settings, from residential treatment to collegiate recovery. When he's not working, you can find Nico going for a run, hanging out with his family, and playing disc golf. 

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In today's episode, Tripp sits down with Green Hill Recovery's Clinical Outreach Director, Marcus Shumate, about philosophy, the culture of organizations, the status of clinical mental healthcare, and ways to reverse-engineer Eudaimonia, the condition of human flourishing.

Marcus Shumate, LCMHC, LCAS, is a North Carolina native and grew up in the Eastern part of the state. He has functioned in various clinical roles and provided individual therapy, family counseling, group counseling, and supervised staff professional development. Through that process, he has developed a passion for linking systems of care to provide the best care. In addition, he has deep-rooted interests in human flourishing that began in his undergraduate experience when he was first introduced to different texts from classical philosophy.

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In today's episode, Tripp illustrates the challenges we face as we disrupt and transform the current healthcare system. In the United States, between 1960 and 2019, our healthcare spend has gone from 5% of our GDP to 19% of our GDP. However, in the past few years, we've seen a decrease in lifespan, which is likely accompanied by a decrease in the overall health of many populations. Tripp attributes this problem to a stagnant model of healthcare that fragments patient access to services, ignores the social determinants of health, and relies on outdated systems of data collection and provider education.

Listen as Tripp proposes ways to reduce healthcare spending and promote human flourishing by integrating care, promoting value-based reimbursement, standardizing interoperable data, and ensuring that members of the healthcare field becoming flexible thinkers with an interdisciplinary set of skills.

Visit advaitaventures.com to join our mailing list and receive the slides from Tripp's presentation to SAS and drop him a line at info@advaitaventures.com to ask questions and give feedback.

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In BoHF's third installment of Partner Corner, Tripp and Jake recount their recent adventures and travels, pitching proposals across the country and discovering more about their newest healthcare venture while facing the challenges of an extremely hectic covid-era weekend of airline travel. Tripp and Jake debrief on what went right under understandably frustrating circumstances, and celebrate how maintaining kindness and integrity in stressful moments can help steer events toward success for everyone involved.

Later on, the partners detail their latest healthcare and wellness ventures, Advaita Integrated Medicine (AIM) and EduCare, start-ups focused on providing solutions and promoting sustained healthcare support while remaining flexible as organizational Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) ebb and flow.

Learn more at:
www.advaitaventures.com
www.advaitaintegratedmedicine.com

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In this episode of the pod, Tripp talks with David Meeker, a real estate entrepreneur and active board member of several Raleigh, NC, area non-profits. In their conversation, David shares how the right decision that serves the community can, contrary to popular belief, often be the best business decision.

David prioritizes a commitment to the Raleigh community and fosters professional relationships that are based on shared values. He works with several organizations to combat gerrymandering, serves on the board of Healing Transitions, worked to implement a fare-free bus system, and continues to work toward safe and sustainable transportation infrastructure for Raleigh's future.

He shares a few key pieces of wisdom with Tripp about maintaining work/life balance while financially succeeding, prioritizing your family, and being an active and impactful member of your community.

A Raleigh native, David Meeker founded Carpenter Development and partnered with the Trophy Brewing team in 2008. He has made every mistake in the world, lived to tell about it, and has invaluable development experience because of that. David is on the Board of the Raleigh Chamber, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Common Cause NC, North Carolinians for Redistricting Reform, Dix Park, Dogwood Bank Advisory Board, and Artspace. He is also on the Capital Campaign Committee for Healing Transitions, a detox and recovery center on Dix Park. David lives in Downtown Raleigh with his wife and two boys.

David Meeker on Twitter
Carpenter Development GroupKindness Reigns in Raleigh During Covid-19

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Listen in to hear Tripp chat with his business partner, Jake, about the current state of Green Hill, Advaita Integrated Medicine, and all they have in store for the future. From raising capital to operating at scale, Tripp and Jake share their insights from their personal experiences with Green Hill Recovery.

The discussion also moves into the realm of conscious capitalism and what that means in the context of doing good in the world.

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In this episode of the pod, Tripp talks with Shan Foster about health masculinity, the imperative of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the corporate world, and how they have both grappled with 'wearing masks' in different situations.

Shan Foster is a former professional basketball player, SEC player of the year in 2009, and all-time leading scorer at Vanderbilt University where he graduated. He is currently the VP of external affairs at the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, and the Executive Director of the AMEND Together Initiative, a program dedicated to preventing violence against women and girls by educating young men on these issues. Additionally, Shan is on the board of numerous organizations which help increase access to education and teach healthy masculinity and the author of his memoir, "What Hurt Didn't Hinder".

Tripp and Shan both enjoy using their 'hyper masculine' experiences -- professional basketball and military service -- to help others navigate the complexity associated with healthy masculinity. They met with Shan presented at a CEO leadership group, Vistage Worldwide, and Tripp knew he wanted to amplify Shan's message.

Links for Shan:

  • Fostering Healthy Solutions: www.fosteringhealthysolutions.com
  • Twitter: @shanfoster_32

Links for Tripp:

  • Green Hill Recovery: www.greenhillrecovery.com
  • AIM: Advaita Integrated Medicine: www.aimwellcare.com
  • Advaita Health Ventures: www.advaitaventures.com

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How’d they go from the screw-ups at West Point to successful entrepreneurs? They’ve both been in bad business partnerships, so what’s the “secret sauce” in their current partnership? Jake’s initially consulted with Tripp on how to end a toxic partnership. They then decided to go into business together. Why did Tripp think things would be different with Jake?

Life integration is a big deal for Jake and Tripp. Listen to Jake’s story about how integrating recovery into all aspects of life helped him live to the fullest. 

Partnership Success Tips:

  • Mutual respect and admiration
  • No scorekeeping - trust the other person
  • Screw yourself before screwing your partner
  • Find complementary skill sets - yin and yang
  • Alignment starts from shared values

Entrepreneurship Tips

  • Find mentors and other entrepreneurs to talk to
  • Default to action - don’t overthink it
  • Fail fast, fail forward

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In this episode, Tripp and Michael discuss the pros and cons of for-profit healthcare. Ultimately, they believe that the healthcare system needs to be  (1) more affordable, (2) more accessible, and (3) higher quality.

While corporate structure matters, what's most important is the alignment of incentives. The current fee-for-service model pits payers (insurance companies and the government) against providers in a zero-sum game. What's the solution? It's value-based reimbursement -- a heavy, but necessary lift. 

Just because a company is structured as a not-for-profit, it doesn't mean that they are more ethical. CEOs of not-for-profits are not immune to short-term, myopic thinking. 

To be clear, we believe that everyone has a right to affordable, quality healthcare. We're working within the confines of commercial and government insurance while also attempting to disrupt the status-quo. More on the disruption when we discuss value-based reimbursement and the social determinants of health...

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Meet Tripp Johnson & Michael O'Sullivan as they begin their journey exploring the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the human experience. Business of Human Flourishing explores the intersection of economy, healthcare, education, and business and asks how we can work together to create a better world.

Business of Human Flourishing Podcast (BoHF) delves into issues in the healthcare, education, technology, and social entrepreneurship industries, examining how those issues impact our ability to be the best versions of ourselves. The creators of BoHF are dedicated to exploring how businesses rooted in healthcare, education, and technology can be used as a force to increase human flourishing.