Public Health Joy!: Recent Episodes
Joyee Washington
The Public Health Joy podcast is the safe space where we help public health professionals to serve, educate and build healthier communities. The host is Dr. Joyee, a community health education and research consultant who helps early career public health professionals transform skills, education, and research into life-changing public health programs bringing joy to the communities you serve. We do more than public health, we bring joy to public health.
Researchers can often be disconnected from reality, but preserving the dignity of your community members is paramount to a people-first research process.
Dr. Rodney Washington is a retired Associate Professor of Early Education and Population Health Science and currently owns Consulting Plus, a health and educational consulting foundation improving health and educational outcomes for communities experiencing high-poverty.
During this episode, he joins us to share his insights on building relationships by applying cultural sensitivity and serving the community while conducting research. More specifically, we speak about his experiences in Mississippi and why he chooses to stay in his hometown and conduct research with the folks who live there.
Join us as Dr. Washington shares key insights on how to honor and respect communities when conducting research, and more. Thanks for listening!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Hello and welcome to Dr. Rodney Washington, public health academic and owner of Consulting Plus. [01:24]
- What he enjoys about the work in Mississippi and how he approaches mentoring others. [03:28]
- Structuring research in a way that gives dignity to the subjects in question. [07:26]
- Building relationships during the research process. [11:03]
- Dr. Washington’s experience of the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leadership Program. [12:34]
- The mindset shift required to prioritize what communities need over what is necessary for the research. [16:22]
- Countering misinformation in real-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. [19:41]
- Why this work is important and what it can really do for the community. [22:33]
- What brings joy to Dr. Washington’s work. [28:54]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Today on The Public Health Joy Podcast, we speak to Dr. Mary Davis, Lead Evaluation Specialist at Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance, about the importance of the human element in the evolution of public health research and evaluation.
Dr. Davis has extensive experience with all aspects of public health applied research and evaluation and has provided evaluation capacity-building assistance to a variety of organizations. In this episode, she joins us to reflect on how the mindset and language in applied research, evaluation, and technical assistance training have changed since she joined the field and why people are no longer viewed simply as data points.
Tuning in, you’ll learn why the “human element” is as valid as quantitative data, why relationships are an essential part of research, and how to demonstrate the importance of these things to relevant decision-makers, particularly when it comes to funding. We also touch on the critical role of diversity, Dr. Davis’ advice for the next generation of researchers and evaluators, and much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
- The evolution Dr. Davis has witnessed in public health research and evaluation. [02:31]
- Reasons that the human element is just as important as quantitative data. [04:29]
- The critical role that relationships play in public health research. [08:42]
- Keys to ensuring that funding is equitable and beneficial for communities. [11:17]
- How to determine whether an evaluation is relevant to the end user. [15:41]
- Creative and innovative ways to demonstrate the importance of relationship building to decision-makers. [18:55]
- Training the next generation of researchers and evaluators through an equity lens. [21:40]
- Why diversity is important for public health faculty and students, research groups, and the communities they serve. [26:18]
- Dr. Davis’ advice for emerging evaluators looking to make a meaningful impact. [32:35]
- How mentoring the next generation of public health professionals brings her joy. [35:08]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and leave a comment. For more transcripts, show notes and more visit https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Welcome back to your safe space for having honest conversations about what it takes to transform public health research into life-changing solutions for communities. Being an entrepreneur in public health requires a certain drive, a specific skill set, and a well-grounded understanding of what it means to engage communities in order to elevate them. Dr. Charlotte Huntley has all of the above, and as Dr. Washington’s mentor in public health, she joins us today to share her thoughts on the importance of creating specific solutions that revolve around a community and its people.
Dr. Huntley holds a Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology, a Master of Public Health, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Administration. She transitioned into public health after working many years in healthcare as a medical technologist in hospital laboratories, specializing in diagnostic microbiology and infectious diseases.
Dr. Huntley spearheads today’s conversation as we explore the importance of understanding the transferability of one's skills, what community-engaged work actually entails, how to find the right community partners, and why building relationships within a community is the best foundation for transformation. We also reexamine what it means to have an equity mindset, why difficult conversations are vital, and how joy can always be found in both the process and the result.
Key Points From This Episode:
- How Dr. Charlotte Huntley became an entrepreneur in public health. [02:52]
- Dr. Washington’s NASA confession. [07:40]
- The importance of understanding the transferability of your skillset. [09:48]
- Gaining a better understanding of community-involved work. [13:50]
- How to find the right partners/organizations for community-engaged work. [21:51]
- The power of building community relationships and allowing those voices to be heard. [25:17]
- Defining equity, why it matters, and how to build an equity mindset. [28:18]
- Why having difficult conversations should be mandatory and not optional. [33:15]
- The goal of bringing more joy to communities, and how joy can also be found in the process of getting to the solution. [34:30]
- What brings Dr. Huntley joy in her work. [35:55]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more, visit https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
As Benjamin Franklin once said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Preparation is such an important piece of Public Health work and during this episode, we are joined by a passionate professional supporting entrepreneurs through planning and organizational support.
Chelsea Yvanda is the Public Health Virtual Assistant. After completing her Master of Public Health and working in the space for a decade, she recognized the need for administrative and operational support for those in a similar field. Today, she brings her knack for organization and her innovative approach to making life simple to Public Health entrepreneurs scaling their businesses.
Join us as Chelsea shares how her work supports her clients and the joy that she derives from creating the back-end efficiency necessary for them to truly make an impact. Thanks for listening!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing Chelsea Yvanda and her lifelong relationship with working in Public Health. [01:03]
- Her main goal in creating efficiency for Public Health Entrepreneurs and how she goes about achieving it. [08:55]
- How the Virtual Collab process supports clients in an ever-changing context. [13:48]
- Why planning and creating processes is such an essential ingredient for success. [17:55]
- What the true barriers to outsourcing and systemizing are. [22:16]
- Project management, financial management, and social media tools entrepreneurs should be aware of. [24:50]
- How automating processes facilitates building relationships. [26:58]
- The joy that Chelsea derives from working with her clients. [30:32]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Join Dr. Joyee for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of righteousness in public health research.
In this episode, she delves into the importance of integrity, honesty, and humility in driving positive impact and equity. From challenging the status quo to embracing discomfort, we explore how righteousness guides our decisions and shapes our journey in the world of public health research.
Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on creating meaningful change in our communities.
Key Points:
· Dr. Joyee seeks to position herself and her business for long-term success while navigating part-time jobs. [2:35]
· Dr. Joyee grapples with work-life balance, decides to quit last part-time job to become full-time entrepreneur. [5:09]
· Dr. Joyee reflects on personal growth through difficult decision to prioritize business over other aspects of life. [10:40]
· Dr. Joyee emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making in public health research. [16:15]
· Dr. Joyee emphasizes righteousness in public health research, including integrity, transparency, humility, and community-centered approach. [19:36]
· Dr. Joyee emphasizes pursuing justice and equity in public health research. [22:13]
For episode details:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
As a community health educator, today’s guest shines a light on Black women’s sexual health by giving a voice to issues that are often faced but rarely talked about.
Dr. Shemeka Thorpe is an award-winning sexuality educator, researcher, and international speaker whose research focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women using sex-positive and pleasure-centered frameworks. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, was listed by Buzzfeed as one of the Top 20 Black sexologists you should follow in 2023, and has been featured on numerous podcasts, online magazines, and blogs including Cosmo, Elite Daily, and Essence.
As you’ll discover in this episode, Dr. Thorpe aims to make research relevant to Black communities by translating sex science in meaningful and tangible ways. Join us as we discuss the importance of comprehensive sex education that includes pleasure, how sexual freedom can enable people to make better choices, why community members should be considered researchers, and some of the ways that Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work and leads the way for those who come after her, plus so much more!
Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to Dr. Thorpe and her focus on sexual pleasure, pain, and freedom. [02:07]
- Overcoming barriers to comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptives. [05:58]
- Insight into Dr. Thorpe’s community-based participatory research on sexual health. [08:55]
- The importance of storytelling and how sexual freedom can influence our choices. [13:25]
- How Dr. Thorpe makes her research more relevant and accessible for everyone. [17:44]
- Community members are researchers: why community advisory boards are essential. [19:32]
- The systems that often prevent researchers from doing adequate community work. [27:19]
- Why bringing joy to academia is crucial and where Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work. [29:36]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
If you work in public health, then you are no doubt aware that, statistically, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from birth-related complications than their white counterparts.
And while it’s important to understand the reasons behind these unacceptable and heartbreaking numbers, the more pressing question is: what is being done about it?
Joining Dr. Joyee Washington on the podcast today is her friend and colleague, Dr. Nakeitra Burse to talk about how they, and other Black women like themselves, are working to improve maternal and health equity in Mississippi — the place they call home.
Dr. Burse is the CEO of Six Dimensions, a public health consulting company that aims to create strategic, sustainable, and innovative solutions in public health with a focus on health equity and social justice. She is also a Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader.
We use today’s conversation with Dr. Burse to delve into the state of Maternal health in Mississippi, the importance of building greater health equity, and the work being done by, and for, communities in Mississippi. You’ll also learn about Six Dimensions’ training, development, and outreach programs; what equity looks like in everyday practice; how we can do research that prioritizes communities, not just academics; and much more.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Nakeitra Burse, the focus of her work, and how she founded her public health consulting company, Six Dimensions. [0:29]
- Why Six Dimensions is transitioning into becoming a nonprofit. [02:19]
- An overview of Six Dimensions’ Health and Racial Equity in Maternal Care course and their outreach efforts. [03:41]
- Why Dr. Burse chose to stay, work, and live in Mississippi. [06:49]
- Asking what equity looks like in everyday practice and taking the steps to build it. [10:37]
- Visiting the Two Mississippi Museums, the history depicted there, and how it relates to public health equity. [15:51]
- Maternal health in Mississippi and how Dr. Burse got started working in this area. [19:50]
- The healthcare solutions that are being driven by Black women in Mississippi. [25:58]
- Protecting your community when research is being done. [27:47]
- What brings Dr. Burse joy in her work: seeing Black women happy and safe in their births, pregnancies, and maternal health care outcomes. [31:53]
- Where you can find Six Dimensions online and details on their upcoming 5K walk. [34:10]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Traditionally, there are a number of power imbalances that exist between foundations and nonprofits in the public health space, but trust-based philanthropy involves creating and sustaining more collaborative, transparent, and holistic partnerships between grantmakers and grantees.
To help us explore how we can reimagine funding, power, and research through trust-based philanthropy to drive positive impact and health equity, we are joined by Dr. Rachel Powell, a passionate public health professional, consultant, educator, and qualitative researcher trained in culturally responsive and equitable evaluation. Dr. Powell has more than a decade of public health experience, working with both federal and local government, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions alike.
In this episode, she highlights the importance of building authentic partnerships with donors and explains why it’s going to take time to see more culturally responsive, equitable, and trust-based practices. We also touch on the value of self-evaluation, a strong focus on community, seeing the work we do through a cultural lens, and much more! For a fascinating (and joyful) conversation with someone who is committed to equitable, accessible, and community-centered solutions to drive social change, tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Dr. Powell introduces herself and emphasizes the importance of a cultural lens. [02:44]
- Defining trust-based philanthropy and the role it plays in public health. [04:56]
- Equitable considerations about the RFP (request for proposal) process. [14:17]
- Debunking some common criticisms of trust-based philanthropy. [17:40]
- Reasons that building authentic partnerships with funders is crucial. [19:29]
- Rethinking power dynamics: why it’s important to challenge donors and institutions. [22:49]
- Highlighting the value of self-evaluation, transparency, and open communication. [26:01]
- The patience needed to see true change and resources to help you take the next step. [27:37]
- Intention versus impact: issues that can accompany academic partnerships. [33:57]
- Why pushing organizations to focus on community brings Dr. Powell joy. [36:56]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Research is often a dirty word in communities. The harm caused by academic researchers can only be counteracted by building trust and relationships in an authentic way. And that doesn't mean just offering a gift card for all their data! It means prioritizing the strengths and needs of communities in addition to fairly compensating them for their time.
Today we are joined by The Community Lady herself, Ms. Ede Crittle – a seasoned professional in community engagement, partnership development, and coalition building. With over 20 years of experience, Ede's passion for grassroots organizations as the foundation for change has led her to promote equitable health through research partnerships since 2011.
In today’s conversation, the John Hopkins’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award recipient walks us through her professional background, how she gained her affectionate nickname, and a rundown of Project E-RACE and the other work she’s currently involved in. Then, we dive into how she is building relationships between communities and academic researchers, what true partnership looks like, and we discuss why academic researchers need to better understand the role and power of communities. To end, Ede walks us through her Beyond the Gift Card community conversation series, and we discover why she’s at her happiest when the people around her are working together.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing The Community Lady herself, Ms. Ede Crittle. [01:04]
- Ede’s professional background and the work she’s currently involved in (Project E-RACE). [02:02]
- How she became ‘The Community Lady’. [03:35]
- Taking a closer look at how to improve research in community-based organizations. [06:40]
- The difference between community-based and community-driven research. [13:20]
- Exploring the relationship between academic researchers and their community partners. [15:20]
- The ins and outs of Ede’s Beyond the Gift Card community conversation series. [20:14]
- What brings her joy in her work. [25:50]
- More details on Project E-RACE. [26:28]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
The sooner we acknowledge that public health issues are linked to urban planning, community building, racism, and epigenetics, the sooner we can solve public health crises across the world!
Today on The Public Health Joy Podcast, we are joined by the founder and CEO of Deep Consultants, urban planning scholar, and TED Talk alumnus, Dr. Deepika Andavarapu. Dr. Andavarapu is a strategic systems thinker designing long-term solutions in public health with an emphasis on results and measuring impact.
In this episode, you will hear all about our guest’s background, how urban planning and public health go hand-in-hand, the importance of community-driven decision-making, and so much more! We delve into Dr. Andavarapu’s TED Talk and the resilience of communities before discussing why we need to move away from the medical model in the public health system. Dr. Andavarapu even explains why race and racism are a massive public health crisis. Finally, she tells us what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and even get a bit of insight into the incredible WE Public Health organization, tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Deepika Andavarapu, and a bit about WE Public Health. [0:01:03]
- Dr. Andavarapu explains the connection between urban planning and public health. [0:05:41]
- The importance of involving the voice of the community when finding sustainable solutions. [0:08:59]
- What Dr. Andavarapu’s TED Talk was about and the three levels of social capital. [0:18:22]
- Why we need to move beyond the medical model in the public health system. [0:26:28]
- The effect that race and generational racism have on public health crises and why that needs to be recognized. [0:30:00]
- The importance of having a mindset shift in order to make true changes in public health. [0:36:55]
- Dr. Andavarapu tells us what brings her joy in her work. [0:39:01]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Many of us have experienced a pivotal moment in our lives where we couldn’t just keep talking, we had to take action. And sometimes the best way to ensure action takes place is to enlist the help of your community, rather than attempt to go at it alone. Such was the experience of Jennifer McKeever, Founder and Managing Partner of WE Public Health, a growing collective of women consultants, all of whom are committed to making a difference in their profession.
In today’s episode, we talk with Jennifer about the founding of WE Public Health, why she did so with a collective of brilliant women, and how they have set about supporting others in their profession. We discuss the many challenges women face, from the racism experienced by women of color to overall sexism, and why WE Public Health is dedicated to the idea of allowing women to lead on their own terms.
Jennifer also expands on how they run their operations at WE Public Health, the effort being made to truly embrace the cooperative model, how this sets them apart, and why our current systems make cooperatives so difficult. To hear the full scope of all the incredible things happening at WE Public Health, be sure to tune in to this important conversation!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Get to know our guest, Jennifer McKeever. [0:55]
- How Jennifer and a collective of women first conceptualized WE Public Health. [02:25]
- Why so many women are making the transition to a solopreneurship. [04:30]
- How WE Public Health helps support women in the public health profession. [05:30]
- What Jennifer learned from initiating a collective of consultants. [06:51]
- An overview of what makes WE Public Health unique in its operations. [08:35]
- The cooperative spirit at the heart of their organization; why they are committed to it despite the challenges. [10:38]
- Why Jennifer is consistently blown away by the untapped talent in public health. [15:21]
- How different backgrounds and lived experiences contribute to public health work. [17:08]
- The story of how Jennifer was first introduced to public health as a profession. [18:41]
- Why you can’t have an optimal outcome if you don’t have good processes and relationships. [24:11]
- Unpacking how WE Public Health builds robust, lasting relationships between collaborators, consultants, and clients. [25:18]
- Insight into WE Public Health’s tailored approach to consulting. [0:30:46]
- Jennifer shares what brings her joy in her work and how you can get in touch. [32:42]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Welcome to a fresh year and a brand new season filled with exciting expectations! In season 3, we're diving into the theme of "Exponential Growth."
In this premiere episode, we explore what's on the horizon for Season 3, the innovative challenges Dr. Joyee is embracing for personal and professional development, and strategies for setting expectations and creating plans to catalyze positive impacts in your community.
Tune in as we navigate the path to a future of enhanced public health research, focusing on sustainable solutions, community well-being, and health equity.
Key Points:
0:05 Preparing for exponential growth in public health research.
4:17 Personal growth and self-care in 2024.
7:56 Slow and steady growth vs. exponential growth in business and personal life.
13:55 Preparing for exponential growth in public health research.
18:19 3 key steps for planning for exponential growth in public health research
23:39 What to expect in season 3 of the podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Challenges we face as public health researchers and professionals can often feel like a mountain. How do we overcome these challenges? We have to learn how to move the mountains.
Join Dr. Joyee on a transformative journey in the season 2 finale of The Public Health Joy Podcast, where she shares invaluable insights gained from overcoming hurdles in public health research. From navigating technical glitches to personal struggles with trauma, autoimmune disease, job loss, and grief, Dr. Joyee reveals the resilience needed to move mountains for others through shared experiences.
Discover the top 5 lessons learned as a public health researcher, emphasizing the courage to confront challenges head-on and the transformative power of being intentional. Dr. Joyee dives into the art of moving mountains in public health research, advocating for starting small, believing in change, and the profound impact of community collaboration.
Be encouraged, be inspired, start small, and believe in the possibility of change.
Key points:
0:55 Celebrating YOU!
3:12 Celebrating 25 episodes
4:38 The story behind creating The Public Health Joy Podcast
9:03 Overcoming challenges in public health research and career development.
13:47 Facing challenges, collaboration, and community involvement in public health
14:24 Top 5 lessons learned to overcoming challenges
22:10 Shifting the narrative in public health research
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Are you a public health professional who feels overwhelmed and exhausted? Perhaps you love your career, but you just don’t feel fulfilled and you’re beginning to wonder if your only option is to quit. You might be experiencing burnout!
Today, we speak with rest coach, Marissa McKool about what it means to prevent burnout in the public health space and how we can “put the world down and rest." Marissa is a former public health leader-turned public health burnout coach for women who helps public health professionals reduce their stress, increase their confidence, and create a fulfilling career without burning out. She got her Master of Public Health (MPH) at Emory University, completed a fellowship at the CDC, and has held several leadership positions at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health.
In this episode, you’ll learn some practical tips to identify burnout, detach from hustle culture, give yourself permission to rest, begin to practice intentional thoughts, and so much more! As you’ll discover, Marissa believes that rest is a revolutionary act in the face of toxic capitalism and other systems of oppression. Tune in to begin your restful resistance today!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Insight into Marissa’s public health journey and her experience of burnout. [02:05]
- Signs and symptoms of physical, mental, and emotional burnout. [08:10]
- Detaching from hustle culture: why rest shouldn’t be correlated with productivity. [11:30]
- How to start with what you need and give yourself permission to ask: what do I want? [16:30]
- Tools to help you focus on what you can control and practice intentional thoughts. [22:34]
- Simple ways to resist the conditioning that tells us we don’t deserve rest. [26:22]
- Why rest is a revolutionary act in the face of toxic capitalism. [31:30]
- The role of intersectionality and the value of coaching. [35:44]
- How Marissa derives joy from seeing her clients begin to invest in themselves. [36:30]
- Ways to get in touch with Marissa and access her free resources! [38:01]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
A precedent of overworking yourself and only resting when you hit burnout in order to work even more has been set in the workplace and it has to change.
In this episode, we are joined by the award-winning educator and social scientist, Dr. Courtney McCluney to hear about her research in codeswitching and how she has found freedom in wellness and reimagining how we should work through her company, Equiwell Partners Group. We are reminded that it is okay to remove yourself from work environments that do not serve you and that your work should bring you joy.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Courtney McCluney. [0:52]
- Courtney tells us about her professional journey and what she strives to accomplish. [02:40]
- Our guest’s mission to make individual wellness the most important part of business. [04:29]
- What codeswitching is; particularly in the workplace amongst Black people. [13:50]
- The link between public health issues and codeswitching. [19:00]
- The importance of moving away from work environments that do not serve you. [26:47]
- Why work environments should prioritize employees’ well-being and bring joy. [33:36]
- What brings Courtney joy in her work at the moment. [36:41]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
When it comes to qualitative research, lived experience offers a wealth of valuable information that can shape and enhance the quality and relevance of public health studies. Few researchers know this better than Dr. Marissa Robinson, DrPH, MPH, RPCV, a strategic leader, visionary, and disruptor within the field of infectious disease.
In today's episode, Dr. Robinson shares her perspective on the power of qualitative research, recognizing our lived experiences as data, and breaking into the public health field as a Black woman researcher. We also touch on the value of taking an ethnographic approach, the importance of holding those around you accountable, and of course, what brings Dr. Robinson joy in her work. Tune in to learn more about using qualitative research to ensure that your programs, grants, interventions, and data drive positive impact and long term solutions, bringing joy to your communities!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Why Dr. Robinson is proud to be a person of color in the field of infectious disease. [02:01]
- How she broke into the space as a Black woman researcher. [04:51]
- Reasons that qualitative research is just as important as quantitative research. [10:09]
- Advice for finding your place in the vast field of public health and making an impact. [13:01]
- The crucial role that storytelling has played in marginalized communities. [16:48]
- Highlighting the value of taking an ethnographic approach to your research. [20:28]
- Why lived experience should be considered valuable data. [25:40]
- The importance of celebrating small wins and holding people accountable. [30:38]
- Making “good trouble” and other things that bring Dr. Robinson joy in her work. [34:15]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
In this episode we are talking with Marline Edmond founder of Plug Communications, LLC about how she is developing culturally competent health communication strategies in "Plain Language U Get" to promote equitable health information targeting the Black diaspora.
Marline is a public health communications strategist, a third-year postgraduate student at Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications, and a self-proclaimed optimist who also goes by the moniker Munchy da Plug. In her research, she focuses on the history of health campaign propaganda, media framing of Haitians during public health crises, and the health communication practices to address the Black maternal health crisis in America. She joins us to discuss her mission and her varied experiences helping BIPOC people to navigate the US healthcare system. We touch on the gift we share as Black women to navigate different spaces, what it means to understand the political powers at play in the healthcare system, and harness the power of language. Language is evolving and we are called to respond to our changing world. Today’s conversation provides a practical starting point to empower others as we do exactly that! Thanks for tuning in.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Welcoming Marline Edmonds, also known as Munchy da Plug, to the Public Health Joy Podcast. [0:00]
- Her mission to connect others to public health resources and where her nickname comes from. [01:42]
- Munchy’s experiences helping her Haitian parents to navigate the English healthcare system. [03:35]
- Navigating different spaces as a Black woman and communicating beyond words to protect your community. [05:37]
- Allocating appropriate blame to institutions rather than individuals in the healthcare system. [08:06]
- The power of language in directing research and communication. [11:33]
- Why learning is beautiful and what happens when you ask folks to repeat themselves. [17:13]
- The danger of accepting the spiral of silence. [18:32]
- Responding to a changing world with evolving language. [21:33]
- Why it is so important to identify and speak to your specific audience. [26:27]
- What brings Marline joy in her work as a public health communications professional. [28:42]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Community-engaged research is a collaborative and participatory approach to public health research and evaluation that includes those affected by the issue at hand. Ultimately, this means going beyond the textbook to understand these issues from a different (and sometimes uncomfortable) perspective.
In this episode, we talk to community psychologist and committed equity and social justice advocate, Dr. Tatiana Bustos, about the impact of “unlearning” in community-engaged research and the importance of out-of-the-box thinking that invites communities into the process. Dr. Bustos shares insight into how she has helped public health practitioners build capacity with more equity-centered approaches that can strengthen communities and create social change to transform lives.
Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to Dr. Bustos and the work she does as a community psychologist. [2:10]
- The different mindset and “unlearning” that community-engaged research requires. [3:44]
- Why leaning into discomfort is important in order to work with your community. [14:06]
- How Dr. Bustos thinks about promoting equity and accessibility in her research. [17:52]
- Benefits of bringing your identity into your work as a public health professional. [20:56]
- Redefining success based on the community you’re working with. [23:23]
- Dr. Bustos highlights the significance of different types of impact. [26:04]
- What brings Dr. Bustos joy in her work, namely the people she serves. [33:11]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
In this BONUS episode, we continue with part two of our conversation with Chioma Nnaji about the challenges of manuscript writing and publishing. During the first half of our conversation, we learned about the work Chioma does at the intersections of immigrant rights and racial justice in public health along with the biggest challenges of manuscript writing within public health.
For the second part of our conversation, we explore how to navigate a system that was not designed to be inclusive or accessible and share the steps we’re taking to create a community where we can all learn and grow together. We break down what you can expect from our manuscript writing workshop, Manuscript Writing A to Z, and describe the wide range of people who can benefit from it before explaining how it’s intended to create a supportive community where we can all learn from one another.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Navigating a system that is not designed for inclusivity or accessibility. [01:01]
- The legacy of colonization and how people in power have historically exerted ownership over the knowledge that Black women have produced. [02:39]
- Working within and outside the system and bringing your knowledge to the table. [05:40]
- Our commitment to creating a community where we all collectively learn and grow. [08:12]
- A breakdown of our manuscript writing workshop; Manuscript Writing A to Z. [08:58]
- How to join the Script Squad. [11:37]
- The details of our early bird special for Manuscript Writing A to Z. [13:53]
- What it was like for Chioma when she was published for the first time. [14:46]
- The value of writing in a way that is accessible and more engaging for the reader. [17:29]
- What brings Chioma joy in her work: community. [21:07]
- What Chioma appreciates most about her partnership with Joyee. [22:56]
- Find out where you can contact Chioma and learn more about her work. [24:18]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Serving your community is central to public health. But what happens when particular communities are excluded from certain spaces? Or are prevented from being included in important research and sharing of knowledge? These are some of the key questions that today’s guest, Chioma Nnaji, MEd, MPH, has grappled with on her journey as an organizer, community health worker, and researcher.
Today’s episode features part one of our conversation with Chioma, where we explore how to navigate the challenges of manuscript writing and publishing in public health. Chioma has been in public health for more than two decades, with her work in HIV/AIDS living at the intersections of public health, racial justice, and immigrant rights. Tuning into part one, you’ll learn about Chioma’s extensive journey navigating the challenges of manuscript writing, the difficulties inherent to publishing community-defined work, and how she and host, Joyee Washington, decided to form a partnership intended to help others on their writing and publishing journeys.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Who Chioma is, what she does, and the organizations and communities she serves. [01:57]
- Her work at the intersection of immigrant rights and racial justice in public health. [04:34]
- Unpacking how to apply intersectionality work within public health. [08:26]
- How communities are often intentionally excluded from certain spaces. [13:18]
- Chioma’s early community-defined work and the challenge of getting it published. [14:13]
- United We Rise as a Black-led intersectional movement. [15:43]
- The value of manuscript writing and publishing as a contribution to this field. [17:36]
- Chioma’s first manuscript, her partners, and how they were able to get it published. [19:39]
- The challenges of writing a manuscript within public health. [21:46]
- Chioma’s experience with community-academic partnerships. [25:53]
- The partnerships and support that she wants to bring to public health. [27:23]
- Joyee and Chioma’s partnership in creating The Script Lab for Public Health. [29:09]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
When it comes to data collection and research within indigenous communities, we need to honor the sacred stories of those communities in order to support the decolonization of this data.
In this episode, public health entrepreneur, Heidi Berthoud, joins the conversation as we discuss importance of listening to indigenous communities during data collection, how we can support them more authentically, why their data belongs to them, the importance of giving that data back, and so much more! Heidi goes on to explain why maintaining complete objectivity is not productive in decolonizing data before she delves into what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and share in Heidi’s passions for community data collection, reproductive justice, and making public health data accessible to everyone, press play now!
Key Points From This Episode:
- Welcoming today’s guest, Heidi Berthoud, and a brief overview of her career. [0:00:50]
- The importance of listening first when working with indigenous communities. [0:06:13]
- Why we need to rethink the request for proposals and applications process. [0:09:14]
- How we can support communities in more authentically and why that’s imperative. [0:15:15]
- The importance of maintaining a level of ethics when working in communities. [0:18:32]
- How giving data back to indigenous communities can contribute to decolonization. [0:20:15]
- Why objectivity is impossible in indigenous community data and research. [0:26:57]
- Heidi tells us what brings her joy in her work. [0:32:41] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
We have made huge strides in how we treat mental health over the course of the past century, from the development of targeted pharmaceuticals to establishing newer and more effective methods of therapy. Yet, the possibilities of utilizing emergent technologies in treating mental health have largely been left unexplored until now.
In this episode, we discuss the role of virtual reality (VR) in mental health with Terrance Williams, Founder of Meta Wellness, a company that is harnessing the power of VR to help mental health professionals treat patients struggling with a range of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and severe eating disorders. Terrance talks about how he founded Meta Wellness, the promising potential of VR in the mental health space, and his expectations for these technologies going forward.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Terrance's cutting-edge work at the intersection of VR, mental health, and wellness. [00:53]
- Differences between the metaverse, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. [07:20]
- Understanding the drawbacks of VR, AI, and the metaverse. [10:57]
- Why the implications of AI are much more dangerous than VR. [13:04]
- Technology’s role in fostering collaboration and community in the mental health space. [18:04]
- How companies are addressing accessibility and affordability when it comes to VR. [19:46]
- The viability of VR as an alternative form of treatment in the mental health space. [22:12]
- How emerging technology in the mental health space will evolve in the coming years. [26:24]
- Troubling statistics around men’s mental health and Terrance’s hopes to make a positive impact through his work. [31:35]
- How to get in touch with Terrance and learn more about Meta Wellness. [33:26]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
How can we equip those in faith-based spaces to guide not just the spiritual needs of their communities but their overall health too? This is the question posed by today’s guest, Ericka Horne, who is the CEO and Founder of AKCIRE Consulting, LLC, where she supports nonprofits and faith-based organizations with program planning and implementation.
In this episode, Ericka offers some insight into her public health journey, her passion for faith-based partnerships, and how she uses her platform to prioritize self-care, education, and health equity, particularly in Black communities. We also take a closer look at what Ericka is doing to bridge the gap between faith and medicine and find out why building and nurturing community relationships is so important for public health professionals.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Who Ericka is, what she does, and the organizations and communities she serves. [02:52]
- How growing up in the church informed her focus on faith-based partnerships. [05:10]
- Bridging the gap between the church and healthcare, particularly for Black folk. [07:52]
- Why knowing your community is critical for public health professionals. [12:05]
- Challenges that Ericka has encountered and what she has learned from them. [13:19]
- The importance of being aware of the social structure and culture of your community. [16:05]
- Insight into Ericka’s research interests, including chronic disease management. [20:55]
- How Ericka facilitates emergency response support for the churches she works with. [25:38]
- The value of “meeting people where they are,” regardless of your beliefs. [27:55]
- What brings Ericka joy in her work: seeing other people get what they need. [28:36]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we are talking with Tamara Mason about her work with the March of Dimes and as a doula to support Black maternal health and Black birthing joy.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Key Points From This Episode:
- An introduction to today’s guest and topic of conversation. [0:00:27]
- Tamara tells us about who she is and what she does. [0:02:00]
- Tamara gives a background on the March of Dimes organization. [0:02:55]
- The three specific strategies to achieve their established common agenda. [0:0415]
- She shares the founding story of her consulting organization. [0:04:57]
- Her thoughts on the engagement of the Black maternal health crisis. [0:09:36]
- We talk about the devastating tragedy of Olympic athlete Tori Bowie. [0:12:16]
- The fear of becoming pregnant and living with the real fear. [0:13:00]
- We unpack the joy, bringing in the stories and finding solutions: Black Birthing Joy. [0:14:00]
- Tamara elaborates on the Collective Impact Approach. [0:16:00]
- She talks about her personal belief that solutions are already in the community. [0:17:18]
- We dive deeper into what Black Birthing Joy means to Tamara. [0:19:00]
- Thoughts on the idea that trauma and joy coexist, you can’t separate the two. [0:23:40]
- All stories are important and we need to hear them; traumatic and not. [0:23:27]
- The difference between a midwife and a doula. [0:26:39]
- She talks about the benefits of having a doula and the support they provide. [0:27:30]
- What a doula cannot do and what a certified nurse midwife can. [0:29:25]
- The importance of a support system in achieving Black Birthing Joy. [0:32:25]
- What brings Tamara joy in her work. [0:34:03]
- How to get in touch or connect with Tamara. [0:35:23]
- Tamara’s hope and what she hopes listeners will take from this conversation. [0:36:30]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy Podcast. The safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like. The challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way. I'm your host, Dr. Joyee, a public health researcher, Ph.D. survivor, and entrepreneur.
In today's episode, we are talking with Brandon Johnson about building connections and saving lives as a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services. This is where research meets relationship. Together, we will find our public health joy.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Introducing today’s guest, Brandon J. Johnson, his work with SAMHSA, and his new role as Acting Branch Chief of the Suicide Prevention Branch. [0:00:50]
- Why any role can serve you and teach you important transferable skills. [0:04:43]
- Using passion to help you persevere through difficult challenges. [0:09:24]
- The adversity experienced by people of color, leading to higher rates of burnout. [0:10:50]
- What it means to understand your community and tap into what they need. [0:11:22]
- Shining a light on human connection and how it drives public health work. [0:13:19]
- Brandon’s thoughts on community engagement when dealing with sensitive topics like
suicide, and violence, prevention. [0:16:09] * Meeting people where they are and how vulnerability will help you in the long run. [0:21:28] * What Brandon learned about human connection from being a research assistant. [0:23:24] * An overview of what you learn as an MCHES, how it differs from being a CHES, and how
MCHES training enables you to have a community perspective. [0:27:13] * Occupying a leadership role and the opportunity to model behavior for others. [0:29:17] * Why the real work happens after you take your MCHES exams. [0:30:49] * Brandon shares what brings him the most joy in his work. [0:33:24] * Find out how you can get in touch with Brandon online. [0:35:55]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we are talking with Princess Jennings also known as The Data Bounty Hunter about what it takes to track down and collect data with the community.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Timestamps:
0:02 What is community tracking services and what does it do?
3:38 The importance of building rapport with clients.
7:34 The importance of building a cohesive team.
12:29 Getting from criminal justice to community tracking services.
18:15 The importance of mentors and networking.
20:57 How do you find a mentor?
25:22 What brings you joy in your work?
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what my life is like as a Black researcher in this space and how I learned to own my identity and show up unapologetically.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Transitioning from public school to private school
11:00 Being Black in White spaces
18:00 What does it mean to be a Black researcher
20:00 Being a Black Researchers is my superpower
24:00 Creating rest as a Black Researcher
29:00 Being a joyrider
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Notes:
National Black Researchers Week, June 19-23, 2023: Association of Black Researchers (ABR) is a non-profit organization with a vision for a future where Black Researchers have equal access to information, opportunities, funding, and leadership positions. This virtual event will be centered around the theme "Connecting Researchers to Resources," providing participants with essential resources and tips for navigating their research journeys. Visit www.blackresarchers.org to learn more and register.
"Rest is Resistance" Book Club, July 2023: We will be reading the book "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey, a powerful and inspiring book that highlights the importance of rest and self-care, especially for those of us in the BIPOC and public health communities. Through this book club and interactive workshop, we will be exploring how we can liberate ourselves through rest and having meaningful discussions about how we can apply these concepts to our own lives. We will also be providing resources and tools for you to practice self-care and rest. You can join us for a month of reflection, connection, and growth. To register, visit: https://www.publichealthpodcasters.com/book-club
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Araba Assan about the secrets to not just effective, but joyful public health research and evaluation.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
2:45 Araba Assan’s journey into public health.
6:49 The importance of following your passion and following your interest.
10:05 You are not the expert when you go into community settings.
12:39 The difference between research and evaluation.
17:40 The importance of evaluation
20:00 How Araba got into public health research
25:11 Asking for help and mentorship
31:00 What brings you joy in your work?
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the story of transforming failure to joy on my PhD journey and how I got over to the other side.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:00 My first attempt at a PhD
13:00 My greatest failure
14:00 My next move
18:00 My 2nd attempt at a PhD
20:00 My lupus diagnosis
23:00 My dissertation and COVID-19
25:00 Finding my greatest joy
27:00 Failure is not final
28:00 How I Got Over
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way. I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Mississippi native Dr. Marshae McNeal about how she is driving positive impact as she shares her public health journey from community college to community researcher. This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
0:00 Introduction
2:26 Dr. McNeal’s background and how she got into public health.
4:24 The benefits of going to a community college.
14:35 The most challenging part of her career so far.
19:32 Experience of working with communities in research.
25:33 What brings you joy in your work?
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Community Psychologist Dr. Jacque-Corey Cormier about bringing the couch to the community in public health.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
2:00 Dr. Cormier's background in public health
3:00 What is community psychology? What does it mean to bring the couch to the community?
13:00 Ten essential public health services
15:00 Decision makers and power dynamics
20:00 The problem with a deficit mindset in research
27:00 Putting the community first
32:00 What brings you joy
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we’re continuing the conversation in part 2 of Public Health: The Next Generation with Dr. Ashley White Jones and Dr. Antonio Gardner as we share our experiences as young, gifted, and Black public health researchers not only healing our communities, but healing ourselves.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Time Stamps
0:00 What brings us joy in life?
2:40 How the creative arts and science can work together to help people.
5:39 How qualitative research as therapy and healing.
7:55 The importance of empathy in the work of public health research.
16:51 What is positionality? What does it mean?
25:07 The pressure of being a young black doctor in public health.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For transcript and show notes, visit https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Ashley White Jones and Dr. Antonio Gardner about what it means to be young, gifted, and Black public health researchers changing the game for the next generation.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
13:00 The Next Generation
19:00 Jackson Water Crisis and the Black Church
26:00 Public Health and Politics
30:00 Building Trust in Communities
35:00 Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For transcript and show notes, visit https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, I’m sharing why revolutionary public health is necessary for change.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
Get in touch: info@joyeewashington.com
Website: www.joyeewashington.com
Book: Decolonizing Methodologies-Research and Indigenous Peoples by Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we are talking all about when research gets real as we work with communities to make positive impacts. Special guest, Leonore Okwara, founder of the Association of Black Researchers joins us to share her journey.
Leonore Okwara, MPH is the Founder of the Association of Black Researchers (ABR), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves as a central resource to inform, support, and advance a multidisciplinary community of Black Researchers. For over 15 years, she has served in a research program management capacity and coordinated many single and multisite research projects. She has cultivated equitable partnerships between researchers and the community, and organized events that focused on addressing community mistrust in research. Because of this experience, Leonore understands the importance of bringing researchers together to share best practices, strategies, and lessons learned with future researchers.
To learn more about the Association of Black Researchers visit: https://www.blackresearchers.org
To learn more about the Public Health Joy podcast and get transcripts visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
In today’s episode, we are talking all about mental health and the radical healing necessary to make a positive impact in communities with special guest Lamarr Lewis, a mental health therapist and advocate.
Lamarr Lewis, LAPC CPRP, is a mental health therapist, consultant, dedicated advocate, author, and agent of change. On this podcast episode, he explains the importance of rest and self-care for public health workers. We cannot serve the community members who need us most if we aren’t taking care of ourselves first. We also discuss mental health, coping mechanisms, joy, mentorship, and more!
0:00 Introductions
2:00 Lamarrr’s background
8:30 Passion and mentorship
10:30 Therapists need therapy
16:50 Relationships
22:00 Work as a coping mechanism
31:00 Advocate for those who need it most 36:06 Joy in the work
37:50 Get connected
To connect with Lamarr Lewis visit https://www.lewisfamilyconsulting.net/ or connect on linkedin @LamarrLewis.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify! For more information on building a public health research career, visit https://joyeewashington.com/students/
Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.
I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what public health joy means, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect all season long.
This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!
0:00 Introduction
4:00 What is public health joy
7:25 Where research meets relationship
10:55 What to expect this season
Transcript available at https://joyeewashington.com/s2ep1/
Resources: For more information on building a public health research career, visit www.joyeewashington.com.
What’s up, I’m Dr. Joyee, I’m a public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. But most of all, I’m a southern girl from Mississippi with a passion for community. After shifting my dreams from med school to grad school, I launched my public health career. Now the road to becoming a public health researcher ain’t easy. But I overcame the challenges by building relationships and finding joy in the journey.
Every 1st and 3rd Friday, I’m sharing my story and bringing along my research homies for you to meet! This ain’t another lecture, this is real and honest conversation about what being a public health researcher is really like. We’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk! We’re sharing our journey, our challenges, our triumphs, and all the lessons we’ve learned along the way. This is the safe space where research meets relationship and together, we’ll find our Public Health Joy!
Follow me on Instagram @joyeewashington for a behind the scenes look into my life as a researcher and tune in to the Public Health Joy podcast!
In this episode, we speak with public health professionals Marline Edmond, Nikita Boston-Fisher, Dr. Bryan Buckley, and Dr. Mary Wesley about their decision to pursue a PhD or DrPH and how it has impacted their public health journey.
In this episode, we are talking with Omari Richins, MPH of The PH Millennial and Kimberly Green-Warren, MPH of Smart Health Education about what life is really like after completing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.
In this episode, we're talking with Alisa Howard, CHWi and Dr. April Moreno about their top tips to jumpstart your public health career.
In this episode, we speak with LaTonya Bynum, MPH and Dr. Jovonni Spinner about how the CHES exam has impacted their public health journey.
In celebration of National Public Health Week, we talked with Zoila Reyna of Public Health Hired and Quisha Umemba of Umemba Health about how to build your career to serve communities. Listen for tips and resources on jumpstarting your public health career.
We are talking all about building a career around health equity with special guests Jasmine Leonard, founder of Health Equity Jazz and Dr. Leslie Hoglund, clinical assistant professor of public health at Old Dominion University and Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leader.