In this powerful episode of 4UR HEALTH, Dr. Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan welcomes two dynamic voices: Dr. Ida Tchuisseu Fonkoue, MD, PhD, Director of the NEST Lab, and author and trauma-informed expert Sam Simmons. Together, they explore how psychological trauma impacts cardiovascular health—especially in young women—and how culturally grounded healing practices are essential in addressing generational pain in Black communities. From hormone research to community-driven healing strategies, this conversation dives deep into the science, the stigma, and the solutions.

Learn more about Dr. Fonkoue’s groundbreaking research at the Neurobiology of Emotion, Sleep and Trauma Lab, and Sam Simmons’ work with Black Men Healing.

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In this powerful episode of For Your Health, host Dr. Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan sits down with Sam Simmons, licensed therapist and founder of the Black Men Healing Conference, now in its 17th year. This year’s conference theme—Black Fatherhood—opens up a bold, necessary conversation about trauma, parenting, and the emotional legacy passed down through generations.

Together, Dr. Ronda and Sam explore:

• The origins of the Black Men Healing Conference
• How male trauma shapes behavior, relationships, and fatherhood
• The impact of parenting through fear and punishment
• The language we use around family—like “baby mama” and “baby daddy”—and why it matters
• How to support and elevate the voices of present, engaged Black fathers
• The role of co-parenting, emotional presence, and intergenerational healing

You’ll also hear about this year’s featured guests:

• Anton Johnson – Keynote speaker on father engagement from prenatal care onward
• Dr. Nathan Chomilo – Speaking on trauma-informed health equity
• Alicia Price – Advocate for co-parenting and author of The Lessons I Didn’t Learn from My Father

Whether you're a father, community worker, mental health professional, or ally—this episode offers wisdom, truth, and hope.

🔗 Learn more or register for the 2025 conference at www.brothershealing.com

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In this urgent and eye-opening episode of the 4UR Health Podcast, host Dr. Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, PhD, sits down with Commissioner Damōn Chaplin and Deputy Commissioner Heidi Ritchie of the Minneapolis Health Department to tackle the opioid crisis head-on. Their conversation centers on the alarming impact of opioid addiction in Black communities and introduces a promising new treatment: Brixadi, a long-acting injectable medication for opioid use disorder.

You’ll hear a raw, solutions-focused dialogue about:

• How systemic inequities fuel overdose rates in communities of color
• Why Brixadi represents a breakthrough in harm reduction and recovery
• The role of culturally responsive care in saving lives
• How the City of Minneapolis is building public health policies rooted in trust and equity

This episode is essential listening for anyone affected by the opioid epidemic, working in health care, or fighting for equity in access and outcomes.

🎧 Listen, learn, and join the movement for health justice.

Subscribe, share, and join us on this journey toward wellness, equity, and empowerment.