What if health literacy wasn’t just about what patients understand—but how we all communicate? In this compelling episode, Derek McCracken redefines health literacy as clear health communication, shifting the responsibility from patients alone to a shared, collaborative process. He invites us to see communication not as a fixed skill, but as a dynamic practice—one rooted in empathy, clarity, and connection.

Through the lens of narrative medicine, Derek explores the powerful tools that help health care providers listen deeply, respond meaningfully, and create spaces where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered. Built on the pillars of attention, representation, and affiliation, narrative medicine offers a roadmap for giving and receiving stories that truly matter.

Tune in as Derek shares how his training transformed the way he connects with patients—and how storytelling can become a healing force in the clinical setting.

Dissecting the Multiple Layers of Health Literacy

When we talk about health literacy, what are we really saying? In this episode, Lisa Stewart unpacks the deeper layers behind the words we use in healthcare—from everyday language to professional titles—and how they shape our understanding, interactions, and biases. She challenges us to see health literacy not as a one-sided issue, but as a shared responsibility between patients, providers, and systems.

Lisa also introduces more precise terms like structural and social determinants of health literacy, helping us reframe the conversation. Through vivid examples, she paints a picture of a healthcare environment where patients feel safe to ask questions, learn through hands-on experiences, and connect meaningfully with providers who have the time and resources to truly listen.

Tune in to explore how communication rooted in respect and compassion can transform health outcomes—and what it takes to get there.

Centering Primary Care with Humility, Respect and Compassion

Your primary care doctor isn’t just someone who treats symptoms—they can be your most consistent partner in health. In this insightful episode, Dr. Carl Earl Lambert Jr. shares why he chose family medicine: to build long-term, meaningful relationships with his patients rooted in trust, respect, and empathy.

Dr. Lambert introduces his “check in and check in often” approach and explains how curiosity, humility, and shared decision-making shape every patient interaction. By focusing on open, two-way communication—not just between doctor and patient, but across the entire care team—he creates a space where patients feel heard, empowered, and truly involved in their care journey.

Listen in as Dr. Lambert explores what it means to co-create care plans that align with patients’ goals, values, and lived experiences—and how centering humanity in health care leads to stronger relationships and better outcomes.

Respect, Trust & the Human Side of Health Care: A Conversation with Beverly Rogers

What if the most important part of health care isn’t found in a lab or a chart—but in the connection between people? In this heartfelt episode, Beverly Rogers—a vibrant 80-year-old breast cancer survivor, caregiver, patient advocate, and entrepreneur—shares how her lived experiences have shaped her belief in the power of human connection within the health care system.

Beverly opens up about the real conversations she’s had with her provider, offering tangible examples of how mutual respect, empathy, and active listening created a foundation for trust—and ultimately, better care. She also shines a light on the often-overlooked wisdom of older adults and breaks down some of the most common (and damaging) misconceptions about aging and health care.

Whether you’re a provider, caregiver, or patient yourself, Beverly’s insights remind us that effective communication isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline. Tune in to hear how we can all do better at building relationships that honor the full humanity of the people at the center of care.

Redefining Health Literacy: Breaking Barriers to Equitable Care 

What if the key to better health outcomes wasn’t just access—but understanding? In this compelling episode, Christine Wilson, Vice President of Advocacy Communications and Marketing at Patient Advocate Foundation, challenges us to rethink what health literacy really means—and why it’s essential for equity in care.

Christine dives into how true health literacy goes beyond reading brochures or understanding medical jargon. It’s about creating two-way communication between patients and providers—where listening, empathy, and trust are at the core. Through powerful examples, she reveals how this approach can improve outcomes, especially for patients navigating systemic barriers and bias.

From implicit and explicit discrimination to the daily struggles BIPOC patients face in navigating the health care system, Christine offers both insight and action. Tune in to learn how we can dismantle communication barriers and move toward a more inclusive, patient-centered model of care.

Financial Navigation: Bridging the Gap Between the System and the Patient

For many patients, accessing quality, affordable health care isn’t just a medical journey—it’s a financial one. Behind every tough decision lies a complex web of costs, coverage, and care. In this episode, we explore how financial navigation can be a game-changer in that journey.

With a career rooted in oncology and pharmacy administration, Zinkeng Asonganyi brings a deep, firsthand understanding of how financial and social needs intersect. He shares powerful insights on how collaboration between financial navigators and clinical care teams leads to more informed choices, stronger trust, and better health outcomes.

Tune in to hear how financial navigation is helping to close the gap between health systems and the patients they serve—making care more compassionate, transparent, and truly accessible.

Centering the Lived Experiences of Patients

What if health care decisions were guided not just by data or policy—but by the lived experiences of patients themselves? In this thought-provoking episode, our host, Ashley D. Freeman sits down with Susan Perez, a trailblazer in patient-centered research and health policy. With years of experience amplifying the voices of those receiving care, Susan shares how she's working to shift the health care system to truly reflect what patients need—financially, emotionally, and socially.

From candid conversations about the cost of care to building actionable solutions when patients face barriers, Susan highlights why it’s critical to engage patients as equal partners in shaping the future of health. She also discusses the importance of bringing together diverse stakeholder voices—from providers and payers to community organizations—to create more responsive, compassionate, and effective systems of care.

If you’re ready to rethink how we design health care from the ground up—with patients at the very center—this episode is for you.

Caregiving with Purpose: Navigating Healthcare Gaps and Creating Change

At just a teenager, Jamie Stokley stepped into the role of caregiver for her mother, determined to ensure that her mom could live a full life, despite the health challenges they faced. As she navigated the complexities of the healthcare system, Jamie quickly realized the many gaps that made it harder for families to access the support they needed. This sparked her passion to not only help her own family but to educate and empower others in similar situations.

Now, as a leader in the healthcare space, Jamie oversees a team of home health aides providing in-home services to elderly and disabled individuals, ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve. Beyond this, she runs an advocacy organization that helps clients navigate financial and social needs, offering crucial support that extends beyond medical care.

Listen as Jamie shares how her personal caregiving story drives her work, and how she’s using her experiences to be a catalyst for change, bringing much-needed care and advocacy to communities in need. Her journey shows how one person’s story can spark real, lasting impact in healthcare.

Advancing Health Equity Through Needs Navigation

Imagine making health decisions without the constant worry of financial strain or navigating the maze of healthcare access challenges. In this powerful episode, Rebecca Kirch, Executive Vice President of Policy and Programs at the National Patient Advocate Foundation, explains how social and financial needs navigation services are critical to making this a reality for all patients.

Rebecca dives into how expanding needs navigation programs helps patients overcome the complex barriers of access and affordability, guiding them toward safety net solutions that ensure they can receive care without fear of financial ruin. She emphasizes that every person should have the right to make healthcare decisions based on their own needs and circumstances, not their bank balance.

As Rebecca shares, the National Patient Advocate Foundation and its partners are mobilizing efforts to integrate these services into mainstream medicine, pushing for health equity policies that benefit all patients—regardless of their income or background. The result? A win-win strategy that improves access to affordable, high-quality care for everyone, in every setting.

 Fighting the System: How Patient Advocate Foundation Reduced a $175K Medical Bill

Imagine facing a $175,000 medical bill during a global pandemic. For Joe Sweeny, this was his reality. But with the help of Brooke Flores, a dedicated advocate at the Patient Advocate Foundation, Joe was able to navigate and overcome this overwhelming financial burden.

In this inspiring episode, Brooke, who has spent three years helping patients with appeals and denials, shares the inside story of how she worked with Joe to reduce his massive medical debt. Together, they recount the emotional and practical challenges of fighting for fair care in a healthcare system that can often feel impersonal and difficult to navigate.

Through their conversation, they highlight how the Patient Advocate Foundation serves as a beacon of hope, providing patients with the tools, support, and guidance they need to tackle financial barriers and health obstacles. Brooke and Joe’s journey shows that, even in the toughest of times, there’s a path forward with the right advocacy.