Advocates in Action

Generations of Advocacy: A Conversation on Healthcare, History, and Healing

In this powerful seventh season, host Ashley D. Freeman sits down for an intimate, intergenerational conversation with Pamela Browner White to explore their origin stories—how they first encountered the healthcare system and how caregiving at a young age shaped their understanding of advocacy. Both women share how their early experiences with caring for their parents sparked a lifelong commitment to improving healthcare and navigating systems that often overlook or harm marginalized communities.

Their candid discussion dives deep into the historic mistreatment of Black people in healthcare—highlighting the painful legacies of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used without consent, and J. Marion Sims, whose unethical experiments on Black women helped to shape modern gynecology. Through these stories, Ashley and Pamela reflect on how these systemic harms have left lasting scars in the Black community.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at the past—it extends into the present, with both women sharing their personal encounters with healthcare. They remind us that improving the quality of healthcare for African Americans doesn’t just uplift one community; it lifts all of us.

Tune in for a powerful exchange of stories, wisdom, and a shared vision for a more equitable healthcare system for all.

This season is brought to you in collaboration with American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). This compliments the ABIM Foundation's Building Trust Initiative. We will highlight different stories and context that illustrate racial, ethnic, and gender health disparities. Our goal is to provide this historical context, show how it is connected to inequities that still happen, and share how changemakers are taking action to ensure that history doesn't continue to repeat itself. 

Resources for this Episode Include:

Building Bridges to Health Equity: A Path Toward Change

What drives someone to dedicate over 20 years to public health and social justice? For Reggie Tucker-Seeley, it’s a deep-rooted commitment to building solutions that will create lasting change in the communities and populations that need it most. In this enlightening conversation, Reggie takes us on a journey through his professional path, explaining how each step has brought him closer to his mission of empowering underserved communities and advancing health equity.

With a wealth of experience and insight, Reggie doesn’t just define critical concepts like health equity, health disparities, and social determinants of health—he also offers a powerful framework for how to actively create change in these areas. Listen as Reggie shares his approach to tackling these complex issues, offering a fresh perspective on how we can all contribute to transforming the systems that affect public health.

If you’re passionate about creating real-world impact and want to understand what it takes to drive change in health systems, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care: A Virtual Workshop hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) which was co-chaired by Gwen Darien of PAF and Reggie Tucker-Seeley of ZERO.

The Power of Being Yourself: Kellan Baker on Health Equity and Personal Well-Being

Every experience in life shapes our health—whether it’s the environment we live in, the communities we’re part of, or the relationships that support us. Our lived experiences outside the doctor’s office are just as crucial as what happens within those walls. Kellan Baker reminds us that patients are the experts of their own lives and deserve to be respected as true partners in their healthcare journey.

In this compelling conversation, Kellan shares that the ultimate goal of health equity is simple yet profound: to allow everyone to be fully themselves. This means creating a healthcare system where care is not just tailored to clinical needs, but also reflects and honors the diverse identities, bodies, and life circumstances of each individual.

Kellan challenges us to envision a world where equitable care is a reality for all—where access to benefits, resources, and protections enables people to live at their healthiest, no matter who they are. Tune in as he explores the transformative power of recognizing the full humanity of every patient, and how that recognition can lead to a more just and inclusive healthcare system for all.

 This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care: A Virtual Workshop hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) which was co-chaired by Gwen Darien of PAF and Reggie Tucker-Seeley of ZERO.

Building Trust: Navigating Research and Healthcare in Marginalized Communities

When it comes to conducting research, how do you foster a genuine, healthy relationship with the communities you’re working with? In marginalized communities, where a history of harm and mistreatment runs deep, trust becomes the foundation for everything. Katie Cueva emphasizes that researchers must not only be invited into these communities but also ensure their intentions are aligned with the best interests of those they aim to serve.

In this eye-opening conversation, Katie takes us through the historical context of racism and colonialism in Alaska, exploring how these legacies continue to shape healthcare delivery today. She reveals the profound ways these historical injustices influence community trust and how researchers can work toward healing and reconciliation in their efforts.

Listen in as Katie shares valuable insights on the delicate balance between research, community, and healthcare, and how we can reshape the future by centering the voices of those who have been most affected. 

This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care: A Virtual Workshop hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) which was co-chaired by Gwen Darien of PAF and Reggie Tucker-Seeley of ZERO.

Unpacking Health Inequities: How Social Determinants Shape Our Health Outcomes

The conditions in which we live—safe housing, access to transportation, freedom from violence, access to nutritious foods, and clean water—are far more than just conveniences; they are critical to our overall health outcomes. But what happens when these basic needs are out of reach? Dr. Zinzi Bailey dives deep into the concept of social determinants of health and how they shape the health journeys of individuals and communities.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Bailey explores how racism, classism, heterosexism, and ableism intertwine to influence the availability and quality of these essential living conditions. These social systems drive the unequal distribution of resources, creating a vicious cycle where certain communities are trapped in environments that negatively impact their health.

But Dr. Bailey doesn’t just highlight the problems—she challenges us to rethink the preconceived notions we’ve formed about these inequities. She urges us to see how these social injustices are linked to poorer health outcomes and asks us to imagine a world where all people have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Join Dr. Bailey as she unpacks the profound impact of social systems on health and calls us to action in creating a more equitable and just healthcare system for all.

This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care: A Virtual Workshop hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) which was co-chaired by Gwen Darien of PAF and Reggie Tucker-Seeley of ZERO. 

How Identity Shapes Our Health Care Experience

Every day, the way we navigate the world is shaped by our race, gender, sexual orientation, and age—but how do these identities affect the care we receive and the care we provide? In this compelling conversation, Hanane Abdalla, Arthur Pope, MD, PhD, and Sandra Sufian, PhD, MPH share their deeply personal stories about how their identities influence their lives, their work, and their ability to navigate equitable healthcare.

Listen as they discuss how identity intersects with healthcare, and how their personal and professional experiences continue to shape their advocacy for health equity. From the way healthcare is delivered to how we access resources, they explore the complex layers of structural inequities that need to be dismantled to create a fairer system for all.

This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care: A Virtual Workshop hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) which was co-chaired by Gwen Darien of PAF and Reggie Tucker-Seeley of ZERO. 

Dying to be Heard: Adrienne Moore's Fight for Health Equity for Black Women

For too long, the health concerns of Black women have been dismissed, leading to devastating disparities and worse health outcomes. Adrienne Moore, a two-time cancer survivor, respiratory therapist, and patient advocate, opens up about her personal battle—one that reveals how identity and bias delayed her own cancer diagnosis.

In this powerful episode, Adrienne shares her harrowing story of survival, and how the frustration of being ignored and misunderstood ignited her passion for health equity. She’s now on a mission to amplify the voices of Black women whose concerns are often overlooked in the healthcare system.

Join Adrienne as she transforms her experience into activism, fighting to ensure that the health of Black women is no longer sidelined—and that their voices are heard and respected in every corner of healthcare.

This season is brought to you in collaboration with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer (ZERO). This builds upon the Promoting Health Equity in Cancer Care: A Virtual Workshop hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) which was co-chaired by Gwen Darien of PAF and Reggie Tucker-Seeley of ZERO. 

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.