Advocates in Action

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.

Conversations about end-of-life care can be tender and emotional—and nobody should have to navigate them alone. In this deeply moving episode, we explore how compassionate support, clear communication, and thoughtful planning can transform the experience for patients and their loved ones.

James Johnson, a dedicated hospice social worker from Multicare Home Health and Hospice in Tacoma, Washington, shares what it truly means to walk alongside individuals during their final days. Through his role, he empowers patients to communicate their values and preferences, ensuring their voices guide every aspect of care. Acting as a connector between patients, caregivers, and medical providers, he works to build trust and alignment so that quality of life remains front and center.

Listen as he shares powerful stories from the field—moments of courage, vulnerability, and connection—and discover how end-of-life care, when done with intention, can offer peace, and dignity.

What happens when one phone call opens the door to life-changing support? For more than 18 years, Jacqueline Beard has been a steady and compassionate force at the Patient Advocate Foundation, helping patients navigate some of the most overwhelming and uncertain moments of their lives. While her expertise lies in expediting disability claims, her work—and her impact—goes far beyond paperwork.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Jackie approaches each case with empathy, patience, and an eye for the bigger picture. A patient may call about a single issue, but through careful, compassionate listening, she often uncovers deeper needs—financial stress, gaps in care, or overlooked resources. With creativity and commitment, Jackie and her fellow case managers connect patients to solutions that improve not only their care, but their quality of life.

Tune in to discover how advocacy becomes transformation, and how one conversation can truly change everything for a patient in need.

In 2021, Patient Advocate Foundation proudly celebrated 25 years of serving individuals and families navigating the overwhelming challenges of serious and chronic illnesses. As part of this milestone, our CEO, Dr. Alan Balch, joins host Ashley D. Freeman on the podcast to reflect on PAF’s journey, the people we serve, and why our work is more essential than ever.

For a quarter of a century, PAF has stood beside patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. A serious diagnosis often brings more than just medical uncertainty — it can upend jobs, strain relationships, and bring crushing financial burdens. Suddenly, people are faced with confusing insurance plans, massive medical bills, and heartbreaking choices like whether to pay for prescriptions or put food on the table.

In this episode, Dr. Balch shines a light on the extraordinary work of PAF’s case managers — compassionate, knowledgeable professionals who help patients and caregivers navigate an often fragmented and intimidating health care system. These advocates don’t just solve problems; they empower individuals to speak up for themselves, understand their rights, and make informed decisions about their care.

Through personalized support, PAF has helped millions of people access the treatments they need, reduce their out-of-pocket costs, and regain a sense of control in the midst of chaos. Join us as we celebrate 25 years of impact, honor the everyday heroes behind the scenes, and look ahead to a future where no one has to face serious illness alone.