This podcast episode explores alternative approaches to pregnancy and childbirth in both the past and present. The correlation between modern stress and alternative medicine is also explored, as with the increase in social stressors, more and more individuals are seeking both more affordable and less intimidating ways to heal themselves. This correlation is seen as more women are looking for friendlier and more natural approaches to help with pregnancy and assist with delivery.  -Annabelle Smith

This podcast examines how marginalized communities have been excluded from Western Medicine and how some of these communities' medicinal practices have been pushed aside or viewed as "inferior." I examine the ways in which segregated hospitals prevented African Americans from visiting them in the Jim Crow South. I then examine how sometimes medical practices were factually incorrect, with cases such as Patient Zero. Finally, I show how some communities willingly and/or were forced to use alternative medicinal practices as a way to make up for their lack of medical care. This podcast ends with a hopeful message, however, as the University of Maryland's Shock Trauma Director of Nurses explains new medical practices that encourage diversity training, cultural sensitivity, and how they are incorporating alternative medicinal practices into their daily work. Lastly, I interviewed nurse Danielle Smyth who explained how to balance both Western Medicine and alternative medicinal practices. -Kassi McAllister

Explore the Cajun healers in Southern Louisiana Bayous.  We will examine who Cajun healers are as well as who and how they heal those who come to them.  This podcast encourages those listening to challenge who they see as healers. We travel along the bayou across southern Louisiana to meet with several individuals who have first-hand experience with Cajun healers. These individuals talk about the Cajun way of healing along with some reasons they believe Cajun healers are disappearing. We briefly discuss Le Grand Dérangement to see how resilient the Cajuns are as a people. We talk about community healing, storytelling, and what the future holds for Cajun healers. We close with some ways anyone can be involved in the storytelling process, and a call to explore the history around you. -Malani Hoffpauir

This episode of the Healing in the Bayou Podcast discusses the concept of community health, what that looks like in different communities, and exploring what it means to you. - Ian Gregory-Graff