Meet Cheyene Helm, founder of the Bright Light Foundation. Cheyene champions health by inspiring others, raising awareness, and creating spaces for prevention, support, and connection.

In this episode, Cheyene shares how the loss of her young daughter to fentanyl poisoning led her to establish the Bright Light Foundation and dedicate her life to community education and outreach. She talks openly about grief, faith, and resilience, and explains why language, compassion, and prevention matter when supporting families and young people. Cheyene also reflects on the importance of self-care, storytelling, and bringing light into moments of darkness—both for herself and for the communities she serves.

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This conversation was led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from Operation Making A Change and Jakob Hester from the #IChampionHealth initiative.

The ⁠⁠⁠#IChampionHealth⁠⁠⁠ initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast are a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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There’s a champion in you — and support to help you find your way if you need it.

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. ⁠⁠Text, call, or chat 988⁠⁠.

-----

This season was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission by and through the Office of the Attorney General. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of #IChampionHealth or the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission or the Office of the Attorney General.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Largerthan Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Editing by ⁠⁠⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠⁠⁠.

Meet Anthony “Mindset” Moody, a licensed professional counselor associate and author. Anthony champions health by helping people build self-awareness and have honest conversations about mental health.

In this episode, Moody shares his journey from experiencing panic attacks in a high-stress accounting career to finding purpose in counseling, writing, and community work. He talks about how his reset fueled his personal growth and explains why changing your mindset is often the first step toward healing. Moody also discusses the importance of creating safe spaces to talk, meeting people where they are, and using lived experience to support others on their path forward.

-----

This conversation was led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from Operation Making A Change and Jakob Hester from the #IChampionHealth initiative.

The ⁠⁠⁠#IChampionHealth⁠⁠⁠ initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast are a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠⁠⁠.

-----

There’s a champion in you — and support to help you find your way if you need it.

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. ⁠⁠Text, call, or chat 988⁠⁠.

-----

This season was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission by and through the Office of the Attorney General. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of #IChampionHealth or the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission or the Office of the Attorney General.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Largerthan Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Editing by ⁠⁠⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠⁠⁠.

Meet Commissioner Kacy Allen-Bryant, a longtime public health nurse turned community leader who oversees Social Services for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Commissioner Allen-Bryant champions health through education and collaboration with community partners to strengthen support across the city.

Listen as Commissioner Allen-Bryant shares her journey from 25 years in public health nursing to stepping into a leadership role shaped by service, collaboration, and compassion. She discusses what she learned from working around the world, why she remains committed to lifting up vulnerable populations, and how Lexington comes together to create a stronger, more connected community. She also reflects on gratitude, family roots, and the importance of using your unique strengths to make a difference.

-----

This conversation was led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from Operation Making A Change and Jakob Hester from the #IChampionHealth initiative.

The ⁠⁠#IChampionHealth⁠⁠ initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast are a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠⁠.

-----

There’s a champion in you — and support to help you find your way if you need it.

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. ⁠Text, call, or chat 988⁠.

-----

This season was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission by and through the Office of the Attorney General. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of #IChampionHealth or the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission or the Office of the Attorney General.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Largerthan Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Editing by ⁠⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠⁠.

Meet District 1 Councilmember Tyler Morton, a lifelong Lexington resident, public servant, and the youngest person ever elected to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. Councilmember Morton champions health by staying deeply connected to neighborhoods, listening to residents, and working toward stronger, safer, and more supported communities.

In this episode, Councilmember Morton shares how his family shaped his commitment to service, including relatives who broke major barriers in education and public leadership. He talks about his path from working in hospital trauma care to studying community well-being to stepping into local government. Councilmember Morton reflects on humility, working alongside residents, and the importance of giving young people the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. He also discusses his hopes for the next few years and what it takes to create lasting, positive changes across Lexington.

-----

This conversation was led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from Operation Making A Change and Jakob Hester from the #IChampionHealth initiative.

The ⁠#IChampionHealth⁠ initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast are a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠.

-----

There’s a champion in you — and support to help you find your way if you need it.

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.

-----

This season was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission by and through the Office of the Attorney General. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of #IChampionHealth or the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission or the Office of the Attorney General.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Largerthan Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Editing by ⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠.

Meet John Q. Moses III, team leader for harm reduction services at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. John champions health by creating welcoming spaces where people can access support.

Listen as John shares his powerful journey from personal loss and addiction to becoming a passionate voice for compassion-centered services. He discusses how alternatives to harm work, why empathy is essential, and how his team has connected thousands of people to care, safety, and hope. John also reflects on the importance of listening, meeting people where they are, and creating a community where everyone feels seen and valued.

-----

This conversation was led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from Operation Making A Change and Jakob Hester from the #IChampionHealth initiative.

The #IChampionHealth initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast are a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠.

-----

There’s a champion in you — and support to help you find your way if you need it.

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.

-----

This season was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission by and through the Office of the Attorney General. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of #IChampionHealth or the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission or the Office of the Attorney General.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Largerthan Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Editing by Renegade Entertainment LLC.

Meet John Bowman, the Kentucky Senior Campaign Organizer at Dream.org. John champions health by connecting people and organizations to support resources across the Commonwealth.

Listen as John shares his incredible journey from active addiction and incarceration to becoming a leading voice for public health and alternatives to harm across all 120 counties in Kentucky. John discusses the importance of community engagement, transparency in opioid abatement spending, and the power of collaboration in creating safer, healthier communities.

-----

This conversation was led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from Operation Making A Change and Jakob Hester from the #IChampionHealth initiative.

The #IChampionHealth initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast is a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠.

-----

There’s a champion in you — and support to help you find your way if you need it.

988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.

-----

This season was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission by and through the Office of the Attorney General. The opinions and recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of #IChampionHealth or the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission or the Office of the Attorney General.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Largerthan Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Editing by Renegade Entertainment LLC.

Meet Jeanette Hart and Dr. Margaret McGladrey, leaders of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Improvement Plan (Lex-CHIP). Jeanette is the Quality Services Manager at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. Dr. McGladrey is an Assistant Professor at the UK College of Public Health. Jeanette and Dr. McGladrey champion health through rich collaborations and thoughtful community planning.

Listen as they delve into the importance of partnership, accessible services, and self-care in their efforts to advance the health and well-being of all Lexington residents. You’ll hear their thoughts on avoiding service duplication, engaging with the community, and finding courage and heart in one's journey.

You can learn more about Lex-CHIP by visiting https://dashboards.mysidewalk.com/lexchip. The Behavioral Health Resource Directory compiled by the UK College of Public Health is available at https://gqr.sh/rCgr or on the Lex-CHIP page.

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This interview was recorded at the 2025 Central Kentucky Black Family Conference hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Project Ricochet⁠⁠⁠. Conversations in this crossover series, titled “The Talking Drum,” were led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from #IChampionHealth Chats and Terry Dumphord from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ricochet Effect podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠.

-----

The #IChampionHealth initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast is a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This season of the podcast was supported by UK HealthCare’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠Healthy Kentucky Initiative⁠⁠⁠⁠. The information shared is that of the #IChampionHealth team or our guests. These views do not necessarily represent the official position of, or endorsement by, UK HealthCare.

You can explore wellness resources from UK HealthCare and a free suicide prevention training at ⁠⁠⁠⁠kyqpr.ukhc.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic with ⁠⁠⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠⁠⁠

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Larger than Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Meet Dale Morgan, founder and CEO of Foundation47, LLC. Dale is a financial literacy educator with deep roots in Lexington, Kentucky. Dale champions health by helping others achieve upward financial mobility.

Listen as Dale dives into how his personal experience drives his mission to spread financial knowledge to the entire community. You'll hear how your values inform your finances, how the community can grow together, and the importance of not letting others influence how you spend your money or live your life.

-----

This interview was recorded at the 2025 Central Kentucky Black Family Conference hosted by ⁠⁠Project Ricochet⁠⁠. Conversations in this crossover series, titled “The Talking Drum,” were led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from #IChampionHealth Chats and Terry Dumphord from the ⁠⁠⁠Ricochet Effect podcast⁠⁠⁠.

-----

The #IChampionHealth initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast is a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠⁠.

This season of the podcast was supported by UK HealthCare’s ⁠⁠⁠Healthy Kentucky Initiative⁠⁠⁠. The information shared is that of the #IChampionHealth team or our guests. These views do not necessarily represent the official position of, or endorsement by, UK HealthCare.

You can explore wellness resources from UK HealthCare and a free suicide prevention training at ⁠⁠⁠kyqpr.ukhc.org⁠⁠⁠.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic with ⁠⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠⁠

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Larger than Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Meet Asia Smith. Asia is a real estate broker who championshealth by bringing awareness to the accessibility of homeownership.

Listen as Asia discusses common misconceptions about buying real estate, the importance of multifamily properties, and her advice for emerging leaders. You’ll also hear her thoughts on community support, self-care through spirituality, and celebrating progress within the community.

-----

This interview was recorded at the 2025 Central Kentucky Black Family Conference hosted by ⁠Project Ricochet⁠. Conversations in this crossover series, titled “The Talking Drum,” were led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from #IChampionHealth Chats and Terry Dumphord from the ⁠⁠Ricochet Effect podcast⁠⁠.

-----

The #IChampionHealth initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast is a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠⁠.

This season of the podcast was supported by UK HealthCare’s ⁠⁠Healthy Kentucky Initiative⁠⁠. The information shared is that of the #IChampionHealth team or our guests. These views do not necessarily represent the official position of, or endorsement by, UK HealthCare.

You can explore wellness resources from UK HealthCare and a free suicide prevention training at ⁠⁠kyqpr.ukhc.org⁠⁠.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic with ⁠Renegade Entertainment LLC⁠

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Larger than Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.

Meet Quron Marks and Justin Edmondson. Coach Marks is a rising leader in college athletics, now in his third year coaching basketball at Kentucky State University. Justin is a senior business major and shooting guard who brings wisdom beyond his years. Quron and Justin champion health through teamwork and common purpose.

Listen as they reflect on what connection really looks like—on and off the court—and how healing begins with authenticity, vulnerability, and showing up for yourself and others. You’ll hear how their paths have been shaped by faith and family, and why they believe it’s okay to ask for help, take risks, and always try again.

-----

This interview was recorded at the 2025 Central Kentucky Black Family Conference hosted by Project Ricochet. Conversations in this crossover series, titled “The Talking Drum,” were led by Gerald "GEO" Gibson from #IChampionHealth Chats and Terry Dumphord from the ⁠Ricochet Effect podcast⁠.

-----

The #IChampionHealth initiative and #IChampionHealth Chats podcast is a collaboration between the ⁠⁠⁠PREVENT Community-Engaged Alliance⁠⁠⁠ in the UK College of Education and ⁠⁠⁠Operation Making A Change⁠.

This season of the podcast was supported by UK HealthCare’s ⁠Healthy Kentucky Initiative⁠. The information shared is that of the #IChampionHealth team or our guests. These views do not necessarily represent the official position of, or endorsement by, UK HealthCare.

You can explore wellness resources from UK HealthCare and a free suicide prevention training at ⁠kyqpr.ukhc.org⁠.

-----

Original music in this episode:

• Instrumental created by Fblmusic with Renegade Entertainment LLC

• "Champion" was produced and recorded at Larger than Life Studios. It was written, performed, and co-produced by Gerald "GEO" Gibson.