Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Katherine Y. Brown, EdD, OTR/L

What if you could save a life with just a small investment of time? In this powerful episode, internationally recognized CPR educator Dr. Katherine Y. Brown—known as “The CPR Lady”—breaks down why CPR is one of the most important skills everyday people can learn.

Dr. Brown shares how CPR training doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or intimidating—and why fear and misinformation stop too many people from stepping in during emergencies. From teaching CPR in underserved and unexpected spaces to empowering children and families with life-saving knowledge, she reveals how preparation can turn ordinary bystanders into heroes.

This conversation challenges myths, builds confidence, and reminds us that knowing what to do—even for a few minutes—can mean the difference between life and death.

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: K. Sean Kimbro, PhD

What happens when science finally reflects the people it’s meant to serve? In this powerful episode of LifeBeat, Dr. Sean Kimbro—Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine—shares his journey from a teenage science fair to leading groundbreaking research focused on health equity.

Dr. Kimbro breaks down how ancestry, biology, environment, and data bias shape health outcomes, and why communities of color have too often been excluded from the research that drives medical decisions. From ancestral-driven drug discovery and precision nutrition to the risks of biased AI in healthcare, this conversation reveals why representation in data is not optional—it’s essential.

The episode also explores the role of community engagement, trust, and mentorship in advancing research that truly serves people. Dr. Kimbro explains how initiatives like Discovery of Us are partnering directly with Black and Brown communities to collect meaningful data, return results, and empower participants as co-creators of knowledge—not just subjects.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in health equity, community-centered research, the future of medicine, and how science can be both rigorous and human-centered.

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: J. Adrian Tyndall, MD, MPH

What does it take to lead medicine with purpose? Dr. J. Adrian Tyndall shares his journey to Morehouse School of Medicine, the power of culture, faith, and community partnerships—and why health equity must be rooted in trust, purpose, and people.

#HealthEquity #PurposeDrivenLeadership #MorehouseMedicine #CommunityHealth #BlackDoctorsMatter

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Keith T. Parker, MBA

How did Goodwill of North Georgia become one of the most powerful job engines in the Southeast? In this episode, Keith Parker—President and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia—pulls back the curtain on the strategy, partnerships, and people-centered mission that transformed a thrift store model into a workforce powerhouse.

Under Parker’s leadership, Goodwill now operates 60+ stores, 50+ donation centers, and multiple career centers across 45 counties—helping tens of thousands secure jobs each year. A nationally recognized executive and former leader of major U.S. transit systems, Parker brings a rare blend of vision, innovation, and heart for community.

From breaking cycles of poverty to preparing workers for the jobs of the future, this conversation reveals the dignity, purpose, and possibility behind Goodwill’s mission.

Learn how jobs, training, and compassion are changing lives—one opportunity at a time.

#LifeBeatPodcast #1JGCollabs #JobsJobsJobs #GoodwillNorthGeorgia #KeithParker #WorkforceDevelopment

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Elvin T. Price, PharmD, PhD

As we age, medications become a bigger part of daily life—but most people miss the key information that keeps them safe. In this episode, Dr. Elvin Price breaks down what every patient should know: why pills look different, how to handle side effects, what to ask your pharmacist, and how genetics and communication shape real health outcomes.

Clear, practical, and eye-opening—this conversation will help you take control of your medications and your wellness.

#AgingWell, #MedicationSafety, #AskYourPharmacist, #HealthEquityNow, #LifeBeatPodcast

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Shonta A. Chambers

In this inspiring LifeBeat conversation, host Kermit G. Payne talks with Shonta Chambers, a nationally recognized advocate, strategist, and community builder. From her roots on Atlanta’s Westside to her work in health advocacy and coalition building, Shonta reminds us that progress begins when communities listen, connect, and act together.

Through stories of resilience—from Chicago’s “Toxic Tour” to the power of grandmothers who held neighborhoods together—this episode explores what it truly means to be a stakeholder. Chambers shares why trust, storytelling, and local action remain our most powerful tools for change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it really means to be a stakeholder in your community
• How storytelling builds trust and drives advocacy
• The connection between environmental justice and health equity
• Why collective action matters more than titles or roles
• How to turn frustration into forward motion for the greater good

✨ “Our efforts can’t just be for the people in the house—they have to be for the people in the community.” – Shaundra Chambers

📍 Subscribe for more Life Beat episodes that highlight voices driving equity, health, and hope in every community.

#LifeBeatPodcast #ShaundraChambers #CommunityAdvocacy #HealthEquity #StorytellingForChange #1JGCollabs #BlackHealthMatters #PublicHealthLeadership

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Cherae M. Farmer, DDS

In this powerful episode of Life Beat, host Kermit G. Payne sits down with Dr. Cherae Farmer, Dean of the School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College, veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, and trailblazer as the first African American Chair-Elect of the American Dental Education Association.Dr. Farmer breaks down the connection between oral health and overall wellness—showing how what happens in your mouth affects your heart, brain, and body. She shares why dental deserts, cultural barriers, and lack of access continue to affect underserved and minority communities, and how faith, education, and community partnerships can help close those gaps.00:00 – Meet Dr. Cherae Farmer, DDS01:10 – Why Oral Health Matters 03:50 – The COVID Effect 08:00 – From Pain to Comfort 12:30 – Dental Care with Heart 13:45 – Meharry Pride 22:00 – Healthcare Home, Not Just Dental Home 23:10 – Community Power 26:40 – Teledentistry Explained 28:30 – Why I Became a Dentist 31:00 – Advice for Future Dentists 34:25 – Closing Thoughts #BeTrueToYourTeeth#BlackHealthMatters#LifeBeatPodcast

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Melissa B. Davis, PhD

Is your DNA the secret to unlocking better cancer treatment? 🔬 In this powerful episode of LifeBeat: The Podcast, Dr. Melissa Davis breaks down how ancestry, environment, and biology intersect to shape our health outcomes — especially in communities of color. From decoding genetic markers to challenging long-standing myths about cancer risk, Dr. Davis reveals how science and social justice are working hand-in-hand to close the health gap. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that could change the way you think about your genes, your health, and your future.

#podcast #CancerResearch #GeneticAncestry #HealthEquity #ScienceForAll #DNAAndDiversity #CancerAwareness #STEMInnovation #LifeBeat #1JGCollabs

00:00 – Introduction: The DNA of Disparity

02:18 – From Curiosity to Calling: Dr. Davis’s Scientific Journey

06:05 – Unpacking the Science: What Cancer Really Is

10:44 – The Power of Ancestry: What Our DNA Tells Us

15:12 – Health Disparities in Focus

19:56 – Breaking the Code: What the Data Reveals

23:41 – The Human Side of Science

27:58 – Hope, Healing, and the Future of Cancer Research

31:46 – Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power

Host: Kermit G. Payne
Guest: George Perry, PhD

In this conversation, Dr. George Perry discusses the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, challenging conventional beliefs about its causes and emphasizing the importance of understanding its relationship with dementia. He highlights the significance of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and social connections in managing cognitive health. The discussion also covers current treatment options, the role of clinical trials, and the impact of social isolation on cognitive decline, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Perry advocates for a holistic approach to Alzheimer's treatment, focusing on prevention and the importance of community involvement.

#podcast #alzheimersawareness #dementia

00:00 - Introduction to Alzheimer's Disease 02:29 - Understanding Alzheimer's Disease 05:20 - Dementia vs. Alzheimer's 07:06 - Challenging Conventional Wisdom 09:55 - The Role of Plaques and Tangles 12:12 - Genetic Factors in Alzheimer's 17:23 - Current Treatments and Clinical Trials 21:56 - Testing for Alzheimer's Risk 24:55 - The Impact of Social Isolation 30:16 - Future Perspectives on Alzheimer's Treatment

Host: Kermit G. Payne

Guest: Leanne Woods-Burnham, PhD

In this episode of the LifeBeat Podcast, host Kermit G. Payne sits down with Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham, a leading researcher in prostate cancer health disparities. Together, they unpack why African American men face the highest rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality. Dr. Woods-Burnham shares the groundbreaking research behind these disparities, the lack of representation in clinical trials, and how her work is uncovering the genetic, social, and systemic factors at play.From the lab to the community, this conversation highlights the urgent need for equity in cancer research and the fight to save Black men’s lives.

#LifeBeat #1JGCollabs #podcast #ProstateCancer #CancerResearch #BlackMenHealth #HealthDisparities #Genetics #ClinicalTrials #HealthEquity #CancerAwareness #STEM #RepresentationMatters #MenHealthMatters #ScienceForChange #ProstateCancerAwareness #BlackExcellence #MedicalResearch #PublicHealth

00:00 - Introduction02:04 - Dr. Woods-Burnham's Journey and Commitment to Health Equity03:17 - Understanding Prostate Cancer in Black Men06:24 - The Biology of Cancer and Genetic Links09:00 - Challenges in Genetic Research and Ancestry12:09 - The Importance of Diversity in Biospecimens13:23 - A Day in the Life of a Translational Scientist15:49 - Experiences in West Africa and Collaborative Potential18:11 - The Need for Diverse Cell Lines in Research22:21 - Community Programs and Prostate Cancer Screening23:55 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Generations