Civic engagement shapes health. In this episode, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Heather Jones-Brown and Victoria Weber to connect everyday actions like voting, emailing a school board member, riding the bus, and showing up at a neighborhood cleanup to measurable health outcomes. The conversation stays local. They dig into transportation, school boards, city councils, water quality, and how libraries, community fridges, and grassroots networks move the needle. 

You will hear:

• Why local elections often shape your daily health more than national races
• How transportation access influences employment, insurance coverage, food security, and mental health
• Practical ways to engage when your time or confidence is limited
• The hidden health power of libraries, community fridges, and neighborhood cleanups

Links:

• My City My Health Conference info and merch: mycity.health
• NAACP Des Moines: naacpdesmoines.org
• Des Moines Public Library: dmpl.org
• Local news and policy explainers mentioned: Iowa Starting Line, Iowa Capital Dispatch, Des Moines Register
• Des Moines metro school board and city council meeting streams are typically available on each body’s YouTube channel or website

Call to action:

• Register for My City My Health Des Moines, Nov 14: use code MCMH100 at checkout on Zeffy to claim the limited promo.

Show Notes

• 00:01 Welcome and why civic engagement belongs in a health conversation
• 02:00 “Local civics matter the most” and how engagement looks different for everyone
• 04:45 Transportation as a foundation of public health
• 06:30 Commuting, job access, insurance, wages, and downstream health outcomes
• 08:15 Voting mindset for local elections and why school bonds matter for long-term community health
• 10:40 City councils, budgets, sidewalks, housing, pollution, and potholes as health policy
• 12:40 School boards should be nonpartisan, and why parents must track positions and votes
• 13:40 Beyond the ballot: attend meetings, email representatives, set coffee or Zoom
• 16:55 Where to watch meetings and how to find contact lists
• 18:30 Toolkits, newsletters, and right-sized information habits
• 20:20 Join organizations for curated updates, like NAACP Des Moines and interfaith groups
• 21:55 Water quality alerts and why trusted sources matter
• 23:30 Everyday engagement: cleanups, cost savings, and reinvesting in community needs
• 26:00 Libraries as civic health hubs: makerspaces, classes, and small business sparks
• 28:35 Small mindset shifts, big public health impacts
• 30:40 What guests are excited to experience at My City My Health
• 33:05 How to connect with Heather and Victoria

Resources talked about:
2025 DMPS Bond Conversation
Info on the bond
Find your polling location

On this episode of My City Talks, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Sarah Donovan of Broadlawns Medical Center to explore the complex layers of food insecurity in Des Moines. From the role of culture and community in food access to how employment, transportation, and awareness shape outcomes, Sarah shares both professional insights and personal reflections.

This conversation highlights the connections between health equity, social determinants, and community partnerships—reminding us that solving hunger isn’t just about food pantries, it’s about systemic change.

Tune in as we lead up to the My City My Health Conference on November 14 in Des Moines, where Sarah will join the Food Insecurity panel.

Show Notes:
00:00 – Welcome to My City Talks
01:18 – Introducing Sarah Donovan
02:43 – Why she returned to Des Moines
04:14 – Understanding food insecurity in our community
06:40 – Supporting employees facing insecurity
09:20 – Food as culture and community
10:00 – Launching food pantries at Drake University
11:25 – Why partnerships matter in food access
13:13 – Beyond band-aid solutions
14:19 – Education, awareness & community health workers
15:24 – Broadlawns interpreter services & community health work
16:45 – Looking forward to the My City My Health Conference
17:06 – Final thoughts & invitation to connect

Connect with Sarah Donovan on LinkedIn
Learn more about the My City My Health Conference: mycity.health

In this episode of My City Talks, powered by My City My Health, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Jasmine Brooks, project manager for the USDA-backed Double Up Food Bucks program in Iowa. Together, they explore the realities of food insecurity, the cultural significance of food, and the importance of choice in nutrition.

From the lost art of cooking to the challenges of accessing fresh produce through SNAP, Jasmine shares real-life insights on how programs like Double Up Iowa are helping families stretch their dollars, support local farmers, and reclaim their health. This conversation is a preview of the upcoming My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14, where leaders, advocates, and community members will gather to move from conversation to action.

🎟️ Register for the conference: https://mycity.health

🔗 Learn more about Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org

Topics covered in this episode:

• Jasmine’s journey into food insecurity work (01:00)
• How Double Up Food Bucks stretches SNAP dollars (02:45)
• Why food insecurity is about more than “boxes of food” (04:00)
• Cooking as a lost art (05:30)
• Eating for color: simple nutrition tips (06:30)
• Cultural pride vs. healthy eating (10:00)
• Access, education, and the stigma of food assistance (13:00)
• How Double Up Food Bucks supports local farmers & grocers (18:00)
• SNAP, Medicaid, and funding challenges in Iowa (20:00)
• Turning conversation into action at My City My Health (25:00)
• How to connect with Jasmine Brooks & Double Up Iowa (30:00)

Resources & Links:

• 🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov. 14): https://mycity.health

• 🌱 Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org

• 💡 Presented by UnityPoint Health: https://www.unitypoint.org

 👉 Want to continue the conversation in person? Join us at the My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

In this episode of My City Talks, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Gregory Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities around Black men’s health in Iowa.

They dive into why Black men are less likely to seek preventive care, the importance of screenings for prostate and colon cancer, and the role of social determinants of health in shaping outcomes. Dr. Johnson also shares insights on the financial cost of health inequities, how telemedicine can bridge access gaps, and why patients should see their doctors as partners in health.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of prevention, access, and how health systems can better meet communities where they are.

Show Notes – Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson

00:00 – Intro & Welcome
01:00 – Dr. Gregory Johnson’s journey into medicine and leadership
04:40 – From bedside medicine to population health
07:30 – What healthcare access really means: speed to treatment & patient experience
10:00 – Why Black men avoid going to the doctor and the cost of waiting
13:30 – Prevention matters: prostate, colon, and heart disease screenings
16:40 – The financial toll of health inequities in Iowa ($8.6B annually)
19:30 – Barriers to access: transportation and social determinants of health
23:40 – Meeting patients where they are & community-based solutions
25:00 – Doctors as partners in health, not just transactions
27:20 – Diabetes in Iowa: 100,000 undiagnosed cases
29:00 – Innovation in access: telemedicine and rural outreach
32:00 – Closing thoughts, My City My Health conference, and where to connect

Abena Sankofa Imhotep—author, podcaster, and moderator of the Civic Engagement Panel at this year’s My City My Health Conference—joins Corey Dion Lewis to talk about what civic power really looks like in 2025. From voting and fundraising to storytelling and showing up in community spaces, this conversation unpacks the layers of visibility, accountability, and connection that drive public health outcomes for Black communities.

They also explore the myth of “Iowa Nice,” why storytelling personalizes health data, and how public health can’t be a one-and-done conversation. This episode is personal, rooted, and full of real takeaways.

🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov 14):
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

—

Show Notes:
00:00 – Intro: Why This Conversation Matters
01:10 – Abena’s Roots and Love for Des Moines
03:00 – What Civic Engagement Means
06:45 – Showing Up, Boards, and Community Work
10:15 – Fundraising, Bake Sales, and Local Impact
12:30 – The Bike Lane Analogy & Marginalized Communities
15:00 – Deconstructing “Iowa Nice” and Accountability
19:40 – Public Health Is Personal
22:00 – Storytelling that Humanizes Data
25:30 – Stephen’s Story: Prostate Cancer in the Black Community
28:40 – Abena’s Work: Sankofa Group, Substack, Podcast
33:30 – Final Thoughts + Conference Preview

Follow Abena:
 🌐 https://www.abenasankofa.com
 📰 The Imhotep Report on Substack
 🎙️ Black and Privileged in America Podcast

Subscribe to My City Talks for more real conversations at the intersection of health, equity, and community.

Alzheimer’s isn't just something that happens “later” — it's impacting thousands of Iowans right now, and Black and rural communities are being hit the hardest. In this episode of My City Talks, I sit down with Keesha Ward and Jessica Duncan of the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter to break down the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, why early detection is so powerful, and what’s stopping our communities from getting the support they need.

We also talk real numbers, real stories, and real solutions — from the 14 modifiable risk factors to the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Des Moines.

Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare provider, or just someone who wants to understand the impact of dementia better, this conversation is for you.

Show Notes:
0:00 – Welcome to My City Talks
1:05 – Meet Jessica & Keisha from the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter
2:12 – What gets them up in the morning
3:30 – Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s explained
4:55 – The current state of Alzheimer’s in Iowa
6:15 – The hidden burden on caregivers
8:00 – Why early detection makes all the difference
10:40 – The stigma in Black and rural communities
13:10 – How the healthcare system can do better
14:55 – 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia (2024 Lancet Study)
19:00 – Why sleep, exercise, and connection matter
21:10 – The Walk to End Alzheimer’s – what it is and why it matters
25:30 – How to get involved, register, and support
28:50 – Encouragement for caregivers and families
30:15 – Resources and contact info

Resources Mentioned:

• Alzheimer’s Association Iowa: https://www.alz.org/iowa
• Walk to End Alzheimer’s: https://act.alz.org
• 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

Hosted by Corey Dion Lewis | My City My Health
We are a community on a mission — and the mission is just getting started.
 🎟️ Register now for the My City My Health Des Moines event at www.mycity.health

In this episode of My City Talks, Corey sits down with Krisha Keeran, former intern, medical school hopeful, and co-founder of Club Kids for a Cause. After surviving a devastating accident, Krisha turned her recovery into a purpose, raising over $65,000 through tennis tournaments to support healthcare causes. This summer, her story comes full circle as she hosts a tournament in her honor to fund continuing education for nurses at UIHC. Listen as Krisha shares how Iowa City saved her life and why helmets, hope, and community still drive her mission.

Show Notes:

Guest: Krisha Keeran
Host: Corey Dion Lewis

Topics Covered:

• Krisha’s start with My City My Health as its first intern
• Founding Club Kids for a Cause after a family friend’s breast cancer diagnosis
• Growing the nonprofit to raise over $65,000 through tennis events and merchandise
• Surviving a near-fatal bike accident and the role UIHC played in her recovery
• The emotional and personal significance of this year’s tournament in West Des Moines
• Promoting helmet safety and partnering with the Iowa Bike Coalition
• Creating a scholarship fund for SnakeU nurses at the University of Iowa Healthcare
• How to support: buying merch, attending the tournament, or donating via Venmo

Event Info:
Club Kids for a Cause Summer Classic
📍 Valley Southwoods, West Des Moines
📅 July 11–13, 2025
Proceeds benefit a new fund for nurse education in Krisha’s honor.

Support & Connect:

• Instagram: @clubkidsforacause
• Facebook: Club Kids for a Cause
• Merch: Available through July 30
• Follow Krisha: @KrishaKeeran

Want to be featured?
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of My City My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Jahnavi Pandya, a counseling psychologist with a passion for cultural sensitivity and inclusive mental health care. Jahnavi shares her journey from India to the U.S., her experiences working with diverse populations, and the importance of tailoring therapy to individual cultural backgrounds. From addressing trauma and grief to fostering self-worth and self-compassion, this conversation explores how mental health care can become more accessible and meaningful for all.

00:00 - 00:13 | Introduction

00:14 - 00:56 | Decision to Study in the U.S

00:57 - 2:11   | Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health

02:12 - 7:47   | The Rewards and Challenges of Working with Diverse Populations

07:48 - 10:38 | Cultural Expectations Throughout Society

10:39 - 13:32 | Fostering Self-Worth and Self-Compassion

13:33 - 13:45 | Common Mental Health Challenges

13:46 - 17:29 | Effective Approaches to mental health

17:30 - 20:34 | The Future of Mental Health Care

20:35 - 24:24 | Where to Find Jahnavi & Closing Remarks

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

In this episode of MyCityMyHealth, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Khyathi Gadag, a PhD candidate in Health Policy and Management at the University of Iowa. Khyathi shares her journey from dentistry to mental health research, highlighting the crucial intersection of mental and physical health. They discuss holistic mental health approaches, the role of social determinants like housing and income, and how policy changes can improve access to care. Khyathi also dives into her work as the founder of Here to Help, a student-led initiative focused on bridging the gap between mental health resources and student needs. Listen to learn how we can integrate mental health into healthcare policy, reduce stigma, and create a more inclusive, supportive future.

Topics Covered:

[00:01] Introduction to My City My Health and guest Khyathi Gadag

[00:22] Khyathi’s background: From dentistry to mental health research

[01:53] The connection between oral health and mental health

[03:17] Holistic approaches to mental health in healthcare policy

[06:08] The Connection Between Environment and Mental Health 

[08:32] Founding Here to Help: A student-led mental health initiative

[11:04] Tackling stigma through peer support and cultural competence

[13:46] The challenge of balancing ambition with mental health in academic and professional settings

[17:37] Overcoming barriers in implementing holistic mental health care

[22:14] The future of mental health: Integrated care, social determinants, and technology

[24:42] Khyathi’s advice: Make mental health a priority and cultivate empathy for others

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

• LinkedIn: Khyathi Gadag

In this episode of My City, My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Naomi Marroquin, a dedicated healthcare team leader serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Iowa. Naomi shares her journey from growing up in an immigrant-rich community to advocating for better healthcare access. She discusses the challenges migrant workers face, the impact of mobile clinics, and the importance of bilingual and bicultural healthcare professionals.

00:00 - 00:18 | Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
00:19 - 03:12 | Naomi’s Background & Passion for Migrant Health
03:13 - 05:10 | The Role of a Community Health Worker
05:11 - 07:35 | Challenges in Healthcare Access & Resource Limitations
07:36 - 09:30 | The Importance of Mobile Clinics for Migrant Workers
09:31 - 11:07 | How Being Bilingual & Bicultural Shapes Patient Care
11:08 - 13:37 | Needed Improvements in Healthcare for Migrant Populations
13:38 - 16:31 | Advice for Future Healthcare Professionals
16:32 - 19:23 | Avoiding Burnout & Self-Care as a Healthcare Worker
19:24 - 21:21 | Closing Remarks & Where to Find Naomi

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

• LinkedIn: Naomi Marroquin