On Call, Off Script

Episode 30: The color of your poop can tell you a lot about your health but sometimes having the conversation can be tough to sit in.

On this episode of On Call, Off Script, host Ruelle Champion is joined by comedian and online personality Mario Ramil for a very candid conversation about something everyone does, but few people actually talk about: pooping.

Jackson Medical Group colorectal surgeons Dr. Marianna Zeichen and Dr. Gustavo Rubioease into the conversation about changes in stool color, why constipation causes problems, and when bleeding should be checked by a doctor. They also explain what actually happens during a colonoscopy, why colorectal cancer screening now starts at age 45, and why younger adults shouldn't ignore symptoms because they think they're “too young.”

This episode takes the awkwardness out of talking about your poop and explains why paying attention to it is an important part of your overall health.

Guest Bios:

Mario Ramil is a comedian and online personality who joins On Call, Off Script as theshow’s first co-host, bringing humor and plenty of frank questions to the more sensitive topics that people have about their colon health. His candid conversation with the surgeons also highlights the importance of breaking stigmas around digestive and colorectal health.

Dr. Marianna Zeichen is a colorectal surgeon with Jackson Medical Group who practices in south Miami-Dade County. She brings a patient-centered perspective to conversations that can be uncomfortable, like rectal bleeding, changes in bowelmovements, and physical rectal exams. Dr. Zeichen emphasizes the importance of building trust with patients and encouraging people to speak up about symptoms they might otherwise dismiss or feel embarrassed to discuss.

Dr. Gustavo Rubio is a colorectal surgeon with Jackson Medical Group who practices at Jackson West Medical Center. Dr. Rubio treats patients with a variety of colorectal concerns and helps evaluate issues like constipation, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. He explains why doctors need patients to be specific when describing their bowel habits and helps listeners through what to expect during a colonoscopy.

Episode 29: In this episode of On Call, Off Script, we take listeners behind the scenes of Jackson Health System’s podcast to meet the group who help bring each episode to life.

The creative and branding and multimedia teams share how On Call, Off Script came to be, from the early beginnings in 2019 as “A Dose of Jackson,” to the launch of the podcast we all know today. They talk about how topics are brainstormed, the design of the podcast studio, and the small details that help guests feel comfortable.

What makes a great episode? Genuine conversations, compelling stories, unexpected moments, and the freedom to let our medical experts, patients, and community partners speak from the heart.

Whether you've listened to every episode or are discovering On Call, Off Script for the first time, this is your chance to meet the people behind your favorite healthcare podcast!

Guest Bios:

Maria Coloma is interim manager of Jackson Health System's Creative and Branding team, where she works on design, wayfinding, and creative projects that help improve the experience for patients, families, and employees. As one of the creative minds behind the podcast, Coloma shapes the podcast's visual identity and studio environment, including its signature blue velvet couch.

Jeremie McLeod is Jackson Health System's Multimedia Program Administrator, overseeing photography, video, and visual storytelling. He was instrumental in developing the blueprint for On Call, Off Script. Now, McLeod works on the podcast’s technical production after implementing a one-man audio/video recording system.

Daniela Reyes is the creative and branding specialist for Jackson Health System. Her work on the podcast includes creating a welcoming on-camera environment, overseeing visual details, and serving as a floor director during production. Reyes helped develop the podcast's visual storytelling, including the idea behind the On Call, Off Script logoanimation during the opening sequence.

Phillip Robinson is a multimedia specialist who works as Jackson Health System’s primary photographer for special events, requests, and headshots. Robinson plays multiple important roles in simultaneously operating the cameras and audio, capturingbehind-the-scenes content, and ensuring each production runs smoothly for nearly every episode.

Episode 28: Being in the hospital can be overwhelming, whether you're a child facing a scary procedure or an adult receiving a life-changing diagnosis. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we explore the emotional and psychological side of hospital care with clinical health psychologist, Lisa Alpizar, PsyD, with the Consultation Liaison Psychology Service for Jackson Behavioral Health and Talia Mor, Child Life Specialist from the Creative Care Team at Holtz Children's Hospital.

In this episode, Dr. Alpizar explains what her team of specialists do and how they help patients and families cope with their hospital experience, whether it's from a traumatic accident, a new diagnosis, to starting cancer treatment, and end-of-life care. The clinical psychology team works alongside medical teams to help patients navigate the immediate emotional and social impact of illness and hospitalization.

The episode also takes us inside the world of the Creative Care Team, who use education, play, and other therapeutic activities, such as music therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and recreational therapy, to help children understand and cope with medical procedures and difficult experiences.

Healing isn't only about treating the body. It's also about helping people feel heard, supported, and like themselves again no matter their age.

Guest Bios:

Episode 27: Puberty is an awkward chapter of life, full of questions for kids and their parents. So, when should the conversation start? And what should parents actually expect?

On this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we’re breaking down puberty from both the medical and mental health perspectives. Our experts explain when puberty typically starts, the physical changes parents should expect, why emotions can feel intense, and how puberty can affect confidence, friendships, and social relationships.

Most importantly, parents need to know why they shouldn’t wait for puberty to start talking about it with their kids. Early, age-appropriate conversations can help kids understand their changing bodies, ask questions, and feel more confident navigating this awkward – and completely normal – stage of growing up.

Guest Bios:

Episode 26: What does a $5 donation have in common with a $15 million gift? Both can make a difference in the lives of patients, families and health care teams.

In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we sit down with Flavia Llizo, CEO of Jackson Health Foundation, to take listeners behind the scenes of philanthropy at Jackson Health System. Llizo explains how donations of all sizes help support everything from medical equipment and patient care spaces to major capital projects and community health programs.

The conversation explores the growth of Jackson Health Foundation, the impact of One Day for Jackson, why patient stories are at the heart of philanthropy, and how the Foundation supports population health beyond the hospital walls.

Most importantly, Llizo explains why philanthropy is not just about big donors and big dollars; it’s also about the positive impact that every dollar can make on Jackson’s patients, families, staff, and the community.

Guest Bio:

Episode 25: Hospital food is notorious, but what if it could be something more? That’s the vision behind the food and nutrition team at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

On this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we go behind the scenes with Jackson Memorial Hospital’s executive chef, Dalbert Benneth, and Director of Food and Nutrition, Gabriel Lima, to explore how they’re spicing things up to break the stigma on hospital food.

The conversation peaks into some of Miami’s hottest restaurants and the high-pressure world of Miami Spice while highlighting the parallels with the kitchens at Jackson West Medical Center and The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Hotels & Resorts.

From made-to-order meals and customizable bowls to rethinking traditional hospital menus to match the community’s tastes, check out what it takes to bring a restaurant mindset to a hospital, and why food is an important part of the patient experience.

Guest Bios:

· Gabriel Lima is the Director of Food and Nutrition at Jackson Memorial Hospital through third-party vendor, Sodexo. With a background in culinary arts and hospitality, Lima worked his way through the hotel industry before bringing his large-scale hospitality experience to healthcare. He started at Jackson West Medical Center and has since transitioned to Jackson Memorial. Lima is helping lead a new vision for hospital dining focused on variety, customization, wellness and changing the stigma surrounding hospital food.

· Dalbert Benneth is the Executive Chef at Jackson Memorial Hospital, bringing years of experience in professional kitchens and Miami’s hospitality industry to healthcare dining. He began his culinary career washing dishes and worked his way through the kitchen ranks before moving into leadership roles, including experience at The Ritz-Carlton in South Beach. His restaurant background now informs his approach to creating fresh, customizable and culturally relevant food for patients, staff and visitors.

Episode 24: The odds of being bit by a shark are not high but definitely not zero, especially in South Florida. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, Miami native and shark-bite survivor Kevin Blanco shares the story of the day he was attacked while spearfishing in the Florida Keys.

Kevin and his father, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Captain Omar Blanco, are joined by Antonio Marttos, MD, a UHealth – University of Miami Health System trauma surgeon at Ryder Trauma Center to walk through what happened. The moment Kevin was bit is only part of the story, as Dr. Marttos explains how one decision to stop the bleed saved Kevin’s leg.

The conversation explores what happens when a medical emergency happens far from shore, why stopping severe bleeding makes a difference, and how firefighters, EMS teams, and trauma surgeons work together in harmony. Kevin opens up about his mental health and connection to the ocean years after the attack, leaving listeners with an important lesson on water safety, readiness, and awareness.

Guest Bios:

Episode 23:

Is Pilates an underrated life hack or an overrated trend for social media? In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we're putting Pilates to the test at Mimi Yoga & Pilates in Wynwood.

Our experts are Pilates trainer and social media influencer Starr Hawkins (@babymommafit), and Zainab Al Lawati, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at UHealth Jackson Rehabilitation Care. Dr. Al Lawati discusses the science behind the physical benefits of Pilates while Starr showcases practical Pilates moves that anyone can add to their daily routine.

We explore the mental and physical health connection, postpartum benefits, improving chronic pain, and how Pilates is becoming more accessible than ever in Miami. Whether you’re a skeptic or you’re no stranger to a reformer, you’ll want to see for yourself why our experts say Pilates is more than just a fad.

Guest Bios:

Episode 22: Disasters and emergencies are not a matter of if, but when. In this episode of On Call, Off Script, a Jackson Health System podcast, we sit with Bridget Pelaez, senior director of disaster and emergency preparedness at Jackson, to learn what it takes to expect the unexpected and prepare for it all.

Pelaez shares how year-round planning, hands-on training, and strong community partnerships from her team ensure that patients continue receiving care when disaster strikes. She also offers practical preparedness tips every South Floridian should know, from creating emergency plans and stocking up on medications to avoiding panic and looking out for vulnerable neighbors.

Whether you're no stranger to South Florida weather or you’re curious about behind the scenes of hurricane season, this conversation offers a look at the people and planning that keep Jackson Health System moving when it matters most.

Guest Bio:

Episode 21: What does an emergency medicine physician do when she's not caring for patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital? In the case of Dr. Regina Martinez, she's training to compete on the world stage as Mexico’s first female cross-country skier to compete in the Olympics.

In this episode of On Call, Off Script, host Ruelle Champion sits down with Dr. Martinez, an emergency medicine physician and Olympic cross-country skier for Mexico, to discuss her extraordinary journey from medical school student in Minnesota to representing her country at the Winter Olympics. She reflects on the challenges of balancing medical training with elite athletic competition, the sacrifices required to pursue two demanding careers, and the unforgettable experience of competing in Italy alongside the world's best athletes.

Whether you're an athlete, healthcare professional, or someone pursuing a goal that feels out of reach, this episode is a reminder that it's never too late to write your own story.