Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action

In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee takes listeners behind the scenes of the movement that is reshaping how we think about public health. With honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. Dr. Joyee speaks to the exhaustion, grief, and burnout that so many public health professionals are carrying in 2025. She acknowledges the frustration of working in systems that undermine your purpose, devalue your expertise, and drain your spirit—and she assures listeners: I see you, because I am you.

Dr. Joyee shares her own journey from surviving toxic institutions to building a six-figure, community-led consulting practice rooted in equity and liberation. She highlights the hard truths of the field today: public health has been attacked, funding slashed, and trust eroded. Yet even in the midst of collapse, she insists that joy, purpose, and power are still within reach.

This episode introduces the framework that guides the entire Public Health Joy movement: Rest, Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist. Dr. Joyee breaks down why rest is essential to liberation work, how re-imagining frees us from institutional dependency, how rebuilding equips us to act on our purpose, and how resistance fuels sustainability rather than burnout.

Listeners are invited to join the Public Health Joy Summit happening January 14–16, 2026—a virtual, immersive experience that offers practical skill-building, community care, real-world training, and a collective space for reimagining what public health can become. Dr. Joyee reminds us that institutional permission is not required to transform communities—and the future of public health depends on the leaders who dare to build new systems now.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Public health is about community, not just institutions.

• Rest is essential for sustainable public health work.

• Community-led solutions can transform public health.

• The current systems are designed to control, not serve.

• Public Health Joy is a resistance movement.

• We need to re-imagine public health together.

• Burnout culture is detrimental to public health professionals.

• The Public Health Joy Summit is a call to action.

• Your lived experience is valuable in public health.

• Joy is a revolutionary act in the face of adversity.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington sits down with Ginny Katz, the Founder and CEO of HazAdapt, a groundbreaking company dedicated to building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. As the Head of Research at HazAdapt Community Resilience Tools, Ginny leads the charge in developing innovative, technology-driven solutions that redefine how we prepare for and respond to disasters. Together, Dr. Joyee and Ginny explore the intersection of public health, technology, and human connection, shedding light on how digital innovation can empower individuals and communities before, during, and after crises.

Throughout their conversation, they dive deep into the foundations of disaster preparedness, breaking down what it truly means to understand and define hazards—from natural disasters to social and systemic challenges. They discuss the critical role of community engagement in emergency management and how inclusive, people-centered approaches can transform preparedness into collective empowerment. Dr. Joyee and Ginny also unpack the often-overlooked impact of racism as a public health hazard, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, promoting equity, and centering healing and joy as vital components of resilience.

This episode offers a powerful reminder that disaster preparedness isn’t just about surviving the storm—it’s about building communities that thrive through connection, compassion, and innovation.

Key Points From This Episode:

• HazAdapt focuses on community-centered disaster preparedness.

• Technology should move at the speed of trust.

• Resilience is about adapting and growing stronger after disasters.

• Community engagement is crucial for effective disaster response.

• Racism is a significant hazard that affects community safety.

• Lived experience provides valuable insights into hazards.

• Disasters shape communities and their responses.

• Healing and joy are essential for community resilience.

• Public health and emergency management must collaborate.

• Empowering communities leads to better preparedness.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee speaks with Maudra Brown, MPH, an innovative Chief Health Strategist and Founder of MRB Public Health Consulting. This forward-thinking consulting firm is dedicated to advancing public health initiatives through innovative strategies, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to community engagement.

Together, they discuss the current challenges facing public health, including the recent resignations of CDC leaders and the ongoing crisis in the field. They explore the need for public health professionals to reclaim their power, navigate policy changes, and engage communities effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic action, empowerment, and reimagining public health leadership to address the pressing issues of today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Public health is facing unprecedented challenges in 2025. 

• The resignation of CDC leaders reflects deep systemic issues. 

• Public health professionals must reclaim their power and expertise. 

• Strategic action is necessary to navigate policy changes.

• Community engagement is crucial for effective public health solutions.

• Public health professionals should not wait for permission to act.

• The future of public health requires new leadership models.

• Empowerment and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles.

• Public health strategies must be reimagined for current realities.

• Finding joy in public health work is essential for sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee engages with Dorian Johnson, a Public Health Educator and Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who combines skills-based health education and systems-level insight to every conversation. Known as “The PHuncle”, Dorian is a master at making complex public health concepts clear and engaging.

Together, Dr. Joyee and Dorian discuss the importance of humor in public health, effective communication strategies, and the need for collaboration over competition. The conversation also explores the decolonization of research, the importance of community engagement, and the need for humility in academia. Dorian also shares his journey into research and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in public health work, concluding with a call for a more relatable and engaging approach to health education.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The Funko Concept and Its Significance [02:46]

• Cultural Relevance in Public Health Communication [04:54]

• Decolonizing Research and Self-Reflection [09:29]

• Collaboration vs. Competition in Public Health [12:08]

• The Power of Community and Humility in Research [15:37]

• The Captain Planet Analogy for Collaboration [19:31]

• The Importance of Seasoning in Academia [22:53]

• First Experiences in Research and Community Engagement [26:12]

• Redefining Research Beyond Traditional Methods [30:08]

• Authenticity and Joy in Public Health Work [36:01]

✨ Before you go — I’d love your voice in shaping the future of our work. Please take a moment to complete the Public Health Impact Survey and join the waitlist for the 2026 Public Health Joy Summit. Together, we can keep building joy-filled, justice-centered spaces in public health.

Take the survey and join the waitlist 👉🏾 https://forms.gle/BeAZfYiRHkPPZ3BQ8

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington shines a light on the challenges we face in public health and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. She reminds us that reflection and resilience aren’t optional—they’re essential. By acknowledging our pain and our struggles, we create the foundation for growth, healing, and transformation. 

Dr. Washington calls us to rest, reset, and prepare for the comeback. Change doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentional strategy, empowered communities, and collective action. That’s why she’s inviting us to join an upcoming summit designed to unite voices, spark innovation, and mobilize for meaningful change. The fight is real, but so is the power of our comeback. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Navigating Technical Challenges and Setting Intentions [00:00] 

• Reflecting on Personal and Collective Journeys [02:31]

• Acknowledging Pain and Building Resilience [04:46]

• Understanding the Fight in Public Health [06:32]

• Preparing for the Comeback: Strategies for Change [07:58] 

• The Power of Rest and Reimagining Public Health [10:38] 

• Mobilizing for Transformation and Community Empowerment [13:43] 

• The Call to Action: Summit for Change [16:23]

• Closing Reflections and Prayer [19:12] 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, Dr. Joyee interviews Dr. Renaisa Anthony, MD, MPH—physician, public health leader, and founder of Momentum Park. Dr. Anthony discusses her journey in maternal health, the importance of community, and the role of technology and AI in advancing healthcare equity. 

Dr. Anthony shares personal experiences that motivated her to create impactful solutions for marginalized populations and emphasizes the need for a supportive network in public health. The conversation also highlights the innovative work of Sheniece, an AI-driven support system for mothers, and the joy that comes from serving the community.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The Importance of Community in Maternal Health [2:00]

• Personal Experiences Driving Change [5:00]

• The Role of Technology in Healthcare [8:07]

• AI and Its Impact on Healthcare [10:57]

• Navigating the Tech Landscape [13:56]

• The Journey of Purpose and Innovation [16:49]

• Iterative Learning and Agile Methodologies [20:36]

• The Importance of Immersion in Learning [24:13]

• Mindset vs. Skillset in Professional Growth [26:31]

• Funding Dynamics in Public Health [29:09]

• Building Community and Support Systems [30:57]

• Joy in Service and Legacy Building [38:07]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, we are joined by Cookie Miller, a functional wellness strategist. Cookie discusses the importance of self-care, emotional resilience, and time management for public health professionals. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals in the public health sector to prioritize their own well-being in order to effectively serve others.

Cookie shares practical strategies for managing time, setting boundaries, and rediscovering joy in life, while Dr. Joyee Washington adds personal insights and experiences. Together, they explore how societal pressures impact health habits and the significance of building emotional resilience to navigate challenges in both personal and professional life.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Public health professionals often neglect their own well-being. [4:00]

• Self-care is essential for effective advocacy and service. [5:00]

• Time management is often a form of self-deception. [10:00]

• Societal pressures can distort our perception of time. [11:00]

• Slowing down can improve health and emotional well-being. [13:00]

• Rediscovering hobbies can enhance joy and fulfillment. [20:00]

• Emotional resilience is crucial for navigating challenges. [23:00]

• Setting boundaries is necessary for maintaining mental health. [27:00]

• Prioritizing what truly matters can lead to a more fulfilling life. [28:00]

• Finding joy in helping others can be incredibly rewarding. [36:00]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

True accessibility in public health education means designing with everyone in mind from the start, not treating it as an afterthought. Joining us today to talk about building more inclusive, learner-centered e-learning experiences is Leah Roman. Leah is the owner and principal consultant at Roman Public Health Consulting LLC, where she applies over 20 years of experience designing accessible training for public health and related workforces.

In this episode, she shares how flexibility, empathy, and intentional design can help meet the needs of all learners, especially in virtual spaces. From transcripts to alternative text for visual images, Leah offers practical ways to reach adult learners and be as inclusive as possible through thoughtful design. Whether you're creating a course or sharing resources online, this conversation will leave you rethinking how to make your work more inclusive and impactful!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How to gain access to the replay of the Bracing for 2025 Virtual Summit. [0:00]

• Introducing today’s guest, Leah Roman, and her career background. [02:19]

• How Leah was first exposed to e-learning and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [05:42]

• What accessibility means in e-learning and virtual environments. [08:23]

• A story from Dr. Joyee Washington about teaching biostats online. [12:50]

• Helping clients shift from in-person to online by rethinking learning goals and delivery. [15:29]

• How to understand and match the needs of your audience. [21:06]

• The importance of creating flexibility and choice in online learning. [22:29]

• Adapting for learners with visual challenges and describing images accessibly. [26:11]

• How to keep accessibility top of mind by building it into checklists and daily workflows. [28:46]

• Unlearning old presentation habits to better serve all learners. [31:29]

• What brings Leah joy in her work as a consultant. [33:59]

• Ways to connect with Leah and learn more about her work. [35:56]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

We’re all touched by policies every day, and anyone can be a policy changemaker within their community. Today, we’re joined by the incredible lawyer, author, and DEI strategist, Kristi Guillory, to discuss the power of storytelling in public health and health policy.

Tuning in, you’ll learn about Kristi’s mission in the public health space, what policy, advocacy, and lobbying mean, how they are related, and so much more! Kristi walks us through what sparked her interest in becoming a lawyer and where her journey with storytelling started before discussing the positive sides of being an entrepreneur.

Kristi also reminds us that rejection is an opportunity to grow, and pain is a lesson in empathy. You’ll even learn more about her book on gratitude and what brings Kristi joy in her work. You dont want to miss this!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcoming today’s guest, Kristi Guillory, to the show. [02:24]

• Kristi tells us about herself and her career mission. [04:00]

• Differences and relationship between public health policy, advocacy, and lobbying. [08:21]

• What inspired Kristi to study law and the importance of being flexible in your career. [15:11]

• How the devastation of the public health sector can be seen as a growth opportunity. [28:53]

• Kristi’s book, Harper Counts Her Blessings, and the power of gratitude. [34:26]

• What brings our guest joy in her work. [36:10]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/ 

Get ready for the next episode on the Public Health Joy Podcast!🔥This Friday, we learn from a trailblazer who's been changing the game in public health, policy, and funding. We will be joined by the incredible Elizabeth Peck — a public policy and philanthropy expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. 💼💪 Elizabeth is the founder of EP Strategies, a woman-owned consulting business that centers equity and community in everything it does.

From her early work at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy to her current leadership in helping organizations secure funding without compromising values, Elizabeth shares wisdom that will inspire professionals at every stage. This episode dives deep into the real-life impact of public health, the importance of equity centered funding strategies, and how to prepare for a future filled with uncertainty and possibility. 🌍✨ Don’t miss this honest, heartfelt, and strategic convo that reminds us why community-centered work matters more than ever.

Key Points From This Episode:

• How to gain access to the replay of the Bracing for 2025 Virtual Summit. [0:00]

• The community-centered approach that Elizabeth applies to her work. [02:19]

• Her systems-based understanding of public health work. [06:02]

• Her career start in adolescent sexual health at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy. [11:45]

• Finding diverse sources of funding in a competitive environment. [15:59]

• Preparing for the next chapter in a chaotic landscape through data and collaboration. [21:48]

• Keeping strategic focus while pursuing much-needed funding. [26:39]

• The opportunity for philanthropy to make progress in its definition of success. [29:00]

• Excellent results and value-aligned work: Elizabeth’s sources of Public Health Joy! [30:27]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/