We all carry frameworks that shape how we see the world but what happens when those frameworks turn into limits? This minisode of Ray on Health and Culture dives into the 'limited mentality' and why challenging it matters. Listen in and rethink with me.

Back stronger in mid-2025 ✨

In this minisode, I break down how social webs and social capital shape success, opportunity, and even our health. From travel to politics, I’m showing why building the right connections isn’t just networking: it’s life leverage. Ray on Health and Culture is still here, still dropping theory with practice to help you live sharper, healthier, and more intentional.

Are all processed foods bad? Not quite. In this episode, we break down the differences between processed, ultra-processed, and unprocessed foods—because the truth is more nuanced than social media trends suggest.

We also dive into the dangers of following health trends and self-proclaimed experts who push misinformation. From ultra-processed additives that pose real health risks to the growing intolerance of food processing methods that are actually beneficial—like freezing for nutrient preservation—we explore how misinformation can lead to poor health choices.

Balance is key. Eliminating certain highly processed foods can reduce health risks, but not all processing is detrimental. Tune in to learn how to navigate ingredient labels, use tools like Yuka, and make choices that support your health goals without falling for trend-driven fear-mongering.

In this episode of Ray on Health and Culture, we continue exploring what food accessibility truly means and how it can look different depending on the community. In part 1, we reviewed RFK's appointment by now-incoming president Donald Trump. Today, we discuss ways to adapt frameworks for addressing food needs by considering factors like community integration, local resources, and each neighborhood's unique challenges.

Using examples like the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, we describe how localized efforts can provide fresh food while addressing broader issues of equity. Along the way, we reflect on how understanding the dynamics of community knowledge and relationships can help create sustainable food systems. In addition, we also bring real-life examples of community food sharing and how even when applied individually can foster a healthy community.

We wrap up by touching on food justice, reminding us that achieving equity requires balancing both systemic change and community action. Tune in for practical insights and a fresh perspective on how food access can be reimagined for any neighborhood.

Don't miss out on this episode as the insights may offer an approach for now and for the upcoming USA administration.

As the New Year begins, many of us are thinking about fitness—whether it’s returning after a break or starting fresh. In this minisode of Ray on Health and Culture, we’re tackling the challenges and possibilities of reclaiming your movement goals with a balanced and compassionate approach.

From ergonomic adjustments to make movement part of your environment, to embracing non-linear progress as a sustainable resolution, I’ll share practical tips to ease back into fitness and stay motivated. Plus, we’ll highlight the importance of recovery periods, because sometimes resting is the best way forward.

This episode is your reminder that fitness is personal, progress isn’t a straight line, and there’s no better time than now to take that next step—big or small.

Several gymgoers have to navigate the world of fitness. The physical space of the gym is one of the most important but daunting places for many with image concerns or other areas of vulnerability. But how does this play out in current gym culture and what can we learn to evolve and cure the bad culture from gym culture? Tune in to this minisode to find out more!

During the September 10th, 2024 USA presidential debate, the voters heard the primary candidates speak on what changes and direction they would like to see in the country. Unfortunately, the moderators did not provide much time for the healthcare topic as many policyholders and uninsured alike seek out assistance or reprieve from the current USA healthcare environment.

Even worse, none of the two candidates spoke out on key issues such as nutrition, food availability, or even grocery prices on that matter. Therefore, the advocates will need to explain precisely and effectively which key health issues need to be addressed in order to make the USA a leading nation of health.

Tune in to this part of a multi-part episode where we discuss the impacts of food availability and why this issue is relevant within the current political climate and where future action may elevate our health conditions within our bodies and our local environment!

To note: while this is the formal start to the episode, the bonus episode covering the RFK addition to Trump's campaign may help inform on the perspective we are after here and why I am not pleased with the current healthcare suggestions for the country.

There is a strong emerging minority vegan voice within the Vegan movement. However, how come this voice does not receive the elevation or attention that it merits? Is it due to existing platforms opting for other narratives? Is it due to unconscious bias or lack of ethnic perspective? Regardless of the reasoning, everyone would benefit from learning about another viewpoint on Veganism. Vegans and non-vegans alike can also impact a variety of causes with an integrated perspective. Except, how can we build a "vegan" future together if we don't know the historical and current sociopolitical atmosphere?

Tune in to this episode to learn about current Vegan news media trends and how these trends should shift to include minority voices. If you are a vegan, questioning veganism, or wish to learn about the vegan perspective, this episode should have a takeaway for you.

After advocating for health professionals to engage in politics, I have to respond to the Robert F Kennedy endorsement and rally that the Republican candidate Donald Trump has acquired.

NOTE: I neither will endorse nor directly advocate for either primary candidate. I am merely reacting to the rally and providing a health advocate insight into the health politics within the United States 2024 Presidential election. Remaining exclusively on a health agenda, I find this discussion important for all health providers, advocates, stakeholders, or users within the US to have.

Once light on the health platform, RFK immediately adds a health agenda under the Trump campaign. In contrast, Harris has yet to have a major stance change or agenda that differs from the status quo. However: both campaigns also fail in other important areas within our healthcare system (ex. accessibility and style of healthcare). Except, what should the current health narratives be? Tune in to this episode to hear my thoughts on our current status on health politics and to potentially consider a new perspective.

P.S. This video is a gross overview and does not fully do justice to the various topics and ideas mentioned in the video. Universal Healthcare, Diabetes, and Holistic medicine are just a few of the topics mentioned that may warrant future episodes. Nutrition is the general theme for our health platform here and I hear how RFK wants to address these concerns. However, I would also need to look into his track record AND find more specifics on how he would head his department if brought in. Withholding judgment on his other platforms and philosophies, RFK has a health stance we can discuss and scrutinize as needed.

Our platform is also not full proof as we wish to have an evolving, nuanced, and engaged health platform while also standing for healthcare options and economic feasibility, access, and impact. Without any further adieu, please enjoy this episode!

With the conclusion of the Olympics, many people have several themes and topics on their minds as a result of the news coverage. One of those topics that have been reported involves France's decision to employ a plant-based dietary catering for the athletes. Therefore, Veganism has made headway into becoming more mainstream. But, does the development and the presentation of Vegan athletes and certain themes not say: Is the Vegan movement truly becoming a global concept?

Tune in to this special video clip where I discuss some of the Vegan-related topics stemming from the Olympics that ultimately address the question of Veganism on a global level.

Note: this clip was recorded during a longer discussion on Vegan Media that I will upload in the future.