Scaling the Summit-- Radio Gold

October is Health Literacy Month, and in this episode of Scaling the Summit, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims are joined by Dr. J. Sunshine Cowan to explore why health literacy matters now more than ever.

Dr. Cowan is a professor in the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, Director of the John A. Maisch Collective for the Greater Good, and a Master Certified Health Education Specialist. Her work connects health education, public health, health equity, students, and communities.

During the conversation, Dr. Cowan discusses what health literacy really means, the barriers that can make health information difficult to access or understand, and the important connection between health literacy and health equity. The episode also explores the role educators and health professionals play in helping people evaluate health information, especially in a world increasingly shaped by social media, online influencers, advertising, and artificial intelligence.

You will also hear practical guidance for identifying credible health information, communicating with diverse communities, and helping students build health literacy skills they can use throughout their lives.

Dr. Cowan also recommends following several trusted voices on social media for respectful, evidence-informed health information:

Jessica Knurick
Your Local Epidemiologist
Those Nerdy Girls
Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist

Plus, stick around for the Rapid Fire Round and the final Summit question: What is the next summit health literacy professionals need to climb?

In this episode of Scaling the Summit – Radio Gold, Sandra and Charity sit down with Dr. Christy Killman to talk about what it means to build a career that not only moves the profession forward, but also lifts others along the way.

With more than three decades of experience spanning K–12 physical education, higher education, professional leadership, mentoring, and service, Christy reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey and the people who helped influence her path. The conversation explores the importance of professional involvement, preparing future health and physical literacy professionals, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and staying committed to service throughout a career.

Christy also shares her perspective on what today’s emerging professionals need most, the responsibility experienced leaders have to create opportunities for others, and what she believes the profession must do next to continue moving forward.

It’s a conversation about leadership, service, mentorship, and the idea at the heart of Scaling the Summit: the climb matters even more when you help others climb with you.

Plus, Christy takes on the Radio Gold Rapid Fire Round and answers the show’s new final question: What is the next summit our profession needs to climb?

In this episode of Scaling the Summit—Radio Gold, hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome Dr. Amy Upton for a conversation about moving from passion to influence.

Dr. Upton shares insights from her experience as a counselor educator, former school counselor, researcher, organizational leader, and nationally recognized advocate. Together, they explore what effective advocacy really looks like, the habits of successful advocates, common mistakes professionals make, and why strong relationships with decision-makers matter.

The conversation also examines how health and physical literacy professionals can become stronger advocates without needing to be political experts, why professional associations such as NAHPL are important to collective impact, and what it means to stay committed to “winning the long game.”

To learn more about the National Academy, please visit our website: nahpl.org

In this episode of Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome Dr. Katherine Pebworth, a respected educator, mentor, and leader in health and physical education. With more than three decades of experience in physical education teacher education, leadership development, and professional service, Dr. Pebworth shares her insights on preparing future professionals, building confidence in young leaders, and staying passionate throughout a long and meaningful career.

The conversation explores leadership at the state, district, and national levels, the importance of mentorship, the changing needs of today’s students, and practical ways educators can manage stress and build resilience. Dr. Pebworth also discusses advocacy challenges facing the profession and how teachers can better communicate the value of physical literacy to administrators, policymakers, and their communities.

You can learn more about the National Academy by visiting our website: www.nahpl.org

In this episode of Scaling the Summit – Scaling the Summit Radio Gold welcomes Dr. Amy Carr and Dr. Claire Mowling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham for a conversation about ASAHPERD and the many ways health, physical education, recreation, and dance professionals can grow, lead, and advocate through the organization. The episode explores ASAHPERD’s impact across Alabama, the importance of advocacy in health and physical education, leadership opportunities for students and professionals, and the value of the organization’s fall and spring conferences.

Listeners will also hear about the inspiration behind their upcoming Walk and Talk Wellness podcast, which takes a look at what it means to support wellness in schools and in everyday life.

Please share, subscribe, and leave a comment if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode, we’re joined by Colleen Wegimont, one of those “gold standard” leaders in our profession whose passion is contagious and whose impact runs deep.

Colleen shares her journey in health and physical education, including what first drew her to the field, the mentors and moments that helped shape her path, and the experiences that confirmed she was exactly where she was meant to be. We also talk about leadership and what it looks like to support teachers well, how to serve in ways that truly move the profession forward, and why professional organizations like NAHPL matter now more than ever.

You’ll hear Colleen’s heart for advocacy, her commitment to helping others grow, and the kind of perspective that only comes from years of doing the work with consistency, care, and purpose. And because it wouldn’t be Scaling the Summit without a little fun, we wrap up with some rapid-fire favorites and get to know Colleen beyond her title.

Visit our website to learn more about the National Academy: nahpl.org

In this episode of Scaling the Summit—Radio Gold, hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims sit down with Dr. Jayanthi (Jay) Kandiah—one of the keynote speakers for the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy National Summit—to talk leadership, collaboration, and what it takes to move health and physical literacy forward.

Currently the inaugural dean of the Central Connecticut State University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Dr. Kandiah shares how her experience in nutrition and health sciences and her work expanding interdisciplinary clinics and community-facing learning opportunities shapes her vision for preparing future professionals. Expect practical takeaways on building partnerships, strengthening student success initiatives, and leading with purpose in health-focused education.

Be sure to like, subscribe and comment!

In this episode of Scaling the Summit, Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims welcome “Radio Gold” listeners to a special conversation with Hasaan Hawthorne, one of the NAHPL 2026 Summit keynote speakers!

Hasaan shares the powerful story behind his “Never Quit” attitude, from refusing to be limited in sport and life to stepping onto the wrestling mat against able-bodied competitors in high school and college. You’ll hear how his drive led to a high school state championship, a collegiate career, and a long list of academic and athletic honors, including being a 3-time Collegiate Academic All-American and a recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award.

The conversation also dives into Hasaan’s passion for giving back through coaching from his time as a volunteer wrestling coach at Hastings College in Nebraska to his current role coaching with Warrior Wrestling Club in Alabaster, Alabama. Plus, Hasaan breaks down the work he’s doing at UAB as Program Manager for the Inclusive Well-Being Translational Science Collaborative, and what inclusive well-being truly looks like in action.

And of course because it wouldn’t be Scaling the Summit without it, Sandra asks her favorite question about the most influential person in Hasaan’s life, followed by a fun round of rapid-fire questions.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode—and make plans to join NAHPL in Orlando, Florida, March 2–5, 2026 for the NAHPL Health and Physical Literacy Summit. Learn more at NAHPL.org.

Welcome to the HOLIDAY EPISODE.

Sandra and Charity are flying solo in this festive episode—no guests, no agenda… just good ’ole fashioned fun.

Grab your cozy drink of choice and listen in as they chat about all things Christmas and winter: favorite traditions, simple ways to stay well during the busiest time of year, and the magic (and sometimes madness!) of the season. They also share what’s happening with the National Academy, why this time of year is so important for our health and physical literacy communities, and a few sneak peeks of what’s coming next.

It’s light, warm, and full of genuine conversation, making it the perfect listen while you’re wrapping gifts, driving to holiday events, or taking a much-needed breather from the hustle and bustle.

Enjoy!

*To connect with Tony on social media, find him at @fit4lifetony

In this episode of Scaling the Summit: Radio Gold, co-hosts Charity Bryan and Sandra Sims sit down with Tony Splendore, a dynamic middle school physical educator from Virginia. With over three decades of teaching and coaching experience and an impressive personal fitness journey that includes Ironman competitions and marathons, Tony brings passion and purpose to every role he takes on.

Tony shares his insights on what it means to truly engage students in physical education. He reflects on the value of leadership conferences like the Southern Tier LDC and attending professional development conventions.

Tune in as Tony shares stories from his career, advice for future educators, and a few fun facts in our rapid-fire round.

Topics Include:

• Why middle school PE is his passion

• Balancing the demands of teaching and coaching

• Training for Ironman & running 5 marathons

• Creating a culture of excellence through student awards

• Encouraging others to step into leadership and growth opportunities

🔗 Learn more about the National Summit: www.nahpl.org