In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Seun Ross, a leading expert in health justice and racial disparities in medicine. They discuss the difference between health equity and health justice, the impact of medical racism, and the role of policy change in health equity. Dr. Ross also shares her work in removing racial bias in healthcare and how it led to 700 Black patients moving up on the kidney transplant list.

If you're passionate about public health advocacy, systemic racism in medicine, and healthcare reform, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The difference between health equity and health justice
✅ How medical racism is embedded in clinical decision tools
✅ The role of structural barriers in healthcare and their impact on health disparities
✅ The groundbreaking work Dr. Ross has done to eliminate race in medicine
✅ How policy change in health equity can improve outcomes for marginalized communities
✅ Actionable steps for public health experts and healthcare professionals to advocate for health justice

Episode Chapters

⏳ 00:00 - Introduction – Corey Dion Lewis introduces the topic and guest.
⏳ 00:37 - Meet Dr. Seun Ross – Background on Dr. Ross and her passion for health justice.
⏳ 01:48 - Defining Health Justice – The difference between health equity, health justice, and social determinants of health.
⏳ 04:01 - Layers of Health Inequity – Understanding structural barriers in healthcare and racial disparities in medicine.
⏳ 06:21 - Why Well-Intended Programs Fail – The need for holistic approaches in healthcare reform.
⏳ 08:24 - Addressing Root Causes – Why fixing social determinants of health alone isn’t enough.
⏳ 10:51 - Race in Medicine: A Structural Barrier – How racial bias in healthcare affects patient care.
⏳ 12:20 - Removing Race from Clinical Guidelines – Dr. Ross’s work in eliminating medical racism from clinical decision tools.
⏳ 15:10 - The Impact of Removing Race-Based Algorithms – Real-world effects of policy change, including kidney transplant disparities.
⏳ 17:02 - The Role of Multidisciplinary Experts – Why public health experts, sociologists, and policy makers must work together.
⏳ 19:50 - Navigating Healthcare Advocacy in 2025 – How to continue healthcare advocacy despite political challenges.
⏳ 21:46 - Health Equity and the Law – Legal protections for health justice movement and healthcare inequities.
⏳ 23:31 - Dr. Ross’s Future Advocacy Work – Upcoming projects with the Encoding Equity Alliance.
⏳ 25:09 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect – Where to find Dr. Seun Ross online.

Resources & Links

🔗 Connect with Dr. Seun Ross on LinkedIn
🔗 Learn more about the Encoding Equity Alliance

Connect with Me:
Website: https://www.coreydionlewis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreydionlewis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreydlewis/
Learn More About The Healthy Project:
Website: https://www.healthyprojectmedia.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

Support & Subscribe

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:
👍 Like & Subscribe on YouTube
⭐ Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
📢 Share this episode with fellow public health experts and healthcare professionals!

In this special episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, based on questions from the My City My Health conference, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus, to explore the intersections of health equity, farm worker health, and immigrant health care. They discuss Proteus' innovative programs, including mobile healthcare delivery, health and safety training, cancer prevention efforts, and the critical role of community health workers. Daniel shares insights on addressing health disparities, building impactful partnerships, and creating culturally responsive care for underserved communities. Tune in to discover strategies for supporting migrant worker health and overcoming challenges like mass deportations and healthcare access barriers.

Show Notes:
[00:01] Introduction to the Healthy Project Podcast and host Corey Deion Lewis
[00:24] Special episode overview: My City My Health conference and Ask a Pro platform
[01:02] Meet Daniel Zennel, CEO of Proteus, and learn about the organization's history and mission
[02:32] Overview of Proteus' services: Job training, education assistance, and health resources
[04:25] Health and safety training: Addressing heat stress, pesticide exposure, and farm worker safety
[06:02] Mobile healthcare delivery model: Bringing care directly to farm workers
[07:18] Health equity in action: The role of farm workers in our daily lives and bridging care gaps
[09:25] Supporting immigrant health: Strategies to address diverse community needs
[17:29] Translators and AI in healthcare: Balancing technology and human interpretation
[22:51] Preparing for mass deportations: Organizational strategies for supporting vulnerable populations
[30:02] Cancer prevention initiatives: Focus on breast, cervical, and colorectal screenings
[32:40] The importance of partnerships: How collaborations expand public health impact
[35:41] Daniel’s personal connection to farm worker advocacy and Proteus' mission
[38:40] Closing remarks and how to connect with Proteus

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Proteus: ProteusInc.net
• Follow Proteus on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
• Connect with Daniel Zennel on LinkedIn: Daniel Zennel
• Support the Healthy Project Podcast: Like, subscribe, and review to help amplify the conversation!

Call to Action:
Interested in partnering or supporting? Reach out at [email protected]. Let’s push the boundaries of health equity together!

In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis and guest Julian Lee dive into crucial topics like health equity, type 2 diabetes, and African American health disparities. Together, they explore systemic racism in healthcare, aversive racism, healthcare structural barriers, and health outcomes disparities, with a focus on the African American community in Sioux City, Iowa. Learn about unconscious bias in healthcare, health inequity solutions, and the impact of income inequality and health. This conversation emphasizes improving healthcare trust, patient advocacy, addressing racial health disparities, historical healthcare inequities, and the role of DEI in healthcare. Gain insights into community health challenges, reducing diabetes complications, and the social determinants of health.

Show Notes:
0:00 – Introduction and Welcome
2:15 – Meet Dr. Julian Lee: His Role and Passion for Health Equity
3:42 – Exploring Racism’s Impact on Diabetes Outcomes in African Americans
5:38 – A Personal Journey: How Losing His Father Inspired Advocacy
8:57 – Moving from Awareness to Action in Health Equity
10:25 – Convincing People to Care: Addressing Resistance and Building Compassion
15:20 – Racism in Healthcare: Aversive, Structural, and Overt Forms
20:06 – The Curb Cut Effect: How Inclusive Solutions Benefit All
29:18 – Tackling Bias and Stereotyping in Clinical Interactions
33:03 – Structural Changes for Health Equity: Workforce Diversification and Accountability
36:27 – Mistrust in Healthcare: Historical Roots and Present Challenges
40:49 – Key Findings on Diabetes Disparities in African American Communities
43:44 – Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Julian Lee 

Learn More About Healthy Project Media:
Website: https://www.healthyprojectmedia.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness 

DiscussIn this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of medical debt and how it disproportionately affects under-resourced communities. Corey is joined by Jenifer Bosco, a Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and co-author of the Model Medical Debt Protection Act. Together, they explore the causes of medical debt, the role of healthcare systems and insurance companies, and practical solutions that can protect vulnerable individuals from crippling financial burdens.

Jenifer shares actionable insights on how to navigate the healthcare system, what hospitals and policymakers can do to alleviate medical debt, and how civic engagement can empower individuals to demand change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deep-rooted complexities of medical debt and what can be done to bring about health equity and financial relief.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro: Corey welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of medical debt and its impact on underserved communities.
01:14 - Guest Introduction: Meet Jenifer Bosco, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, who shares her work on financial and medical debt advocacy.
02:35 - Causes of Medical Debt: Jenifer explains the common causes of medical debt, from rising healthcare costs to lack of insurance and high out-of-pocket expenses.
05:22 - Impact of Medical Debt on Access to Healthcare: Discussing how the fear of medical bills can prevent people from seeking necessary healthcare services.
07:39 - The Role of Healthcare Systems: Jenifer talks about what hospitals can do to reduce the burden of medical debt, including financial assistance programs and better debt collection practices.
10:18 - Importance of Financial Assistance Policies: Understanding the need for more accessible and transparent financial aid options for low-income patients.
15:47 - The Role of Insurance Companies: Corey and Jenifer discuss how underinsurance and high-deductible health plans contribute to medical debt, and the role of expanding Medicaid.
19:33 - Empowering Communities: Civic engagement strategies to help communities advocate for better healthcare policies and protections from medical debt collection.
24:03 - The Future of Medical Debt Reform: Jenifer shares her perspective on how ongoing reforms and consumer protection laws can shape a more equitable healthcare system.
25:22 - How to Connect: Resources and contact information for Jenifer Bosco and the NCLC for those looking to learn more or get involved.

Resources Mentioned:

• Jenifer Bosco on LinkedIn
• NCLC on Facebook
• Twitter: @nclc4consumers
• NCLC Website
• NCLC’s Medical Debt Resources
• NCLC’s Model Medical Debt Protection Act

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay up to date with all things health, wellness, and public health advocacy, make sure to follow me on social media:

• X (formerly Twitter): @CoreyDionLewis
• Facebook: Health Coach Lew
• Instagram: @CoreyDionLewis
• LinkedIn: Corey Dion Lewis
• TikTok: @CoreyDionLewis
• Website: CoreyDionLewis.com

In this powerful episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis revisits a heartbreaking yet vital story that shines a light on the devastating impact of air pollution on public health. Inspired by his 2022 interview with Marisol Iglesias-Gonzalez on the health impacts of climate change, Corey shares the story of Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah, a young girl from London whose life was tragically cut short by asthma, exacerbated by extreme air pollution. This episode explores how air pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities, the importance of systemic change, and actionable steps we can take to prevent similar tragedies.

Learn how we can fight for clean air, health equity, and climate justice. Don't miss this call to action!

Chapters: 
00:00 - Introduction: Ella's Story and Climate Change
01:18 - Ella Roberta Kissi-Debrah: The Devastating Impact of Air Pollution
03:14 - The Legal Breakthrough: Air Pollution as a Cause of Death
05:20 - Air Pollution's Disproportionate Effect on Vulnerable Communities
06:10 - Solutions: Addressing Air Pollution Systematically
08:18 - Closing Thoughts: Advocacy and Action for Clean Air

Check out the 2022 episode with Marisol Iglesias-Gonzalez on the health impacts of climate change

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay up to date with all things health, wellness, and public health advocacy, make sure to follow me on social media:

• X (formerly Twitter): @CoreyDionLewis
• Facebook: Health Coach Lew
• Instagram: @CoreyDionLewis
• LinkedIn: Corey Dion Lewis
• TikTok: @CoreyDionLewis
• Website: CoreyDionLewis.com

Follow me for insights, updates, and tips on health equity, mental wellness, and more! Let’s keep the conversation going!

Subscribe for more content on health equity, climate change, and public health!
#AirPollution #HealthEquity #ClimateJustice #CleanAir #EllaRobertaKissiDebrah

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis speaks with Kris Bennett, Director of Prostate Cancer Health Equity Initiatives at Movember, about the pressing issue of prostate cancer in Black men. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and Kris shares key insights on how early detection, increased awareness, and addressing systemic health disparities can save lives. Discover why Black men are at higher risk for prostate cancer and what’s being done to promote equity in healthcare.

Learn about the importance of PSA tests, breaking the silence around men’s health, and actionable steps for early diagnosis and better outcomes. If you care about men’s health, health equity, and cancer prevention, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction to Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Corey introduces the topic of prostate cancer awareness, especially its impact on Black men, and welcomes guest Kris Bennett.

02:15 – Meet Kris Bennett from Movember
Kris shares his background in public health, basketball, and his journey into health equity initiatives.

05:30 – Why Black Men Are at Higher Risk for Prostate Cancer
A deep dive into the statistics and systemic factors that disproportionately affect Black men when it comes to prostate cancer diagnosis and outcomes.

09:00 – Cultural Barriers: Why Aren’t We Talking About It?
Kris discusses the cultural stigmas and barriers that prevent open conversations about prostate health, especially in underserved communities.

12:45 – Breaking Down Barriers to Accessing Healthcare
The conversation shifts to the challenges Black men face in accessing quality healthcare and the need for building trust with providers.

16:30 – The Importance of PSA Testing for Early Detection
Learn about the PSA test, why it’s critical for early diagnosis, and how Black men can advocate for themselves in healthcare settings.

20:15 – Movember’s Prostate Cancer Health Equity Initiative
Kris shares details about Movember’s groundbreaking initiatives aimed at reducing prostate cancer disparities and improving outcomes for men of color.

26:00 – Call to Action: Steps You Can Take
Corey and Kris discuss actionable steps listeners can take to support prostate cancer awareness, including getting screened and having important conversations about men’s health.

31:00 – How to Connect with Kris Bennett and Learn More About Movember
Closing remarks with information on how to reach out to Kris Bennett and get involved with Movember’s health equity initiatives.

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis dives deep into the concept of healthcare access and how it drives health disparities. What does it mean to have access to healthcare truly, and how do barriers like cost, location, and cultural competency create massive gaps in health outcomes? We explore the five dimensions of healthcare access—availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and quality—and discuss how they intertwine to shape the lives of marginalized communities. With real-world examples, current data, and actionable solutions, this episode challenges healthcare professionals to reimagine what access to care should look like and how they can make it happen.

Show Notes:

Episode Highlights:

• What healthcare access really means (03:12)
• The five dimensions of healthcare access (05:01)
• How lack of access contributes to health disparities (08:40)
• Real-world examples, including Black maternal health (12:25)
• Solutions: What can be done to improve access? (16:10)
• Actionable steps for healthcare professionals (19:35)

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Data on Uninsured Rates by Race

2. Commonwealth Fund Report on Healthcare Debt and Avoidance

3. CDC Report on Preventable Maternal Deaths

4. World Health Organization’s (WHO) Five Dimensions of Healthcare Access

5. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Impact on Marginalized Populations

6. Role of Community Health Workers in Expanding Healthcare Access

7. Telehealth Expansion and Its Potential to Reduce Health Disparities

Don’t just listen—take action! Whether you're working in policy, healthcare, or advocacy, find one area where you can influence access to care. Share this episode with colleagues, subscribe for more health equity insights, and check out the resources for deeper dives into the research we’ve covered.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Corey on Instagram: @coreydionlewis
• Subscribe to The Healthy Project Podcast for more episodes
• Visit our website: www.healthyproject.co
• Subscribe to the newsletter for health equity updates and more: Subscribe here

Leave Us a Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners passionate about health equity!

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis is joined by Coach Melody, President and Chief Wellness Strategist at Unwrap U, to discuss one of the most pressing health issues affecting our youth: childhood obesity. They dive deep into the alarming statistics, practical solutions for families, and the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition. Coach Melody also shares insights on her successful FamFun3K initiative, encouraging families to get moving and prioritize their health.

Get inspired by Coach Melody's wisdom and learn how small changes in daily habits can significantly impact the lives of children and families. Let’s get active, eat well, and combat childhood obesity together!

🔔 Subscribe for more health equity conversations and tips!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Coach Melody's background and passion for wellness
04:12 - Alarming childhood obesity statistics
07:10 - The impact of school meals on childhood obesity
10:25 - Balancing healthy eating with limited resources
12:35 - Physical activity and its mental health benefits
15:00 - Practical tips for families to stay active together
17:12 - FamFun3K: The movement to fight childhood obesity
19:30 - How to join the FamFun3K and stay connected with Coach Melody

Stay connected with Coach Melody:
Website: https://www.unwrapyou.com/
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin
YouTube

Stay Connected with The Healthy Project:

• Subscribe to our newsletter for updates: The Healthy Project Newsletter
• Follow us on social media for the latest episodes and health tips.

#HealthyProjectPodcast #ChildhoodObesity #FamFun3K #Wellness #Nutrition #PhysicalActivity #HealthEquity

Join us as we explore ethical community engagement, health justice, and health equity with Dr. Ebony Johnson. In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, we dive into data diversity, community trust, public health, research ethics, policy impact, and the social determinants of health. This conversation, hosted by Corey Lewis, uncovers the challenges and opportunities in community-based research, partnerships in research, health communication, health policy, health outcomes, and the critical need for diversity in research.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode and subscribe to The Healthy Project for more health disparities and equity insights.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Ethical Community Engagement: What it is and why it’s crucial for health justice.
• Shared Power in Research: Moving from a researcher-subject dichotomy to a partnership model.
• Building Community Trust: Strategies for researchers to earn and maintain trust within communities.
• Data Diversity & Representation: The impact of diverse data on research outcomes and health policy.
• Challenges in Public Health Research: Addressing the difficulties of connecting with underrepresented groups.
• Health Equity vs. Health Justice: Understanding the difference and why both are essential.
• Policy Impact on Health Outcomes: How data can be used to influence health policy and create equitable health systems.
• The Intersection of Physical Activity & Health Justice: Dr. Johnson’s personal story of how powerlifting ties into her work in health equity.
• Final Thoughts & Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to engage with The Healthy Project and stay connected with Dr. Ebony Johnson.

Connect with Dr. Ebony Johnson:

• LinkedIn: Ebony DJ
• Website

Stay Connected with The Healthy Project:

• Subscribe to our newsletter for updates: The Healthy Project Newsletter
• Follow us on social media for the latest episodes and health tips.

Chapter Markers:

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 1:00 - What is Ethical Community Engagement?
• 3:45 - The Importance of Shared Power in Research
• 7:15 - Building Trust Between Communities and Researchers
• 10:40 - Challenges in Data Diversity and Representation
• 15:00 - Partnering with Organizations for Better Health Outcomes
• 20:15 - Health Equity vs. Health Justice
• 24:30 - The Role of Policy in Health Equity
• 29:00 - Intersection of Powerlifting and Health Justice
• 33:00 - How to Connect with Dr. Ebony Johnson
• 34:00 - Subscribe to The Healthy Project

Episode Resources:

• Social Determinants of Health
• Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
• Health Equity Tools

Support: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your network. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Healthy Project for more discussions on health equity, public health, and community engagement.

Contact Us:

• Website: The Healthy Project
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Paula Bell, aka Ninja P, a seasoned business consultant and wellness advocate, to explore the disconnect between corporate wellness initiatives and true health equity. Paula shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a health and wellness entrepreneur. She offers unique insights into how companies can better support their employees holistically—beyond just gym memberships and basic health coaching. They dive deep into mental health, the importance of mindset, and innovative ways smaller businesses can collaborate with larger corporations to bring wellness to underserved communities.

💡 Register for the My City My Health Conference on November 15th to engage in meaningful discussions about health equity, mental health, and more! Learn more and sign up at www.mycity.health.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction to the Healthy Project Podcast
00:30 - Meet Paula Bell aka Ninja P: Her Mission & Journey 
02:00 - The Disconnect Between Corporate Wellness and Health Equity 
03:35 - The Impact of Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace 
05:05 - Holistic Approaches to Employee Well-being
08:04 - Mental Health in Corporate Culture: Real-Life Experiences 
12:09 - Addressing Fear of Retaliation in the Workplace 
14:26 - The Consequences of Ignoring Mental Health
17:26 - Shifting Corporate Culture: Where to Start 19:14 - The Role of Vision and Accountability in Cultural Change 
21:26 - Wellness for Underserved Communities: The Collaboration Between Big and Small Businesses 
26:29 - My City, My Health Conference: What to Expect
29:12 - How to Connect with Paula Bell (Ninja P) 
29:42 - Call to Action: Register for My City My Health Conference

💪 Don’t miss out on this year’s My City My Health Conference on November 15th! Secure your spot now at www.mycity.health and be part of the movement towards greater health equity.