In this episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, host Tiffany Whitlow sits down with licensed social worker, gerontologist, and dementia care expert Dr. Macie Smith to unpack the realities of aging in America and the critical needs of family caregivers.From navigating early signs of cognitive decline to understanding the legal and financial steps of Medicaid planning, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you care for your family without losing yourself in the process. Key questions discussed in this episode include:What is the sandwich generation?- Approximately 20% of the population falls into this group, meaning they are working to make a living while simultaneously caring for their own family and an older adult loved one. (Timestamps: 0:00 - 0:16, 06:29 - 06:48)

Why do family caregivers experience high mortality rates?- Roughly 35% of family caregivers pass away before the person they are caring for. This happens because caregivers often deplete themselves, fail to set boundaries, and do not prioritize their own mental, physical, and emotional self-care. (Timestamp: 08:20 - 10:22)

How can families afford non-medical long-term care?- Medicare does not cover non-medical care. Families can utilize respite vouchers from their local Area Agency on Aging, add long-term care riders to whole life insurance policies, or hire a certified elder attorney to help navigate asset preservation and Medicaid planning. (Timestamp: 27:20 - 31:07)

Why is clinical research representation important for minority communities?Despite historical trauma and medical mistrust, minority representation in clinical trials is essential to ensure that newly discovered preventative treatments and medication dosages are actually safe and effective for their specific communities. (Timestamp: 31:37 - 34:15)

What should you ask a physician immediately after a dementia diagnosis?The first question you should ask is, "What type of dementia does my loved one have?". Identifying the exact type is crucial because there are specific treatments available for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. (Timestamp: 34:16 - 35:36)Resources Mentioned in This Episode:- Find Dr. Macie Smith’s book, The Complete Dementia Caregiver’s Guide to Care, available on Amazon and major book retailers.- Connect with Dr. Smith for resources and training at www.drmaciesmith.com.- Learn more about the local Area Agency on Aging for respite vouchers and caregiver aid.

In this episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, host Tiffany Whitlow sits down with Michelda Johnson, the CEO of HAPPI Health, to discuss the transformative power of trust-based community care. Dr. Johnson shares her journey of turning a 90-day interim role into a 16-month expansion that has served over 12,000 unique patients in Madison and Morgan County.

Key topics covered in this episode include:- Redefining Community Healthcare:

• Removing the stigma surrounding federally qualified health centers and providing "white glove" service to every patient, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Timestamps: (08:03 – 09:13; 14:05 – 14:14)

• Bridging the Health Equity Gap: Why HAPPI Health is expanding its footprint with new clinics and pharmacies to ensure 100% of the community has access to quality care.Timestamps: (01:51 – 03:57; 21:30 – 22:00)

• The Power of Trust: How building authentic relationships with patients is the foundation for successful clinical research and better health outcomes in Black and brown communities.Timestamps: (00:00 – 00:33; 04:26 – 06:40)

• Empowerment and Alignment: Johnson’s personal philosophy on the "power of no," the importance of mental health days, and prioritizing yourself to better serve your community and family.Timestamps: (26:59 – 29:44; 33:14 – 34:31)

Whether it’s womb-to-tomb care, behavioral health, or pharmacy services, learn how Happy Health is ensuring that healthcare is not just a burden-free experience, but a state-of-the-art right for everyone.

About Our Guest: Michelda Johnson is a motivational speaker and the CEO of HAPPI Health, a community health center organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care through innovation and advocacy.

Discover the unfiltered story of Thai Floyd, a trailblazing voice in college football radio.In this episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, host Tiffany Whitlow sits down with Thai Floyd to discuss the realities of being "the first" in a male-dominated industry. Thai shares a raw look at the mental and physical demands of her career, from managing game-day pressure to navigating significant health challenges like pre-diabetes and burnout.Key Discussion Points:The Pressure of Being "First": Thai discusses the unique pressures and emotions, including loneliness and joy, associated with being the first full-time female radio voice for a college football program. (00:13)The Importance of Mentorship and Mental Health Support: Finding resilience through the mentorship of other women in the industry and regular sessions with an athletics mental health counselor. (02:00)Early Life and Growing Up in Sports: A look at the Thai's background as the daughter of an NFL player and her own athletic history. (05:19)Navigating Career Challenges and Burnout: A raw discussion on the physical and mental toll of a grueling work schedule, leading to a reassessment of work-life balance. (06:32)Health Realities: Pre-Diabetes and Self-Care: Managing a diagnosis of being on the line between pre-diabetes and type two diabetes through intentional nutrition and medication management. (09:00)Postpartum Depression and Physical Recovery: Tiffany discusses her personal experience with postpartum depression and the importance of monitoring health metrics like visceral fat. (10:51)The Power of Community and Accountability: Identifying the "village" of parents, friends, and colleagues who provide support and hold the speaker accountable. (12:56)Leaving a Legacy and Finding Gratitude: Thai reflecs on the impact of her work on listeners and the desire to leave a legacy for future generations of women in sports. (15:44)Nutrition and Wellness On the Road: A discussion about healthy eating habits, the role of nutritionists in sports, and managing sugar intake. (17:55)Commitment to HBCUs: Why Thai chooses to work at and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (21:19)Advice for the Next Generation: Encouragement for those pursuing difficult callings and the importance of staying "unrelenting" in the face of setbacks like misogyny or budget cuts. (23:36)If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and keep it locked here for more!

Let's meet the man being the music! In this episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, host Tiffany Whitlow sits down with Grammy-winning music producer Kelvin Wooten to discuss the intersection of creativity, career longevity, and mental health. With a career spanning 30 years, Kelvin shares how he shifted from prioritizing music above all else to understanding that his mental well-being is the ultimate fuel for his craft.Key topics in this episode include:- The Creative's Fuel: Kelvin reflects on his 30-year journey as a producer and how he learned to balance intense creative drives with mental health needs.- Fueling the Body and Mind: Discover how Kelvin’s perspective on food changed from quick fixes to nutrient-rich fuel after working with mentors like Raphael Saadiq in California.- The Rest App and Healing Sounds: Kelvin introduces his upcoming "Rest" app and explains the science behind healing noises—white, brown, pink, and green—and how they help "turn off" the creative brain at night.- Collaborating with Legends: Insights into working remotely and in-person with artists like J. Cole, Summer Walker, and Anthony Hamilton.- Investing in the Future: Learn about the Woodwork Music Scholarship, Kelvin’s initiative to provide financial support for minority students pursuing careers in the music industry.Join us for an unfiltered look at what it takes to sustain a high-level creative career while prioritizing health, family, and community.Join the NOWINCLUDED community: https://nowincluded.com/Join the waitlist for the Rest App: https://www.woodaworx.com/jointhewaitlistSupport the Woodwork Music Scholarship Fund: https://www.woodaworx.com/scholarship

In this powerful episode of Unfiltered, host Tiffany Whitlow sits down with cosmetic dentist Dr. Teneshia Daniels to discuss a life-altering journey that redefined her family’s approach to health.

Dr. Daniels shares the harrowing experience of her husband Anthony’s sudden diagnosis of end-stage renal disease during a high-stakes congressional campaign. Despite the rarity of being a match, she shares her unwavering determination to become his donor, the emotional process of convincing him to accept her kidney, and the incredible community support that sustained their family through recovery.

Beyond the surgery, this conversation dives deep into:

The Oral-Systemic Connection: Why your mouth is the "avenue to the body" and how neglecting dental care can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and cancer.

Prioritizing Self-Care: How busy mothers and professionals can move from self-neglect to proactive health management.

Men’s Health Advocacy: The critical need for men to prioritize their health and the "activation points" required to encourage them to seek care.

Generational Wellness: Teaching children the value of health, compassion, and community service.

Listen now to learn how taking care of your oral health plays a major role in taking care of your life.

#HealthEquity #Family #BlackHealth #KidneyHealth

Season 2 is HERE!! And we've got a fresh beat by Grammy-nominated artist Kelvin Wooten that we hope you'll LOVE. We're excited to be kicking things off this season with this incredible story from Dr. Paul Bryant. In this episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, Dr. Paul Bryant, Director of Athletics at Alabama A&M University, shares a powerful story about his major health crisis and ultimate comeback. For four months, Dr. Bryant ignored alarming symptoms, including severe oral bleeding and massive blood clots, due to a busy schedule and a "tough it out" mentality.What he initially thought was a dental issue turned out to be a life-threatening jaw tumor that led to near-sepsis and required three surgeries in just two days. Dr. Bryant opens up about the "village" that supported him, from his family and staff to the team at Huntsville Hospital, and how he transitioned from denial to prioritizing his health.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered as we sit down for an unfiltered conversation with health equity leaders Tiffany Whitlow and Dr. Camille Campbell, moderated by Dr. Michael H. Forde.This episode explores the intersection of healthcare, AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship from the perspective of Black women leading the charge for change. From discussing the challenges of caregiving for the home to the necessity of representation in clinical research, our guests share their personal journeys and visions for a more equitable and progressive future.

In this special takeover episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, NOWINCLUDED's Head of Community Shayla Wilson-Thrasher and her husband Brandon dive deep into "The Power of Love" and its profound impact on health and well-being.The newlyweds share their personal journey, discussing navigating mental health challenges together, the science of connection, holding each other accountable for preventative care, and how they continue to show up not only for themselves, but for each other and their 4-year-old daughter. Join this unfiltered conversation about love, vulnerability, and taking charge of your health story.

In this episode, Tawa Mitchell shares her intimate journey of navigating her sister’s cancer battle while managing the heavy emotional and cultural weight Black women carry as caregivers. She reflects on the challenge of processing deep personal grief while leading world-shifting philanthropic work and explains the vital link between intimate experience and systemic change. Despite the weight of being the community's lifeline, Tawa finds hope in the power of collective healing and the ongoing fight for true health equity.

In this episode of NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered, Michelle Brantley-Smith invites us back to the root.

What began as a personal journey through burnout became a powerful reconnection to plant-based healing, ancestral wisdom, and the rituals our communities have relied on for generations. Through her work in herbal wellness as the founder of The Good Root Grove Co., Michelle explores the intersection of science and spirit — and challenges the colonized ideas of medicine and nutrition that have disconnected us from what truly nourishes us.
We talk about why Black women deserve rest without guilt, food without fear, and rituals that go beyond survival. This conversation reframes wellness as remembrance: trusting ancestral practices, honoring nature, and choosing joy as a form of resistance.

If you can’t pronounce it, don’t consume it — because our roots were never the problem. They were always the remedy.