Questions You Didn't Ask

Niasha Fray

The purpose of this podcast is to uncover the questions we didn’t ask, to break silence and isolation, and to some extent confront our own ignorance which has led many of us to express stigma, conjure fear, and rely on avoidance as defense mechanisms which oftentimes leads to poor health and sometimes death.

  1. Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity Episode 3

    22 AUG

    Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity Episode 3

    This week on Questions You Didn’t Ask, we go beyond quick fixes to uncover what true prevention-first systems can look like for public health and community wellness. Niasha sits down with Dr. Paul Fleming to explore the deep connections between health equity, social justice, and systemic reform. Together they highlight: ✔️ Why prevention—not punishment—is the key to healthier, safer communities. ✔️ Care-first emergency response models that reduce harm and build trust. ✔️ Real-world lessons from Durham, Denver, and Flint. ✔️ Practical tools and frames you can use to advocate for change right now. This isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap for justice-centered solutions that save lives, restore dignity, and build sustainable impact. 🙌🏾 Update For Our Listeners: You’ll notice ads in this episode (and across our full catalog). 🎉 That’s because Questions You Didn’t Ask is now officially monetized on RSS.com’s PAID system! Each ad you hear directly fuels our work to advance health equity. Every play matters. Every partnership builds impact. 🤝🏾 📌 Ways to Engage & Take Action: Read: My latest Substack post — Authoritarianism Is Here (and We’re…) — connecting troop deployments in DC, attacks on education, deportations, and harassment of elected leaders with actionable steps for change → https://niashafray.substack.com/p/authoritarianism-is-here-and-wereListen & Share: the series! Organize a “Get Yo People” listening party to binge the series and mobilize your local community of friends family colleagues or freedom fights. Partner: From sponsored podcast segments to equity-focused campaigns, we’re ready to co-create meaningful collaborations → niashafray.com/partnership-opportunitiesSupport: Fuel the mission one ☕️ at a time → buymeacoffee.com/niashafray0💡 Quick Takeaway: When we center prevention, care, and justice—we don’t just heal communities, we transform them. 🚀

    30 min
  2. Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity Episode 1

    8 AUG

    Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity Episode 1

    In this powerful kickoff to Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity, Niasha Fray sits down with longtime friend and fellow justice-centered public health leader, Dr. Paul J. Fleming – Associate Professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity at the University of Michigan and author of the upcoming book Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything (Hopkins Press – available for pre-order now). From growing up in suburban Illinois, to serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, to challenging the roots of health inequities, Dr. Fleming shares his journey toward “prevention thinking” – a framework that goes beyond quick fixes to address the root causes of injustice. Together, Niasha and Paul unpack: Why prevention-first policies save lives and resourcesHow poverty, politics, and power shape community healthThe role of intersectionality, diversity, equity, and inclusion in public healthHow privilege and identity impact the fight for social and economic justiceWhy centering minoritized communities is key to lasting changeThis episode is more than a conversation – it’s a call to reimagine what’s possible when we lead with imagination, equity, and collective action. 🔗 Pre-order Dr. Fleming’s book: pjfleming.com/imaginebetter 🔗 Follow Dr. Fleming: pjfleming.com | LinkedIn Support the Series Sponsor: Special thanks to Chanelle R. Walker, M.Ed. – The Teacher Wellness Guru, CEO of Professional Inspiration, LLC. Learn more at professional-inspiration.com. Join the Conversation & Stay Connected: 💬 Subscribe, rate, and share Questions You Didn’t Ask on your favorite podcast platform. 📩 Sign up for the Niasha Fray Consulting LLC newsletter: niashafray.com/contact Find Niasha Fray Consulting LLC on: 🔗 LinkedIn: Niasha Fray Consulting LLC 🔵 BlueSky: @nfconsultingllc.bsky.social 📰 Substack: @niashafray

    38 min
  3. Trippin’: Black Men, Land, and Liberation Episode 2

    11 JULY

    Trippin’: Black Men, Land, and Liberation Episode 2

    In this transformative episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray continues her powerful conversation with Charles E. Chambers—wellness entrepreneur, brand developer, and founder of Set Trippin, a bold outdoor adventure company centering Black men and community healing. Also known as The Phat Cat and founder of CEC Imaging, Charles shares personal reflections on sobriety, functional alcoholism, and the real meaning of mindfulness. With honesty and warmth, he breaks down how reconnecting with nature became part of his healing journey—and why that access matters more than ever. Niasha and Charles explore how environmental justice, nature access, and community wellness intersect with mental health, trauma recovery, and liberation for Black communities. They unpack the legacy of redlining, urban development, and air pollution—and the need to reclaim green spaces for restoration and survival. Learn how Set Trippin curates guided outdoor experiences—including camping, hiking, and journaling—with a full team of wellness professionals. From forest treks in the Allegheny Mountains to group breakthroughs around the campfire, this episode spotlights the power of showing up, being present, and healing together. 🌱 Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about: How outdoor adventure can support Black men's wellnessThe impact of built environments on health equityThe legacy and future of environmental justiceThe role of mindfulness and community in addiction recoveryHow to join a Set Trippin experience (spoiler: no camping experience required!)🎙️ Want to promote your business to our growing community of 1,000+ listeners passionate about wellness, public health, and transformation? Email Niasha at niashafrayconsultingllc@gmail.com to discuss podcast sponsorship and ad opportunities. ☕ Enjoying the show? Support it by buying Niasha a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/niashafray – every cup helps sustain bold conversations like this.

    33 min

About

The purpose of this podcast is to uncover the questions we didn’t ask, to break silence and isolation, and to some extent confront our own ignorance which has led many of us to express stigma, conjure fear, and rely on avoidance as defense mechanisms which oftentimes leads to poor health and sometimes death.