Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action

Dr. Joyee Washington
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Public Health Joy is a podcast for public health professionals, researchers, and community leaders who believe equity, justice, and healing belong at the center of public health work. Hosted by Dr. Joyee Washington, the show explores community-engaged research, health equity, leadership, policy, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable public health careers, bridging strategy with soul to reimagine public health. This is a space where rest fuels resistance, community power drives change, and public health becomes a tool for collective healing and transformation.

  1. S5 EP 2- Using AI to Reimagine Public Health Training and Workforce Development

    FEB 20

    S5 EP 2- Using AI to Reimagine Public Health Training and Workforce Development

    In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington sits down with Quisha Umemba—registered nurse, public health leader, and CEO of Umemba Health—to talk about what it really looks like to bring AI into public health work with clarity, integrity, and impact.  Quisha shares her journey from initial resistance (“this is cheating!”) to becoming a certified AI consultant who now trains organizations to reduce busy work and increase people work. Dr. Together, Dr. Joyee and Dr. Umemba unpack what AI can do, what it shouldn’t do, and why public health is in an era of redesign that demands innovation without abandoning ethics, community wisdom, or human insight. Key Points From This Episode: Building Umemba Health at the intersection of public health expertise + learning innovation [1:45] Why “AI translator” is the perfect title for leaders helping teams cut through complexity [40:00] The mindset shift: AI doesn’t replace your expertise—it amplifies it [4:57] Why public health burnout makes AI’s time-saving potential especially relevant [7:34] The “AI iceberg”: why ChatGPT is only the tip, and what else exists beyond it [14:09] How AI can reduce curriculum development time from 20–40 hours down to 4–6 hours [22:40] Using AI for qualitative analysis, data storytelling, and leadership reporting—while keeping a human in the loop [23:27] Real concerns: ethics, privacy, intellectual property, environmental impacts, and “knowledge decay” [32:30] Planting seeds, building confidence, and helping people move from confusion to clarity [39:46] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: Click Here

    43 min
  2. S5 EP1 : The Bigger the Promise, The Bigger the Warfare: Preparing Public Health for Rebuilding

    FEB 6

    S5 EP1 : The Bigger the Promise, The Bigger the Warfare: Preparing Public Health for Rebuilding

    Season 5 of The Public Health Podcast opens with a powerful keynote from Dr. Joyee Washington, delivered at the 2026 Public Health Joy Summit. In Rest, Reimagine, Rebuild, Dr. Joyee invites the public health community into a deeply honest reflection on where we are, and where we must go next. This episode acknowledges the collective grief, exhaustion, and disillusionment many public health professionals are carrying. Rather than rushing past it, Dr. Joyee names it. Honors it. And reframes it as a necessary starting point for transformation. At the heart of this keynote is a radical but essential message: rest is not a reward, it is a strategic weapon. Dr. Joyee challenges listeners to move beyond survival mode and reclaim rest as a tool for sustainability, clarity, and power. From there, she calls on the community to reimagine public health through abundance, not scarcity, to dream bigger than burnout has allowed and to remember what drew us to this work in the first place. This vision is not meant to be carried alone. Dr. Joyee emphasizes the necessity of rebuilding together, through community, mutual support, and shared responsibility. This episode is both a grounding and a rallying cry. A moment to pause and a call to act. The promise of public health is not broken. It is not over. And it is not small. It is waiting to be rebuilt stronger, wiser, and more expansive than ever before. Key Points From This Episode: Reflect on what public health means to you. [1:55] Grief is a necessary part of the healing process. [3:15] The current state of public health is a war. [5:46] Rest is a strategic weapon, not a retreat. [12:45] Dreaming in abundance is essential for progress. [15:00] Community building is crucial for rebuilding efforts. [19:00] Sacrifice is often required in the fight for justice. [21:40] Each generation has its own assignment to fulfill. [23:00] We are in a war, and we will win. [25:45] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more, visit: Click Here

    29 min
  3. S4 E22: The Gift of Endurance-2025 Reflections in Public Health

    12/19/2025

    S4 E22: The Gift of Endurance-2025 Reflections in Public Health

    In this powerful solo Season 4 finale of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington shares a deeply personal reflection on what 2025 demanded of her — and what it revealed about all of us in public health. After reaching a long-dreamed-of six-figure milestone, Dr. Joy entered 2025 expecting abundance. Instead, she encountered one of the most challenging years of her life — marked by financial strain, caregiving, spiritual warfare, and the continued dismantling of public health systems. In this episode, Dr. Joyee unpacks the truth many don’t talk about: abundance is not accessed without first confronting scarcity. This is a conversation about endurance — not as survival, but as preparation. About joy — not as softness, but as strategy. And about rebuilding public health not from institutions rooted in extraction, but from communities rooted in healing, power, and faith. Key Points From This Episode: Health professionals are burned out, underfunded, and under attack.[1:00] We need more than just another conference; we need restoration. [3:00] Joy is a strategic choice in public health. [5:00] You can't step into abundance until you face scarcity. [6:00] Scarcity mindset affects both mental and physical health. [7:00] Endurance is built through challenges, not ease. [17:00] Abundance and scarcity cannot coexist. [20:00] Choosing joy amidst adversity is an act of resistance. [21:00] Public health is at a reckoning, exposing old systems. [23:00] Community is essential for transformation and healing. [25:00} If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

    30 min
  4. S4 E21 - Shorten the Distance: Using technology and community to bridge the gap for equity

    12/05/2025

    S4 E21 - Shorten the Distance: Using technology and community to bridge the gap for equity

    In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee sits down with Silas Buchanan, founder and CEO of Our Healthy Community, a social impact consulting firm in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine. Their mission: to close the distance between faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and healthcare stakeholders. Together, Dr. Joyee and Silas explore what it truly means to bridge the gaps between communities and the health systems meant to serve them. Silas shares why a web-based ecosystem is essential for empowering underserved communities through technology, ownership, and collaboration. He also highlights the influence of faith-based institutions in health messaging and the urgent need for community voices in designing digital health tools. This conversation shines a light on equity in research and the transformative power of community engagement in achieving real health equity. Key Points From This Episode: The goal is to bridge gaps between community organizations and healthcare stakeholders. [02:46] Technology can empower communities and improve health outcomes.[08:57] Community input is essential in the design of health technologies. [12:00] Ownership of digital spaces is crucial for community control. [14:53] Equity in research and development is necessary for effective solutions. [20:57] Faith-based organizations play a vital role in health messaging. [23:52] Options are better than money; providing more choices leads to empowerment. [29:54] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

    44 min
  5. S4 EP 20- You Are the Movement: Welcome to Public Health Joy

    11/21/2025

    S4 EP 20- You Are the Movement: Welcome to Public Health Joy

    In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee takes listeners behind the scenes of the movement that is reshaping how we think about public health. With honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. Dr. Joyee speaks to the exhaustion, grief, and burnout that so many public health professionals are carrying in 2025. She acknowledges the frustration of working in systems that undermine your purpose, devalue your expertise, and drain your spirit—and she assures listeners: I see you, because I am you. Dr. Joyee shares her own journey from surviving toxic institutions to building a six-figure, community-led consulting practice rooted in equity and liberation. She highlights the hard truths of the field today: public health has been attacked, funding slashed, and trust eroded. Yet even in the midst of collapse, she insists that joy, purpose, and power are still within reach. This episode introduces the framework that guides the entire Public Health Joy movement: Rest, Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist. Dr. Joyee breaks down why rest is essential to liberation work, how re-imagining frees us from institutional dependency, how rebuilding equips us to act on our purpose, and how resistance fuels sustainability rather than burnout. Listeners are invited to join the Public Health Joy Summit happening January 14–16, 2026—a virtual, immersive experience that offers practical skill-building, community care, real-world training, and a collective space for reimagining what public health can become. Dr. Joyee reminds us that institutional permission is not required to transform communities—and the future of public health depends on the leaders who dare to build new systems now. Key Points From This Episode: Public health is about community, not just institutions. Rest is essential for sustainable public health work. Community-led solutions can transform public health. The current systems are designed to control, not serve. Public Health Joy is a resistance movement. We need to re-imagine public health together. Burnout culture is detrimental to public health professionals. The Public Health Joy Summit is a call to action. Your lived experience is valuable in public health. Joy is a revolutionary act in the face of adversity. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

    21 min
  6. S4 EP 19 -Reclaiming Our Humanity: Building Hazard Resilience through Community Engagement

    11/07/2025

    S4 EP 19 -Reclaiming Our Humanity: Building Hazard Resilience through Community Engagement

    In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington sits down with Ginny Katz, the Founder and CEO of HazAdapt, a groundbreaking company dedicated to building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. As the Head of Research at HazAdapt Community Resilience Tools, Ginny leads the charge in developing innovative, technology-driven solutions that redefine how we prepare for and respond to disasters. Together, Dr. Joyee and Ginny explore the intersection of public health, technology, and human connection, shedding light on how digital innovation can empower individuals and communities before, during, and after crises. Throughout their conversation, they dive deep into the foundations of disaster preparedness, breaking down what it truly means to understand and define hazards—from natural disasters to social and systemic challenges. They discuss the critical role of community engagement in emergency management and how inclusive, people-centered approaches can transform preparedness into collective empowerment. Dr. Joyee and Ginny also unpack the often-overlooked impact of racism as a public health hazard, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma, promoting equity, and centering healing and joy as vital components of resilience. This episode offers a powerful reminder that disaster preparedness isn’t just about surviving the storm—it’s about building communities that thrive through connection, compassion, and innovation. Key Points From This Episode: HazAdapt focuses on community-centered disaster preparedness. Technology should move at the speed of trust. Resilience is about adapting and growing stronger after disasters. Community engagement is crucial for effective disaster response. Racism is a significant hazard that affects community safety. Lived experience provides valuable insights into hazards. Disasters shape communities and their responses. Healing and joy are essential for community resilience. Public health and emergency management must collaborate. Empowering communities leads to better preparedness. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

    49 min
  7. S4 E18- Uno Out! Playing the Game of Money, Power, and Control

    10/17/2025

    S4 E18- Uno Out! Playing the Game of Money, Power, and Control

    In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee speaks with Maudra Brown, MPH, an innovative Chief Health Strategist and Founder of MRB Public Health Consulting. This forward-thinking consulting firm is dedicated to advancing public health initiatives through innovative strategies, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to community engagement. Together, they discuss the current challenges facing public health, including the recent resignations of CDC leaders and the ongoing crisis in the field. They explore the need for public health professionals to reclaim their power, navigate policy changes, and engage communities effectively. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic action, empowerment, and reimagining public health leadership to address the pressing issues of today. Key Points From This Episode: Public health is facing unprecedented challenges in 2025.  The resignation of CDC leaders reflects deep systemic issues.  Public health professionals must reclaim their power and expertise.  Strategic action is necessary to navigate policy changes. Community engagement is crucial for effective public health solutions. Public health professionals should not wait for permission to act. The future of public health requires new leadership models. Empowerment and collaboration are key to overcoming obstacles. Public health strategies must be reimagined for current realities. Finding joy in public health work is essential for sustainability. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

    50 min
  8. S4 E17- Academia Ain’t Got No Seasoning: Bringing Light, Humor, & Joy to Public Health

    10/03/2025

    S4 E17- Academia Ain’t Got No Seasoning: Bringing Light, Humor, & Joy to Public Health

    In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee engages with Dorian Johnson, a Public Health Educator and Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who combines skills-based health education and systems-level insight to every conversation. Known as “The PHuncle”, Dorian is a master at making complex public health concepts clear and engaging. Together, Dr. Joyee and Dorian discuss the importance of humor in public health, effective communication strategies, and the need for collaboration over competition. The conversation also explores the decolonization of research, the importance of community engagement, and the need for humility in academia. Dorian also shares his journey into research and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in public health work, concluding with a call for a more relatable and engaging approach to health education. Key Points From This Episode: The Funko Concept and Its Significance [02:46] Cultural Relevance in Public Health Communication [04:54] Decolonizing Research and Self-Reflection [09:29] Collaboration vs. Competition in Public Health [12:08] The Power of Community and Humility in Research [15:37] The Captain Planet Analogy for Collaboration [19:31] The Importance of Seasoning in Academia [22:53] First Experiences in Research and Community Engagement [26:12] Redefining Research Beyond Traditional Methods [30:08] Authenticity and Joy in Public Health Work [36:01] ✨ Before you go — I’d love your voice in shaping the future of our work. Please take a moment to complete the Public Health Impact Survey and join the waitlist for the 2026 Public Health Joy Summit. Together, we can keep building joy-filled, justice-centered spaces in public health.   Take the survey and join the waitlist 👉🏾 https://forms.gle/BeAZfYiRHkPPZ3BQ8 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/

    41 min
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Public Health Joy is a podcast for public health professionals, researchers, and community leaders who believe equity, justice, and healing belong at the center of public health work. Hosted by Dr. Joyee Washington, the show explores community-engaged research, health equity, leadership, policy, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable public health careers, bridging strategy with soul to reimagine public health. This is a space where rest fuels resistance, community power drives change, and public health becomes a tool for collective healing and transformation.

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