The Skin You're In

Partners for Advancing H.E.
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Welcome to The Skin You’re In. A podcast about health—and the forces that shape it. We go beyond medicine to explore how race, place, policy, and culture influence who has the opportunity to live a healthy life, and what it will take to achieve health equity. From data to lived experience, from public policy to music and the arts, we connect the dots between systems and stories. Each episode features conversations with leaders, experts, and voices from the community—bringing insight, perspective, and context to the issues that matter. Because health doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped by the world around us, and the skin we’re in. Hosted by Thomas LaVeist, Dean, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Partners for Advancing Health Equity, a national health equity learning collaborative led by Tulane. Dr. LaVeist is also Writer and Director of the groundbreaking documentary, “The Skin You’re In”. The Skin You’re In Podcast is produced by Partners for Advancing Health Equity, led by Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and is part of the Tulane Health Equity Institute. Partners for Advancing Health Equity is supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of RWJF.  CHECK OUT OUR COMPANION PODCAST:  Partners for Advancing Health Equity

  1. Aug 25

    Closing Divides: Advancing Mental Health Equity Through Community-Driven Technology

    From our companion podcast series, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, host Dr. Caryn Bell discusses the critical intersection of technology and mental health in Black communities with experts Dr. Rochelle Davidson Mhonde, Dr. Kaleea Lewis, and Dr. Henry Willis. They emphasize the urgent need for mental health equity and how structural racism affects racially marginalized populations.   The conversation highlights the importance of involving communities in the design of digital tools to ensure they address real needs and experiences. They explore how digital tools can facilitate better communication between parents and youth on sensitive topics like sexual health and trauma. And, looking ahead, the experts envision a future where leaders in tech and health truly represent Black communities. They advocate for accountability and genuine community engagement to improve mental health outcomes.   This episode serves as a vital call to action for researchers, public health practitioners, policymakers, and tech developers to prioritize equity and representation in their work.   Host: Dr. Caryn Bell, Associate Director, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, Assistant Professor, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine   Guests:  Dr. Kaleea Lewis, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri, College of Health Sciences ·         Dr. Rochelle Davidson Mhonde, Assistant Professor, George Mason University Dr. Henry Willis, clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park Department of Psychology   Video Version Transcript

    Closing Divides: Advancing Mental Health Equity Through Community-Driven Technology

  2. Aug 13

    Behind Bars: Unmasking Health Inequities in America's Prisons with Homer Venters

    In this episode we talk with Dr. Homer Venters, former Chief Medical Officer of New York Correctional Health Services, exploring the often-overlooked intersection of public health and the criminal justice system, as well as discussing Dr. Venters' groundbreaking work in correctional health and his latest book, Outbreak Behind Bars: Spider Bites, Human Rights, and the Unseen Danger to Public Health. Listeners will gain insights into the systemic health challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, including the impact of solitary confinement and the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 and scabies. Dr. Venters shares eye-opening stories from his experiences, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and accountability in correctional health care.   This episode not only highlights the pressing issues within the prison system but also offers a hopeful vision for reform, and the importance of integrating public health strategies in these settings.   Host: Thomas LaVeist, PhD, Dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Principal Investigator, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, Writer and Director, The Skin You’re In documentary   Guest: Homer Venters, M.D., Adjunct Faculty at the NYU School of Global Public Health and former Chief Medical Officer of New York Correctional Health Services. Author, Life and Death in Rikers Island, and Outbreak Behind Bars: Spider Bites, Human Rights & the Unseen Danger to Public Health Video Version Transcript

  3. Jul 9

    Health Equity In Action: Insights from Rebekah Gee and the Quest for Accessible Family Health Care

    Host Thomas LaVeist chats with Dr. Rebekah Gee, CEO of Nest Health, about her journey from academia to government and now to the private sector. They discuss the successful implementation of Medicaid expansion in Louisiana, which provided coverage to over 600,000 residents, and the innovative at-home care model Nest Health offers for families lacking access to primary healthcare. Dr. Gee addresses systemic inequities in Louisiana's healthcare system and advocates for ongoing efforts in health equity, emphasizing the need for solution-focused discussions that harness the potential of the private sector. This episode is essential for anyone interested in healthcare access and equity.   Host: Thomas LaVeist, PhD, Dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Principal Investigator, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, Writer and Director, The Skin You’re In documentary.   Guest: Rebekah Gee, CEO and Founder, Nest Health Transcript   Video version

  4. Jun 24

    Joy as Resistance: Redefining Health Narratives for Black Communities

    From our companion series, the latest episode of the Partners for Advancing Health Equity podcast explores Black joy, resilience, and health equity. Host Dr. Caryn Bell and guests, Health Equity Scholars for Action, Dr. Yanica Faustin and Dr. Tiffany Ford discuss how structural racism impacts health outcomes, especially in maternal health. They advocate for strength-based approaches in health equity research that celebrate Black experiences, emphasizing community-led solutions.   The guests urge a shift from deficit-focused narratives to thriving ones, calling for more funding for successful initiatives. Listeners are encouraged to foster supportive environments that uplift Black narratives, aiming to amplify stories of healing and creativity.   Join this enlightening discussion on reimagining health equity through joy and empowerment.   Host: Dr. Caryn Bell, Associate Director, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, Assistant Professor, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine   Guests: Dr. Yanica Faustin, Founder and CEO, Impact Health Equity, Associate Professor, Elon University   Dr. Tiffany N. Ford, Assistant Professor,  University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health   Video Version Transcript https://files.constantcontact.com/4c2e156f801/5852e267-1441-4629-a9c0-eb5843019992.pdf

    Joy as Resistance: Redefining Health Narratives for Black Communities

  5. May 27

    Navigating Public Health and Policy: Insights from APHA’s Georges Benjamin

    In this insightful episode, we talk with Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Georges reflects on the nuances of navigating policies and politics and APHA’s influence in advocating for impactful initiatives. The conversation also addresses the diverse political landscapes within public health, highlighting the need for inclusivity while maintaining a commitment to health equity. Also discussed is guidance to future public health leaders, stressing the importance of community engagement and understanding systemic barriers to health outcomes.  Host: Thomas LaVeist, PhD, Dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Principal Investigator, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, Writer and Director, The Skin You’re In documentary.   Guest: Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association Video version Transcript

  6. Apr 30

    Enduring Together: Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being in health equity work

    In this episode of our companion podcast, Partners for Advancing Health Equity, host Caryn Bell emphasizes the significance of mental and emotional well-being as essential components for sustaining health equity efforts. As advocates face increasing challenges, this episode explores how community care, adaptability, and collective action form the foundation for endurance in this vital work.   Listeners will reflect on past insights from thought leaders who highlight the importance of connection, vulnerability, and mutual support in overcoming adversity. Key themes include building emotional safety, fostering adaptability, and investing in community initiatives. With inspiring quotes and practical resources, this episode calls on listeners to engage actively, support one another, and contribute to a healthier, more equitable future. Join us as we embark on this important journey of learning and growth, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us.   Experts highlighted in this episode (in order of appearance): ·         Brett Ford, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto; Director of the Affective Science & Health LaboratoryLeslie Nolan, Behavioral Health Division Director, Imperial Calcasieu Human Services AuthorityRaquel Martin, Clinical Psychologist; Professor, Tennessee State UniversityMayra E. Alvarez, President, The Children’s PartnershipAngela Chalk, Founder and Executive Director, Healthy Community ServicesJennifer Ito, Research Director, USC Equity Research InstituteCara James, President and CEO, Grantmakers In HealthReginald Tucker-Seely, Principal and Owner, Health Equity Strategies and Solutions     Elizabeth Waetzig, Founding Partner and CEO, Change MatrixSharrelle Barber, Director, The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity at the Dornsife School of Public HealthThomas LaVeist, Dean and Weatherford Chair in Health Equity, Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane UniversityNatasha Phelps, Equity-Centered Policy Manager, The Center for Black Health & Equity Halima Leak Francis, Director & Professor of Practice, Tulane School of Professional Advancement, John Lewis Public Administration ProgramAlma C. Stewart Allen, Founder and President, Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE) Sinsi Hernandez-Cancio, Vice President, National Partnership for Women & FamiliesJonathan Heller, Senior Health Equity Fellow, University of Wisconsin-Madison    Resources - Webinars and activities highlighted in this episode:   Webinar, June 2024: Mental Health in Times of Crisis  Webinar, March 2025: Leveraging Policy Change to Address Health Disparities Webinar, November 2024: Overcoming Threats to Health Equity: Today and Tomorrow Webinar, September 2024: Better Health for All: The Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Health Equity Webinar, July 2025: The Importance of Increasing Media Literacy to Build Trust and Advance Truth-telling in Health Webinar, September 2025: Moving to Action: Organizational Change to Advance Health Equity Podcast, June 2023: Episode Two: Next Steps in Advancing Health Equity: Cross-sector Perspectives Podcast, May 2023: Louis Sullivan, M.D.- A Life Devoted to Reducing Health Inequities Webinar, October 2023: Funding Change: A Conversation on Philanthropy’s Vision for Health Equity  TRANSCRIPT Interested in sharing and amplifying your own work in health equity? Email us at partners4he@tulane.edu for any of the following opportunities: Share your expertise: Submit resources to our Library and showcase the projects that matter most to you.Author a guest blog: Bring your perspective forward and spark meaningful dialogue.Drive programming: Recommend speakers and topics that reflect emerging priorities and diverse viewpoints.Becoming a member: Anyone interested and/or working in the field of health equity is welcome to apply to be an active member. There are no member fees of any kind. Exploring partnership opportunities: Collaborate with us on programming and initiatives that advance health equity.For more information on partnering or collaboration opportunities, email us at partners4he@tulane.edu.

    Enduring Together: Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being in health equity work

  7. Apr 6

    Part Two: Live from Montgomery: Conversations with the Men of The Skin You’re In documentary

    In part one, we heard from the filmmakers and featured participants as they discussed the making of the documentary and the broader forces shaping health disparities in America. In this second installment, the conversation expands beyond the stage. Panelists and audience members offer their own perspectives, highlighting the importance of community dialogue, shared experience, and sustained engagement in advancing better health outcomes for all. Moderator: Dean Meminger, Spectrum News NY1 Anchor   Panelists: Dr. Thomas LaVeist, Writer and Director Dr. Wil LaVeist, Producer Alejandro Orengo, Director of Photography Scheron Bryant, Jr. Tevon Robinson  Transcript

  8. Apr 6

    Part One: Live from Montgomery: Conversations with the Men of The Skin You’re In documentary

    In this powerful episode, we delve into the critical question: Why do Black Americans face poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancies? Centered around the documentary, The Skin You’re In, this conversation was recorded live, December 2025, at the film's premiere in Montgomery, Alabama—a city steeped in civil rights history. Moderated by Spectrum News NY1 Anchor Dean Meminger, the filmmakers and the men featured in the film share their insights on how history, public policy, and community narratives intertwine to impact health equity in America.   Moderator: Dean Meminger, Spectrum News NY1 Anchor Panelists:  Dr. Thomas LaVeist, Writer and Director Dr. Wil LaVeist, Producer  Alejandro Orengo, Director of Photography Scheron Bryant, Jr. Tevon Robinson  Transcript

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About

Welcome to The Skin You’re In. A podcast about health—and the forces that shape it. We go beyond medicine to explore how race, place, policy, and culture influence who has the opportunity to live a healthy life, and what it will take to achieve health equity. From data to lived experience, from public policy to music and the arts, we connect the dots between systems and stories. Each episode features conversations with leaders, experts, and voices from the community—bringing insight, perspective, and context to the issues that matter. Because health doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped by the world around us, and the skin we’re in. Hosted by Thomas LaVeist, Dean, Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and Partners for Advancing Health Equity, a national health equity learning collaborative led by Tulane. Dr. LaVeist is also Writer and Director of the groundbreaking documentary, “The Skin You’re In”. The Skin You’re In Podcast is produced by Partners for Advancing Health Equity, led by Tulane Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and is part of the Tulane Health Equity Institute. Partners for Advancing Health Equity is supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of RWJF.  CHECK OUT OUR COMPANION PODCAST:  Partners for Advancing Health Equity

Information

  • Creator
    Partners for Advancing H.E.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Partners for Advancing H.E.
  • Show Website
    The Skin You're In