ASK - Always Stay Knowledgeable Podcast

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness

ASK (Always Stay Knowledgeable) is a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina podcast that brings together trusted experts to explore health, wellness, careers, community and everyday life—delivering clear, practical insights that help you stay informed and empowered.

  1. Sep 8

    How to Build a Fitness Routine That Works for You | ASK Podcast - S1 E5

    In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, fitness coordinator Octavia shares practical advice for getting started with fitness and staying motivated. Learn how to set realistic goals, add movement to a busy schedule and recognize progress beyond the number on the scale. Octavia also discusses overcoming gym intimidation, adapting activities for different physical abilities and balancing cardio, strength training, rest and recovery. Whether you are beginning your fitness journey, returning after time away or looking for ways to maintain your progress, this episode offers approachable tips to help you find activities you enjoy and build a routine that works for you. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction0:20 Getting Started With Fitness0:37 Start Slowly and Find Activities You Enjoy1:29 How Much Exercise Do You Need?2:48 Short Workouts Can Make a Difference3:02 How to Set SMART Fitness Goals4:49 Staying Motivated When Results Take Time6:09 Why Consistency Matters7:07 Overcoming Gym Intimidation7:45 Accessible Ways to Get Moving8:28 Finding Time for Fitness9:25 Adding Movement to Your Workday10:20 Fitness With a Busy Family Schedule10:44 Exercise Options for Physical Limitations11:22 Thinking Beyond Traditional Exercise11:59 Cardio and Strength Training13:19 Why Strength Training Matters14:49 The Importance of Rest and Recovery15:53 Movement Tips for Sedentary Workdays17:30 Finding an Accountability Partner18:18 How to Maintain Your Fitness Progress19:12 Reassessing and Advancing Your Goals20:39 Octavia’s Top Fitness Advice21:40 Give Yourself Grace22:12 Fitness Lightning Round22:29 Morning or Evening Workouts?22:48 Octavia’s Favorite Outdoor Activity23:08 One Exercise That Works Multiple Muscle Groups23:25 A Quick Reset for a Busy Workday23:50 One Simple Habit for Your Health24:10 Closing Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/ Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbssc X: https://x.com/bcbssc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/

  2. Aug 25

    Careers at BlueCross: What Recruiters Want Applicants to Know | ASK Podcast S1 E4

    In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, BlueCross recruiter Erica offers an inside look at the application and hiring process. Erica explains how recruiters support applicants, what qualifications matter and why tailoring your resume can help you stand out. She also shares common application mistakes, interview preparation tips and guidance on cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and professional communication. The conversation also explores BlueCross culture, employee benefits and career opportunities across a wide range of fields. Whether you are actively searching for a job or preparing for your next career move, this episode offers practical advice to help you approach the hiring process with confidence. __________________________________________________ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:24 Careers at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina 0:41 What a BlueCross Recruiter Does 1:27 How Recruiters Guide Applicants 2:13 Culture and Career Development at BlueCross 3:42 Why Choose a Career at BlueCross? 4:43 What Candidates Want From an Employer 5:28 Employee Benefits and Workplace Resources 6:43 What to Do Before Applying 7:14 How to Tailor Your Resume 8:05 Understanding Required Qualifications 8:29 Making a Strong First Impression 9:28 How Applications Are Reviewed 9:45 Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid 10:48 What Makes an Application Stand Out 11:35 When to Include a Cover Letter 12:35 What Happens After You Apply 13:49 How Long the Hiring Process Can Take 14:36 Recruiter Screenings and Interviews 15:26 Salary, Work Location and Finding the Right Fit 16:30 How to Prepare for an Interview 17:39 The Importance of Honesty and Professionalism 18:52 The Biggest Application Red Flag 19:07 Why BlueCross Could Be the Place for You 19:38 Rapid-Fire Job Search Tips 20:13 Do You Need a LinkedIn Profile? 21:04 How to Stand Out at BlueCross 21:33 Why Interpersonal Skills Matter 22:34 Interview Attire and Arriving on Time 23:30 Career Opportunities Across BlueCross 24:52 Closing __________________________________________________ Explore career opportunities at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina: https://www.southcarolinablues.com __________________________________________________ Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/ __________________________________________________ Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/ __________________________________________________ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbssc X: https://x.com/bcbssc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/

  3. Aug 11

    Building a Healthy Lifestyle Doesn't Have to Be Complicated | ASK Podcast - S1 E3

    In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, we sit down with health coach Kylah to discuss practical ways to improve your health through small, sustainable changes. From nutrition and exercise to stress management and better sleep, Kayla shares realistic tips that fit into busy schedules. She explains why perfection isn't the goal, how healthy habits are built over time and why simple changes can have a lasting impact on your physical and mental well-being. Whether you're trying to eat healthier, move more, reduce stress or improve your sleep, this conversation offers approachable advice to help you get started. __________________________________________________ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:25 Meet Health Coach Kayla 0:48 What a Healthy Lifestyle Really Means 1:40 The Myth of Health Perfection 3:03 Healthy Eating Tips for Busy People 4:40 Why Preparation Is Key to Healthy Habits 5:18 Finding Balance and Enjoying Your Favorite Foods 6:04 The Plate Method and Portion Control 7:56 Easy Ways to Add Movement to Your Day 8:42 Why Exercise Doesn't Have to Happen All at Once 10:34 How Stress Affects Your Health 11:21 Box Breathing and Relaxation Techniques 12:20 Setting Boundaries and Reducing Screen Time 13:02 Self-Care for Caregivers and Busy People 14:52 Managing Stress Without Spending Money 15:15 Why Sleep Is Essential for Good Health 16:16 Tips for Improving Sleep Quality 17:07 Why Screens Can Interfere With Sleep 18:01 Creating a Better Bedtime Routine 18:19 Finding Trusted Health Information 19:04 How Health Coaching Can Help 20:09 One Simple Step to Start This Week 21:11 Why Healthy Habits Matter More Than Perfection 21:55 The 80/20 Approach to Healthy Living 22:54 Box Breathing Demonstration 23:20 Closing __________________________________________________ Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/ __________________________________________________ Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/ __________________________________________________ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbssc X: https://x.com/bcbssc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/

  4. Jul 21

    Understanding Your Health Insurance: What Every BlueCross Member Should Know | ASK Podcast - S1 E2

    Health insurance can feel complicated, but understanding the basics can help you make more informed decisions and get the most from your benefits. __________________________________________________ In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, we sit down with BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina customer experience expert Stephanie to discuss what members need to know about their health insurance. From deductibles, copays and coinsurance to provider networks, preventive care and telehealth, Stephanie breaks down common health insurance terms and explains how members can better understand their coverage. She also shares practical tips for using My Health Toolkit®, comparing costs, reviewing medical bills and becoming a more informed health care consumer. Whether you're selecting a health plan, scheduling an appointment or simply trying to understand a bill, this conversation provides helpful guidance to make navigating health insurance easier. __________________________________________________ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:20 Meet Stephanie and today's topic 0:38 How BlueCross gathers member feedback 2:10 Listening to members and improving experiences 2:56 Why health insurance terminology can be confusing 3:40 Transparency and understanding the claims process 4:54 How members help shape BlueCross tools and services 6:12 Understanding deductibles, copays and coinsurance 8:14 What premiums mean and choosing the right plan 10:03 Understanding provider networks 11:14 Planning for care and knowing your options 12:43 Using My Health Toolkit® 13:28 Why you should call the number on your ID card 15:23 What to know before appointments and procedures 16:11 Shopping and comparing health care costs 19:05 Comparing providers and prescription costs 20:08 Common health insurance mistakes to avoid 22:22 Benefits and discounts members may overlook 23:18 Why you should answer calls from BlueCross 24:13 Why every health plan is different 25:12 Preparing for a doctor's visit 26:04 Preventive care and staying healthy 28:02 What to do if something doesn't seem right 29:20 Using reminders and notifications 31:04 Telehealth and virtual care options 33:02 Key takeaways for members 36:15 Why member feedback matters 36:58 Where to go for help and support 38:04 Closing __________________________________________________ Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/ __________________________________________________ Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here: https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/ __________________________________________________ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbssc X: https://x.com/bcbssc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/

  5. Jul 7

    Why Community Partnerships Matter for a Healthier South Carolina | Ask Podcast - S1 E1

    What does it take to build healthier, stronger communities across South Carolina? In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, we talk with Elizabeth about community relations at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and how the company supports nonprofit organizations, employee volunteerism and long-term partnerships across the state. The conversation explores how BlueCross invests in areas such as health and human services, education, the arts, economic development and civic engagement. Elizabeth also shares examples of community initiatives, including support for the Nickelodeon Theater, the Columbia Museum of Art and the BlueScholars Program with Claflin University and Benedict College. This episode also highlights the role employees play in giving back through volunteer opportunities, year-round campaigns and Doing Good Works Day, the company's day of service. Elizabeth reflects on meaningful moments from her career, including employee support after Hurricane Katrina and offers practical advice for individuals or companies that want to get involved in their communities.

  6. 11/19/2024

    Vaping and Teen Mental Health with Dr. Jennifer Heath

    In this episode of “Ask A Therapist,” Dr. Jennifer Heath, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, explores the critical issue of vaping among teens. Dr. Heath discusses the short-term and long-term impacts of nicotine on the developing brain, the link between vaping and mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and the social consequences of vaping. She also provides valuable insights for parents on how to recognize signs of vaping and mental health struggles in their teens, and offers practical advice on how to address these issues. Tune in to learn about evidence-based interventions and strategies to help teens quit vaping and improve their overall well-being. To see what mental health resources your health plan offers, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Follow along as our medical experts answer more common questions around mental health care. Find the entire series: ⁠⁠https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/categories/ask-a-therapist/

  7. 11/05/2024

    Understanding Teen Smoking with Dr. Jennifer Heath

    In this episode of Ask A Therapist, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Heath, a child and adolescent psychiatrist. We jump into the reasons why teens start smoking, whether it’s vape pens or traditional cigarettes. Dr. Heath discusses the impact of peer pressure, stress, and anxiety on teen smoking habits, and the misconceptions teens have about e-cigarettes. We also explore the health risks associated with smoking and vaping, and provide strategies for parents to help prevent their children from starting these habits. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice on protecting teens from the dangers of nicotine addiction. To see what mental health resources your health plan offers, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Follow along as our medical experts answer more common questions around mental health care. Find the entire series: ⁠⁠https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/categories/ask-a-therapist/

  8. 09/30/2024

    Understanding ADHD: Insights from Dr. April Richardson

    In this episode of Ask A Therapist, Dr. April Richardson breaks down everything you need to know about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). From common symptoms and types to treatment options and how it differs from anxiety, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights. Tune in to learn more about managing ADHD in both kids and adults. To see what mental health resources your health plan offers, call the number on the back of your insurance card. Follow along as our medical experts answer more common questions around mental health care. Find the entire series: ⁠⁠https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/categories/ask-a-therapist/

See All (30)

About

ASK (Always Stay Knowledgeable) is a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina podcast that brings together trusted experts to explore health, wellness, careers, community and everyday life—delivering clear, practical insights that help you stay informed and empowered.

Information