Inclusive Minds: Voices on Race and Health Equity

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross

Transforming healthcare through inclusive insight and equitable solutions. Join Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross—addiction expert, physician, and co-editor of Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies—as she speaks with thought leaders on the frontlines of racial equity, trauma healing, and social justice in healthcare. If you're a psychologist, healthcare provider, social worker, or simply someone eager to understand the roots of institutionalized racism and how to make change—you belong here. Expect bold conversations, lived experiences, and nuanced insights you won't find in textbooks.

  1. 12/18/2025

    Brain Chemistry and Relapse: Using Food to Repair the Addictive Brain

    Are you or a loved one struggling with chronic relapse, persistent cravings, or anxiety in recovery? This episode is a game-changer. Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross welcomes her longtime friend and expert, Christina Veselak, to dive deep into the often-overlooked biochemical roots of addiction and mental health struggles. Learn how simply changing what and when you eat can eliminate cravings in minutes and dramatically improve long-term sobriety.   The "Starving Brain" Theory: Christina explains how years of poor nutrition or substance use depletes the brain's necessary neurotransmitters, leading to debilitating cravings, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Amino Acids as a Game Changer: Discover how targeted amino acid supplementation can rebuild a depleted brain and stop cravings within 20 minutes—a highly effective, non-addictive solution. The Five-Star Pro Recovery Diet: Christina breaks down her easy-to-follow food philosophy focused on stabilizing blood sugar and maximizing nutrient intake. The key elements are Protein (20g every 4 hours), Healthy Fats, Complex Carbohydrates, Personalization, and Clean Eating. Bio:  Christina T. Veselak, LMFT, CN, is the founder and director of the Academy for Addiction and Mental Health Nutrition. A licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, she provides online Relapse Prevention Coaching and Mental Health Nutrition support, consulting with supplement companies, IV detox programs, and residential treatment centers to integrate nutritional approaches to recovery. She is also the founder and CEO of Eating Protein Saves Lives! and bestselling author of EAT! A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings. A seasoned national speaker and founding member of the Alliance for Addiction Solutions, Christina continues to advance evidence-based nutritional and biochemical strategies for brain and mental health.   "I'm dedicated to saving and transforming lives through amino acid and nutrient therapy." Guest Links: https://aminoacidtherapy.com/about-christina-veselak/ Dr Carolyn's Links www.CarolynRossMD.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/ TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T

    36 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    Making Space for Black Voices: Why It's the Key to Health Equity for Everyone

    I am so thrilled to share this incredible conversation with Dr. Camilla Nonterah where we truly dig into her chapter, "Making Space When Black Voices Speak Their Truth." If you've ever felt confused or frustrated by conversations around race and justice, this episode is for you. We break down the complex issues using simple, clear examples that will change how you view everything—from scientific research to your own workplace! We discuss the shocking reality of Black maternal health outcomes. We clarify that the problem isn't biology; it's the institutional failures that we must address to achieve health equity. Guest Links: @drcnonterah on Instagram; @drcnonterah.bsky.social Dr Carolyn's Links www.CarolynRossMD.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/ TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T Episode Timestamps: 00:01:24 Intro 00:03:14 Defining SDOH 00:04:30 The "WEIRD" Problem 00:12:00 The Curb Cut Effect 00:14:14 Why Speaking is Hard 00:18:53  The Sharon Osborne Example 00:24:15 Weaponizing Courage 00:26:54 How to Be an Ally 00:31:43 The Anti-DEI Backlash 00:34:48 Outro

    35 min

  3. 11/10/2025

    Black Scholars Expose Systems Failure: The Intersections of Anti-Blackness and Educational Abandonment

    In this vital episode of the Inclusive Minds Podcast, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross welcomes three leading Black academics and co-editors from the book, Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies. They dive deep into their chapter, "Systems Failure. Black Children Left Behind," providing an unflinching look at how deeply embedded racial bias creates and sustains the devastating School-to-Prison Pipeline. Our experts expose the institutional policies, like Zero Tolerance, and the subtle but destructive psychological bias—known as Adultification—that targets Black girls and boys, sometimes as early as preschool. They discuss the shocking statistics behind suspensions, the impact of implicit bias on teacher expectations, and the role of HBCUs and community solutions in breaking this perpetual cycle. About our guests Dr. Felicia Dix Richardson Dr. Dix-Richardson is an Associate Professor of Criminology at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Holding a Ph.D. in Criminology from Florida State University, her extensive research focuses on corrections, racial disparities in the justice system, the educational system's failures (specifically the School-to-Prison Pipeline), and the resultant effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). She is deeply involved in community engagement, serving as the liaison for FAMU's Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice with Bond Elementary School. Dr. Kideste Yusef Dr. Yusef is a tenured Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean for Research at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU), where she also directs the Center for Law and Social Justice. With 20 years of collegiate teaching experience, her expertise includes community-police engagement, race and social justice, and performance management. Dr. Yusef has been featured in national outlets, works with law enforcement agencies, and is a recipient of numerous honors, including the White House Presidential Gold Volunteer Service Award and the NBA Orlando Magic Social Justice Game Changer Award. Dr. Randy Nelson Dr. Nelson is the former Director of the Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Program and Center for Law and Social Justice at Bethune-Cookman University. He holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and is a nationally recognized consultant in community policing and engagement strategies. He is the founder of the Situational Environmental Circumstances (SEC) Mentoring Model, which was specifically designed to support the educational, social, and emotional needs of high-risk Black males and has been implemented across several Florida universities, securing millions in funding for equity initiatives. Connect with Dr Carolyn www.CarolynRossMD.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/ TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T

    49 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    From Pain to Purpose: Finding Your "Undaunted Hope"

    In this powerful episode, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross speaks with pioneer in addiction and trauma recovery, Dr. Claudia Black. The discussion centers on the deep, interconnected issues of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic shame, and the urgent need for a complex approach to healing addiction and mental illness. They explore how early life trauma fuels destructive adult behaviors, the necessity of treating trauma alongside addiction, and the escalating crisis facing youth due to the pervasive negative impacts of social media and overprotective parenting. Dr. Black shares insights from her latest book, Undaunted Hope, offering a roadmap for true transformation.     Guest Links:   https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaBlackPhD     Dr Carolyn's Links   www.CarolynRossMD.com   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/   TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM   To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T

    32 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    The Unseen Hurt: Confronting Anti-Blackness in Your Closest Relationships

    In this powerful episode of the Inclusive Minds Podcast, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross speaks with liberation psychotherapist Liana Maneese about her personal and professional journey. Liana, a transracially adopted Afro-Brazilian and Black American woman, shares her "origin story" and the deeply personal impact of anti-Blackness within her own family and most intimate relationships. The conversation explores how racism doesn't disappear in the presence of love and family. It instead manifests as an "unseen hurt," with microaggressions, unexamined biases, and a defensive lack of awareness from those we are closest to. Liana introduces the concept of undoing, a lifelong process of decolonizing our minds and rejecting the white supremacist ideas that are so deeply ingrained in society—and ourselves. She emphasizes that true healing requires more than just calling out racism in public; it demands we confront it in private, and a liberation-focused therapy offers the tools to do this. Liana's lived experience highlights the critical responsibility of therapists to create a space where these difficult, painful truths can finally be seen, heard, and healed. Guest Bio: Liana Maneese is a liberation psychotherapist and identity navigation specialist. She is the founder of Transitional Characters, a Pittsburgh-based liberation-focused practice, and is a member of the #NotWhite Collective. Her chapter in the book Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies is titled "Interracial Relationships: How Anti-Blackness Informs Kinship and Therapist Responsibility." Guest Links: @transitionalcharacters (instagram) Dr Carolyn's Links www.CarolynRossMD.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/ TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T

    42 min

  6. 09/29/2025

    More Than Skin Deep: A Conversation About Identity

    Is our identity only about what people see on the outside? In this powerful and personal conversation, I welcome psychotherapist Meyleen Velasquez, one of the incredible authors from the book that inspired this podcast. Meyleen shares her journey as a Latinx immigrant and how her experience with vitiligo, a condition that affects skin pigmentation, has given her a unique perspective on how the world perceives race and how we define ourselves. We explore the complex and often harmful idea of "colorblindness" within Latinx communities, discuss the life-threatening impact of medical racism on Black and Brown mothers, and learn about a practice called "critical self-reflection" that can help us all uncover our hidden biases. This episode is a moving exploration of what it means to carry your identity on the inside, regardless of how the world sees you on the outside. Meyleen Velasquez, DSW, is an immigrant Latinx psychotherapist specializing in perinatal and infant mental health. She focused her doctoral research on anti-racist and anti-oppressive mental health services and works to support birthing people and providers from an anti-oppressive framework. She is a contributing author to the book, Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies. In this episode, you will learn about: Meyleen's personal story of living with vitiligo and how it has shaped her experience of her Latinx identity. The concept of mestizaje (the idea that all Latinx people are "mixed") and how it can unfortunately erase the identities of Black and Indigenous people. The power of "critical self-reflection" as a tool to better understand our own values, beliefs, and biases. Connect with Our Guest https://www.youtube.com/c/meyleenvelasquez https://www.linkedin.com/in/meyleen-velasquez-5b780985/ https://www.instagram.com/meyleenvelasquez/ Follow the Host www.CarolynRossMD.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/ TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T Thank you for listening to the Inclusive Minds Podcast. If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps us continue these vital conversations.

    30 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    How Systemic Racism Fuels Eating Disorders in Black Women & BIPOC Communities

    In this critical episode of Inclusive Minds, Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is joined by esteemed colleague and friend, Paula Edwards Gayfield, a leading expert on eating disorders in BIPOC communities. They dive into a powerful discussion about the unique and often invisible struggles that Black women face when seeking help for eating disorders. From systemic barriers in healthcare to the complex realities of body image that go far beyond weight, this conversation exposes how deeply racism is intertwined with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. In This Episode, We Discuss: (01:35) Barriers to Access: Why the cost, time, and lack of insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment disproportionately affect Black women. (05:10) Systemic Racism in Diagnosis:How the stereotype of who gets an eating disorder leaves Black women unseen, unheard, and misdiagnosed in clinical settings. (07:25) Binge Eating Disorder vs. "A Weight Problem": Paula explains how clinicians often mistake Binge Eating Disorder in Black women for a simple need to lose weight, prescribing diets instead of addressing underlying trauma. (10:00) The Impact of New Weight-Loss Drugs (GLP-1s): A look at the dangers of prescribing drugs like Ozempic without screening for eating disorders and how they can disrupt the recovery process. (13:45) Beyond Size: Body Image, Colorism & Hair: A nuanced discussion on how body image for Black women is complex and includes skin color, hair texture, and facial features—issues rarely addressed in traditional treatment. (21:50) "You're Acting White": Tackling the stigma within the Black community that can prevent individuals from seeking or accepting help for an eating disorder. (24:30) How to Advocate for Yourself: Paula shares empowering, actionable advice for Black women on how to interview providers and demand culturally competent care.     Connect with Our Guest Paula Edwards Gayfield, LPC, CEDS-C: Learn more about Paula's work at The Renfrew Center and in her private practice. Follow the Host www.CarolynRossMD.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-coker-ross-md-mph-ceds-c-7b81176/ TEDxPleasantGrove talk: https://youtu.be/ljdFLCc3RtM To buy "Antiblackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies" - bit.ly/3ZuSp1T Thank you for listening to the Inclusive Minds Podcast. If this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps us continue these vital conversations.

    28 min

  8. 09/01/2025

    Are You a Real Ally? Defining Authentic Allyship with Dr. Mazella Fuller

    Dr. Ross and Dr. Fuller dive deep into the importance of authentic allyship, exploring why the time has come for white people to take ownership of systemic racism. Dr. Fuller defines what an authentic ally truly looks like—someone who sponsors and mentors BIPOC individuals, speaks on their behalf, and actively works to create inclusive spaces. The conversation also touches on the economic benefits of a diverse and equitable workplace, the historical role of allies, and how to foster a culture where BIPOC employees can express their experiences without being labeled as "complainers." Dr. Fuller shares her sources of hope for the future, including her ancestors and the next generation. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points: What is an Authentic Ally? Dr. Fuller redefines allyship as active sponsorship and mentorship, not just passive support. She and Dr. Ross discuss the importance of speaking up for BIPOC colleagues, especially when they are not in the room. The "White Problem" of Racism: The episode explores Dr. Fuller's powerful belief that systemic racism is a problem that requires more white people to take ownership and action. The Business Case for DEI: The discussion highlights research showing that inclusive workplaces are more creative, make better decisions, and are more profitable.

    20 min
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About

Transforming healthcare through inclusive insight and equitable solutions. Join Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross—addiction expert, physician, and co-editor of Anti-Blackness and the Stories of Authentic Allies—as she speaks with thought leaders on the frontlines of racial equity, trauma healing, and social justice in healthcare. If you're a psychologist, healthcare provider, social worker, or simply someone eager to understand the roots of institutionalized racism and how to make change—you belong here. Expect bold conversations, lived experiences, and nuanced insights you won't find in textbooks.

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