More Health, Less Healthcare

Peter Boland PhD

Are you ready to rethink what health really means—and what it takes for us to achieve it? Welcome to the “More Health. Less Healthcare” Podcast, your front-row seat to a revolution in American healthcare, inspired by the game-changing book by Peter Boland.   Healthcare doesn’t have to be defined by endless bills, mounting debt, and a system that prioritizes profits over people. What if there’s a better way that means more health for everyone, fewer unnecessary costs, and a renewed sense of fairness in how care is delivered?   The “More Health. Less Healthcare” podcast takes you inside the heart of a growing movement: one that values equity, transparency, collaboration, and, above all, real outcomes for real people. Hosted by thought leaders committed to making a difference, each episode starts with a bold question: Are we ready to do the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right price?   Drawing from over 100 real-life case examples and interviews, this podcast isn’t just another critique of what’s broken. It’s your practical playbook for solutions that work—proof of concept that eradicating health disparities and cutting out waste can lead to healthier communities, a stronger economy, and a more ethical society.   Learn how the hidden cost of inequity in American healthcare is draining hundreds of billions of dollars from our economy every year, and how millions of Americans endure the crushing burden of medical debt. Discover why up to a third of all healthcare spending in the U.S.—a staggering $1.4 trillion each year—has no benefit for patients and only adds to the harm. The “More Health. Less Healthcare” podcast uncovers these hard truths and turns them into a call for accountability and courage.   We face a crucial choice: keep overspending on sickness care or rebalance our priorities to invest in real health creation. COVID-19 revealed the glaring gaps in our system and the disproportionate impact on minority communities, bringing discrimination and broken incentives to the forefront. The podcast tackles these issues head-on, with stories and strategies from those leading the way on public health, end-to-end care coordination, and the rebuilding of trust in our healthcare institutions.   Why do traditional healthcare financing models fail us? How can we redirect wasted resources to programs that create health? What can individuals, practitioners, and policymakers do right now to drive systemic change, eliminate unnecessary care, and refocus on community-based solutions?   Each episode is a masterclass in what it means to be accountable for the health of our communities. We draw on the wisdom of healthcare’s past, rooted in Hippocrates’ timeless principle—first do no harm, then try to prevent it—and update it for the 21st century. Our guests bring you groundbreaking ideas and proven methods to advance equity, commit to health creation, and embrace transparency and fairness as the guiding values of a new era.   Don’t miss the conversations that matter from how to slash 26-46% of healthcare waste, to making public health programs robust statewide and nationwide, to amplifying voices that have turned health equity from an ideal into a reality.   Whether you’re a patient, a clinician, a policymaker, or someone who simply cares about the future of health in America, “More Health. Less Healthcare” is your go-to resource for hope, honest dialogue, and practical steps toward a fairer, healthier tomorrow. Subscribe now and join the national conversation about how we value health, the urgent reforms we need, and how—with the right leadership and commitment—we can all experience more health and less healthcare.

  1. How Economic Inequality and Social Policy Shape Pandemic Outcomes with Troy Tassier

    14H AGO

    How Economic Inequality and Social Policy Shape Pandemic Outcomes with Troy Tassier

    We’ve got a truly special episode out today on the Promote Profit Publish channel! This time, Peter Boland sits down with economist and author Troy Tassier, whose book The Rich Flee and the Poor Take the Bus has everyone talking—about pandemic fallout, social policy, and our collective future. Whether you love big ideas about economics or just want to understand what REALLY happened during COVID, this episode is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: How social networks shape health outcomes – Troy Tassier explains the surprising influence of everyday connections on who gets sick and why.The pandemic wasn’t “the great equalizer” – We break down why COVID impacted communities so differently, and how economics and public health overlap.Individual choices vs. collective risk – Understand how one person’s actions (or dinner parties) can ripple out and affect the health of an entire society.Lessons for the next pandemic – Troy Tassier gets real about whether we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes and what it will take to avoid another disaster.Why social infrastructure matters – Discover why investing in healthcare access and social safety nets could inoculate us—literally and figuratively—against future crises. Fun Fact: Did you know the most important people to vaccinate during a hospital outbreak might not be doctors or nurses, but receptionists? According to Troy Tassier’s research, receptionists sit at the center of a hospital’s social network—interacting with everyone from patients to food service staff—making them crucial for stopping the spread. Who knew? Troy Tassier, Ph.D., is a professor of economics at Fordham University and the author of The Rich Flee and the Poor Take the Bus: How Our Unequal Society Fails Us during Outbreaks as well as the weekly Substack newsletter, At the Margin.

    33 min
  2. Leading Health Equity and Community Impact: Meritus Health’s Transformative Journey with Dr. Mualik Josie

    FEB 11

    Leading Health Equity and Community Impact: Meritus Health’s Transformative Journey with Dr. Mualik Josie

    We’ve just dropped a brand-new episode featuring an inspiring conversation with Dr. Mualik Josie, CEO of Meritus Health, hosted by Peter Boland. Trust us—you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at the real work driving health equity and building healthier communities. Whether you’re in healthcare or just curious about innovative leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom! Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation: Turning Vision Into Reality: Discover how Dr. Mualik Josie helped launch Maryland’s first new medical school in over 130 years—and why he believes investing upstream in education pays off for community health.Crisis as Opportunity: Hear how Meritus Health leveraged the COVID-19 pandemic to deepen its commitment to community service, from drive-thru testing to free vaccinations and antibody treatments.Innovating for Equity: Learn why the Lead Council, health equity dashboards, and stratified data projects are game changers for addressing healthcare disparities.Social Determinants of Health in Action: Get inspired by practical solutions to loneliness, transportation, and food insecurity—plus hear about the “Care Caller” program, free van rides, and food pharmacies!Aligning Mission and Margin: Find out how Dr. Josie balances sustainability with bold investments, proving that money can follow when the focus is on quality and access for all. Fun Fact: Dr. Mualik Josie personally volunteers in Meritus Health’s “Care Caller” program, making weekly calls to uplift community members who feel lonely. One of his regulars recently turned 100—and he showed up to her birthday party with flowers! Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., is the President and CEO of Meritus Health, Inc. Meritus Health, Inc. includes Meritus Medical Center (MMC), the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM), and Brook Lane. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the community by providing the best healthcare, health services, and medical education. Meritus Health is an academic health system and serves as an anchor for the region with over 4,300 employees. MMC includes a 327-bed medical center, the 250-plus provider Meritus Medical Group, 65-bed Brook Lane Psychiatric hospital, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and 25% ownership of Maryland Physicians Care, a 210,000 Medicaid member health plan. MSOM is the first new medical school in Maryland in over 100 years and started its first class of 90 medical school students in 2025. Meritus Medical Center serves over 200,000 people in Western Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Previously, Maulik was the COO and Executive Vice President at the Anne Arundel Health System (AAHS). Prior to AAHS, Maulik was at the American Hospital Association as Associate Executive Vice President and President of the Health Research and Educational Trust. Maulik has also worked at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the University of Pennsylvania Health System, and The HMO Group.  Maulik has a Doctorate in Public Health and a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. He was Editor-in-Chief for the Journal for Healthcare Quality. He also co-edited The Healthcare Quality Book: Vision, Strategy and Tools (5th edition published in 2022) and coauthored Healthcare Transformation: A Guide for the Hospital Board Member (2nd edition published in 2024) and Leading Healthcare Transformation: A Primer for Physician Leaders (2nd edition published in 2023). Maulik has authored a combination of over fifty peer-reviewed articles, commentaries, and perspectives. Maulik is adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in the Department of Health Management & Policy, where he teaches annually and professor at MSOM.

    29 min
  3. From Data to Dollars: Houston Methodist’s Strategy for ACO Growth and Quality Care

    FEB 4

    From Data to Dollars: Houston Methodist’s Strategy for ACO Growth and Quality Care

    We’re so excited to announce our latest episode on Promote Profit Publish! This time, Peter Boland sits down with the amazing Julie Andrini—an inspiring leader with not just one, but multiple hats at Houston Methodist. If you’re interested in what’s working on the frontlines of healthcare transformation, especially around physician leadership and population health, you’ll love this insightful conversation. Here are 5 keys you’ll learn in this episode: 1.     The Power of Physician Buy-In Julie Andrini shares exactly how involving primary care physicians from the very beginning—and giving them a voice—can spark real culture change and transform results. 2.     Data Transparency & Trust Discover how unblinded, transparent data (yes, everyone sees everyone’s results!) has built a level of trust that helps practices improve year after year. 3.     Real Financial Incentives It’s not all about pride (but that matters too!). Julie Andrini breaks down how their incentive structure rewards top performers and motivates everyone to strive for better quality care. 4.     Supporting the Whole Patient Learn how Houston Methodist partners with community organizations—like food banks and even real estate agents—to address social needs that impact patient health. 5.     Patience, Persistence & Progress The secret sauce? It’s a long game. Julie Andrini reveals how their best results came after years of steady improvement—and why having leadership’s support from day one is non-negotiable. Fun fact from the episode:                                                                                                                                                                                 When Houston Methodist started sharing performance data transparently at practice meetings, the initial reaction from docs was, “The data isn’t right!” But after personally sitting down to review the numbers, what did they find? The data was right—and friendly competition (with trophies and honor rolls!) went through the roof. Julia Andrieni, MD is the Senior Vice President of Population Health and Primary Care at Houston Methodist. She is a physician executive leader with national recognition for Value-Based Care with innovative patient care models improving quality and reducing costs at a system level. Her multi-disciplinary team at Houston Methodist is responsible for over 100,000 Medicare lives and over 50,000 commercial lives. Dr. Andrieni is the Founder and CEO and President of Houston Methodist Coordinated Care (HMCC)  Accountable Care Organization (ACO) in collaboration with over 350 Primary Care providers. In 2024, HMCC ACO ranked #1 nationally for Academic Medical Center ACOs for total Savings Per Patient. HMCC ACO is also in the Top 2% nationally (476 ACOs) for Medicare Shared Savings Programs for both Quality Performance and Earned Savings. For the past 9 years, HMCC ACO has sustained 90th percentile quality performance and earned savings while taking financial risk. In 2024 and 2025, Pearl Health recognized Dr. Andrieni as one of the Top 50 Value-Based Thinkers.

    31 min
  4. Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 3

    JAN 28

    Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 3

    We’re excited to announce that Part 3 of our podcast series is now live! In this episode, Peter Boland brings us a whirlwind tour of best practices, lessons, and case studies from some of the most forward-thinking healthcare organizations across the country. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: 1. Mission & Values Matter: Discover why having strong mission and value statements is essential for driving strategy, guiding investments, and sustaining long-term commitment. Peter Bolland dives into the importance of figuring out: are you all in, or just testing the waters? 2. Collaboration Is Non-Negotiable: Unpack how cross-cultural and cross-sector partnerships are absolutely necessary for success. No one comes to the table with a perfect record, but working together is the only way forward. 3. The Challenge of Power Sharing: Find out why sharing power between healthcare professionals, executives, and the community isn’t just nice—it’s crucial. Peter Bolland gives real-talk on why it’s one of the hardest shifts for any organization. 4. Listening to the Patient & Community Voice: Learn the art (and importance!) of deep listening—not just checking a box. Systems can only be improved when both patient and community perspectives are truly heard and valued. 5. The Pivotal Role of CHWs & Cultural Health Navigators: Get inspired by stories of Community Health Workers and Cultural Health Navigators who bridge the gap, build trust, and drive health equity—often standing shoulder to shoulder with doctors and nurses in shaping healthier communities. Fun Fact: Did you know that at University Hospital in Kansas City, this whole movement started with just a little card table by the hospital entrance? That’s right! From those humble beginnings, their team of Cultural Health Navigators has grown, becoming an absolutely key asset, especially for serving immigrant and refugee populations.

    29 min
  5. Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 2

    JAN 21

    Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 2

    We’ve just dropped Part 2 of our latest video on Promote Profit Publish, hosted by Peter Boland—and trust us, this one’s packed with inspiring takeaways from some of the most innovative healthcare organizations across the country! Whether you’re a healthcare professional, advocate, or just love learning about powerful systems change, this episode is a must-watch. Here’s what you’ll learn: 5 Keys You’ll Discover in This Episode: Community-Centric Change: Find out how Presbyterian Health in Albuquerque flips the traditional model by making local councils THE trusted conveners, and how bottom-up collaboration creates more equitable communities.Value-Based Care Done Right: Houston Methodist's blueprint for quality improvement, monthly physician meetings, and a $50 million rebate—proving great care really can pay off.Systems Change at Scale: Dive into Common Spirit’s mind-blowing Total Health Roadmap, a masterclass in how you flip an entire organization (2,200 facilities!) to drive health outcomes countrywide.Functional Medicine Innovations: See how Cleveland Clinic uses shared medical appointments for high-need diabetic patients, boosting outcomes and community peer support while cutting costs.The Hidden Power of Health Literacy: Vanderbilt’s team takes on the health literacy crisis with a simple screening device—showing how understanding patients’ needs leads to better, safer care.Fun Fact: Houston Methodist’s value-based care approach not only improved patient outcomes, but in just one year, it generated a $50 million rebate for the organization! Talk about healthy profits.

    23 min
  6. Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 1

    JAN 14

    Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 1

    In Part One, Peter Boland unpacks the high points from the first third of the book, focusing on healthcare delivery systems, and spotlights innovative, purpose-driven organizations aiming to generate more health—not just treat sickness. Here are 5 keys you’ll learn in this episode: Why Our System is Stuck (and How to Get Unstuck)Discover the root causes behind America's sickness-focused healthcare spending—and the insanity of pouring 97% into treatment and only 3% into prevention.How Boston Medical Center Transformed Patient CareLearn the inside story of their pioneering food pantry, rooftop gardens, and true “patient first” philosophy (hint: they even teach families to cook healthy meals!).Breaking the Cycle with Nationwide Children'sFind out how this pediatric hospital in Ohio took on the audacious goal to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty through housing, workforce, education, and economic initiatives.The Power of Zero Defects at Cleveland HospitalHear how a creative “fractal management” system demanded everyone—yes, everyone—be accountable for perfect care, slashing errors and saving millions.Why Collaboration is EverythingSee how the best hospitals aren’t just treating patients—they’re partnering with local communities to share power and expertise, tailoring programs to real needs.Fun Fact of the Episode: Did you know the Boston Medical Center’s food pantry started in one doctor’s desk drawer? Today, it distributes over a million pounds of food per year and features rooftop gardens growing fresh produce for their patients!

    28 min
  7. Beyond Clinical Data: The Power of Social Determinants in Healthcare Decision-Making

    JAN 7

    Beyond Clinical Data: The Power of Social Determinants in Healthcare Decision-Making

    Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation in this week’s Promote Profit Publish episode: “More Health, Less Healthcare” featuring Brenner Williams and host Peter Boland. In this episode, Brenner pulls back the curtain on how social determinants of health (SDOH)—factors like food access, transportation, and financial stability—shape wellness outcomes far beyond the doctor’s office. Together, Brenner and Peter break down how proactive, data-driven strategies can empower employers, health plans, and entire communities to create real change. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why quantifying social risk unlocks smarter resource allocation and cost savings.How an “analyze first” mindset redefines the way organizations act on data.Ways self-insured employers use social risk data to build benefits that truly meet people’s needs.A behind-the-scenes look at Socially Determined’s Socialscape platform and how it visualizes community risk in powerful new ways.Why evidence and integration are essential for sustainable health innovations.Bonus insight: You’ll also hear how Brenner’s early experiences during the dot-com boom—and even a failed startup—shaped his forward-thinking approach to healthcare technology today. Tune in and be inspired to rethink what health really means. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a health plan, or simply passionate about innovation, this episode will leave you ready to measure smarter, act faster, and invest more wisely in better health for all. Dr. Williams is a family physician, entrepreneur, former health system executive and consulting leader, and past founder and CEO of Clinovations, sold to the Advisory Board Company in 2014. In 2017, Dr. Williams co-founded Socially Determined to create an analytics platform that integrates the social determinants of health with clinical and claims data to quantify and visualize social risk and the specific impacts on health and healthcare outcomes. Dr. Williams’ unique perspective is formed at the intersection of healthcare and technology. He has an extensive understanding and knowledge in the implementation of healthcare technology, health plan market growth, and SDOH strategy development for leading healthcare stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and received his Medical Doctorate from Marshall University.

    33 min
  8. The Power of Empathy and Advocacy in Healthcare Navigation

    12/31/2025

    The Power of Empathy and Advocacy in Healthcare Navigation

    This episode of More Health, Less Healthcare explores how University Hospital in Kansas City is breaking barriers to health equity through innovative, on-the-ground programs that truly meet patients where they are.LinkedIn-Newsletter.docx​ Hosted by Peter Boland, with guests Gabriella Gardner, Director of Language Assistance, and Deborah Sisco, Manager of Patient Advocacy and Engagement, the conversation spotlights a powerful new hybrid role: cultural health navigators who go far beyond language interpretation to guide immigrant, refugee, and limited English proficiency patients through every step of their care. You’ll hear real stories about how understanding social determinants of health, using Plan-Study-Do-Act cycles to “fail forward,” and adapting approaches to sensitive conversations are transforming experiences across multiple clinics. Listeners will also learn the three essential traits every cultural health navigator needs—lived experience, cultural humility, and a passion for advocacy—and why these qualities are critical in communities where more than 200 languages are spoken each year. The episode closes with an inspiring look at their emerging arts and loneliness initiative, revealing how holistic care can extend far beyond medicine to create connection, trust, and lasting impact. Deb Sisco is the Manager of Patient Advocacy and Engagement for University Health, Kansas City’s Safety Net Hospital and the teaching hospital for the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Deb holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She spent 25 years in the field of education, serving first as a teacher of children with behavior disorders and emotional disturbances, then as an alternative school principal. During her career in St. Joseph, MO. Deb was named Teacher of the Year, the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Educator of the Year, and received honors from the Buchanan County Juvenile office as well as being named one of “20 Who Count” by the St. Joseph News Press. Deb began a second career at University Health concentrating her efforts on managing special projects throughout the organization that elevate the voice of the patient and inspire compassionate, patient centered care. She manages the processes for screening and assisting patients with the Social Drivers of Health and leads the effort to elevate the voice of the patients and their families through the creation and management of a Patient and Family Advisory Council. Gabriella Gardner is the Director of Language Access, Multicultural Health Navigation and One World Pantry at University Health. She is a professional linguist with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field as an administrator, interpreter, translator and instructor. Gabriella studied Language and Literature at Arizona State University and at Université Catholique de Lille in France. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and is an American Essential Hospitals Fellow. She is also a graduate of the first Truman Medical Centers Executive Fellowship program where she received a UMKC-Cerner Certificate for Healthcare Leadership from the Bloch School of Management. Gabriella is known for implementing high quality services and programs in multicultural healthcare environments to reduce health disparities and ensure equal access to healthcare for diverse populations. Gabriella Gardner, MBA | Director of Language Access, Multicultural Health Navigation and One World Pantry gabriella.gardner@uhkc.org University Health | Truman Medical Center

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Are you ready to rethink what health really means—and what it takes for us to achieve it? Welcome to the “More Health. Less Healthcare” Podcast, your front-row seat to a revolution in American healthcare, inspired by the game-changing book by Peter Boland.   Healthcare doesn’t have to be defined by endless bills, mounting debt, and a system that prioritizes profits over people. What if there’s a better way that means more health for everyone, fewer unnecessary costs, and a renewed sense of fairness in how care is delivered?   The “More Health. Less Healthcare” podcast takes you inside the heart of a growing movement: one that values equity, transparency, collaboration, and, above all, real outcomes for real people. Hosted by thought leaders committed to making a difference, each episode starts with a bold question: Are we ready to do the right thing, for the right reasons, at the right price?   Drawing from over 100 real-life case examples and interviews, this podcast isn’t just another critique of what’s broken. It’s your practical playbook for solutions that work—proof of concept that eradicating health disparities and cutting out waste can lead to healthier communities, a stronger economy, and a more ethical society.   Learn how the hidden cost of inequity in American healthcare is draining hundreds of billions of dollars from our economy every year, and how millions of Americans endure the crushing burden of medical debt. Discover why up to a third of all healthcare spending in the U.S.—a staggering $1.4 trillion each year—has no benefit for patients and only adds to the harm. The “More Health. Less Healthcare” podcast uncovers these hard truths and turns them into a call for accountability and courage.   We face a crucial choice: keep overspending on sickness care or rebalance our priorities to invest in real health creation. COVID-19 revealed the glaring gaps in our system and the disproportionate impact on minority communities, bringing discrimination and broken incentives to the forefront. The podcast tackles these issues head-on, with stories and strategies from those leading the way on public health, end-to-end care coordination, and the rebuilding of trust in our healthcare institutions.   Why do traditional healthcare financing models fail us? How can we redirect wasted resources to programs that create health? What can individuals, practitioners, and policymakers do right now to drive systemic change, eliminate unnecessary care, and refocus on community-based solutions?   Each episode is a masterclass in what it means to be accountable for the health of our communities. We draw on the wisdom of healthcare’s past, rooted in Hippocrates’ timeless principle—first do no harm, then try to prevent it—and update it for the 21st century. Our guests bring you groundbreaking ideas and proven methods to advance equity, commit to health creation, and embrace transparency and fairness as the guiding values of a new era.   Don’t miss the conversations that matter from how to slash 26-46% of healthcare waste, to making public health programs robust statewide and nationwide, to amplifying voices that have turned health equity from an ideal into a reality.   Whether you’re a patient, a clinician, a policymaker, or someone who simply cares about the future of health in America, “More Health. Less Healthcare” is your go-to resource for hope, honest dialogue, and practical steps toward a fairer, healthier tomorrow. Subscribe now and join the national conversation about how we value health, the urgent reforms we need, and how—with the right leadership and commitment—we can all experience more health and less healthcare.