Healthy Navajo K'é

Diné College and Northern Arizona University

Healthy Navajo K'é (Families) podcast is a space where information and resources on Navajo infant, child, adolescent, maternal and overall family health will be shared. This podcast is addressing priorities set in the 2020 Navajo Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment Report on topics such as oral health, prenatal care, breastfeeding, diabetes/obesity. This podcast was sponsored by the Arizona Department of Health Services through federal funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration, with support from the Navajo Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) Partnership between Diné College and Northern Arizona University through federal funding from the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences, award number S06GM142121. The views expressed are the sole responsibility of the program staff, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Arizona Department of Health Services or the United States Government. Ahéhee' Thank you!

  1. Oct 2

    Pregnancy Later in Life

    Pregnancy after 35 is often talked about in terms of risks, complications, and the label “advanced maternal age”, but there is so much more to the story. In this episode of Healthy Navajo K’é, Neenah, Amber-Rose, and Stacey sit down with RaeDawn Matrese, a Navajo mother currently navigating pregnancy after 35. RaeDawn shares her personal journey, including how this pregnancy differs from her earlier experiences, the challenges and joys of becoming a mother later in life, navigating prenatal care, finding support, and the role culture and family play throughout her pregnancy. Together, we also explore what it means to balance Navajo teachings and traditions with the healthcare system, the mental and emotional side of pregnancy, and what healthcare providers can better understand about caring for Navajo mothers. Most importantly, we shift the conversation beyond age and risk to recognize the strength, wisdom, confidence, and joy that can come with motherhood later in life. Whether you’re pregnant after 35, considering growing your family, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in hearing the lived experiences of Navajo mothers, we invite you to join us for this heartfelt conversation. Ahéhee’ to RaeDawn for sharing her story with us. This episode shares personal experiences for educational purposes and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice. Check us out! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Website: www.healthynavajofamilies.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HealthyNavajoFamiliesProject  Linktree coming soon! Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: healthynavajofamilies@dinecollege.edu This podcast was produced by the Healthy Navajo K'é Project. Support for the Healthy Navajo K'é podcast was provided through a cooperative agreement (Grant No. 5U7AMC50503-03-00) from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

  2. Jun 25

    Men's Mental Health Podcast

    In this episode of Healthy Navajo K'é, we sit down with Indigenous rapper, artist, and mental health advocate Johnathan "Native Kyng" Williams for an honest conversation about men's mental health, healing, and resilience. We discuss the unique challenges Native men face, the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of seeking support, and how culture, community, and creativity can play a role in healing. Johnathan shares his personal journey and offers powerful words of encouragement for Indigenous men who may be struggling in silence.  This episode contains discussions of mental health, trauma, suicide, and emotional hardship. Listener discretion is advised.  You are not alone. Healing is possible. Ádaa'áhólyą"  Check us out! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Website: www.healthynavajofamilies.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HealthyNavajoFamiliesProject  Linktree coming soon! Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: healthynavajofamilies@dinecollege.edu This podcast was produced by the Healthy Navajo K'é Project. Support for the Healthy Navajo K'é podcast was provided through a cooperative agreement (Grant No. 5U7AMC50503-03-00) from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

  3. 11/18/2025

    Voices of Healing: Postpartum Wellness for Navajo Mothers Part 2 Taylor Worker

    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses postpartum depression, anxiety, and emotional challenges following childbirth. Listener discretion is advised.  In this two-part episode of Healthy Navajo K'é, we talk about the realities of postpartum mental health among Navajo women and families. In part 1, we sit down with Tianna Curley and discuss her postpartum experience. In episode 2, we sit down with Taylor Worker and discuss her postpartum experience, as well. We explore how cultural teachings, traditional healing, and modern support systems come together to help new mothers find balance after birth.  Our conversation highlights the importance of speaking openly about emotional well-being, reducing stigma, and connecting to community resources that honor both Diné traditions and modern care.  Resources: ·  Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project navajomch.org ·  National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) ·  Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Services, 1-866-878-0982 ·  Postpartum Support International, 1-800-944-4773 ·  CDC Hear Her Campaign https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/  Check us out! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Website: www.healthynavajofamilies.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HealthyNavajoFamiliesProject  Linktree coming soon! Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: healthynavajofamilies@dinecollege.edu This podcast was produced by the Healthy Navajo K'é Project. Support for the Healthy Navajo K'é podcast was provided through a cooperative agreement (Grant No. 5U7AMC50503-03-00) from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

  4. 11/18/2025

    Voices of Healing: Postpartum Wellness for Navajo Mothers Part 1 Tianna Curley

    Trigger Warning: This episode discusses postpartum depression, anxiety, and emotional challenges following childbirth. Listener discretion is advised.  In this two-part episode of Healthy Navajo K'é, we talk about the realities of postpartum mental health among Navajo women and families. In part 1, we sit down with Tianna Curley and discuss her postpartum experience. In episode 2, we sit down with Taylor Worker and discuss her postpartum experience, as well. We explore how cultural teachings, traditional healing, and modern support systems come together to help new mothers find balance after birth.  Our conversation highlights the importance of speaking openly about emotional well-being, reducing stigma, and connecting to community resources that honor both Diné traditions and modern care.  Resources: Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project navajomch.orgNational Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)Navajo Nation Behavioral Health Services, 1-866-878-0982Postpartum Support International, 1-800-944-4773CDC Hear Her Campaign https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/   Check us out! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Website: www.healthynavajofamilies.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HealthyNavajoFamiliesProject  Linktree coming soon! Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: healthynavajofamilies@dinecollege.edu This podcast was produced by the Healthy Navajo K'é Project. Support for the Healthy Navajo K'é podcast was provided through a cooperative agreement (Grant No. 5U7AMC50503-03-00) from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

  5. 06/20/2024

    Talking Tobacco on Navajo Nation with Hershel Clark

    Yá’at’ééh and welcome back to the Healthy Navajo K’é podcast! Dive into Season 7 of the Healthy Navajo K’é podcast with our kickoff episode, "Talking Tobacco on Navajo Nation with Hershel Clark." where we delve into critical issues surrounding tobacco and its impact on communities. In this episode, Hershel Clark, explores his extensive work and discusses his pivotal role in advocating for indigenous rights through initiatives like the Air is Life Act and various coalitions. Tune in as we engage in a conversation about the passing the Air is Life Act and Hershel's collaboration with the Navajo Nation council, shedding light on how commercial tobacco uniquely affects indigenous communities, the historical context of tobacco policies within the Navajo Nation and outlines the profound health impacts of both commercial tobacco and secondhand smoke, particularly among AI/AN women and during pregnancy.  Join us as we unravel the complexities of tobacco's impact, cultural significance, and advocacy efforts in this enlightening episode of "Talking Tobacco on Navajo Nation with Hershel Clark" If you want to be a part of the work that Hershel and his team are doing, visit their website to sign their petition, email to join their efforts, or access information/resources on Tobacco. Website: https://www.navajoairislife.com/  Petition: https://www.navajoairislife.com/tax-legislation  Email: AirIsLifeSmokeFree2021@gmail.com  Check us out! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Website: www.healthynavajofamilies.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@HealthyNavajoFamiliesProject  Linktree coming soon! Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: healthynavajofamilies@dinecollege.edu This podcast was produced by the Healthy Navajo K'é Project. Support for the Healthy Navajo K'é podcast was provided through a cooperative agreement (Grant No. 5U7AMC50503-03-00) from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Healthy Navajo K'é (Families) podcast is a space where information and resources on Navajo infant, child, adolescent, maternal and overall family health will be shared. This podcast is addressing priorities set in the 2020 Navajo Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment Report on topics such as oral health, prenatal care, breastfeeding, diabetes/obesity. This podcast was sponsored by the Arizona Department of Health Services through federal funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration, with support from the Navajo Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) Partnership between Diné College and Northern Arizona University through federal funding from the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences, award number S06GM142121. The views expressed are the sole responsibility of the program staff, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Arizona Department of Health Services or the United States Government. Ahéhee' Thank you!