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. Jun 1

    Hantavirus: Del Yazzie of the Navajo Epidemiology Center speaks about protecting ourselves and our loved ones from Hantavirus

    In this episode, Del Yazzie of the Navajo Epidemiology Center (part of the Navajo Nation Department of Health) discusses Hantavirus. As Acting Director of the Epi Center, Del has responded to cases of Hantavirus on the Nation, and offers great insight into protecting ourselves and our loved ones from exposure and possible illness. Hantavirus is carried by infected deer mice, which can pass it on to people through their droppings and saliva. Rodent-proofing the home against entry of deer mice is a proven method for staying safe. Del discusses risk, exposure, treatment, and the history of Hantavirus on Navajo Nation.  Check out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    51 min
  2. Mar 20

    Protecting Our Homes, Families, and Traditions: Fire Safety with Lt. Gerald Todacheenie

    In this episode, we talk about fire safety and how to protect our homes, families, and communities. Fires can happen quickly, but with the right knowledge and preparation, they can often be prevented.  We're joined by Lt. Gerald Todacheenie of the Navajo Nation Fire & Rescue, Station 10, who shares insights on common causes of fires, practical prevention tips for the home, safety planning, and considerations for ceremonial practices.  This episode is a reminder that staying prepared can save lives.  Listen, learn, and share with your loved ones.  Check out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    46 min
  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 out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    1h 3m
  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 out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    39 min
  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 out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    47 min
  6. 04/30/2024

    Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Coalition (MMDRC)

    Yá’at’ééh and welcome back to the Healthy Navajo K’é podcast. In recognition of April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are deeply honored to host founding members Jolene Holgate, Meskee Yatsayte, and Vangie Randal Shorty, of the Miss and Murdered Diné Relatives Coalition (MMDRC) in today's episode. Tune in as we engage in a conversation about the vital work of the MMDRC, shedding light on their mission, available resources for families whose loved one have gone missing, and strategies for fostering allyship with those impacted by sexual assault within the Diné community. Together, let's explore creating safer environments for survivors to share their experiences and explore avenues for healing and support. Join us in amplifying the voices of resilience and advocating for justice and empowerment. Check out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    52 min
  7. Respecting the Circle of Life Program

    03/21/2024

    Respecting the Circle of Life Program

    Yá’át’ééh! In today's episode, we are honored to host Barbara Harvey, a senior research program coordinator at the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health (JHCIH). Join us as we delve into the transformative Respecting the Circle of Life (RCL) program, exploring its goals, effectiveness, and impact on Navajo youth.  Barbara shares insights into the major health challenges facing Navajo youth and the innovative approaches employed by JHCIH to address these issues. From discussing the cultural significance of RCL to outlining future endeavors of JHCIH, this conversation aims to shine a light on the remarkable work of the Respecting the Circle of Life program and inspire others to engage with their initiatives. Tune in to discover how honoring indigenous traditions can empower communities and foster holistic health and wellness. Check out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    47 min
  8. 01/31/2024

    Meet the Hosts of the Healthy Navajo K'é Podcast

    Yá'át'ééh! Welcome to the heart of the Navajo Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Project! Join us on our podcast as we pull back the curtain to introduce the dynamic individuals- Amber-Rose Begay, DeeDee James, & Stacey Litson- driving the innovation and creativity that define our project. Get to know the personalities that bring passion, dedication, and a touch of humor to our collaborative efforts.   Expect entertaining and unexpected responses as we delve into fun questions that reveal our team members' unique quirks and stories. But it's not just about the laughs and anecdotes – we'll also discuss our project's current strides and achievements.  Our team is more than just individuals working together; we're a collective force with a shared vision, and we can't wait to share that journey with you. Looking forward, we'll offer a sneak peek into the exciting future efforts and initiatives that are brewing within our project. Hear about upcoming features, collaborations, and innovative ideas that keep us fueled with enthusiasm. Get ready to meet the faces, hear the stories, and witness the spirit that propels the Navajo MCH Project forward. Check out our social media pages! Facebook: @Navajo Maternal and Child Health Project at Diné College Instagram: @navajomch Please email us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions: navajomchproject@dinecollege.edu 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.

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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!