The Catalyst Podcast

The Catalyst Podcast
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A weekly podcast and newsletter, The Catalyst is Chestnut Health Systems’ platform for sharing ideas, insights, and innovation that advance public health and strengthen systems of care.  Rooted in Chestnut’s decades-long commitment to direct care, prevention, research, and education, The Catalyst highlights real-world solutions that support whole-person health, foster resilience, and help individuals, families, and communities reach their full potential. It reflects the full scope of Chestnut’s work—from direct care and community‑based services to research, prevention, recovery, and policy‑relevant insight. -Chestnut Health Systems™ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health through a comprehensive approach that includes direct service delivery, prevention, research, training, and system improvement. For decades, Chestnut has worked to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice—helping individuals thrive, strengthening organizations, and supporting healthier communities.The Chestnut corporate office is in central Illinois, with clinical locations in Belleville, Bloomington, Granite City, and Maryville, IL and De Soto and Hillsboro, MO; prevention and recovery services are offered in dozens of counties in Illinois; and Lighthouse Institute research offices are located in Chicago and Bloomington, IL, Euguene, OR, and remote researchers across the United States.  

  1. Drilling Down on Oral Health: Making Dentistry More Accessible and the Connection Between Oral and Overall Health

    5d ago

    Drilling Down on Oral Health: Making Dentistry More Accessible and the Connection Between Oral and Overall Health

    With respect to the great Sly Stone, this episode of the Catalyst is a family affair. We spoke with three members of the Koehne family, all practicing dentists: Dr. Annie Koehne, who has been practicing at Chestnut Health Systems for just under three years, her mom, Dr. Diane Metrick, who has over 30 years of experience in general dentistry and public health, and the family patriarch, Dr. Michael Koehne, who has been a general dentist for 42 years.    The Koehnes are all committed to improving community health, from making oral health more accessible to underserved populations to spreading awareness of the connection between oral and physical health. We discuss the importance of holistic, integrated care and the role of innovation in overcoming access issues — especially in high-need communities. They share real-world solutions like mobile units, collaborative outreach, and workforce expansion strategies. We discuss Annie’s work with Chestnut and what makes Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) uniquely positioned to address dental disparities.    You'll learn about emerging tools like AI diagnostics, 3D printing, and tele-dentistry that are poised to revolutionize care in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. The Koehnes share insights into the trends—technology, workforce models, policy shifts—they think will have the most impact on dental health in the next 5–10 years…and close with thoughts on what makes their work so rewarding.

    24 min
  2. First-Responders in Mental Health Emergencies: a Growing Trend in Modern Policing

    May 29

    First-Responders in Mental Health Emergencies: a Growing Trend in Modern Policing

    Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback reveals how his department is transforming responses to behavioral health emergencies, emphasizing the power of specialized training and community partnerships. Discover why even small towns are leading the way in compassionate, effective policing that prioritizes safety, dignity, and long-term support over quick fixes.

    26 min
  3. Value-Based Care: Transforming Lives Through Connection, Community and Innovation

    May 19

    Value-Based Care: Transforming Lives Through Connection, Community and Innovation

    Value-based care is about connection, community, and innovation – the true metrics of success, as evidenced by the lives this approach is transforming across Illinois. Joining us to discuss this important topic is:  Gilbert Lichstein is the CEO of the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, a behavioral-health-based Independent Practice Association operating throughout the state of Illinois Molly McVey is the Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Director at Chestnut Health Systems Annette Frawley is a  Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor and Certified Peer Support Specialist in the State of Illinois. She currently serves as an IHPA Outreach and Engagement Specialist for Chestnut Health System’s IHPA team In this episode, discover how value-based care goes beyond invoices to prioritize real results—like reducing emergency room visits by over 80%, helping unhoused individuals access primary care for the first time, and increasing engagement through community-driven, relationship-rich approaches. We discuss how a trauma-informed, Lived Experience-driven model is changing the entire narrative in behavioral health, empowering providers to break down barriers and build genuine trust with clients. Annette shares how simple acts, like sharing a bag of chips or being physically present in the moment, forge bonds that make a profound difference. Molly explains how strategic use of data systems aligns payer and provider goals to improve patient outcomes without adding burden, while innovative tools like just-in-time scheduling lower access barriers for transient, high-need populations. Embracing a future-proof, flexible, and compassionate model offers community organizations the opportunity to not only meet the growing demand for mental and physical health integration but to truly revolutionize care at the grassroots level. Perfect for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders eager to turn data into lives transformed, this episode is packed with strategies to drive meaningful change now—and redefine what “value” really means in healthcare.

    39 min
  4. Bridging the Gap Between the Business of Treatment and the Treatment Business: In the Field with Jamelia Hand

    May 14

    Bridging the Gap Between the Business of Treatment and the Treatment Business: In the Field with Jamelia Hand

    Jamelia Hand, CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting, advises healthcare systems, corporate organizations, and advocacy groups in their efforts to reduce the national emergencies of opioid addiction and drug overdose via strategy consulting, training, technical assistance, and Program Development. Her areas of expertise encompass behavioral Health, digital health and AI integration, compliance, and health equity. Among the topics we discussed:     1.   Her remarkable career trajectory, taking her though through just about every sector of substance use treatment—from direct clinical services, to corporate/private organizations, compliance, to digital health.  2.   Her “secret shopper approach” in evaluating treatment organizations before formal engagement.  3.   The critical gaps between the treatment business and the business of treatment (billing, regulatory compliance, revenue operations) and how treatment organizations can fill those gaps.   4.   Why organizations struggle with digital and AI adoption, and what leaders can do to promote tech/AI literacy and adoption.  5.   Her weekly LinkedIn “In the Field” posts – what she covers and why it’s been so well-received by people in the field.  Whether you're a healthcare executive, clinician, or policy advocate, this episode is your essential guide to navigating the complex world of behavioral health, digital transformation, and organizational resilience.

    30 min
  5. How Community Health Navigators Bridge the Gap for Vulnerable Populations

    May 5

    How Community Health Navigators Bridge the Gap for Vulnerable Populations

    Karen Sours and Angela Marinas-Mackenzie are Community Health Navigators with Chestnut Health Systems, whose persistent community outreach bridges gaps in housing, healthcare, and social support.  In this episode, they discuss how they help individuals navigate complex systems for disability and housing, tackling issues like food insecurity and transportation that prevent access to care, and they turn dire circumstances around with small, meaningful wins. You'll discover:   How community health workers serve as vital connectors, stepping into the community instead of waiting for people to come through clinic doors The specific day-to-day activities that make an immediate impact—like helping people get into housing or acquire necessary IDs—leading to tangible outcomes such as stability and hope The challenges of emotional toll and resource limitations, and how these frontline heroes stay motivated through small wins and deep community bonds Common misconceptions about their roles—clarifying that community health navigators are advocates and guides, not medical providers—and why understanding this distinction matters The surprising ways these workers build trust, overcome systemic barriers, and keep their community resilient Angela and Karen share stories of how persistent, compassionate outreach help overcome systemic barriers, change lives…one at a time, and at scale.

    29 min
  6. A Vital Conversation on Building Workforce Sustainability for Healthcare Organizations

    Apr 14

    A Vital Conversation on Building Workforce Sustainability for Healthcare Organizations

    Most healthcare leaders overlook one of the most critical factors threatening their workforce’s sustainability: burnout is escalating, and traditional solutions aren’t enough.  We’re joined by two industry veterans who have dedicated their careers to transforming healthcare work culture: Mitchell Best, CEO of Vital Work Life, and Derek Bell, Vice President of Solutions. Mitch and Derek reveal how the healthcare sector has evolved over the past 25 years, and why we’re now at a pivotal crossroads. You'll discover how the shift from reactive to proactive wellbeing strategies, driven by data and COVID-19’s stark realities, has reshaped organizational priorities. They share concrete frameworks like the 'Flourishing Scale' and discuss the profound impact of integrating wellbeing into everyday leadership—beyond benefits and check-box initiatives—to foster genuine resilience and engagement. We break down:   The key inflection points that have made mental health and wellbeing a top C-suite concern How data-driven approaches uncover the unseen costs of burnout, including turnover and patient safety Practical strategies for embedding wellbeing within organizational culture, leadership training, and daily workflows The transformative potential of AI to reduce administrative burdens while amplifying personalized support for healthcare workers Why traditional wellness programs fall short, and how holistic, interconnected solutions can revolutionize workforce health How this approach enables healthcare organizations to retain top talent, improve care quality, and build resilient organizations ready for future challenges

    50 min
  7. Homing in on Solutions for America’s Homelessness Crisis

    Apr 7

    Homing in on Solutions for America’s Homelessness Crisis

    Most states are overwhelmed by the rising tide of homelessness and grappling with its various downstream effects.  Max Seely, Director of Government Affairs at the Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA), joins us to discuss the complex root causes of homelessness and what SHPA is doing to turn the tide. Max reveals how flexible, individualized supportive services—like addiction treatment, mental health care, and job support—are significantly reducing homelessness. In this episode, we break down: What people (policymakers, business leaders, the general public) get wrong about homelessness.  How Illinois’ full continuum of care (prevention → shelters → supportive housing) works as one interconnected system. Why criminalizing homelessness only makes the problem worse, and what actually breaks the cycle. The staggering costs of underfunding these services. The single biggest policy change that could dramatically reduce homelessness. If you care about social justice, urban solutions, or what it will take to fix America’s homelessness crisis, this is essential listening.

    24 min
  8. Inside the Rise of Sports Betting: America's “Hidden” Epidemic

    Mar 31

    Inside the Rise of Sports Betting: America's “Hidden” Epidemic

    Most people underestimate the rapid rise of sports gambling addiction—until it hits close to home. Amanda Arrowsmith, Associate Director of Residential Programs with Chestnut Health Systems,  exposes the “hidden epidemic,” fueled by mobile betting apps, aggressive marketing, and the normalization of in-game wagers. This is a particularly timely topic as sports gambling is very much in the news, as we recorded this during the NCAA basketball tournament, when offices around the country are obsessed with betting pools –  a far more benign manifestation of the broad, rapid, and alarming rise of sports gambling that’s going on in our country right now.      Amanda breaks down how sports betting has exploded from $400 million in revenue in 2018 to over $13 billion today, with nearly 40 states now legalizing it. She discusses the subtle signs that indicate someone is developing a gambling problem—like obsessive score-checking, mood swings, and secrecy—and why these behaviors often go unnoticed because sports betting lacks the physical cues of substance abuse.   You’ll discover how the brain’s reward system is hijacked, making recovery even more complex. We delve into practical steps to help loved ones -why simply offering money often worsens the problem -and what supportive interventions like professional therapy, family counseling, and behavioral health programs look like. Amanda highlights Chestnut’s proactive approach: universal screening for gambling disorder and community education about recognizing and addressing risky behaviors. She warns that without proper regulation and awareness, we risk amplifying a crisis that can lead to devastating consequences, including higher suicide rates among compulsive gamblers.

    25 min
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About

A weekly podcast and newsletter, The Catalyst is Chestnut Health Systems’ platform for sharing ideas, insights, and innovation that advance public health and strengthen systems of care.  Rooted in Chestnut’s decades-long commitment to direct care, prevention, research, and education, The Catalyst highlights real-world solutions that support whole-person health, foster resilience, and help individuals, families, and communities reach their full potential. It reflects the full scope of Chestnut’s work—from direct care and community‑based services to research, prevention, recovery, and policy‑relevant insight. -Chestnut Health Systems™ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health through a comprehensive approach that includes direct service delivery, prevention, research, training, and system improvement. For decades, Chestnut has worked to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice—helping individuals thrive, strengthening organizations, and supporting healthier communities.The Chestnut corporate office is in central Illinois, with clinical locations in Belleville, Bloomington, Granite City, and Maryville, IL and De Soto and Hillsboro, MO; prevention and recovery services are offered in dozens of counties in Illinois; and Lighthouse Institute research offices are located in Chicago and Bloomington, IL, Euguene, OR, and remote researchers across the United States.  

Information

  • Creator
    The Catalyst Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Catalyst Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Catalyst Podcast