The Catalyst Podcast

The Catalyst
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Conversations with scientists, clinicians, thought leaders, end users (business leaders, agency heads, practitioners) and people (“profiles in resilience”) on real-world integrated health solutions and their impact on recovery, resilience and the realization of human/organizational potential.  thecatalyst2.substack.com

  1. Food as Medicine: Rethinking the Connection Between Diet, Trauma and Healing

    Jun 16

    Food as Medicine: Rethinking the Connection Between Diet, Trauma and Healing

    The extraordinary Dr. Leslie Korn is a pioneering integrative medicine expert with over 40 years of experience living among and studying indigenous cultures. She joins us to discuss how targeted, culturally-informed dietary strategies can heal the brain, reduce chronic stress, and restore well-being.    We discuss the importance of bioindividuality and personalized dietary strategies over one-size-fits-all diets. You'll discover how trauma impacts biochemistry, and how specific nutrients can reliably fuel recovery. Dr. Korn’s insights are backed by research on trauma survivor populations, including Holocaust offspring, revealing how biochemistry reflects behavioral shifts and how targeted nutrition can reset these responses.   Other key topics include the global shift toward food as medicine, the influence of refined, processed diets on chronic disease, and practical tips for integrating nutrient-rich foods into everyday life.  Leslie is the author of 10 books; we discussed the recent re-issue of Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health: A Complete Guide to the Food-Mood Connection, which updates the original published in 2016. We also discussed her parallel career as a documentary filmmaker, which is informed by her work on indigenous cultures and the connection between nutrition and whole health. This is a timely and important conversation, raising awareness of the importance of nutrition and its connection to mental health disorders, chronic illnesses, and trauma. Be prepared to rethink everything you thought you knew about diet, trauma, and healing. Dr. Korn's filmography includes:   Searching for Capomo  Salal, Cedar and Spruce The Untold Story of the Constitution Express   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    39 min
  2. Financing Strategies for Improving Youth Mental Health Services.: RAND's Alex Dopp

    Jun 9

    Financing Strategies for Improving Youth Mental Health Services.: RAND's Alex Dopp

    Alex Dopp is an implementation scientist and child clinical psychologist who studies the use of research evidence and related policy implications for improving youth mental health services. Alex shares how his unique dual expertise in mental health and economic evaluation helps unlock the real-world value of evidence-based interventions for adolescents. We break down: The often-overlooked role of financing strategies—like targeted reimbursements and supplemental funding—for scaling effective youth programs How federal and state funding decisions influence the adoption of evidence-based practices, with real-world case studies The importance of defining “evidence-based” in community-driven ways, honoring local expertise and cultural relevance The stark disparity between mental health and substance use services in schools, and why stigma and legal barriers hinder progress Practical tips for policymakers and system leaders to better support sustainable, impactful adolescent mental health initiatives If you’re an advocate, policymaker, or leader seeking to transform youth mental health services, this episode is your insider’s guide to making smarter investments that truly reach the kids who need it most. Links to the studies Alex mentioned in the podcast:  Optimizing Federal Grants to Scale Up Evidence-Based Practices in Health and Social Services Aligning Policy to Support the Use of Evidence-Based Practices Equitably and at Scale in Youth Substance Use Services This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

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

    Jun 2

    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.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    24 min
  4. First-Responders in Mental Health Emergencies: a Conversation with Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback

    May 29

    First-Responders in Mental Health Emergencies: a Conversation with Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback

    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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    26 min
  5. 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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    39 min
  6. 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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    30 min
  7. 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.    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    29 min
  8. 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 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecatalyst2.substack.com

    50 min
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About

Conversations with scientists, clinicians, thought leaders, end users (business leaders, agency heads, practitioners) and people (“profiles in resilience”) on real-world integrated health solutions and their impact on recovery, resilience and the realization of human/organizational potential.  thecatalyst2.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Catalyst
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chestnut Health Systems™
  • Show Website
    The Catalyst Podcast