My City Talks

My City My Health INC
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The My City Talks Podcast spotlights individuals and organizations worldwide that profoundly impact their communities' health and well-being. Hosted by the My City My Health team, each episode dives into the inspiring stories of change-makers, health advocates, and community leaders who challenge the status quo to create healthier, more equitable environments for all. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale health equity efforts, this podcast explores the diverse strategies and innovative solutions being implemented to improve health outcomes in cities worldwide. Each episode will explore culture, healthcare, prevention, and community and how these factors can impact health outcomes. We'll hear from experts in the field and individuals who are working to make positive change.

  1. 11/03/2025

    Civic Engagement, Local Power, and Public Health in Des Moines

    Civic engagement shapes health. In this episode, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Heather Jones-Brown and Victoria Weber to connect everyday actions like voting, emailing a school board member, riding the bus, and showing up at a neighborhood cleanup to measurable health outcomes. The conversation stays local. They dig into transportation, school boards, city councils, water quality, and how libraries, community fridges, and grassroots networks move the needle.  You will hear: Why local elections often shape your daily health more than national racesHow transportation access influences employment, insurance coverage, food security, and mental healthPractical ways to engage when your time or confidence is limitedThe hidden health power of libraries, community fridges, and neighborhood cleanupsLinks: My City My Health Conference info and merch: mycity.healthNAACP Des Moines: naacpdesmoines.orgDes Moines Public Library: dmpl.orgLocal news and policy explainers mentioned: Iowa Starting Line, Iowa Capital Dispatch, Des Moines RegisterDes Moines metro school board and city council meeting streams are typically available on each body’s YouTube channel or websiteCall to action: Register for My City My Health Des Moines, Nov 14: use code MCMH100 at checkout on Zeffy to claim the limited promo.Show Notes 00:01 Welcome and why civic engagement belongs in a health conversation02:00 “Local civics matter the most” and how engagement looks different for everyone04:45 Transportation as a foundation of public health06:30 Commuting, job access, insurance, wages, and downstream health outcomes08:15 Voting mindset for local elections and why school bonds matter for long-term community health10:40 City councils, budgets, sidewalks, housing, pollution, and potholes as health policy12:40 School boards should be nonpartisan, and why parents must track positions and votes13:40 Beyond the ballot: attend meetings, email representatives, set coffee or Zoom16:55 Where to watch meetings and how to find contact lists18:30 Toolkits, newsletters, and right-sized information habits20:20 Join organizations for curated updates, like NAACP Des Moines and interfaith groups21:55 Water quality alerts and why trusted sources matter23:30 Everyday engagement: cleanups, cost savings, and reinvesting in community needs26:00 Libraries as civic health hubs: makerspaces, classes, and small business sparks28:35 Small mindset shifts, big public health impacts30:40 What guests are excited to experience at My City My Health33:05 How to connect with Heather and VictoriaResources talked about:2025 DMPS Bond ConversationInfo on the bondFind your polling location

    36 min
  2. Food Insecurity, Community, and Change in Des Moines with Sarah Donovan

    09/22/2025

    Food Insecurity, Community, and Change in Des Moines with Sarah Donovan

    On this episode of My City Talks, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Sarah Donovan of Broadlawns Medical Center to explore the complex layers of food insecurity in Des Moines. From the role of culture and community in food access to how employment, transportation, and awareness shape outcomes, Sarah shares both professional insights and personal reflections. This conversation highlights the connections between health equity, social determinants, and community partnerships—reminding us that solving hunger isn’t just about food pantries, it’s about systemic change. Tune in as we lead up to the My City My Health Conference on November 14 in Des Moines, where Sarah will join the Food Insecurity panel. Show Notes: 00:00 – Welcome to My City Talks 01:18 – Introducing Sarah Donovan 02:43 – Why she returned to Des Moines 04:14 – Understanding food insecurity in our community 06:40 – Supporting employees facing insecurity 09:20 – Food as culture and community 10:00 – Launching food pantries at Drake University 11:25 – Why partnerships matter in food access 13:13 – Beyond band-aid solutions 14:19 – Education, awareness & community health workers 15:24 – Broadlawns interpreter services & community health work 16:45 – Looking forward to the My City My Health Conference 17:06 – Final thoughts & invitation to connect Connect with Sarah Donovan on LinkedInLearn more about the My City My Health Conference: mycity.health

    18 min
  3. Fighting Food Insecurity with Jazzmine Brooks | Double Up Iowa & Community Health

    09/01/2025

    Fighting Food Insecurity with Jazzmine Brooks | Double Up Iowa & Community Health

    In this episode of My City Talks, powered by My City My Health, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Jasmine Brooks, project manager for the USDA-backed Double Up Food Bucks program in Iowa. Together, they explore the realities of food insecurity, the cultural significance of food, and the importance of choice in nutrition. From the lost art of cooking to the challenges of accessing fresh produce through SNAP, Jasmine shares real-life insights on how programs like Double Up Iowa are helping families stretch their dollars, support local farmers, and reclaim their health. This conversation is a preview of the upcoming My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14, where leaders, advocates, and community members will gather to move from conversation to action. 🎟️ Register for the conference: https://mycity.health 🔗 Learn more about Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org Topics covered in this episode: Jasmine’s journey into food insecurity work (01:00)How Double Up Food Bucks stretches SNAP dollars (02:45)Why food insecurity is about more than “boxes of food” (04:00)Cooking as a lost art (05:30)Eating for color: simple nutrition tips (06:30)Cultural pride vs. healthy eating (10:00)Access, education, and the stigma of food assistance (13:00)How Double Up Food Bucks supports local farmers & grocers (18:00)SNAP, Medicaid, and funding challenges in Iowa (20:00)Turning conversation into action at My City My Health (25:00)How to connect with Jasmine Brooks & Double Up Iowa (30:00)Resources & Links: 🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov. 14): https://mycity.health 🌱 Double Up Iowa: https://doubleupiowa.org 💡 Presented by UnityPoint Health: https://www.unitypoint.org

    33 min
  4. Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson

    08/19/2025

    Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson

    👉 Want to continue the conversation in person? Join us at the My City My Health Conference in Des Moines on November 14. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025 In this episode of My City Talks, Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Gregory Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, to discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities around Black men’s health in Iowa. They dive into why Black men are less likely to seek preventive care, the importance of screenings for prostate and colon cancer, and the role of social determinants of health in shaping outcomes. Dr. Johnson also shares insights on the financial cost of health inequities, how telemedicine can bridge access gaps, and why patients should see their doctors as partners in health. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of prevention, access, and how health systems can better meet communities where they are. Show Notes – Black Men’s Health, Prevention & Equity in Iowa w/ Dr. Gregory Johnson 00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:00 – Dr. Gregory Johnson’s journey into medicine and leadership04:40 – From bedside medicine to population health07:30 – What healthcare access really means: speed to treatment & patient experience10:00 – Why Black men avoid going to the doctor and the cost of waiting13:30 – Prevention matters: prostate, colon, and heart disease screenings16:40 – The financial toll of health inequities in Iowa ($8.6B annually)19:30 – Barriers to access: transportation and social determinants of health23:40 – Meeting patients where they are & community-based solutions25:00 – Doctors as partners in health, not just transactions27:20 – Diabetes in Iowa: 100,000 undiagnosed cases29:00 – Innovation in access: telemedicine and rural outreach32:00 – Closing thoughts, My City My Health conference, and where to connect

    35 min
  5. Civic Power, Real Talk, and Black Health in Des Moines (with Abena Sankofa Imhotep)

    07/28/2025

    Civic Power, Real Talk, and Black Health in Des Moines (with Abena Sankofa Imhotep)

    Abena Sankofa Imhotep—author, podcaster, and moderator of the Civic Engagement Panel at this year’s My City My Health Conference—joins Corey Dion Lewis to talk about what civic power really looks like in 2025. From voting and fundraising to storytelling and showing up in community spaces, this conversation unpacks the layers of visibility, accountability, and connection that drive public health outcomes for Black communities. They also explore the myth of “Iowa Nice,” why storytelling personalizes health data, and how public health can’t be a one-and-done conversation. This episode is personal, rooted, and full of real takeaways. 🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov 14): https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025 — Show Notes:00:00 – Intro: Why This Conversation Matters01:10 – Abena’s Roots and Love for Des Moines03:00 – What Civic Engagement Means06:45 – Showing Up, Boards, and Community Work10:15 – Fundraising, Bake Sales, and Local Impact12:30 – The Bike Lane Analogy & Marginalized Communities15:00 – Deconstructing “Iowa Nice” and Accountability19:40 – Public Health Is Personal22:00 – Storytelling that Humanizes Data25:30 – Stephen’s Story: Prostate Cancer in the Black Community28:40 – Abena’s Work: Sankofa Group, Substack, Podcast33:30 – Final Thoughts + Conference Preview Follow Abena: 🌐 https://www.abenasankofa.com 📰 The Imhotep Report on Substack 🎙️ Black and Privileged in America Podcast Subscribe to My City Talks for more real conversations at the intersection of health, equity, and community.

    36 min

  6. 07/14/2025

    Alzheimer’s in Our Backyard: The Urgency of Early Detection and Black Community Support

    Alzheimer’s isn't just something that happens “later” — it's impacting thousands of Iowans right now, and Black and rural communities are being hit the hardest. In this episode of My City Talks, I sit down with Keesha Ward and Jessica Duncan of the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter to break down the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, why early detection is so powerful, and what’s stopping our communities from getting the support they need. We also talk real numbers, real stories, and real solutions — from the 14 modifiable risk factors to the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Des Moines. Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare provider, or just someone who wants to understand the impact of dementia better, this conversation is for you. Show Notes: 0:00 – Welcome to My City Talks 1:05 – Meet Jessica & Keisha from the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter 2:12 – What gets them up in the morning 3:30 – Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s explained 4:55 – The current state of Alzheimer’s in Iowa 6:15 – The hidden burden on caregivers 8:00 – Why early detection makes all the difference 10:40 – The stigma in Black and rural communities 13:10 – How the healthcare system can do better 14:55 – 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia (2024 Lancet Study) 19:00 – Why sleep, exercise, and connection matter 21:10 – The Walk to End Alzheimer’s – what it is and why it matters 25:30 – How to get involved, register, and support 28:50 – Encouragement for caregivers and families 30:15 – Resources and contact info Resources Mentioned: Alzheimer’s Association Iowa: https://www.alz.org/iowaWalk to End Alzheimer’s: https://act.alz.org24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900Hosted by Corey Dion Lewis | My City My Health We are a community on a mission — and the mission is just getting started. 🎟️ Register now for the My City My Health Des Moines event at www.mycity.health

    32 min

  7. 06/30/2025

    Rallying Community Support Through Tennis

    In this episode of My City Talks, Corey sits down with Krisha Keeran, former intern, medical school hopeful, and co-founder of Club Kids for a Cause. After surviving a devastating accident, Krisha turned her recovery into a purpose, raising over $65,000 through tennis tournaments to support healthcare causes. This summer, her story comes full circle as she hosts a tournament in her honor to fund continuing education for nurses at UIHC. Listen as Krisha shares how Iowa City saved her life and why helmets, hope, and community still drive her mission. Show Notes: Guest: Krisha Keeran Host: Corey Dion Lewis Topics Covered: Krisha’s start with My City My Health as its first internFounding Club Kids for a Cause after a family friend’s breast cancer diagnosisGrowing the nonprofit to raise over $65,000 through tennis events and merchandiseSurviving a near-fatal bike accident and the role UIHC played in her recoveryThe emotional and personal significance of this year’s tournament in West Des MoinesPromoting helmet safety and partnering with the Iowa Bike CoalitionCreating a scholarship fund for SnakeU nurses at the University of Iowa HealthcareHow to support: buying merch, attending the tournament, or donating via VenmoEvent Info: Club Kids for a Cause Summer Classic 📍 Valley Southwoods, West Des Moines 📅 July 11–13, 2025 Proceeds benefit a new fund for nurse education in Krisha’s honor. Support & Connect: Instagram: @clubkidsforacauseFacebook: Club Kids for a CauseMerch: Available through July 30Follow Krisha: @KrishaKeeranWant to be featured? Email: hello@mycity.health

    15 min

  8. 04/07/2025

    The Practice of Cultural Sensitivity in Counseling: A Conversation with Jahnavi Pandya

    In this episode of My City My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Jahnavi Pandya, a counseling psychologist with a passion for cultural sensitivity and inclusive mental health care. Jahnavi shares her journey from India to the U.S., her experiences working with diverse populations, and the importance of tailoring therapy to individual cultural backgrounds. From addressing trauma and grief to fostering self-worth and self-compassion, this conversation explores how mental health care can become more accessible and meaningful for all. 00:00 - 00:13 | Introduction 00:14 - 00:56 | Decision to Study in the U.S 00:57 - 2:11   | Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health 02:12 - 7:47   | The Rewards and Challenges of Working with Diverse Populations 07:48 - 10:38 | Cultural Expectations Throughout Society 10:39 - 13:32 | Fostering Self-Worth and Self-Compassion 13:33 - 13:45 | Common Mental Health Challenges 13:46 - 17:29 | Effective Approaches to mental health 17:30 - 20:34 | The Future of Mental Health Care 20:35 - 24:24 | Where to Find Jahnavi & Closing Remarks Connect with Us: Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.healthLinktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealthJoin Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The My City Talks Podcast spotlights individuals and organizations worldwide that profoundly impact their communities' health and well-being. Hosted by the My City My Health team, each episode dives into the inspiring stories of change-makers, health advocates, and community leaders who challenge the status quo to create healthier, more equitable environments for all. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale health equity efforts, this podcast explores the diverse strategies and innovative solutions being implemented to improve health outcomes in cities worldwide. Each episode will explore culture, healthcare, prevention, and community and how these factors can impact health outcomes. We'll hear from experts in the field and individuals who are working to make positive change.

Information

  • Creator
    My City My Health INC
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © My City My Health INC