Real Talk Real Impact

Marissa Robinson
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Real Talk, Real Impact is about honest, down-to-earth conversations that unpack the messy, real-life truths about health, equity, and community. We connect everyday experiences and stories to public health in ways that feel like a kiki with your friends. This is where fun, unfiltered and enlightening can all be one. Each episode aims to spark curiosity, highlight new careers and opportunities in the public health space, to leave listeners with actionable insights they can carry into their own lives or communities.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Why Black Women Are Still Being Failed by Public Health with Brittany “Brit” M. Williams, Ph.D.

    💕Connect with Brittany “Brit” M. Williams, Ph.D.💕 Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Website Black women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV, yet they're too often left out of the conversation. It's time to change that. In this powerful episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Dr. Brit Williams to unpack the realities of Black women's health, HIV prevention, PrEP awareness, and the barriers that continue to affect Black communities.  Together, they explore why community matters, how workplace experiences shape our advocacy, and why self-care isn't a luxury; it's necessary for sustainable impact. Whether you're a public health professional, MPH student, health educator, HIV prevention advocate, or simply passionate about health equity and social justice, this conversation offers practical insights and an honest look at the work still ahead. 🎙️ In this episode: • Why Black women must be centered in HIV prevention • The truth about PrEP, stigma, and condom negotiation • Building stronger communities through advocacy and sponsorship • Why rest and self-care are essential for public health professionals ...and much more. Subscribe for more conversations on public health careers, Black women's health, HIV prevention, health equity, community engagement, and leadership. Chapters 0:00 Introduction @2:54  How did you end up doing the work you do today? @11:00 Biggest misconceptions or barriers preventing Black women from seeing PrEP as something that's for them? @21:53 What have Black women taught you about HIV prevention and sexual health that public health institutions still need to learn? @29:54 Workplace lessons you've learned throughout your career that you wish someone had taught you earlier? @47:46 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    50 min

  2. Jun 26

    The Public Health Career Advice We Got Was Wrong with Andrea L. Lowe, DrPH

    💕Connect with Andrea L. Lowe, DrPH💕 Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Website Facebook The public health career advice we were given may be holding us back. For years, professionals have been told to specialize, pick a lane, and follow a linear path to success. Dr. Andrea Lowe took a different approach. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she created them. In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with the founder of Social Impact Studio, Dr. Andrea Lowe, to discuss why being a public health generalist can be a competitive advantage, how she built a consulting business from the ground up, and what it really takes to support small nonprofits driving change in their communities. If you're exploring public health careers, consulting, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, or career pivots, this conversation is full of practical insights for building a career on your own terms. 🎙️ In this episode: • The power of being a public health generalist • Building a consulting business from scratch • Networking that actually leads to opportunities • Supporting small nonprofits with big missions ...and much more. Chapters 0:00 Introduction @2:30 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @6:48 Two-decade journey working across government, nonprofits, and the private sector.  @8:57 Public health generalists strengths  @16:35 Transition from working within organizations to building your own consulting business.  @24:59 Launching an online membership community for small nonprofits.  @29:49 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    34 min

  3. Jun 19

    Is Canada's Healthcare System Actually Better Than America's? with Alexandra Piatkowski, MPH

    💕Connect with Alexandra Piatkowski, MPH💕 Alexandra's Instagram Piat Public Health Instagram Alexandra's LinkedIn: Piat's Public Health LinkedIn Alexandra's Facebook Piat's Public Health Facebook Alexandra's X Piat's Public Health X Website Does public health have a trust problem? In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Alexandra Piatkowski, epidemiologist, public health consultant, and founder of Piet Public Health, to discuss community engagement, public health careers, health equity, epidemiology, and the differences between the U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems. Many public health professionals are trained to collect data, conduct community health needs assessments, and distribute surveys. But are we truly listening to communities, or are we checking a box? Alexandra shares her perspective on authentic community engagement, why good intentions aren't enough, and how public health organizations can move from performative outreach to meaningful impact. She also breaks down common misconceptions about universal healthcare in Canada, compares public health systems in the United States and Canada, and offers practical career advice for students and professionals navigating the evolving public health workforce. If you're interested in public health careers, epidemiology, health equity, community health, healthcare systems, public health consulting, social determinants of health, community-based research, health policy, or public health leadership, this episode is for you. 🎙️ In this episode: • Public health careers and career development • Epidemiology and population health • Health equity and social determinants of health • Public health consulting and entrepreneurship • U.S. vs Canada healthcare systems • Nontraditional public health career paths Chapters @0:00 Introduction @2:31 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @7:14 Biggest differences in how USA and Canada  approaches public health and healthcare @7:18 Biggest breakdown between listening to communities and making real change @19:14 Moving from “good intentions” to real-world impact. @27:15 How did you learn to trust that your path didn’t have to look linear? @38:52 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    42 min

  4. Jun 12

    Social Media Is Replacing Public Health Education with Celene Craig, MPH, MS

    💕Connect with Celene Craig, MPH, MS 💕 Instagram LinkedIn Website Is social media replacing traditional public health education? In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Celene Craig, public health professional, health communicator, and digital storyteller, to explore how social media, misinformation, and content creation are reshaping the future of public health. From her experiences working during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating roles across health communication, advocacy, and digital media, Celene shares what it takes to build trust, combat misinformation, and connect with communities in today's fast-moving digital world. Together, they discuss the growing influence of social media in health education, why representation matters in public health messaging, and how public health professionals can leverage storytelling to create meaningful impact online and offline. The conversation also explores career pivots, personal growth, burnout, self-care, and the importance of staying grounded while balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: • Public health careers and career pivots • Social media and health communication • COVID-19 and lessons learned • Representation in public health • Wellness, self-care, and avoiding burnout • Building trust through authentic communication • And much more! Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of public health, career growth, leadership, and impact. Chapters @0:00 Introduction @2:14 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @5:44 Wearing many different hats. @18:16 Intersection of public health, storytelling, and digital content creation. @30:39 How have you personally redefined wellness and balance? @36:05 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    42 min

  5. Jun 5

    Your Public Health Degree Is Not Enough Anymore with Dr. Samia Hussein DrPH

    💕Connect with Dr. Samia Hussein💕 LinkedIn Website Website National Association for Doctors of Public Health Are public health careers over? With public health layoffs, funding cuts, hiring freezes, and increasing uncertainty across the field, many professionals are asking what comes next. In this episode of Public Health Careers, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Dr. Samia Hussein, public health entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Heyya Consulting, to discuss the future of public health careers, health equity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Dr. Samia shares her journey from traditional public health roles to entrepreneurship, revealing how professionals can leverage their lived experiences, cultural identity, and expertise to create meaningful impact beyond traditional career paths. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of DEI and health equity work, the importance of authentic community engagement, and practical advice for students, early-career professionals, and anyone navigating a career transition. If you're interested in public health careers, public health consulting, health equity, entrepreneurship, community health, advocacy, DEI, career development, or building a personal brand in public health, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. In this episode: • The future of public health careers • Public health entrepreneurship and consulting • Health equity and DEI in today's landscape • Community engagement strategies that drive impact • And much more! Chapters @0:00 Introduction @2:34 What drove you to launch Heyya Consulting?  @13:07 Trends you’ve noticed in your consulting work @15:05 What does public health work get wrong and right about DEI?  @21:05 Tips for early professionals entering the public health workforce @34:43 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    40 min

  6. May 29

    Public Health Still Gets Weird About Black Sexuality with Kahlia Phillips

    💕Connect with Kahlia Phillips💕 Instagram Facebook Twitter Podcast Website Writings Writings Writings In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Kahlia Phillips to unpack the reality of sex education, Black sexuality, public health, and the power of storytelling in liberation and community healing. From growing up with limited conversations around sexual health to challenging the way schools teach sex education, this conversation explores why so many people feel unprepared, misinformed, or ashamed when it comes to sexuality. Kahlia shares her unconventional journey from accounting to public health and discusses how capitalism, race, mental health, and education all shape the way communities experience sexual health. Together, they challenge harmful narratives, discuss comprehensive sex education, and explore why authentic representation and community-driven approaches matter. If you’re interested in public health, sex education reform, Black health, mental health, activism, community health, or culturally relevant education, this episode offers honest conversation, reflection, and practical insight. In this episode, we discuss: ✔ The failures and gaps in sex education ✔ Black sexuality and cultural stigma ✔ Storytelling as a tool for liberation and healing ✔ Community-centered approaches to health education ✔ The intersection of capitalism, race, and public health @0:00 Introduction @2:26 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @7:42 First undergraduate research project  @27:31 2 or 3 must-reads, watches, or follows right now? @40:36 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    44 min

  7. May 21

    The 40-Hour Work Week Is Destroying Our Mental Health with Angela N. Frazier, MPH, LSSYB

    💕Connect with Angela N. Frazier, MPH, LSSYB💕 Instagram LinkedIn Website Website Most women in public health are expected to keep showing up for everyone else while quietly battling burnout themselves. In this episode, Angela Frazier, founder of Sisters in Public Health, shares her journey through grief, mental health advocacy, and building a nationwide community centered on sisterhood, mentorship, and support for women in the field. Dr. Marissa Robinson and Angela discuss public health burnout, self-care, equitable leadership, and why community is essential for sustaining people doing high-impact work. From mental health resources to navigating leadership and representation, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes to care for the caretakers. If you’re passionate about public health, mental health advocacy, women in leadership, mentorship, or building stronger communities, this episode will leave you reflecting on how we support ourselves while supporting others. Chapters @0:00 Introduction @2:49 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @6:35 Why are public health workers expected to neglect our own well-being? @10:24 Personal journey shaped the way you approach mental health conversations in public health @17:39 What made you think “We really need a community for this?” for SiPH? @18:40 Journey of Sisters in Public Health @20:55 What do you think women in public health are searching for right now in professional spaces? @25:37  What does equitable leadership actually look like to you? @30:10 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    33 min

  8. May 6

    Public Health Was Never Built for Indigenous Communities with Dr. Gabrielle S. Evans-Mitchell, PhD

    💕Connect with Dr. Gabrielle S. Evans-Mitchell, PhD💕 Interwoven Institute Instagram LinkedIn Website Dr. Gabrielle S. Evans-Mitchell Instagram In this episode of Real Talk, Real Impact, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with  Dr. Gabrielle S. Evans-Mitchell, PhD for a real conversation about how health, equity, and community show up in everyday life. Why do so many Indigenous communities distrust public health systems? In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Evans-Mitchell, a first-generation Indigenous scholar, to explore Indigenous health, sexual health education, and community engagement in public health. This conversation unpacks the importance of culturally relevant research, building trust with tribal communities, and addressing health disparities in rural and Indigenous populations. Dr. Evans-Mitchell shares her journey navigating academia while staying connected to her community and advocating for Indigenous and rural health equity. They also discuss why traditional public health approaches often fall short and how community-centered, strengths-based frameworks can lead to more effective and respectful care. If you are interested in Indigenous health, public health careers, sexual health education, community-based research, or health equity, this episode offers valuable insights into how to better serve and support Indigenous communities. Chapters @0:00 Trailer @2:16 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @3:52 How has being from the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe shaped views on sexuality and wellness. @7:26 What does it look like to shift from “what’s wrong” to “what’s already strong” in Indigenous sexual health and well-being? @24:05 First-generation Indigenous scholar from a rural tribal community navigating academia. @29:06 Why is translational science so important to you? @36:28 What does reclaiming sexual health, bodily autonomy, and joy look like in this moment? @39:17 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    42 min

  9. Apr 29

    Why Black Women Still Struggle to Access Healthcare in 2026 with Dr. Brenice Duroseau, PhD

    💕Connect with Dr. Brenice Duroseau, PhD💕 Instagram LinkedIn Threads Why do Black women still face barriers to healthcare access, even in 2026? In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Dr. Brenice Duroseau to explore the realities of public health, women’s health, and health equity. This conversation dives into the systemic barriers that impact Black women’s health, from challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services to the deeper issues of trust, stigma, and inequitable healthcare systems. Dr. Duroseau shares her journey in public health and infectious disease prevention, while unpacking what it really means to create equitable, community-centered care. Together, they challenge common assumptions about healthcare access and highlight why proximity does not always equal accessibility. This episode is for public health professionals, students, community leaders, and anyone interested in health equity, community engagement, and improving healthcare systems for Black women. If you’re interested in public health careers, women’s health, infectious disease prevention, or addressing health disparities, this conversation offers insight into how we can move toward more equitable and community-driven solutions. @0:00 Introduction @2:19 How did you end up doing the work you do today? @4:00 Research with Black women in Maryland and their experiences navigating sexual and reproductive healthcare. @18:05 What do real safety and autonomy look like beyond just policy protections or state labels? @26:51 What does equity actually look like in a real patient interaction? @30:08 What keeps you hopeful right now while working with systems that can feel slow to change? @37:05 Where does public health show up in your work, even behind the scenes? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    41 min

  10. Mar 31

    The System Was Never Built for Real Change with Dr. Joyee Washington, PhD

    ============================ 💕Connect with Dr.Joyee Washington💕 ============================ Joyee Washington Consulting Public Health Joy Podcast  Summit 2024 and 2025 LinkedIn Profile of Dr. Joy Washington In this episode of Real Talk, Real Impact, Dr. Marissa Robinson sits down with Dr. Joyee Washington, PhD, MS, MPH, MCHES, for a real conversation about how health, equity, and community show up in everyday life. Key Topics: • Community-engaged research and its importance • The journey of Dr. Joyee Washington into public health and entrepreneurship • Strategies for building trust and authentic community partnerships • Innovative frameworks developed by Black women scholars • The role of leadership, resilience, and systemic change in public health Why is trust missing in so many public health spaces? In this episode, Dr. Marissa Robinson and Dr. Joyee Washington explore the real reasons communities don’t trust public health systems, and what needs to change. This conversation goes beyond surface-level solutions and gets into power, relationships, and the importance of community-engaged research. From entrepreneurship in public health to building authentic partnerships, Dr. Joyee shares insights on how we can move from performative engagement to meaningful, community-led impact. This episode is for public health professionals, students, community leaders, and anyone ready to rethink how health equity and systems change actually happen. @00:00 Trailer @0:44 Introduction to Dr. Joyee @2:32 How did you end up doing the work you are doing today? @6:00 Introduction to Public Health and Community Engagement @12:15 Entrepreneurship in Public Health @20:35 Common Mistakes in Community Engagement @29:09 The Birth of the Public Health Joy Podcast @37:31 Where does public health show up in your work? ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    43 min

  11. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Want Fun, Real Talk About Public Health? Tune In

    💕Connect with Dr.Marissa💕 Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Website Today is Women’s Day, and we’re so excited to share the very first teaser of Real Talk, Real Impact! This podcast is for public health professionals, students, advocates, and anyone curious about how health, equity, and community intersect in real life.  Hosted by Dr. Marissa Robinson, we bring honest, down-to-earth conversations that unpack the messy, real-life truths behind health; beyond clinics and hospitals. In this teaser, Dr. Marissa introduces herself, shares her approach, and gives you a taste of the fun, unfiltered, and enlightening conversations coming soon. Interested in being a guest? Email us at info@realhealthimpact.com  ✨✨ Subscribe and leave a 5-Star Review✨✨ Have a question, idea, or collaboration in mind? Reach out to Dr. Marissa Robinson on our website and we’ll get back to you within 1–3 business days. Follow along for insights, behind-the-scenes content, and public health inspiration: 💕 LinkedIn – Professional updates & thought leadership 💕 Instagram – Health tips & behind-the-scenes moments 💕 TikTok – Quick, engaging public health insights 💕 YouTube – Talks, videos, and deep dives

    2 min

Trailer

About

Real Talk, Real Impact is about honest, down-to-earth conversations that unpack the messy, real-life truths about health, equity, and community. We connect everyday experiences and stories to public health in ways that feel like a kiki with your friends. This is where fun, unfiltered and enlightening can all be one. Each episode aims to spark curiosity, highlight new careers and opportunities in the public health space, to leave listeners with actionable insights they can carry into their own lives or communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Marissa Robinson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Talk Real Impact
  • Show Website
    Real Talk Real Impact