Da Hood Talks Podcast

The Link between Housing & Health

Da Hood Talks Podcast takes the mic beyond the recording room with our community conversations at Da Link Up by Da Hood Connect, centering a timely and necessary dialogue on The Link Between Housing & Health. This episode explores how housing stability directly impacts physical, mental, and community health—highlighting the lived realities, systemic challenges, and collaborative solutions needed to move our communities forward. Recorded live in Saint Louis, the conversation brought together representatives from four local organizations committed to advancing housing justice, health equity, and community-centered solutions. Special Guests & Panelists: 🌟 Marcel Hagens – A policy and campaign strategist at the forefront of housing justice, wage equity, and community empowerment movements, advocating for structural change and people-powered solutions. 🌟 Calencia Mitchell – A leader in Community Health Improvement at BJC Health System, Calencia brings a deep commitment to health equity and cross-sector collaboration to address the social determinants of health. 🌟 Mr. Q – Representing Youth In Need (YIN Street Outreach), Mr. Q shared insights on supporting young people up to age 24 facing housing instability, food insecurity, and crisis through outreach, emergency shelter, counseling, and case management. 🌟 Teka Childress – With over 47 years of advocacy for unhoused individuals, Teka is a relentless champion for affordable, just, and equitable housing solutions in Saint Louis. Together, this conversation underscores a critical truth: housing is health. From policy to practice, this episode challenges listeners to think deeper about how we care for our communities and the systems that shape our well-being. 🎧 Tap in for a real, informative, and solutions-focused conversation—because community takes center stage.

Let's Talk Grief

In this special bonus episode of Da Hood Talks Podcast, Host Vanna hosts an onsite conversation at Rejuvenating Comprehensive Services in Ferguson centered on grief, loss, and trauma.Vanna is joined by Keely Finney, owner of Rejuvenating Comprehensive Services, Cal D. Brown of The Michael Brown Sr. Chosen for Change Organization and Vikki Collier, a professional social worker and recent ED of Infant Loss Resources. Together, they engage in a real, honest discussion about navigating grief, acknowledging trauma, and creating space for healing especially within our communities. This episode offers a reflective and affirming space for those carrying loss, processing change, or seeking understanding during difficult seasons. Rather than rushing healing, the conversation centers presence, truth, and the importance of holding space for one another.

Let's Talk Chronic Illness

In this episode of our Da Hood Needs segment, we host a conversation on chronic illness and the health disparities that continue to impact our communities. Host Vanna is joined by Christie, owner of Gutted Fitness, and Debora Grandison for a real and honest discussion rooted in lived experience. Together, they share personal stories, speak truth about systemic gaps in care, and highlight resources that support healing, wellness, and long-term thriving. This episode centers community, accountability, and access, creating space for awareness, education, and empowerment around chronic illness and health equity.

Ain't No Hood Like Motherhood 2.0

Tap in with Host Vanna as she sits down with three St. Louis moms from The Moms Line for an honest and heartfelt Moms Talk on Da Hood Talks Podcast. This episode creates space for real conversations about motherhood — the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. Together, they bring light to the importance of truth-telling in motherhood, community, and support while navigating the journey of raising babies and caring for themselves at the same time. This conversation centers the lived experiences of mothers and reminds us why connection and support are essential in every stage of motherhood. This episode is for moms, caregivers, and anyone who believes that healthy moms build healthy families and communities.

Let's Talk Donors & Recipients

Tap in with Host Vanna as she goes onsite at Mid-America Transplant for a powerful and honest conversation with Dr. Knight and Heart Transplant Survivor Tiara. Together, they explore the realities of organ donation, tackle the discomfort and mistrust surrounding it in Black communities, and shed light on why these conversations matter. Tiara’s personal journey will move you, while Dr. Knight shares vital insights and facts that challenge stigma and inspire change.