CPH 63 — Alignment Is the Real Power: A Conversation with Malaika Simmons, MS

CPH 63 — Alignment Is the Real Power: A Conversation with Malaika Simmons, MS

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Malaika Simmons, MS, reflects on what it means to trust yourself, stay aligned with your values, and lead with intention—even within systems that can pressure you to disconnect from who you are. From navigating experiences of bias and self-doubt to helping others make values-aligned leadership decisions, Dr. Simmons shares how awareness, empathy, and alignment have shaped her life and work. This conversation explores courage, identity, empathy, wellness, and what becomes possible when we stop trying to control everything and start responding intentionally to the moment in front of us. Meet Malaika Simmons, MS ✨ Malaika Simmons is a researcher, experience designer, and CEO of Momentology Media, LLC, where she helps leaders and organizations build human-centered systems that sustain performance without overextension. With a background spanning healthcare, public health, and large-scale national initiatives, her work sits at the intersection of leadership, systems design, and human experience. She is the creator of the Momentology™ Method, a human operating system for sustainable success, and the originator of Extraction Fatigue™—a pattern she identified in high-performing leaders where capability becomes the system's safety net. Malaika's work helps public health leaders and mission-driven professionals recognize where systems are unintentionally draining their people and redesign them for alignment, trust, and execution. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * The Momentology Method — Malaika introduces the human operating system she developed to help people lead with awareness, gratitude, expectance, and aligned action. * Motherhood Changed Everything — She reflects on how becoming a mother taught her that control isn't the goal—how we respond to what's in front of us is what matters. * Claiming Your Power — Malaika shares what it was like to navigate spaces where she was often the only person who looked like her, and why she refuses to let others define who she is. * Everything Is Data — As a qualitative researcher, she explains why every experience offers information if we're willing to pay attention. * Choosing Your Response — She explores the difference between reacting automatically and responding intentionally, and why that distinction can transform the way we lead. "I will never let anyone change my mind about who I am." — Malaika Simmons, MS Stay in Touch 🔗 With Malaika Simmons, MS Malaika Simmons on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaikasimmons/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaikasimmons/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaikasimmons/] Momentology Media, LLC on LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentology-media/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/momentology-media/] Website ↗ [https://momentologymedia.com/]: https://momentologymedia.com/ [https://momentologymedia.com/] Servant Leader Type Finder ↗ [https://www.servantleadertype.com]: https://www.servantleadertype.com [https://www.servantleadertype.com] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Speaking & Leadership Development 🤝 Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and higher education organizations through keynote presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, and leadership development experiences. Her work explores courage, leadership, systems change, the conditions that shape decision-making, voice, well-being, and values-aligned action. Whether you're planning a conference, retreat, leadership program, or organizational event, Courageous Public Health can help create meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or visit our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

CPH 62 — Breaking Learned Silence: A Conversation with Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames reflects on what it means to keep showing up—through grief, responsibility, leadership, and systems that do not always make space for your full voice. From losing family members whose experiences shaped her path into public health, to navigating professional spaces where she was expected to shrink herself, stay silent, or make her expertise less visible , Dr. Adams-Thames shares the emotional weight so many women quietly carry while continuing to lead. This conversation explores courage, grief, caregiving, visibility, and survival—and what it takes to break learned silence and reclaim your voice. Meet Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames ✨ Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames is an epidemiologist, educator, and public health leader committed to advancing health equity, women's health, and community well-being. She is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Public Health at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she teaches epidemiology and chronic disease courses while mentoring future public health leaders grounded in equity and service. With more than 15 years of experience across local, state, and federal public health systems, Dr. Adams-Thames has led work in overdose prevention, maternal and reproductive health, firearm injury prevention, chronic disease surveillance, and public health data modernization. She previously served as Florida's Senior Epidemiologist and Surveillance Lead for the Overdose Data to Action program and later as a Public Health Advisor and Data Modernization Lead at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grounded in community-centered and culturally responsive approaches, Dr. Adams-Thames is passionate about translating data into action, strengthening public health systems, and supporting healthier communities through education, mentorship, and service. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Learned Silence — Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames reflects on working in professional environments where she was expected to stay quiet, remain on mute, and minimize her expertise in order to survive within the system. * Removing "Dr." From Her Signature — Dr. Adams-Thames shares the experience of being told to remove her doctoral credentials from her signature block—and what it means to repeatedly be asked to make yourself smaller. * Leading While Carrying Grief — From losing her brother to leukemia while pregnant, to the deaths of multiple family members, Dr. Adams-Thames reflects on continuing to parent, mentor, teach, and lead while navigating profound loss. * Candle Making as Healing — After the murder of her cousin, she began making candles as a way to slow down, focus, and move through grief intentionally. * Teaching as Calling — Dr. Adams-Thames shares how unexpectedly finding joy in teaching transformed her vision for her future in public health and higher education. "I think it's a habit. I'm on mute." — Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames Stay in Touch 🔗 With Dr. Avalon Adams-Thames LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/avalonadamsthames/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avalonadamsthames/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/avalonadamsthames/] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Speaking & Leadership Development 🤝 Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and higher education organizations through keynote presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, and leadership development experiences. Her work explores courage, leadership, systems change, the conditions that shape decision-making, voice, well-being, and values-aligned action. Whether you're planning a conference, retreat, leadership program, or organizational event, Courageous Public Health can help create meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action. To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or visit our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

CPH 61 — Micro Joy and Macro Courage: A Conversation with Jasmine Brett Stringer, MAPP

Meet Jasmine Brett Stringer, MAPP ✨ Jasmine Brett Stringer is an expert on workplace well-being and emotional agility, helping individuals and organizations thrive through practical, research-backed strategies. A 2026 Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Women in Business Honoree, she is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author, television personality, and Founder & CEO of Carpe Diem with Jasmine. Known for her vibrant presence on stage and screen, Jasmine blends positive psychology, lived experience, and business insight to help people flourish at work and in life. Her energizing keynotes inspire audiences to lead with authenticity, reconnect to purpose, and build sustainable success. A flourishing expert and "Possibility Whisperer," she raises the bar on well-being through practical tools that strengthen resilience, emotional agility, and leadership effectiveness. Jasmine has partnered with leading organizations including the Federal Reserve Bank, Land O' Lakes, Airbnb, General Mills, Bayer, the American Heart Association, Surescripts and SICK. A graduate of American University and the University of Pennsylvania's Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, she equips leaders to navigate stress, foster connection, and perform at their best. Based in Minneapolis, she lives with her husband and their dog, Charlie. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Micro Joy as Practice — Jasmine shares how color, music, gratitude, and small intentional moments can create joy and help people reconnect with themselves in difficult times. * Reinventing Herself After Layoff — She reflects on leaving behind a traditional corporate identity and slowly building a new life rooted in purpose, speaking, and heart-centered work. * The Power of Self-Efficacy — Jasmine explains why believing "I belong here" is one of the most important tools for navigating spaces that may not initially feel welcoming. * People-Led Systems Change — She shares her vision for changing systems not from the top down, but through collective refusal to continue overextending ourselves in harmful ways. * Everything Is Working Out for Me — From driving across the Bay Bridge to dancing in her living room, Jasmine reflects on how mindset, movement, and positive self-talk help build courage over time. "The system is going to change because of you and I and the person listening." — Jasmine Brett Stringer, MAPP Stay in Touch 🔗 With Jasmine Brett-Stringer, MAPP LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminestringer/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminestringer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminestringer/] Website ↗ [https://jasminebrettstringer.com]: https://jasminebrettstringer.com [https://jasminebrettstringer.com] Instagram ↗ [https://www.instagram.com/carpediemjbs/]: https://www.instagram.com/carpediemjbs/ [https://www.instagram.com/carpediemjbs/] Bonus joy resource from Jasmine: Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/3EldSthav6zdwFl0VhMn4Q?si=17207530c42444e2] - "Everything Is Working Out for Me" 🎵 [https://open.spotify.com/track/3EldSthav6zdwFl0VhMn4Q?si=17207530c42444e2] - https://open.spotify.com/track/3EldSthav6zdwFl0VhMn4Q?si=17207530c42444e2 [https://open.spotify.com/track/3EldSthav6zdwFl0VhMn4Q?si=17207530c42444e2] Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/album/everything-is-working-out-for-me/1795025657?i=1795025869] - "Everything Is Working Out for Me" 🎵 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/everything-is-working-out-for-me/1795025657?i=1795025869] - https://music.apple.com/us/album/everything-is-working-out-for-me/1795025657?i=1795025869 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/everything-is-working-out-for-me/1795025657?i=1795025869] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

The Same Act of Attention: The Paintings and the Podcast

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Kristi McClamroch shares the story behind the paintings that now hang behind her and reflects on what they have taught her about courage, connection, and the power of witnessing. A personal reflection on grief, creativity, and why painting and podcasting are, in many ways, the same act of attention.

CPH 60 — Letting Go Without a Backup Plan: A Conversation with Zoila Reyna, MPH

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Zoila Reyna, MPH, shares what it looked like to walk away from work she loved—without knowing exactly what would come next. From quitting jobs without another offer lined up, to sleeping on a friend's couch so she could rebuild her life in Los Angeles, to eventually founding Public Health Hired, Zoila reflects on the risks, uncertainty, and persistence that have shaped her path. This conversation explores courage, reinvention, and self-trust—and what happens when you stop settling for a life that no longer fits. Meet Zoila Reyna, MPH ✨ Zoila Reyna, MPH is the Latina founder of the woman-owned company of an evidence-based method for getting jobs, known as Public Health Hired. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic she has been offering tailored interview preparation, resume reviews, job alerts and provides a community of practice filled with active workshops, trainings and weekly office hours. Her Mentor Sessions are legendary for providing live job searches using her advanced LinkedIn algorithm, speedy resume tailoring and interview preparation that seals the deal for job offers – as demonstrated with nearly 400 individuals getting hired thus far across nonprofits, hospitals, government, philanthropy, large NGOs, and associations within public health and community health. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCLA and Masters in Public Health from UC Davis. She recently quit her 7 year stint as a Senior Consultant for the Kaiser Hospital Foundation in Southern California where she worked on various socioeconomic initiatives and workforce development efforts. She is now fully dedicated to Public Health Hired and enjoys gardening while working from home in Los Angeles and lives with her son and daughter. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Letting Go Without a Backup Plan — Zoila reflects on quitting jobs before knowing what would come next—and the fear, judgment, and uncertainty that came with those decisions. * There's Got to Be More — Even while succeeding professionally, she realized the rest of her life no longer felt aligned—and made the difficult decision to start over in Los Angeles. * Asking for Help Changed Everything — Zoila shares the pivotal moment she asked a friend if she could sleep on her couch while rebuilding her life and career. * Learning to Navigate Corporate Spaces — She reflects on working in environments where her expertise was questioned and what it took to adapt without losing herself completely. * Building Public Health Hired — What started as career guidance during the pandemic became a nationwide mentorship community helping public health professionals pursue more aligned and meaningful work. "I was quitting without having a job." — Zoila Reyna, MPH Stay in Touch 🔗 With Zoila Reyna, MPH LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoilareyna/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoilareyna/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoilareyna/] Website ↗ [http://www.phhired.com]: https://www.phhired.com [https://www.phhired.com] Instagram ↗ [https://www.instagram.com/publichealthhired/]: https://www.instagram.com/publichealthhired/ [https://www.instagram.com/publichealthhired/] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com]: https://www.CourageousPublicHealth.com [https://www.courageouspublichealth.com] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].