The Bodacious Optimist

Noah Miller on Corporate ESG + Improving Breastfeeding Infrastructure

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, host Sascha Mayer talks with Noah Miller, a leader in Environmental and Social Governance (ESG). The discussion delves deep into the definition and importance of ESG pillars: environmental stewardship, social impact, and governance. Noah recounts his unique career path, including his time as a professional athlete and Israeli army commander, and how these experiences shape his ESG work. Highlighting the significance of gender equity and UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conversation also explores the complexities and rewards of implementing ESG initiatives within organizations. Noah expresses his belief in the importance of empathy, collective action, and the realization that we are capable of solving the biggest challenges through collaborative efforts. The episode concludes with Noah discussing his proudest personal achievements and sharing his audacious optimism about the future. 00:00 Introduction to Noah Miller and ESG 02:27 Understanding ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance 04:02 Mamava's ESG Journey and Practices 05:02 Noah's Role as a Fractional ESG Director 06:33 UN Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Equity 11:49 Noah's Unique Career Path: From Athlete to ESG Leader 20:16 Challenges and Opportunities in ESG 21:33 The Impact of Fatherhood on Noah's Work 27:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections Mentioned in this episode: University of Vermont’s Sustainable Innovation MBA [https://www.uvm.edu/business/program/sustainable-innovation-mba] Rho Impact [https://rhoimpact.com/] Vermont Businesses For Social Responsibility (VBSR) [https://vbsr.org/] United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/page/sustainable-development-goals] EcoVadis [https://ecovadis.com/] JUST Capital [https://justcapital.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1347805575&gbraid=0AAAAADAzIrlgPd4vI_xFYjapFnNer14dS&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzt_FBhCEARIsAJGFWVlj6N4MsnDkolL9EWkXickxTPha_YTiDR4S7SiD8EfDKXVxLMQIs1IaAmw0EALw_wcB] National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) [https://www.ncaa.com/]

Dr. Lisa Stellwagen on Breastfeeding + Human Milk Banking

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha interviews Dr. Lisa Stellwagen, a pediatrician and leading advocate for breastfeeding and milk banking. Dr. Stellwagen, who played a key role in establishing UC San Diego's baby-friendly hospital designation and cofounded the UC Health Milk Bank, discusses the importance of milk banks in providing donor breast milk for fragile and premature babies. She explains the historical context, safety protocols, and the life-saving benefits of donor milk compared to formula, particularly in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The conversation also covers the donor screening process, legislative efforts, and the cultural significance of milk donation. Dr. Stellwagen shares her personal journey and the broader impact of breastfeeding advocacy. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lisa Stellwagen 02:04 The Basics of Milk Banking 03:22 The Importance of Donor Milk for Premature Babies 08:05 The Process of Donating Milk 19:31 Challenges and Awareness in Milk Banking 24:21 Dr. Stellwagen's Journey and Advocacy 31:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned in this episode: Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) [https://www.hmbana.org/] UC Health Milk Bank [https://health.universityofcalifornia.edu/patient-care/milk-bank] UC San Diego Health, Baby-Friendly designation [https://health.ucsd.edu/care/pregnancy-birth/hospital-stay/newborn/]

Health Economist Tricia Johnson on the ROI of Breast Milk

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, the host interviews Tricia Johnson, a professor at Rush University's Department of Health Systems Management. As a human milk economist, Tricia discusses her work in understanding the economic drivers of healthcare spending, particularly focusing on the cost-effectiveness of feeding mother's own milk (MOM) to premature infants. Tricia shares her journey into this niche field, her collaborations with other researchers, and the significant health and economic benefits of MOM for preterm infants in the NICU. The conversation touches upon the disparities in breastfeeding among different racial and socio-economic groups and the impact of policies and interventions like the "ReDiMOM" trial, which aims to reduce these discrepancies. Tricia also emphasizes the importance of long-term economic evaluations, discussing the broader implications of her work, including policy development and healthcare strategies. Finally, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities of balancing her professional research with her personal life as a parent. 00:00 Introduction to Human Milk Economics 03:28 Tricia Johnson's Journey into Human Milk Economics 05:35 Economic Impact of Preterm Births and Human Milk 07:34 Research on Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes 10:27 Addressing Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding 14:28 The "ReDiMOM" Trial: Reducing Disparities 16:15 Economic Theories and Cash Transfers in Breastfeeding 20:53 Challenges and Solutions in Breastfeeding Support 25:32 Personal Insights and Optimism 29:03 Conclusion and Future Aspirations Mentioned in this episode: RUSH University [https://www.rushu.rush.edu/research-rush-university/departmental-research/health-systems-management-research] Department of Health Systems Management Research Human Milk Institute [https://hmi.ucsd.edu/] National Institutes of Health [https://www.nih.gov/] Rush Mothers' Milk Club "ReDiMOM" Cohort Study [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34996401/] "LOVEMOM" Cohort [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35147912/]

Artist Corinne Botz Makes Space for the Invisible Labor of Lactation

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, host Sascha Mayer interviews Corinne Botz, a visual artist and educator whose multidisciplinary work spans photography, writing, and filmmaking. The conversation centers around Botz’s project, “Milk Factory,” which includes a short film and a book about lactation rooms. Botz shares how the origins of the project were inspired by her personal experience as a new mother in a stark lactation room, and her subsequent effort to document public lactation spaces. The film gained attention when it was featured by Time Magazine, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the January 6th Capitol Riot. For Botz, this project has fostered a sense of community among mothers and increased her dedication to normalizing discussions around pumping and improving maternal support systems. 00:00 Introduction to Corinne Botz 02:48 The Milk Factory Project 04:25 Symbolism and Impact of the Congressional Lactation Room 06:08 Publishing with Time Magazine 08:30 The Upcoming Book on Lactation Spaces 10:39 Exploring Unique Lactation Spaces 12:45 The Nutshell Studies and Artistic Themes 14:25 Personal Background and Artistic Journey 17:21 Motherhood and Artistic Influence 21:38 Final Thoughts and Optimism Mentioned in this episode: Milk Factory [https://www.saintlucybooks.com] by Corinne May Botz, a forthcoming hard cover book Milk Factory [https://www.corinnebotz.com/milk-factory] Photography Series Time Magazine - The Invisible Labor Inside America’s Lactation Rooms [https://time.com/5954518/lactation-rooms-invisible-labor/] Chauntel Norris, Alabama Prison Birth Project [https://www.prisonbirth.org/about] The Milk Bank [https://www.themilkbank.org/] The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death [https://www.corinnebotz.com/nutshell-studies-of-unexplained-death]

Dr. Lars Bode on Human Milk Research, Maternal Health + Breastfeeding Support

In this episode of The Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha Mayer interviews Dr. Lars Bode, a renowned expert in breast milk research and the founding director of the Human Milk Institute at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Bode discusses the multifaceted benefits of breast milk for both infants and mothers, including its nutritional and protective qualities. He delves into the specific role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in shaping infant gut microbiomes and their potential applications in treating various diseases. Dr. Bode also highlights the mission of the Human Milk Institute and its focus on translating molecular discoveries into public health impacts. He shares his personal journey from Germany to becoming a leading scientist in the US and offers insights into the social and cultural dimensions of breastfeeding. The episode concludes with a preview of the Human Milk Institute's annual symposium and the collaborative efforts to advance the field of human milk research. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lars Bode and Human Milk Research 01:47 Foundational Benefits of Breast Milk 05:43 Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Explained 10:29 The Human Milk Institute: Mission and Impact 16:27 Innovative Applications Beyond Infant Health 18:29 Dr. Bode's Personal Journey and Career Path 22:17 Challenges and Support in Breastfeeding 27:32 Human Milk Institute Symposium and Future Outlook 29:27 Parenthood and Professional Insights 35:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Mentioned in this episode: Human Milk Institute [https://hmi.ucsd.edu/]  Human Milk Institute Symposium [https://hmi.ucsd.edu/symposium/index.html] University of California, San Diego [https://ucsd.edu/] The Lancet Breastfeeding Series (2016) [https://www.thelancet.com/series/breastfeeding] The Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation [https://www.larsson-rosenquist.org/en] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [https://www.nichd.nih.gov/]