A Dope Public Health Podcast

Versiti's Community Impact ft. Darlena Johnson and Anne Krueger

Most of us don’t realize that the simple act of signing up for organ donation can save multiple lives—and yet, only 2% of people are eligible to donate organs after death. In this eye-opening episode, Darlena Johnson, a woman celebrating nearly 20 years with a transplanted kidney, shares her inspiring journey from dialysis to thriving, and how community trust and education are crucial in saving lives. Discover how Versiti [https://www.versiti.org/]is transforming community health through five service lines across five states, actively breaking down myths about donation, and addressing racial disparities in organ matching—like why tissue typing is linked to race and ethnicity. You'll learn the critical role community organizations play in fostering trust, providing support, and increasing donation rates, even outside traditional healthcare settings. We break down the profound impact of blood and organ donation on individual lives and entire communities, highlighting strategies to strengthen connections, dispel misinformation, and turn uncertainty into action. Whether you’re contemplating becoming a donor or want to understand how your community can make a difference, this episode offers a clear path to understanding and empowerment. If you're a healthcare professional, community leader, or simply someone curious about how donation works behind the scenes, this episode is essential listening. It’s about more than just saving lives—it’s about building trust, sharing stories, and rewriting the final chapter of many families’ stories with generosity and purpose. Hosted by Demonte Dismuke, with heartfelt insights from Anne Krueger, Director of Organ and Tissue Donation Community Connections, and Darlena Johnson, this conversation brings a full cycle of the need, the procurement, and the success of donation. It reminds us why community engagement and informed choices are the keys to a healthier, more connected future. It’s about leaving organs here on earth—so others still have a chance to live.

Ebonics: A Tool for Black Liberation

Join us in reclaiming our narratives, celebrating our pioneers, and transforming public health through cultural pride. Your power begins with knowing who you are and whose stories you carry. Most Black pioneers in psychology remain invisible or misrepresented—and that erases a vital part of our history and future. This episode reveals how Dr. Robert Lee Williams II defied biased systems, reclaimed his intellectual legacy, and pioneered concepts that challenge dominant narratives—like coining Ebonics and creating the Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity. You'll discover how Williams’s groundbreaking work disrupted racist testing practices, the real story behind the word Ebonics, and why understanding cultural context is essential for true public health equity. We break down how academic rebranding—like replacing Ebonics with aave *they don't get all caps from me* —acts as cultural erasure, and what it takes for us to reclaim our stories with pride and precision. This isn’t just history—it’s a blueprint for cultural sovereignty and mental wellness. If you're committed to anti-racism, community empowerment, or understanding the roots of Black intellectual brilliance, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, radical authenticity, and the power of reframing. Peace, power, and perseverance — this episode is essential listening for those who refuse to be silent or sidelined. Keep your mind sharp and your mindset rooted in sovereignty. Public health is dope. So are you. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackCulture #PublicHealth #BlackPsychology #Legacy

Becoming Your Best Self ft. Gena Batchelor

Join host Demonte in this insightful episode of A DOPE Public Health Podcast as he sits down with Gena Batchelor, a certified life and business coach, singer, songwriter, and author. Discover Gena's journey from navigating postpartum challenges to becoming a beacon of empowerment through her coaching services. Explore the nuances of life coaching, the power of authenticity, and the importance of self-care in this engaging conversation. Whether you're seeking personal growth or professional insights, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Gena Batchelor and her multifaceted career.  [05:15] Gena's journey into life coaching and the impact of postpartum experiences.  [12:30] The importance of mindset and accountability in coaching.  [20:45] Gena's approach to blending life coaching with her artistic pursuits. [30:00] Myths about life coaching and the reality of personal growth. [40:10] Gena's self-care practices and the role of authenticity in her work. [50:00] Closing thoughts and how to connect with Gena.

Autism in Black: Empowering Black Families Through Culturally Responsive Education

In this enlightening episode, join host Demonte and special guest Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, as they delve into the vital topic of culturally responsive education and resources for Black parents. Maria shares her personal journey from aspiring pediatrician to becoming a licensed therapist and leading advocate for Black families navigating autism. Discover how her experiences led to the founding of Autism in Black, a platform dedicated to bridging gaps in education and resources for Black parents. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of advocating for culturally attuned interventions, the importance of early intervention, and the power of community support. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice to empower and uplift Black families. Visit autisminblack.org [https://autisminblack.org/] to explore more resources and tune into their podcast for ongoing support and information. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and informed! Have a DOPE day.

Stepping Up ft. Kwame Terra

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Kwame Terra, the founder of bEHR Health Systems. Kwame is transforming health tracking and engagement while pioneering change in Public Health beyond the traditional healthcare field. Learn about his innovative approaches and how he broke the record for the most steps in a 30-day period. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, health, and entrepreneurship. Be sure to visit them at behrhs.com [https://behrhs.com/]. Black People! Download the Dacadoo app Google Play [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quentiq.tracker&pcampaignid=web_share] or Apple App Store [https://apps.apple.com/us/developer/dacadoo-ag/id453713818]now and use access code DOPE to get your health score for $Free.99. P.S. Shout out to Feedspot for listing us as one of the Top Black Health Podcasts of 2025. [https://podcast.feedspot.com/black_health_podcasts/]