Going Viral: From Baltimore to the World

The STI Episode: Facts Over Fear

In this episode, Walker Weinstein, RN of the Jacques Initiative, covers why some STIs show no symptoms at all, how regular testing should become as routine as a dental cleaning, and why sexual health conversations don’t have to be awkward. Whether you’re navigating dating, in a long-term relationship, or simply want to stay informed, this episode offers practical advice and a reminder that taking care of your sexual health is just another part of taking care of yourself. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Human Virology or the University of Maryland. This podcast is intended only for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance specific to your health needs.

Bringing Health to Salons with Sierra & Rhonda

What do barbershop bloodletting, salon gossip, and modern-day sexual health education have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Tea Talks, a bold initiative from the Jacques Initiative that’s bringing sexual health education straight into beauty salons—because sometimes the best place to talk about protection comes with a manicure. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Human Virology or the University of Maryland. This podcast is intended only for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance specific to your health needs.

No Borders in Care: Or How Global Health Lessons Travel Home

What can global HIV care in Zambia teach us about building stronger health systems in Baltimore? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Cassidy Claassen, an infectious disease and public health physician based in Lusaka, Zambia, whose work focuses on expanding HIV care in resource-limited settings through community-based interventions. Dr. Claassen shares insights from the front lines of HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, discusses health system capacity-building, and reflects on how lessons learned abroad—from engaging key populations to training the next generation of clinicians—can inform and strengthen patient care at home. Cassidy W. Claassen : https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-claassen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidy-claassen/ ] https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/claassen-cassidy/ [https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/claassen-cassidy/ ] MKM Fellowship: https://www.ciheb.org/fellowships--scholarships/mkm/ [https://www.ciheb.org/fellowships--scholarships/mkm/] Articles: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/02/11/us-must-restore-vital-aids-relief-saving-lives-in-africa-guest-commentary/ [https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/02/11/us-must-restore-vital-aids-relief-saving-lives-in-africa-guest-co⁠mmentary/] https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/01/metro/malnutrition-cuts-usaid-impact-on-children/ [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/01/metro/malnutrition-cuts-usaid-impact-on-children/] Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Human Virology or the University of Maryland. This podcast is intended only for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance specific to your health needs.

Commitment to Community Health: Or, Inside THRIVE’s Patient-Centered Care

What does truly patient-centered HIV care look like in practice—and what drives the people who provide it every day? We sit down with THRIVE Program’s community outreach worker and Ryan White specialist Eric Anderson, and health program director Robyn Palmerio, for an inside look at how their team walks with patients from the very first step. From meeting people exactly where they are to creating a welcoming, judgment-free space, Eric and Robyn share how THRIVE builds trust and supports each person’s path to wellness. They also open up about the “why” behind their commitment—the purpose and passion that fuel their work and uplift Baltimore’s HIV community. This conversation reveals the heart of THRIVE: compassionate, community-driven care that helps people not just survive, but truly THRIVE. https://www.umms.org/midtown/locations/thrive-program https://www.facebook.com/THRIVEProgramBaltimore Phone: 410-225-8369 Midtown Outpatient Tower 800 Linden Avenue 7th floor Baltimore, MD 21201 [https://www.google.com/maps/place/800%20Linden%20Avenue+,+Baltimore+MD,+21201] Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Human Virology or the University of Maryland. This podcast is intended only for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance specific to your health needs.

We're Still Here: Or, How the Urban Indigenous Bridge the Past and Present (PART II)

What does it mean to be Indigenous in a modern American city? This episode, we continue our conversation with Kerry Hawk Lessard, Executive Director of Native American Lifelines, about the deep and often overlooked history of Baltimore’s Indigenous tribes — and the vibrant Urban Indigenous community that calls the city home today. From cultural preservation to health equity, Lessard shares how identity, tradition, and wellness intersect in urban spaces — and how Baltimore’s Indigenous voices continue to shape the city’s story. Guest: Kerry Hawk Lessard https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-hawk-lessard-4588465a/ Native American Lifelines: https://nativeamericanlifelines.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/native-american-lifelines-inc/posts/?feedView=all Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NativeAmericanLifeLines Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nativeamericanlifelines/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute of Human Virology or the University of Maryland. This podcast is intended only for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance specific to your health needs.