PHEC 438: The Connection They Couldn't See

A wellness director at a university saw an opportunity that should have been obvious. A major public health conference was coming up, complete with a wellness section, yoga sessions, and holistic health programming. Her institution's public health department already had a booth reserved. The connection was clear: wellness is public health, and she could bridge both departments while expanding student awareness of career pathways. But when she proposed attending the conference, her boss dismissed the idea immediately. The message was clear: wellness and public health are separate fields. The opportunity never even reached a budget conversation because leadership couldn't see the public health value from the start. Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

How do you explain the invisible work of public health to your friends and family without using academic jargon? In this engaging installment of the "What Is Public Health?" series, Dr. Charlotte Huntley welcomes Ashley Harris, a recent MPH graduate and health advocate, and Dr. Eboni Haynes, CEO of The Mahogany Group, to discuss the art of plain-language communication and the vital importance of community buy-in. Moving beyond textbook definitions, the guests share relatable metaphors to demystify the field: Ashley describes public health as a "multifaceted superhero" working quietly in the background to prioritize proactive care over reactive treatment, using the tangible reality of built environments like counting liquor stores versus grocery stores to make the concept click for non-experts. Dr. Haynes expands the conversation to the powerful intersection of faith and public health, sharing insights on bridging the gap between healthcare systems and congregations to build trust and utilize data within ministry. Tune in to discover why public health is the essential "through line" in everything we do and learn how to advocate for the resources that protect our shared future.   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Join host Dr. Charlotte Huntley for a compelling conversation with Edward Johnson, Assistant Health Commissioner at Columbus Public Health, who proves that public health pathways are rarely linear. With a background in philosophy, politics, and economics, Edward brings a unique lens to the field, discussing how data modernization must go beyond cold numbers to harness the power of storytelling—evidenced by the transformative "Life Expectancy in Columbus Story Map" that secured cross-sector community buy-in. The discussion dives into real-world applications of public health leadership, from enacting a comprehensive flavored tobacco ban to repurposing emergency preparedness "pods" for food distribution during a massive SNAP benefits crisis. This episode explores the vital need for interdisciplinary collaboration, playing well in the "sandbox" with police, fire, and parks departments, and offers a resonant definition of the field: "How long do you live, and how well do you live those years?"   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this solo episode, Dr. Charlotte Huntley shares a deeply personal and practical conversation about navigating public health discussions with family, friends, coworkers, and communities without burning out. Grounded in her own complex grief journey and her work leading an epidemiology consulting firm, she offers a clear five-question framework to help listeners decide when a conversation is worth having, when to proceed with caution, and when to walk away.​ She connects the timing of this episode to the holiday season, when public health topics tend to surface more often amid gatherings and heightened emotions, and emphasizes that public health professionals are not responsible for correcting all misinformation or defending the entire field. Instead, she defines success as helping people within one's own sphere of influence better understand public health, while preserving personal mental health, capacity, and long-term sustainability in the work.   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this conversation, Dr. Charlotte Huntley welcomes back Dr. Vinu Ilakkuvan, founder and principal consultant at Pop Health and creator of Gaslit by Corporations, to explore what it really means to go "further upstream" in public health. Vinu shares how years of working with coalitions and systems-change efforts led her to focus on power—who has it, how it's used, and why communities must reclaim it to advance health. She explains why she chose the bold framing "Gaslit by Corporations, Ignited by Community" to translate the academic idea of the commercial determinants of health into language that everyday people can connect with and act on. Throughout the episode, Charlotte and Vinu dig into plain-language communication, narrative power, and community organizing as essential strategies for countering corporate harm and shifting policy, while also highlighting the importance of community spaces (including the PHEC Podcast Community App) to strengthen collective "civic muscle."   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Join Dr. Charlotte Huntley for a powerful conversation that connects purpose with public health, diving into the essential question: What is Public Health?  This episode is designed to help professionals and leaders communicate the field's value without academic jargon and secure much-needed community buy-in. Featuring stories from the field told by professionals creating change beyond traditional roles, including: Megan McCarthy, who defines public health as the vital "bridge between science and communities" and discusses her work in nutrition access (WIC/SNAP);  Jennifer Mandelbaum, a public health scientist and New Hampshire State Representative, who explains the field as a "promise" and "call to action" demonstrated through incremental policy steps like PFAS legislation; and Abby Tighe, who uses the relatable "roads analogy" to advocate for societal investment in health, offering an update on the mission of the newly named National Public Health Coalition (formerly Fired But Fighting) and its commitment to nonpartisan advocacy.  Tune in to discover what's possible in public health, harness your passion, and learn how to break down silos and communicate the silent, crucial work that protects our shared future.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this solo episode, Dr. Charlotte Huntley revisits key conversations from the year to encourage public health professionals navigating uncertainty, workforce disruption, and rapid change. She weaves together guest insights on locking arms with like-minded colleagues, mastering plain-language communication, embracing innovation and new surveillance tools, being strategic about funding and career moves, staying civically engaged, and protecting mental health through boundaries and vulnerability. Throughout, she calls listeners to "find your lane," recognize their own power, and use their unique strengths to advance public health, while staying connected through the PHEC Podcast Community app.   Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this powerful episode, Milwaukee's Health Commissioner Michael Totoraitis joins Dr. Charlotte H. Huntley to share an insider's view of navigating a citywide public health crisis and the evolving realities of public health leadership in 2025. Mike recounts how discovering a severe lead crisis in Milwaukee's schools exposed systemic vulnerabilities while underscoring the urgent importance of community engagement, open information sharing, and cross-sector partnerships. Their conversation highlights lessons learned from the frontlines, both in leading crisis response and in the broader struggle for advocacy, trust, and progress in public health at a time of national turbulence and resource disruption.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

YOU'RE INVITED! Virtual Event Title: "We're Better Together" Dr. Huntley invites PHEC Podcast Community members to a virtual gathering on Friday, November 21st at 11 a.m. Eastern.  After a challenging year in public health, this 30-minute event offers genuine connection with people who understand. Share wins, swap self-care strategies that actually work, and reconnect with your purpose. This is an exclusive event for PHEC Podcast Community members. Registration details can be found in the PHEC Podcast Community app's event space. If you're not already a member, then you can download the app from your mobile app store or join the community at phecpodcastcommunity.com. "No pressure, just real public health people showing up for each other." - Dr. Huntley  

In this insightful episode, Dr. Charlotte Huntley welcomes Elizabeth Green, Communications Director at the Big Cities Health Coalition, for a deep dive into the art and science of public health communication. Elizabeth brings a unique perspective with her background as a history of science professor and public health communications expert. They explore how to tell compelling public health stories that connect emotionally and intellectually with audiences, overcome jargon and misinformation, and advocate effectively for funding and policy. Elizabeth shares real-world examples like Milwaukee's lead crisis, discusses language research on harm reduction, and highlights the importance of diverse storytelling styles to build trust and support. This episode offers invaluable guidance on communicating public health's critical role with clarity, empathy, and impact. Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting