PHEC 410: Healing Beyond the Clinic, with Allison Rapp, MPH, MCHES
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
Release Date: 06/24/2025
PHEC 419: Why Patient Voices Matter in Public Health Policy, With Shanthi Hegde
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this deeply moving and energizing episode, Dr. Huntley interviews Shanthi Hegde, a rare disease advocate, board leader, and soon-to-be public health student at Brown University. Shanthi shares her powerful journey as a young woman of color living with multiple rare bleeding disorders and an immune dysregulatory syndrome, and she details the systemic barriers patients like her face at every level of the healthcare system. Shanthi’s work spans national and grassroots levels, serving on the Board of the Hemophilia Federation of America, founding innovative young adult advocacy groups, and...
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PHEC 418: How Community-Led Initiatives Drive Health Equity, With Robyn Bussey
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Huntley welcomes Robyn Bussey, a self-described "health equitist" and Health Equity Director at the Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE). With deep roots in rural Georgia and a passion for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, Robyn shares her personal journey from growing up as the daughter of a beloved rural public health nurse to leading innovative, community-driven health equity initiatives across the American South. Robyn provides listeners with practical insights on building community trust, supporting maternal and reproductive health, and...
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PHEC 417: From Dismantling to Rebuilding Public Health, With Abby Tighe
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
Dr. Huntley sits down with Abby Tighe, a former CDC public health advisor and co-founder of the Fired by Fighting coalition. Together, they share an insider’s look at the nationwide impact of the 2025 mass firing of thousands of CDC and HHS professionals and the dangerous dismantling of America’s public health infrastructure. They also highlight how a grassroots movement is fighting back. Abby details her unexpected professional journey, her passion for equitable and rural health, and how losing her position became a rallying point for collective advocacy and transparency. Through her...
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PHEC 416: Turning Grief Into Action
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Huntley, shares her heartfelt journey one year after the tragic loss of her son, Nicholas, in a motorcycle accident. Dr. Huntley opens up about her struggle to channel her grief and frustration into meaningful action and advocacy, seeking the support, ideas, and expertise of the public health community and podcast listeners. The episode serves as a call to action for collaborative reflection—on how families, communities, and policymakers can honor loved ones and improve motorcycle safety and awareness, all while navigating the...
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PHEC 415: Uniting Multidisciplinary Voices for Public Health Policy
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this special episode of the PHEC Podcast, Dr. Huntley shares her experience moderating the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Policy Action Institute in Washington, DC, June 2025. She engaged with a multidisciplinary group of professionals including policymakers, legislators, lawyers, medical doctors, nonprofit leaders, and business owners, each contributing to a robust conversation at the intersection of public health and policy. Dr. Huntley’s reflections offer real-world perspectives and practical inspiration for public health professionals seeking to impact policy and build...
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PHEC 414: Finding Strength Through Service
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Huntley shares her journey through personal and professional challenges. Drawing from her work facilitating leadership and resilience workshops for public health professionals, especially with the Tribal Epidemiology Centers, Dr. Huntley explores the vital principle that "you can't pour from an empty cup." She opens up about her own struggles with grief, professional uncertainty, and the realities of working in a strained public health environment. Through a story of service and renewal, Dr. Huntley emphasizes the power of community, self-care, and adapting our...
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PHEC 413: How Community Health Assessments Drive Change
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this episode, Dr. Huntley offers a deep dive into the world of community health assessments. She explores the identity crisis surrounding these assessments, the interdisciplinary nature of public health, and the challenge of industry silos. Dr. Huntley breaks down the five most common types of community health assessments, discusses their critical functions, and highlights what sets her firm apart in delivering impactful, equity-driven health insights. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how community health assessments drive meaningful change and why they are essential...
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PHEC 412: Bold Moves in Behavioral Health, With Dannette R. Smith, MSW
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dannette R. Smith discuss the evolution of behavioral health services in Colorado, reflecting on personal and professional transitions, the importance of gratitude, and the challenges faced in public health. They emphasize the need for collective action and vulnerability in leadership to effectively serve communities, especially in times of change and uncertainty. Resources ▶️ ▶️ ▶️
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PHEC 411: Lessons in Community Health Collaboration, with Megan Weis, DrPH, MPH, MCHES
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this episode, Dr. Huntley sits down with Dr. Megan Weis, Director of Connecting Communities at the SC Center for Rural and Primary Health Care. Dr. Weis shares her journey into public health, the pivotal role of mentorship, and her passion for bridging academia, practice, and policy. The conversation dives into the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health, the importance of community-driven solutions, and innovative programs that connect resources to those who need them most. Listeners will gain insights into the power of collaboration, the impact of thoughtful policy, and the...
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PHEC 410: Healing Beyond the Clinic, with Allison Rapp, MPH, MCHES
Public Health Epidemiology Conversations
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley speaks with Allison Rapp, the president of the Florida Public Health Association. They discuss Allison's journey into public health, her personal experiences that shaped her career, and her passion for mental health and neurodiversity. The conversation also highlights the diverse challenges faced in Florida's public health landscape and the importance of collaboration across different sectors to address these issues effectively. Resources ▶️ ▶️ ▶️
info_outlineIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley speaks with Allison Rapp, the president of the Florida Public Health Association. They discuss Allison's journey into public health, her personal experiences that shaped her career, and her passion for mental health and neurodiversity. The conversation also highlights the diverse challenges faced in Florida's public health landscape and the importance of collaboration across different sectors to address these issues effectively.
Resources
▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes