So, let’s talk about the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare, and where we would be today without it…

This is a question that I have been asking a lot lately. Especially with the upcoming elections, and with all the politicians and Supreme Court justices trying to do everything they can to challenge the Affordable Care Act – or some parts of it – to make it completely unconstitutional.

This is why it’s important for us to remember that before Obamacare, there were 50 million Americans who were not insured. 50 million Americans were constantly at risk of having the trajectory of their whole life changed forever with just one medical accident.

That brings us to the question: why were they not insured? Well, that’s because before Obamacare, insurance was not really affordable for a lot of people. And even if you can afford it, insurance companies will deny you their services if you have a pre-existing condition.

That is why in this episode, we will discuss where we all would be without Obamacare, 14 years after it was passed.

So join me today as I give you an overview of what it was like before Obamacare, the impacts that it had since it was passed, and more importantly, an understanding of what’s really at stake as we get ready to participate in the upcoming elections.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Recall the healthcare situation in America before we had the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare;
• Discover how the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. Obamacare actually benefited both patients and insurance companies; and
• Find out why you need to be aware of everything that’s happening around you – especially in politics – if you really want to take care of your health.

If you really want to take care of your health to the best of its abilities, you have to be aware of all the things that could affect you yesterday, today, and more importantly, tomorrow.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“If you are in the practice of medicine, you are in the practice of politics; because what the politicians can do, will do, and have done affects your activities of daily living and affects your livelihood every single day.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“As a healthcare provider, you can’t be like ‘I’m not into politics’ or ‘I’ll stay away from politics’… If you’re taking care of patients, you have to be aware of everything going on around us, especially from a political standpoint.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“I just sometimes shake my head when I hear and see these news outlets talk about the “evilness” of the Affordable Care Act. Because it just tells me: 1) They are not in the healthcare system, or more importantly 2) They’re on the side where they can afford to go to a doctor privately or they can afford to pay for the medical bills and they don’t care nor do they have the empathy to take care of those who cannot.” – Dr Berry Pierre

“I am here as a physician letting you know that the Affordable Care Act plan saves lives tenfold.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

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So, let’s talk about the fundamental practice of thinking like a doctor and how you can do that even when you’re not so much of a health-inclined person…

Time’s been running so fast these days; we’re now past the first half of 2024. But before we move on to the second half of the year, I’ve got here a question for you to ponder:

In the past six months, have you been making decisions about your health, or have others been making them for you?

Because as ironic as it is, as humans, we like to be in control of almost everything, but when it comes to our health, we almost always let other people decide for ourselves.

But why do we let that happen? Why, when we can learn how to think like a doctor and empower ourselves for better health?

You do not have to go to medical school. You do not have to be an actual doctor. You simply need to learn to think like one.

And in this episode, whether you’re new to my platform or not, I’ll give you a refresher on how to actually do that. Today, I’ll give you the blueprint of what it means to think like a doctor so you can make the informed decisions that are important in shaping a healthier and happier life.

So, if you want to take control, join me and learn how to think like a doctor today. Because by doing so, you not only create a happier, healthier life for yourself, but you also do the same for your loved ones.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Find out what key concepts and challenges are there when it comes to thinking like a doctor;
• Understand why you have to make the decisions on your behalf as you empower yourself for better health; and
• Recognize the importance of knowing how to think like a doctor and actually practicing it

““We are thinking like a doctor, we are doing the steps that are needed to proceed us in the best life, because we do not want others to make the decision and taking care of our health for us; that is not something we’d want to bring into 2025. In 2025, we want to be as deliberate when it comes to our health, as deliberate when it comes to recognizing where we can get the best information, as deliberate as solidifying those relationship that are around us that are going to just make us the best person that we can be…Our goal should always be just like Dr. Pierre’s model—empower yourself for better health; and to do so, we have to ask ourselves: ‘Am I ready to make the decision that I don’t want others to have to make for me?” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“In medicine, there are so many different topics to touch on that you can’t possibly touch on all of them all at once and appease every single population whenever you’re doing something like this. But you can do a great job being consistent at the things that are extremely important, and not necessarily the most popular.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“If we’re going to think like a doctor, it’s because we want to make the decision. We want to make the decisions on our behalf to live a happier, healthier life. And we cannot do that if we don’t recognize we have an issue, if we don’t recognize where to get accurate information on that issue, and if we don’t recognize when we’re going to get some help.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Mentions:

• Menopause Myth Buster with Dr. LaKeischa McMillan
• Unlock the secrets to thinking like a doctor! Get your copy of the infographic here

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Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member.

Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let's talk about the struggles of being neurodivergent and Black, and how advocacy can help make a world that’s truly accepting, loving, and just…

Have you ever wondered how couples navigate the unique journey of raising a child on the spectrum?

In previous episodes, we had Nick who talked about the experience from the Black fathers’ perspective, and Cheryl who talked about advocating when there are forces that make it harder to raise an autistic kid.

But what is it like as a couple? What are the dynamics in a relationship when raising an autistic child?

This is a conversation that’s not often had, especially as parents, we often forget that we also have a life and relationship outside just being moms and dads.

But in today’s episode, we’ll learn the importance of keeping the love burning as husband and wife, the importance of communication, understanding, and care, and the power of partnership in raising a thriving autistic child.

After all, as parents, we all just want what’s best for our children. Join us as we work towards the end goal and not let the fear of uncertainty stop us.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Learn the importance of being present in your relationship as husband and wife and making time to nurture your connection outside of your responsibilities as parents;
• Discover actionable tips you can try doing with your partner if you’re struggling and are at different points and speeds in your journey; and
• Recognize the importance of communication and self-care, especially if you’re raising a child on the spectrum.

“Something else that we also had to learn is that we had to keep our love burning outside of children as well, making sure that we are not just thinking of ourselves as mom and dad. For us to be able to communicate effectively with one another, for us to be able to be around each other and do all these things, we have to have our own relationship outside of parenting; not being in mom-and-dad role, but being in husband-and-wife role as well for our relationship.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

Notable Quotes:

“One of the lessons that you definitely taught me was that if I’m saying it in my head, you’re not a mind-reader and I have to verbalize it to you. I cannot have the expectation that you should know.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“Communicate with your partner; where you’re at, your fears, your concerns. Oftentimes, people are either afraid or have shame in what they’re feeling, so they don’t voice those concerns, but your co-parent, your partner, should be someone that you trust and can share those emotions with.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“Make sure you have a therapist that you can go to for couples, for family, [and] for individuals…You don’t have to have problems to be going to a therapist.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

Connect with Maria Davis-Pierre and the Autism in Black Inc.:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

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Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

In today's episode, we dive deep into a pressing issue highlighted by the Surgeon General—the proposal to place warning labels on social media platforms, particularly to shield our youth from potential harms. This discussion comes at a crucial time as we witness an unprecedented surge in social media usage among teens, raising significant mental health concerns.

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Key Discussion Points:

• Surgeon General's Proposal: Unpacking the recent advocacy for warning labels on social media to alert users, especially young ones, about the potential psychological impacts.
• Mental Health Implications: We explore how excessive engagement with social media platforms can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among the youth.
• Parental Responsibility and Control: Discussing the role of parents and guardians in managing their children's social media use, including practical tips on setting effective parental controls.
• Broader Impact on Society: Reflecting on how these concerns are not just limited to the youth but affect adults and the wider community.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of social media's influence on our well-being and what it means for future regulations and personal responsibility.

Links:

Surgeon general wants tobacco-style warning applied to social media platforms

So, let's talk about the struggles of being neurodivergent and Black, and how advocacy can help make a world that’s truly accepting, loving, and just…

As a mother to two neurodivergent Black sons and being neurodivergent herself, Cheryl Poe, MS, has gone through firsthand experiences of how cruel the world can get for disabled individuals.

Not to mention that it actually gets tougher when you also happen to be Black.

Quoting her words—it’s a struggle; it’s a fight—especially for our children whose schools promote microaggressions and racist acts.

But this has to stop. Change needs to happen. Work needs to be done.

So, join us today as we refuse to be victims of the system. Together, let us fight for our rights.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Discover the cruel experiences and struggles neurodivergent people face in their day-to-day, especially kids, and when they also happen to be Black;
• Recognize the true meaning of allyship, and why it’s important that we learn how to advocate for Black people the right way; and
• Find out how you can join the “Breaking Barriers Together” conference, happening this August 23rd-25th through the Whoa app

“It’s a fight. It’s a struggle. But it has to be done. And there’s a way to do it to preserve yourself, [and] there’s definitely a way to do it to protect your child.” – Cheryl Poe, MS

Notable Quotes:

“In numbers, we can see change.” – Cheryl Poe, MS

“An allyship is being a white person and acknowledging that racism exists and that there are things that can be done and that you’re willing to do it.” – Cheryl Poe, MS

“We need to figure out what’s happening. What is the trigger? What is the cause? [And] how do we remove that barrier so that the child can continue to stay in this educational setting like his peers and learn and grow?” – Cheryl Poe, MS

“To me, that’s what our community does. Our community uplifts and supports each other.” – Cheryl Poe, MS

Connect with Cheryl Poe, MS:

• Facebook
• Website
• Website (AWB Project)

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Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

So, let's talk about the story and experience Black fathers go through in raising autism-diagnosed kids…

While autism discussions and advocacy are slowly coming to the forefront, unfortunately, not enough attention is given to the experiences of fathers – especially Black fathers – just yet.

That’s why we’re back with another episode from this two-part series with Nick Richardson, an author, a loving husband, and a Black father to a son who has a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD.

Going through the experience of having to unlearn and relearn everything for his son's development, he believes in the power and importance of having support groups and/or communities.

Regardless of whether you’re a father who just got your kid’s diagnosis or a spouse trying to understand what your husband is thinking, this two-part series will try to serve as a helping hand in this time of need.

In this episode, Nick emphasizes the importance of creating a household full of love as he stresses how crucial it is that as parents, we also find people we trust to rely on so we can find balance and take a break. Because as beautiful and loving as it is that our love drives us to work for the betterment of our kids, we also need to recharge and take a breath.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Understand the importance of parents having a trusted community to rely on for taking a break;
• Recognize the significance of creating and having a positive and loving household, regardless of whether your kids are atypical, neurotypical, or neurodivergent; and
• Learn how to find balance in life as a parent, especially if you have a child on the spectrum.

“I believe all households should be full of love. Every household is different, but when you’re definitely talking about having a child on the spectrum, creating the most positive atmosphere you can will help better your child in the development with this diagnosis.” – Nick Richardson

Notable Quotes:

“What I’m realizing is I know when I surround my son with the things he prefers, he has a better opportunity not only to learn academically but learn socially when there are positive environments around him.” – Nick Richardson

“It all depends on what your priorities are. That’s how you find out what you can handle and what gets done and what doesn’t get done.” – Nick Richardson

Mentions:

• (Part 1) The Unique Journey of Black Fathers Raising Autistic Kids with Nick Richardson
• AutisHim
• Breaking Barriers: An Introductory Look at African American Fathers and Autism Advocacy

Connect with Nick Richardson:

• Facebook
• YouTube

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Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify

In today's episode, we delve into an essential and timely topic—Men's Health Month. This observance is not just a calendar event; it's a crucial reminder of the importance of personal responsibility in health management for men.

We'll explore why Men’s Health Month is celebrated, discuss the major diseases that disproportionately affect men, and provide actionable insights on how men can improve their health outcomes.

Please SUBSCRIBE for new videos every Monday afternoon and Thursday Evening https://www.drberrypierre.com/YTsubscription​

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Key Discussion Points:

• Significance of Men's Health Month: An overview of why this month is dedicated to men's health and what it aims to achieve in terms of awareness and action.
• Top 10 Diseases Affecting Men: We'll break down the most common health challenges faced by men today, from heart disease to mental health issues, and discuss the statistics and preventive measures.
• Improving Health Outcomes: Practical advice on how men can take charge of their health, including lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and being proactive about health screenings.

This episode is a call to action for all men to prioritize their health and for society to support and facilitate healthier lifestyles for men at every age.

Links:

Men's Health Month Official Website

So, let's talk about the story and experience Black fathers go through in raising autism-diagnosed kids…

Nick Richardson is an author, a loving husband, and a Black father to a son who has a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Going through the experience of having to unlearn and relearn everything for the development of his son, he believes in the power and importance of having support groups and/or communities.

Just like what he said in this episode, more often than not, people – especially men – tend to forget that while they’re going through the struggles, there are other people – or men – going through the same, too. Not to mention the lack of support for our brothers out there as well.

But while it is unfortunate that the stories of fathers – especially Black men – aren’t being talked about enough these days, we cannot let our voices be silenced, for like our autistic loved ones, we also need all the support that we can receive.

And that’s one of the reasons why he’s here today – to send the message out there that this is happening and there are people whose story mirrors yours as well, and that we can be of help to one another as we journey this life and experience of having autistic kids.

So, join us, and let’s talk about our story, because who knows? As Nick says, it can edify, help, or move somebody, and even teach people about autism and fatherhood as a parent whose child has special needs.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Discover the story of Black fathers who have a child on the spectrum (with special needs);
• Recognize the impact and importance of having a community or support group, especially within the African-American population; and
• Find out the internal letdowns usually experienced by fathers whose family member/s got diagnosed, and understand how and why fathers also need support

“I believe African-Americans are communal people. I think we need each other in order for our children to grow and develop to be the most productive citizens possible.” – Nick Richardson

Notable Quotes:

“Everything that you knew about raising a child, nine times out of 10, came from you being that child being raised [by] your parents or grandparents or people who have poured into you. [But] none of that now matters. For the most part, you can’t do and raise your child in the manner that you were raised. So, what you think you know, you now have to unlearn, and relearn what is necessary for your child’s development.” – Nick Richardson

“When you’re going through all of this, the one thing you do not realize is that there are other men going through it, too.” – Nick Richardson

“It’s not just that brothers need brothers to understand that, but talking to other brothers helps you reflect on yourself. It kind of gives you a different perspective on what you can possibly do. In our support group, we don’t tell anybody how to do anything. We give our stories, we give our experiences, we give the things that we’ve tried, and if it works for you, take it; if it doesn’t work, see if another brother has a different experience that you can use to help you in your situation.” – Nick Richardson

“We do a lot of sacrificing for our family because we care about them. We want our children to be the best versions of themselves as possible.” – Nick Richardson

“The negative energy that I was giving, my son was just taking it and giving it back; it wasn’t helping him. So, I could not discipline him the way I was disciplined. I had to find another way, which is where some of these trainings are coming in and talking to ABA therapists.” – Nick Richardson

Mentions:

• My Autism In Black Conference Recap
• AutisHim
• DSM-5
• Autism in Black

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Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member.

Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify