In this episode of My City Talks, Corey sits down with Krisha Keeran, former intern, medical school hopeful, and co-founder of Club Kids for a Cause. After surviving a devastating accident, Krisha turned her recovery into a purpose, raising over $65,000 through tennis tournaments to support healthcare causes. This summer, her story comes full circle as she hosts a tournament in her honor to fund continuing education for nurses at UIHC. Listen as Krisha shares how Iowa City saved her life and why helmets, hope, and community still drive her mission.

Show Notes:

Guest: Krisha Keeran
Host: Corey Dion Lewis

Topics Covered:

• Krisha’s start with My City My Health as its first intern
• Founding Club Kids for a Cause after a family friend’s breast cancer diagnosis
• Growing the nonprofit to raise over $65,000 through tennis events and merchandise
• Surviving a near-fatal bike accident and the role UIHC played in her recovery
• The emotional and personal significance of this year’s tournament in West Des Moines
• Promoting helmet safety and partnering with the Iowa Bike Coalition
• Creating a scholarship fund for SnakeU nurses at the University of Iowa Healthcare
• How to support: buying merch, attending the tournament, or donating via Venmo

Event Info:
Club Kids for a Cause Summer Classic
📍 Valley Southwoods, West Des Moines
📅 July 11–13, 2025
Proceeds benefit a new fund for nurse education in Krisha’s honor.

Support & Connect:

• Instagram: @clubkidsforacause
• Facebook: Club Kids for a Cause
• Merch: Available through July 30
• Follow Krisha: @KrishaKeeran

Want to be featured?
Email: hello@mycity.health

In this episode of My City My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Jahnavi Pandya, a counseling psychologist with a passion for cultural sensitivity and inclusive mental health care. Jahnavi shares her journey from India to the U.S., her experiences working with diverse populations, and the importance of tailoring therapy to individual cultural backgrounds. From addressing trauma and grief to fostering self-worth and self-compassion, this conversation explores how mental health care can become more accessible and meaningful for all.

00:00 - 00:13 | Introduction

00:14 - 00:56 | Decision to Study in the U.S

00:57 - 2:11 | Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health

02:12 - 7:47 | The Rewards and Challenges of Working with Diverse Populations

07:48 - 10:38 | Cultural Expectations Throughout Society

10:39 - 13:32 | Fostering Self-Worth and Self-Compassion

13:33 - 13:45 | Common Mental Health Challenges

13:46 - 17:29 | Effective Approaches to mental health

17:30 - 20:34 | The Future of Mental Health Care

20:35 - 24:24 | Where to Find Jahnavi & Closing Remarks

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

In this episode of MyCityMyHealth, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Khyathi Gadag, a PhD candidate in Health Policy and Management at the University of Iowa. Khyathi shares her journey from dentistry to mental health research, highlighting the crucial intersection of mental and physical health. They discuss holistic mental health approaches, the role of social determinants like housing and income, and how policy changes can improve access to care. Khyathi also dives into her work as the founder of Here to Help, a student-led initiative focused on bridging the gap between mental health resources and student needs. Listen to learn how we can integrate mental health into healthcare policy, reduce stigma, and create a more inclusive, supportive future.

Topics Covered:

[00:01] Introduction to My City My Health and guest Khyathi Gadag

[00:22] Khyathi’s background: From dentistry to mental health research

[01:53] The connection between oral health and mental health

[03:17] Holistic approaches to mental health in healthcare policy

[06:08] The Connection Between Environment and Mental Health

[08:32] Founding Here to Help: A student-led mental health initiative

[11:04] Tackling stigma through peer support and cultural competence

[13:46] The challenge of balancing ambition with mental health in academic and professional settings

[17:37] Overcoming barriers in implementing holistic mental health care

[22:14] The future of mental health: Integrated care, social determinants, and technology

[24:42] Khyathi’s advice: Make mental health a priority and cultivate empathy for others

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

• LinkedIn: Khyathi Gadag