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

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▶️ 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

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▶️ 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

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

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▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this roundtable discussion, Dr. Huntley is joined by Deborah Shomuyiwa and Jessie Meyer to answer a surprisingly complex but essential question: What is public health? Using plain language and relatable examples, they each break down how public health impacts our everyday lives. From drinking clean water and wearing seatbelts to shaping community policies and creating environments that support healthier choices.

Together, they highlight how public health is often quiet when it's working well, why it's different from medicine, and how personal experiences in pharmacy, emergency medical services, and advocacy can all tie back to broader population health. This episode underscores the need to better communicate, celebrate, and "sell" public health so the public can recognize its value long before a crisis hits.

Resources

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▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Dr. Huntley welcomes back Dr. Kristi McClamroch, epidemiologist, entrepreneur, disruptor, and founder of Courageous Public Health. This episode dives deep into the power of courage—what it means, why it matters, and how public health professionals can lean on courage as a practice and pathway to resilience during times of uncertainty and upheaval. Drawing from her journey as a mom, scientist, leader, and creator, Dr. McClamroch shares actionable guidance for individuals and organizations striving not just to survive but to transform and rebuild public health in 2025's rapidly shifting environment.

▶️ Join the PHEC Community

▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes

▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This episode features Dr. Tista Ghosh, a public health physician, epidemiologist, author, and senior VP for Employee Health at a global medical device company. Dr. Ghosh shares her journey from discovering public health late in medical school to her impactful roles at the CDC, state government, and private industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights her book Before the Next Crisis, which captures frontline workers' stories, and addresses critical challenges like disinformation and distrust in public health. She offers valuable insights on the evolving field, storytelling, public-private partnerships, and advice for listening deeply to communities.

Resources

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▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes

▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This insightful episode with Dr. Jimmie Hayes Smith explores his journey from clinical medicine to public health leadership, showcasing his dedication to community-centered healthcare, equity, and collaboration. As the administrator for Macon Bibb County Health Department in Georgia, Dr. Smith offers practical advice on navigating public health challenges, building partnerships, and empowering diverse communities across county and regional lines. His warm stories and thought-provoking tips provide inspiration to listeners at any stage of their public health careers.

Resources

▶️ Join the PHEC Community

▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes

▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting