How Marketing, Communications, & PR Can Boost Public Health Impact

Public Health Insight

◼️Today Show Article: How parents of children born with heart defects share their hope

1:03:29

Finally, we find out who is unbeatable, unhateable, and unbreakable in the final five episodes of Battle Camp Season One. Host Chris Burns is joined by the multi-talented comedian Dana Moon to relive the cockroach mac & cheese, Trey’s drag debut, and the final wheel spin. The Season One Winner joins Chris to debrief on strategy and dish on game play. Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/WeHaveTheReceipts Text us at (929) 487-3621 DM Chris @FatCarrieBradshaw on Instagram Follow We Have The Receipts wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.…

28 days ago 30:09

MP3•Episode home

Whether you're in public health, comms, or curious about how stories shape change—this one’s for you.

References for Our Discussion

◼️Small Adventures Communications

Guest

◼️Alexson Calahan, APR

Host(s) & Producer(s)

◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®

Production Notes

◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here.

Leave Us Some Feedback

If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think.

Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

275 episodes

#Science #Public Health #Social Determinants #Global Health #Knowledge Translation #Communication #Careers #Business #Social Sciences #PHI Media #Podcasting Education

Public Health Insight

How Marketing, Communications, & PR Can Boost Public Health Impact

Public Health Insight

25 subscribers

published 28 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Whether you're in public health, comms, or curious about how stories shape change—this one’s for you.

References for Our Discussion

◼️Small Adventures Communications

◼️Today Show Article: How parents of children born with heart defects share their hope

Guest

◼️Alexson Calahan, APR

Host(s) & Producer(s)

◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP®

Production Notes

◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here.

Leave Us Some Feedback

Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.

275 episodes

#Science #Public Health #Social Determinants #Global Health #Knowledge Translation #Communication #Careers #Business #Social Sciences #PHI Media #Podcasting Education

All episodes

Public Health Insight

1
A Public Health Mentorship Program Shaking Things Up in Canada 19:03

7 days ago19:03

19:03

It started with an eye condition, a laptop, and a growing sense that public health professionals deserved more support. What came next? A mentorship model shaking things up across Canada. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Carly La Berge shares the story behind the Canadian Public Health Hub, including its triad mentorship model, how she’s keeping it inclusive and burnout-free, and why she believes mentorship should be accessible, flexible, and community-driven. She also reflects on the lessons from an early failed attempt at mentorship involving $500 worth of uneaten pizza and makes a compelling case for why more public health professionals should step up as mentors. References for Our Discussion ◼️ The Canadian Public Health Hub Guest ◼️ Carly La Berge, MPH Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
When One of the World's Pickiest Eaters Becomes A Senior Policy Analyst 43:24

14 days ago43:24

43:24

Carly La Berge never planned to work in public health. After years of pursuing a career in medicine, rejection letters, and frustrations in healthcare clinics sent her down an unexpected path — one fueled by advocacy, system change, and a lot of detours. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Carly shares how working as a medical office assistant opened her eyes to deeper health inequities, why she pursued an MPH in Social Policy, and how policy writing became a tool for accountability and action. She also talks about imposter syndrome, board leadership, and the story behind Charlie’s Colourful Plate, a public health children's book inspired by her own experiences as one of the world's pickiest eaters. References for Our Discussion ◼️ The Canadian Public Health Hub Guest ◼️ Carly La Berge, MPH Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Telling Patient Stories The Right Way To Drive Change 31:42

21 days ago31:42

31:42

When public health stories are told right, they don’t just inform—they move people. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast with Alexson Calahan, Founder of Small Adventures Communications, we dive deep into the ‘ how’ of public relations in public health and explore tangible takeaways to do it better. From building trust with patients to crafting campaigns that change behavior, Alexson shares the tools, strategies, and lessons she’s learned across two decades in the field, including: ◼️The difference between PR, marketing, and communications in practice ◼️What happens when PR and public health work really well together ◼️How to connect emotionally and ethically with communities and patients ◼️A step-by-step approach to collecting, crafting, and sharing patient stories responsibly ◼️How organizations can prepare for crises and protect both relationships and reputations Plus, we unpack the role of AI in PR (spoiler: it’s not ready to write your press releases just yet). References for Our Discussion ◼️ Small Adventures Communications ◼️ Today Show Article: How parents of children born with heart defects share their hope Guest ◼️ Alexson Calahan, APR Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
How Marketing, Communications, & PR Can Boost Public Health Impact 30:09

28 days ago30:09

30:09

What does public health have to gain from public relations? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we speak with Alexson Calahan—Founder of Small Adventures Communications and a seasoned public relations expert with nearly 20 years of experience about her unconventional journey from selling classified ads to how she turned a data inquiry from the Today Show into a $100K gift for congenital heart defect research. Whether you're in public health, comms, or curious about how stories shape change—this one’s for you. References for Our Discussion ◼️ Small Adventures Communications ◼️ Today Show Article: How parents of children born with heart defects share their hope Guest ◼️ Alexson Calahan, APR Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
How A Pandemic Treaty Protects Global Health Security 34:53

5 weeks ago34:53

34:53

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the world’s vulnerabilities—and reignited global conversations about how to prepare for the next one. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Garry Aslanyan returns to unpack the proposed WHO Pandemic Treaty and how it builds on existing tools like the International Health Regulations. We explore what makes this treaty different, the debates shaping its negotiation, and what it could mean for countries like Canada. From vaccine equity to intellectual property rights and misinformation, we break down why global health treaties matter for you as a local public health professional. References for Our Discussion ◼️ TDR ◼️ Global Health Matters Podcast Guest ◼️ Dr Garry Aslanyan Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Inside the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: A Landmark WHO Treaty 35:44

6 weeks ago35:44

35:44

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) might not make headlines today, but it was the first treaty negotiated under the World Health Organization—and it changed the global public health landscape forever. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Dr. Garry Aslanyan returns to unpack the story behind this groundbreaking treaty. We explore how the FCTC was negotiated in an era before Zoom calls and WhatsApp, the political and economic tensions that shaped its development, and how it continues to influence tobacco control policies worldwide—despite evolving challenges like vaping, flavored products, and social media marketing. From legal battles with Big Tobacco to global policy coordination, we break down why this treaty still matters for local public health professionals. References for Our Discussion ◼️ TDR ◼️ Global Health Matters Podcast Guest ◼️ Dr Garry Aslanyan Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
The World Health Organization Explained & Why Global Health Matters 18:28

7 weeks ago18:28

18:28

You’ve heard of the World Health Organization (WHO), but do you know how it actually works and why it matters in your everyday life? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Garry Aslanyan, Manager of Partnerships and Global Engagement at the WHO’s TDR programme in Geneva, Switzerland. We dive into the fascinating origins of the WHO, explore how it's structured and funded, and unpack how its global decisions directly impact local public health efforts. From eradicating diseases like smallpox to coordinating international responses to COVID-19, we discuss how this global institution continues to shape the health of communities worldwide—and why understanding its role matters for every public health professional. References for Our Discussion ◼️ TDR ◼️ Global Health Matters Podcast Guest ◼️ Dr Garry Aslanyan Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Deconstructing Community Violence With Big Data & Machine Learning 34:46

8 weeks ago34:46

34:46

Gun violence is now a leading cause of death in many demographics but how do you intervene when many of the underlying causes don’t have anything to do with guns in the first place? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Lori Toscano, Director of Justice Technical Assistance at WestEd, discusses using data analytics and machine learning to identify and address risk and protective factors for community violence. The conversation covers a new framework, the Violence Prevention Navigation Framework (VPNF), that leverages 70 community-level indicators to guide deeper root cause analysis and to prioritize interventions. Lori emphasizes intersectoral collaboration, historical community disinvestment, and primary prevention strategies to create systemic change. The episode showcases innovative tools to drive better understanding and actionable recommendations for improving community safety. References for Our Discussion ◼️ WestEd ◼️ Violence Prevention Navigation Framework (VPNF) Guest ◼️ Lori Toscano Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
A Meticulous Career In Criminal Justice & Violence Prevention 39:03

9 weeks ago39:03

39:03

What does a meticulous career in criminal justice and violence prevention look like? Look no further than Lori Toscano. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Lori joins to share her initial ambition to become a grade 5 teacher to now a devoted career in community violence intervention. The conversation dives into the importance of data, community involvement, and the challenges Lori faced while trying to balance enforcement and support. The episode concludes with insights into her role at WestEd, her approaches to technical assistance, and her passion for violence prevention. References for Our Discussion ◼️ WestEd Guest ◼️ Lori Toscano Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Is Burnout The Price To Pay When Working In Public Health? 39:29

10 weeks ago39:29

39:29

It’s understandable why many might think that burnout is inevitable when working in the field of public health? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Marissa McCool, The Public Health Burnout Coach, joins to shatter those misconceptions. She discusses the signs, causes, and impacts of burnout, particularly within the public health field. The conversation explores how burnout can manifest in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and health. Marissa shares insights on the systemic and personal factors contributing to burnout, emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in managing it, and explains the misconceptions surrounding hustle culture. The episode also highlights strategies for mitigating burnout and enhancing workplace efficiency through better rest and self-care practices. References for Our Discussion ◼️ The Public Health Burnout Coach Guest ◼️ Marissa McKool, MPH Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Doing Your Bachelor's and Master’s In Public Health, & Making Career Pivots When Life Happens 31:29

11 weeks ago31:29

31:29

A career in public health can twist and turn in almost limitless directions. In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Marissa McKool shares insights from her educational journey, her persistence in networking, and her time working at government institutions. The discussion includes her unexpected shifts due to personal and political events, her work at UC Berkeley, and her eventual burnout. The conversation provides valuable lessons on the importance of professional persistence, work-life balance, and the need for strategic career pivots in public health. References for Our Discussion ◼️ The Public Health Burnout Coach Guest ◼️ Marissa McKool, MPH Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Revolutionizing Patient Engagement In Healthcare with AI & Blockchain Technology 19:25

12 weeks ago19:25

19:25

The potential of blockchain and AI in revolutionizing healthcare is immense. In this episode of the Public Health Podcast, social change futurist Sheila Phicil discusses how these technologies empower patients with data ownership and control. Introducing her startup 'Phicil-Itate Change,' she explains her mission to guide healthcare organizations in developing patient-centered solutions. The conversation highlights the need for innovation in the healthcare system, the importance of social listening, understanding the context behind patient data, and future trends. References for Our Discussion ◼️ Phicil-Itate Change Guest ◼️ Sheila Phicil, MPH, MS, PMP, FACHE Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Financial Economics, Healthcare Administration, & Public Health 24:11

13 weeks ago24:11

24:11

Who is a social change futurist? Whether you’re aspiring to make an impact in public health or curious about the intersection of finance, healthcare administration, and project management, Sheila’s career journey offers valuable insights into the future of social change in health. Learn more in this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast. References for Our Discussion ◼️ Phicil-Itate Change Guest ◼️ Sheila Phicil, MPH, MS, PMP, FACHE Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Can A Sick Care System Address Inequities & The Social Determinants of Health? 26:09

14 weeks ago26:09

26:09

Why are hospitals closing and what is their role in addressing health disparities? In this episode of the Public Health Insight Podcast, Sheila Phicil, a social change futurist, joins to talk about the complexities and challenges faced by the U.S. healthcare system in addressing social determinants of health. The discussion begins with defining health equity in simple terms then delves into framing healthcare as a 'sick care' system. The conversation shifts to unpacking the disproportionate access to healthcare for already underserved communities, and why healthcare costs are so high. References for Our Discussion ◼️ Phicil-Itate Change Guest ◼️ Sheila Phicil, MPH, MS, PMP, FACHE Host(s) & Producer(s) ◼️ Gordon Thane, BMSc, MPH, PMP® Production Notes ◼️ Music from Johnny Harris x Tom Fox: The Music Room Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe to The Insight newsletter so you don’t miss out on the latest podcast episodes, live events, job skills, learning opportunities, and other engaging professional development content here . Leave Us Some Feedback If you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to subscribe and leave us a rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and spread the word to your friends to help us get discovered by more people. You can also interact directly with the podcast episodes on Spotify using the new “comment” feature! We’d love to hear what you think. Send us a Text Message to let us know what you think.…

Public Health Insight

1
Is It OK To Make Money In Public Health? A Story of Purpose & Profit 37:00

15 weeks ago37:00