Dr. P On The Pod

Marvell L. Terry II (he, him, his) is a powerhouse educator, grassroots activist, and cultural organizer from Memphis, Tennessee. HIV advocacy and cultural organizing are personal for him; It was the moment he received a positive diagnosis of HIV that jump-started his more than decade-long career that has had a local, state, and national impact. Marvell was passionate about improving the health ou...

In this episode, Dr. P is joined by lawyer and activist Dafina Ward, JD. Dafina Ward, J.D. is an attorney and non-profit strategist with nearly fifteen years of experience addressing HIV and health equity issues in the southern United States. Working in partnership with a range of advocates—from grassroots leaders to federal decision-makers—she is a trusted voice in regional and national spaces. W...

In this episode, Dr. P has a stimulating discussion with two insightful guests: Pastor Gerard Duncan and Jude Ngang.    Pastor Gerard Duncan is the senior pastor of Prayers By Faith Family Ministries in Gainesville, Florida.  He works closely with faith leaders to increase awareness of health and wellness within their churches and the communities they serve.  Additionally, Pastor Duncan is  the CE...

A charismatic praise & worship leader, Washington, D.C.-based Dr. Stephen Hurd wears all the hats one can possibly wear as a contemporary gospel artist. He has done spoken word pieces, sung many more, directed choirs and arranged vocals, led countless praise & worship workshops, and written several songs that are regularly sung at Sunday services, including "Undignified," "G...

Victoria A. Smalls, a native of St. Helena Island, SC, serves as President & CEO at Smalls Cultural Resources, championing Gullah Geechee communities across the southeastern United States.  With a focus on climate, land, and ocean justice, Smalls Cultural Resources is dedicated to preserving Gullah Geechee heritage through history, art, language, and culture. With two decades of experience, Vi...

Fitness and nutrition expert Michelle D. Hare shares how we can succeed on our path to a healthier lifestyle. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Michelle is a longtime dance and exercise enthusiast.  She obtained a B.S. and M.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo and also received a second B.S., with honors, from the City University of New York at Queens College, where she majored...

Rev. Dr. Sande Bailey-Gwinn is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Foundations for Living, based in Jefferson, GA. Foundations For Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating Transformational Moments through Inspiration and Education that will empower Low to Moderate Income families and all clients to envision, discover, implement and achieve personal/professional goals. Foundati...

Yolanda Reed is the Owner, President and CEO of Eudora Enterprises, LLC where she functions in the knowledge, understanding and workings of the Proverbs 31 woman. She purchases real estate and invests in other capital ventures. “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trad...

Dr. P looks back on 2023 and The Balm In Gilead's many accomplishments during the year. She expresses special appreciation for the  amazing faith and health professionals who have helped make the organization's programs successful.

Life expectancy for Black Americans is four years shorter than it was 20 years ago.   In this episode, Dr. P delves into this sobering statistic. She  identifies youth suicide as well as maternal and infant mortality among the factors that contribute to the overall decline in Black Americans' lifespans.  Dr. P urges concerned listeners to attend the Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, which wil...

Many Black Americans are not aware of the problematic  government policies that affect our lives and communities. In this episode, Dr. P welcomes Pamela D. Price for a discussion about  policy issues having immediate impact on our health and well-being, including drug prices and digital equity. Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, managing the health prog...

During the summer, the Balm In Gilead conducted events in five cities as part of the Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour. In this episode, Dr. P and Cary Goodman discuss the importance of providing  vital  information about diseases and conditions affecting African Americans. Looking ahead, they preview the 10th Anniversary Healthy Churches 2030 Conference, which will take place November 13-16, 202...

Dr. P and Dr. Saraswathy Nochur discuss why it is imperative that people of diverse backgrounds participate in clinical trials. Dr. Nochur explains what happens before, during, and after a clinical trial and notes that  people can find a clinical trial for which they may be qualified by visiting www.clinicaltrials.gov. Saraswathy Nochur is Chief DE&I Officer at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambr...

Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, or hATTR amyloidosis, is a rare, inherited condition that has an increased prevalence among people of African descent. This week, Dr. P is joined by Alnylam Patient Education Liaison (PEL), Valerie Graham, and Cece, who is living with hATTR amyloidosis, to learn more about the condition. We’ll talk about the importance of discussing health history within families and t...

As Minority Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, Dr. P and her guest, Dr. Maha Radhakrishnan , discuss the high rates of depression among African Americans. They share thoughts on the connection between COVID and depression and Dr. Radhakrishnan provides advice on what to do if you or a loved one is struggling with depression. Dr. Radhakrishnan is Group SVP and Chief Medical Officer, re...

Dr. P and guest Geneva Watford discuss why we MUST find time to embrace REST for mind and body.  Sister Geneva gives practical steps and tips on getting REST in the midst of today's on-the-go lifestyle. Geneva M. Watford is a holistic, well-being advocate and activist with a dedication to cultivating spaces for community, conversation, creativity, and healing. Ms. Watford is the owner of GMW...

Dr. P welcomes Project Nana, Inc. Founder, Vanessa L. Hill to the podcast for "real talk" about gynecological care for women aged 55 and older and how culture shapes health care options for seasoned women.   Project Nana Inc., is a nonprofit with an innovative approach to advancing health equity for post-menopausal women. Through creative workshops, advocacy, training, research and commu...

The Tuskegee Syphilis Study is often mentioned when discussing the deep mistrust many Black Americans feel regarding the healthcare system. In this episode first broadcast in 2021, Dr. Warren gives the facts about the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and why it continues to affect our decision-making about  health.    Dr. Reuben C. Warren is the Director of the National Center for Bioethics in Research and...

Dr. P enjoys a candid discussion with Reiki Master and Sacred Shaman Priestess Julia Jovone in this replay of one of our most popular episodes. Through their conversation, they share their unique struggles with self-care while acknowledging the power of knowing the connectedness of God as the source of all life, which dwells within each of us. About Our Guest: An Intuitive Reiki Master, Sacred Sha...

There is no question that mortality -- whether our own or that of a loved one -- is a difficult topic. Yet, it is essential that  individuals and families make  important legal and medical decisions related to wills, hospice care, and estate transfer before a crisis occurs. In this episode, Dr. P and Ms. Zeena Regis define advanced care planning and discuss why it is difficult for many of us to st...

Dr.  Seele and her guest,  marketing pro JT Logan, discuss the role fatherhood plays in Black communities.  JT shares how his faith guides and sustains him through the challenges and joys of raising his daughter. In addition to being a great dad, JT is a serial entrepreneur, business coach, author, musician, and  minister.

Given the significant impact of cognitive illness on Black families, Dr. P and Maya Lynn Harris discuss Alzheimer's from the caregiver's perspective. Ms. Harris , of Richmond, VA, is a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia, and subsequently, Alzheimer's.  Ms. Harris is the Founder of WOMB (Women-Owned Minority Business), a coaching organization that helps women o...

In observance of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month, Dr. P and Kellee Bacote discuss the impact of cognitive illness in African American communities. Ms. Bacote is the Lead Community Outreach & Recruitment Project Manager at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.    

With the approach of  Men's Health Month in June, we're rebroadcasting one of our most popular episodes. Dr. P is joined by Dr. Pervis Taylor III for an in-depth discussion of Black men's mental health concerns. He and Dr. P discuss real-time challenges and solutions for Black men and the women who love them. Dr. Taylor, an award-winning celebrity life coach, holds a master's d...

When it comes to bladder cancer, African Americans are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which results in worse outcomes. In this episode, Dr. P and her guests discuss the facts about bladder cancer, its symptoms, and why it frequently is misdiagnosed, especially among women.    Dr. Samuel Washington is Assistant Professor of Urology and holds the Goldberg-Benioff Endowed Professorship in Canc...