Healthier Habits

In our first-ever Healthier Habits Live episode, recorded at the Hunger and Health Illinois Regional Summit 2025, we explore the urgent and complex issue of food waste. Moderated by the Healthier Habits Podcast host, this panel features three powerhouse voices working at the intersection of sustainability, engineering, and community empowerment: Liz Bosarge, MPH (UIC Zero Waste Program Director),...

In this episode, we sit down with Cammi Allton, Resident Services Coordinator for Mercy Housing’s Southside Chicago properties, to explore how permanent supportive housing transforms lives. With over a decade in humanitarian work and a passion for accessible resources, Cammi shares Mercy Housing’s mission, the history behind the organization, and who they serve.   We discuss the challenges residen...

En este episodio especial en español de Healthier Habits, conversamos con Jessica “Remo” Saul, una destacada empresaria y coreógrafa latina, fundadora de The Art of Stepping® y The World of Step. Con su innovador Sistema Remo©, el primer plan de estudios escrito y aplicado a la danza mediante animación, contenido digital y fórmulas matemáticas, Remo ha transformado la enseñanza del stepping en pro...

In this inspiring episode of Healthier Habits, we sit down with Yaisa Hagood, Executive Director of the Southside Center of Hope, to explore how the organization has been a catalyst for healing and change for over 40 years. Serving women and children in Chicago’s most under-resourced communities, the Center offers safe housing, addiction recovery support, and the tools to build a new future rooted...

In this episode of Healthier Habits, we explore the powerful role of school wellness and community engagement with Kenneth Varner and Jovita Flores from the Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC). Kenneth shares his journey from school health coordinator to championing green schoolyard transformations through the Space to Grow program. Jovita discusses the impact of parent leadership and organizing throug...

In this episode of Healthier Habits, we dive into the inspiring world of food justice and digital connection with Israel Muñoz, Online Community Manager at Community Food Navigator. Israel breaks down how this innovative platform is empowering Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities across Chicago by supporting food sovereignty, uplifting local growers, and connecting educators, advocates, and ne...

Special Guest Michael R. Toney! Welcome to Healthier Habits! We're kicking off Season 2 by spotlighting a powerful new community initiative led by one of our own: Michael R. Toney, Program Coordinator at the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion. Michael introduces the CPHP Walk/Run for Fun Marathon Project, a movement built to inspire, connect, and activate communities across Chicago through l...

Special Guest Kathryn Bernstein! In this episode, Kathryn explains how policies on food systems and nutrition directly affect our communities' health and well-being. Kathryn Bernstein, she/her, is a Program Director – Food Systems and Nutrition Policy with the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI). IPHI is an Illinois-based nonprofit organization that works to mobilize stakeholders, catalyze par...

Special Guest Barbara Hernandez! In this episode, Barbara shares her perspective on empowering communities through strategic organization, care and the importance of healthy collaboration. Barbara Hernandez, Administrative Assistant for CPHP for the past 15 years, holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in Human Resources from Robert Morris University.  Has had over 26 years o...

Special Guest Jessica Martinez! In this episode, we discuss practical resources available for families and how to create healthier relationships with food that benefit everyone at home. Jessica is the Director of Nutrition Services at Catholic Charities - WIC Grocery. With previous experience in the mental health and the eating disorder sector, Jessica has a passion for supporting clients in build...

Today's episode explores the importance of nutrition and healthy cooking for building stronger communities. Miriam Virto has been part of Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion as a Nutrition Peer Educator for 15 years. She is currently the Cooking Matters Coordinator and has been partnering with the Veggie Rx program for the past 6 years. For Veggie Rx, she engages participants with healthy coo...

Special Guest Traci Williams! In this episode, Traci shares her deep understanding of how movement and stillness both play a critical role in connecting the mind and body. Traci Williams is a certified 200hr yoga instructor with studies from India. Traci understands the connection of the body through active breaks through movement and stillness.   Guest Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nov...

Special Guest Dr. Eduardo Bustamante! Tune in to learn how you can incorporate exercise into your daily life to support better health for you and your family! Dr. Eduardo Bustamante’s expertise lies in exercise psychology, emphasizing ADHD and community-engaged intervention research. His research focuses on generating evidence-based lifestyle interventions that promote physical and mental health a...

Special Guest Connor DeLoach! This episode is packed with valuable information about how we can create healthier, more sustainable food systems for everyone. Connor has worked for Top Box Foods for 10 years, developing, coordinating, and implementing community initiatives designed to address food systems gaps and improve food equity for underserved communities throughout Illinois and Louisiana. Co...

Special Guest Orrin Williams! This episode explores the joys of home gardening and the impact of community gardens. Orrin reminds us that “food is medicine, but so is sunshine!” Orrin is a food systems intervention coordinator at CPHP. He co-produces a podcast called “Roots Watering Hole”. His podcast shares information about gardening education and food literacy. It also focuses on topics related...

Special Guest Elizabeth Berkeley! This episode explores how urban gardening can transform our food systems and promote sustainable living. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone! Born and raised in Chicago, Elizabeth Berkeley has experience supporting capacity building for nonprofits across Colorado, teaching nutrition, cooking, and gardening,...

Special guest Dr. Daylan D. Dufelmeier, Director of Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion. Dr. Dufelmeier has been part of the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion for the last 16 years. He started as a nutrition peer educator, then as program coordinator and assistant director, and is currently the director of CPHP. At CPHP, he oversees the implementation of the federal nutrition program a...