Tribal Health the Podcast

Can true healing happen without embracing cultural wisdom? In this episode, Dr. Larry Murillo, founder and executive director of Tribal Illumine LLC, highlights the challenges of addressing chronic diseases in Native communities. He emphasizes the disconnect between the Western medical system and the lifestyle-related health issues these communities face. Advocating for cultural health practices a...

Food sovereignty in Indigenous communities - what is the connection between food, culture, and health? Danielle Lucero, a public health professional and social worker from the Pueblo of Isleta, talked to us about the need to revitalize traditional food practices and create accessible, culturally relevant food systems. She offers recommendations for improving access to healthy, traditional foods, i...

Underserved communities are empowered through healthcare, education, and innovative research to bridge critical gaps in access and equity. In this episode, Gabriel Baca talks about how he supports patient transfers and works as a community health educator in Phoenix. He also conducts cancer prevention research and plans to attend PA school to provide local healthcare, emphasizing the importance of...

In Montana, urban Indian healthcare is evolving through community empowerment, cultural integration, and advocacy for essential policies like Medicaid expansion. In this episode, Lisa James, Director of Development at the Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health (MCUIH), and Rachel Arthur, Executive Director of the Indian Family Health Clinic (IFHC), talk about the roles of their organizations i...

A passion for education, mindfulness, and community development drives the mission of the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Native Learning Center, where tribal communities across the U.S. receive vital support and resources to thrive. In this episode, Brooke Warrington, training and development specialist at the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Native Learning Center, explains how she helps coordinate educa...

Indigenous communities face significant environmental health disparities. In this episode, Afif Showkat, a Public Health Specialist at the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center (GLITEC), discusses the unique health challenges faced by Tribal and Indigenous communities across the U.S. Afif talked to us about his work on grants designed to improve health equity through the Good Health and Wel...

Chiropractic care is expanding in Native communities - and Ryan Kain, a chiropractic physician for the Marimn Health Tribal clinic, is at the center of that movement. In this episode, he highlighted his journey working with the Coeur d'Alene tribe to integrate chiropractic services into their healthcare systems.  Ryan shared the challenges he faces due to the stigma surrounding chiropractic ca...

The stigma surrounding mental health is a major barrier for Native Americans seeking care. In this episode, Shauna Humphreys, Behavioral Health Director for the Choctaw Nation, and Michelle Lemming, CEO & President of the Texoma Health Foundation, talk about the rich cultural heritage and challenges faced by the 574 tribal nations across the United States, focusing on the Choctaw Nation. Shaun...

Ever wondered how text messaging can transform adolescent health in Native communities? In this episode, we talk to Jane Manthei, communications specialist with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and a key member of the We R Native team. Jane explains how cultural identity and effective communication can bridge gaps in healthcare. That includes using innovative text messaging services...

In this episode, Anthony Guzman, the Chief Cultural Officer at the Native American Health Center, shares his rich tapestry of life experiences - from overcoming personal challenges to pursuing higher education to his lifelong commitment to social work and cultural preservation. Especially interesting is his leadership in integrating traditional knowledge and wisdom within healthcare services. Anth...

Arming people with knowledge of their rights and the law is enough to empower them to resolve issues on their own. Saira Coye-Huhn and Ryan DuBois emphasize their team’s focus on protecting and promoting the rights of citizens in the linguistically diverse city. They also highlight the commission’s bystander intervention training as a way to combat bias incidents and hate crimes, fostering a safer...

Connecting with people through food is an overlooked aspect of nutrition. In this episode, Tara Maudrie discusses various aspects of indigenous health and food sovereignty and shares insights into her research on urban native health, food security, and indigenous research methods. She emphasizes the importance of redefining nutrition from a compassionate, culturally relevant perspective, highlight...

Health insurance is critical to good health in the United States - but not everyone knows how to navigate complex insurance systems. In the new episode of the Tribal Health Podcast, Travis Johnson explains how his team helps Native American communities navigate the federally facilitated marketplace - providing access to health insurance and care. His team is active in direct community outreach, pr...

Cultural connection is key in Indigenous healthcare - and a big part of that is understanding historical context. In this episode, Adriann Begay shares her remarkable journey in Indigenous healthcare. Adriann began her career as a nurse and later became a physician, while also holding the role of UCSF HEAL Initiative Navajo Nation Advisor - leveraging her extensive experience to advance health equ...

How do tribal health centers navigate the challenge of billing for ceremonial services, and what ethical considerations come into play when placing financial value on these services? In this episode, Lorna Elliott-Egan, Director of Tribal Government Services & Policy at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, delves into the delicate balance of honoring ceremonial traditions in t...

Our healthcare providers need support - as Dr. Tina Shah explains in the new episode of the Tribal Health Podcast. Dr. Shah talked to us about the unique challenges healthcare workers face in Tribal and rural communities, such as outdated technology and high administrative burden. She shares valuable strategies on enhancing clinician well-being, such as leveraging nutrition, stress management, and...

Building relationships with Tribal leaders is crucial in addressing health disparities. In this episode, Guthrie Capossela, a Native American Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mayo Clinic, explains his team’s role in improving healthcare outcomes for Native Americans. He highlights the interconnectedness between education and health and the importance of stresses cultural humility, urging p...

Embracing ancestral traditions can offer genuine healing and community support in our contemporary world. In this episode, Kelly Vallo, the founder of Bah'Hane Consulting, explores the threads of Indigenous identity and the power of tradition in our modern world. Education and collective effort can nurture a true sense of belonging, she says - and her latest initiative, Medicine H.E.A.L.S., of...

Meet Bryan Wempen, Chief Revenue Officer for Remble, a mental health services company. In our new episode of the Tribal Health Podcast, he talked to us about the challenges and opportunities in Indigenous health, especially in the context of digital health. Family involvement, cultural understanding, and curiosity: Bryan explains why these are essential components in building meaningful cross-cult...

Meet Monique Castro, founder and CEO of Indigenous Circle of Wellness. In this episode, she talks to us about the importance of integrating cultural values into healthcare, especially in Tribal nations in the United States. Monique explores an interesting connection between ancient practices, like dancing and drumming, and modern therapies used to treat trauma, anxiety, and depression. She also ex...

Working toward Indigenous success always begins in the same place: making connections and building relationships. In this podcast episode, Mario welcomes behavioral health expert Josh DeBartolo, who serves Tribal and Multicultural Liaison for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Josh talked to us about the significance of understanding and respecting different Tri...

Revitalizing traditional farming methods can be enormously empowering when it comes to nurturing cultural roots and fostering environmental resilience. In this episode, Michael Kotutwa Johnson discusses his commitment to preserving Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices in agriculture and environmental conservation. He highlights the importance of a harmonious relationship with nature as h...

What's it like to work closely with Indigenous communities during a pandemic - and an epidemic? In this episode of the Tribal Health Podcast, Divya Nagpal shares her experience managing COVID and opioid response in a South Dakota Tribal community. Her work with the CDC Foundation provided her with a unique perspective - and in our conversation, she addresses COVID-19 challenges, emphasizes cul...

Addressing climate change within Tribal communities is not an easy mission. But Nikki Cooley, co-manager of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ Tribes and Climate Change Program, fights for climate justice every day. In our latest episode, she highlights resource disparities and cultural challenges on Indigenous lands - and the ways Tribal nations are dealing with a changing clim...

Preserving Indigenous culture amidst climate change is a challenge that Bazile Panek knows all too well. In our latest episode, Bazile talks about his passion for sharing Native American culture, language, and history, as well as the impact of climate change on indigenous communities. He discusses climate change adaptation, Indigenous knowledge promotion, mental health implications, cultural ident...