Beyond Data Management Podcast

Matt Geller is back — National Food Truck Association, Best Food Trucks, Revolution Carts — recorded live at GEHA 2026 at Lake Lanier.This one is not a “how to start a food truck” episode. It’s a field report from the biggest mobile-vending mess in the country.LA County paid for 125 permitted carts to get unpermitted vendors into the formal economy. Most of them are still sitting in a warehouse. An NGO was paid $1.2 million to get paperwork signed. Eight vendors made it through. Enforcement of unpermitted vending was paused. Meanwhile 15,000–30,000 unpermitted vendors are operating every day — no sinks, no commissary, no A grade — and permitted operators are competing against people who follow none of the rules.Matt also breaks:Kansas City’s 300-foot “no trucks near restaurants” ruleHome Depot’s national push to put permitted carts in front of storesHow ChatGPT sent Apple to Best Food TrucksFeeding Boeing’s Everett plant (the building that spans two counties)A new app that lets permitted trucks photo-report unpermitted vendors and heat-map problem corridors for health departmentsPlus the advice he actually gives people who want to start a cart: know your numbers, test throughput with 20 friends, and don’t price off pre-cook weight.If you work in environmental health, this is the episode that explains why “just give them a cart” fails without enforcement, education, and a real path into the formal economy.Recorded at the Georgia Environmental Health Association 2026 conference.Afdo.org/training 0:00 Intro0:20 Live from GEHA 2026 with Matt Geller1:03 National Food Truck Association + Kansas City’s 300-foot rule2:04 Georgia laws, Home Depot, and the tamale-to-six-figures story3:19 Revolution Carts: what they’re building3:40 125 permitted carts for LA — most still in a warehouse5:12 $1.2 million to hand out paperwork (8 vendors processed)6:32 Enforcement pause, ICE, and competing with unpermitted vendors8:29 Why vendors won’t take a free permitted cart9:08 “Are we waiting until someone gets sick and dies?”9:45 Two food systems: Venice gets an A, East LA gets whatever shows up11:28 The pendulum: too strict in 2010, too loose now13:06 Pop-up tents, no sinks, and outbreaks as a when not an if13:52 The carrot: Home Depot, LA Metro, and county buildings24:54 How ChatGPT sent Apple to Best Food Trucks25:52 Feeding Boeing Everett — the building that spans two counties28:29 What actually wins catering work (photos, signatures, not “sent from iPhone”)30:21 From food-truck mania to part of the landscape30:28 The operator who kept one truck unpermitted on purpose31:33 The new app: permitted trucks report unpermitted vendors + heat maps33:16 Advice if you want to start a cart: know your numbers35:23 The pastrami-shrink math that killed a $5.99 sandwich37:08 Wrap + what’s nextShorter set if you don’t want 18 markers:textBeyond Data Management — powered by HS GovTech.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Chef John does food safety and regulatory compliance for Kroger’s Atlanta division — 182 stores across Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Recorded live at GEHA 2026 on Lake Lanier.He started at IBM as a statistician, took a buyout, and IBM paid for Johnson & Wales. Now he’s the chef who still cooks for TV — and the guy who trains store leaders as Certified Food Protection Managers.In this conversation:How Kroger’s FAST system (Food at Safe Temperatures) puts sensors every four feet and alerts when a case goes above 41°FFreezing day-of-expiration product for Second Harvest instead of throwing it away.A mobile grocery store for food deserts, built with the Georgia Department of AgricultureWhy Chipotle, Blue Bell, and Boar’s Head still sit in the back of consumers’ mindsWet-aging a ribeye in cryovac, sear hot, finish at 250°F to 133Feeding 3,500 people at South Beach Food & Wine — with food safety first What industry should actually do at state EH associations instead of treating inspectors like “the cops”Live from GEHA 2026, Lake Lanier, Georgia.Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech.Chapters00:00 Intro — live at GEHA00:40 “If I told them my last name…”01:45 182 stores, three states04:12 IBM statistician → Johnson & Wales06:32 Shrink, food banks, Second Harvest09:19 FAST sensors every 4 feet11:35 Chipotle, Blue Bell, Boar’s Head13:49 CFPM training for every store leader15:47 Mobile grocery store / food deserts23:50 How Chef John cooks a ribeye28:13 King’s Hawaiian / 3,500 covers29:17 Super Bowl and World Cup food safety33:41 Everybody has a camera35:02 Recipe on the front, food safety on the backLinksAFDO Crucial Conversations — https://www.afdo.org/training/GEHA 2026Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Austin Haney is EHS-5, district standard trainer, data specialist — and president of the Georgia Environmental Health Association. Recorded live at GEHA 2026 on Lake Lanier.He did not take the lunch-table path. Bachelor’s and master’s at Valdosta State. Two years of a PhD at Oregon State. One year at UF’s Whitney Marine Lab. Then 2020 hit, and he asked what he actually wanted: a job that let him come home and still matter. His old office mate at the health department said there were no openings. Called back the next day. The job had been vacant a year.In this conversation:The interview question he actually asked: what does a day in the life of an EHS look like?Why the job is ServSafe + CPO + Level 2 soil classifier + chief rabies officer + mosquito ID under a microscope12 to 15 mosquito species you see in a gravid trap — and the weird ones that show up in a light trapThe memorable inspection isn’t the disaster. It’s the third visit to a troubled restaurant when he walked in and said “fantastic” before he startedWhy manager turnover broke the relationship that used to create that changeGEHA’s travel-restriction year vs. this year’s rebound — and why he’s serving a second term as presidentTesting Georgia’s new statewide EHIS with 60–70 people on the call, going live in NovemberLive from GEHA 2026, Lake Lanier, Georgia.Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech.Chapters00:00 Live from Lake Lanier00:54 EHS-5, trainer, data specialist01:18 GEHA president03:32 The non-traditional path04:16 Oregon State, UF, and 202005:22 The office-mate phone call06:06 “What does an EHS actually do?”07:13 How you ID a mosquito09:13 Rabies, septic, and every cert in the book10:37 GEHA, travel cuts, second term16:00 The inspection story that isn’t gory18:31 Turnover and lost relationships19:50 Statewide data conversion24:02 Thanks / next guestLinksAFDO eNews & Quick Bites — https://www.afdo.org/newsletter-updates/Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode of Beyond Data Management, recorded live at GEHA 2026 on Lake Lanier, host Cameron Garrison sits down with Galen Baxter, Director of Environmental Health for the Georgia Department of Public Health.Galen traces an unusual path into the field: high-school military enlistment as a linguist (Arabic instead of the Russian he wanted), a short stint teaching, then health education in Tift County before becoming an environmental health specialist. He moved from rural South Georgia counties to Lowndes County manager, state food program consultant and director, DeKalb pool program manager, Fulton County EH director, and finally the state director role he’s held for nearly four years.The conversation covers what that job actually looks like in a state with 159 counties, coast-to-mountains geography, and a metro area that briefly became “Hollywood of the South.” Galen explains how Georgia adapted rules for large-scale movie catering operations (including a visit to the Halt and Catch Fire set), created identifying stickers for production food trucks, and handled craft services versus full catering.He also talks about the political side of state-level advocacy, working with leadership that values environmental health, the challenge of recruiting into a “hidden profession,” internships with CDC and NEHA, and two inspection stories that stuck: live bullfrogs in a restaurant cooler and a night inspection that arrived with SWAT, ATF, and DEA.Special thanks to GEHA for inviting us to do the show live from Lake Lanier Resort.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode of Beyond Data Management, Cameron Garrison shares his presentation from the AFDO AI in Food Safety Workshop in Columbus, OH titled: “Closing the Blind Spot.”For years, restaurant chains and food brands have struggled to get timely, consistent access to local health inspection results. With more than 3,000 environmental health agencies using different forms, scoring systems, and food codes, the data remains fragmented. Too often, corporate food safety and QA teams first learn about serious violations through media headlines instead of their own systems.Cameron walks through why earlier attempts (ETL feeds, public records requests, keyword matching) never scaled—and why AI changes the equation now. Semantic models can map disparate inspection findings back to a consistent standard (such as the FDA Food Code), apply brand-specific weighting, and deliver a unified national command center that sits alongside internal QA audits.The result: faster corrective action, stronger food safety culture, and a true partnership between regulators and industry on the shared mission of protecting the public.Whether you work in environmental health, state agriculture, or corporate food safety, this is a practical look at turning public inspection data into something both sides can actually use.Contact Cameron [email protected] if you’d like to discuss the approach or get involved.Special thanks to AFDO for hosting an outstanding AI in Food Safety Workshop.#FoodSafety #AIinFoodSafety #HealthInspections #RegulatoryTech #EnvironmentalHealth #AFDO #FoodCode #QA #BeyondDataManagementSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Cameron sits down in Kansas City, at NEHA AEC, with Dan Markowski of the American Mosquito Control Association to discuss resources for environmental health departments, CDC-funded best practices and data guidance, climate-driven mosquito range expansion, the critical role of year-round surveillance, and modern ultra-low volume adult mosquito control. Recorded live on the exhibit floor at NEHA AEC 2026 in Kansas City. Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Cameron sits down with Claudia Riegel, Director of Mosquito & Termite Control for the City of New Orleans, to discuss her CDC Gulf South Vector project, rodent data work, program continuity since 1964, proactive media strategies, and her accidental path into vector control. Recorded live on the exhibit floor at NEHA AEC 2026 in Kansas City. Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Cameron sits down with Beth Driscoll (Sales, Marketing & Client Success) on the NEHA AEC conference floor in Kansas City to talk purpose-built EH tech, how AI is cutting form-build and go-live times, proactive client success, and why the people in environmental health are the real tribe. A special on-the-road episode of Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Larry Ramdin, current President of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), returns to Beyond Data Management for a second conversation with host Cameron Garrison.In this episode, Larry reflects on his year in the elected president role and digs into the core of environmental health practice: understanding cultural differences in food processes, treating education as the primary tool (with regulation as the last resort), and why EH professionals must constantly expand their knowledge across food, housing, pests, water, and more.Key topics discussed:A callback to the “Pig Principle” and why cultural competence matters for inspectors nationwideHidden operational risks (cardboard glue attracting cockroaches, rodents and car wiring)Why environmental health is an educational discipline disguised as a regulatory onePractical examples of teaching operators (pool chemicals, multi-unit bed bug treatment, rodent-proofing landscapes)Communication skills and NEHA’s comic book on communicating environmental healthSuccesses and unfinished business from Larry’s presidential year (pillars document, data management, mold guidance, REHS exam prep tools, Colorado incorporation, international partnerships)The Journal of Environmental Health going fully open-access and onlineEmpowering early-career practitioners and learning from the next generationWorld Environmental Health Day (Sept 26) and claiming EH’s space in public healthTechnology and AI as tools that free inspectors to focus on root causes and educationPreview of the NEHA Annual Educational Conference in Kansas City (including free registration for EHAC-accredited students)Larry shares the note he would leave for future leaders: empower the next generation, share knowledge freely, and believe in the future of the profession.Resources mentioned:NEHA communication comic book (link in comments / description once available)Student free registration details for the NEHA AEC in Kansas CityWorld Environmental Health Day – September 26Like and subscribe if this conversation resonated. New episodes drop every Tuesday.Beyond Data Management is powered by HS GovTech.Hosted by Cameron Garrison.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

What if a device mounted next to a handwashing sink could instantly scan for E. coli, Salmonella, Norovirus, Listeria and other invisible threats — then coach teams in real time and feed the data straight to management?In this episode of Beyond Data Management (powered by HS GovTech), host Cameron Garrison sits down with Christine Schindler, Founder & CEO of Path Spot, for a deep dive into one of the most innovative hardware + AI platforms in food safety.Christine shares:• The wild origin story — soldering prototypes in her apartment (and the occasional electrocution)• How spectral imaging + AI turns handwashing from “hope and a sign” into measurable, coachable behavior• Scaling to 10,000+ locations and what the data actually shows about frequency + quality of handwashes• Expanding from hygiene into temperature monitoring, expiration control, digital checklists… and now AI-powered continuous auditing that could replace performative third-party audits• Her journey from Duke biomedical engineering + Girls Engineering Change to building real hardware that lives in the chaos of commercial kitchens• Why the pandemic was a tailwind, the loneliness of the founder journey, and what’s next as AI finally makes continuous food-safety culture possibleThis is the conversation every regulator, operator, and food-safety professional needs to hear. Path Spot isn’t just another tech gadget — it’s changing the daily reality of kitchens and the future of how we measure and improve food safety culture.If you work in environmental health, restaurant operations, grocery, hospitality, or food manufacturing… this one’s for you.🔗 Learn more about Path Spot and the tech discussed in the episode pathspottech.comCheck out AFDO's new AI for regulatory professionals - Wileyafdo.com/askwiley#FoodSafety #PathSpot #HandHygiene #AIinFoodSafety #BeyondDataManagement #HSGovTech #RestaurantTech #PublicHealth #ChristineSchindlerSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Environmental health is entering a new era—and the old regulatory playbook may no longer be enough.In this episode of the Beyond Data Management Podcast, Cameron Garrison welcomes back Dr. David Dyjack, CEO of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of environmental and public health.Dr. Dyjack explains why technical expertise alone is not enough to protect communities. Environmental health professionals must also build trust, communicate uncertainty honestly, understand body language, demonstrate empathy, and establish relationships before the next public-health crisis arrives.The conversation explores:• Why environmental health needs a completely new playbook• How public-health professionals can rebuild trust with the public• The importance of saying “I don’t know” when the science is uncertain• Why communication, humility, and emotional intelligence matter• Emerging threats including New World screwworm, Chagas disease, dengue, tickborne illnesses, and changing vector patterns• How climate change is reshaping environmental-health responsibilities• Cybersecurity threats facing drinking-water and public infrastructure systems• Food safety challenges created by e-commerce and interstate shipping• Why government leaders must create room for experimentation and “honorable failure”• The expanding responsibilities of environmental-health professionals in Guam, American Samoa, and other island communities• Why inspectors are much more than regulators—they are often the public face of public healthDr. Dyjack also previews the upcoming NEHA Annual Educational Conference in Kansas City, including sessions on infectious disease, wildfire smoke, World Cup food safety, vector control, cybersecurity, and the growing food-freedom movement.This is a thoughtful and often surprising conversation about leadership, service, risk communication, innovation, and what environmental health professionals must do to prepare for the challenges coming around the corner.Register for the NEHA Annual Educational Conference:https://www.neha.org/aec-registerNEHA conference guide App:NEHA.conferenceguide.aiSubscribe to Beyond Data Management for conversations about environmental health, public health technology, artificial intelligence, food safety, regulatory innovation, and the people shaping the future of the profession.#EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth #NEHA #FoodSafety #HealthInspection #RiskCommunication #Cybersecurity #ClimateChange #ArtificialIntelligence #GovTechSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

🚀 Special Episode! We're giving you an exclusive first look at the brand new **HS GovTech Conference Navigator App** built specifically for the NEHA 2026 AEC in Kansas City.If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate dozens of sessions, conflicting schedules, credit hours, and everything Kansas City has to offer — this app is for you.In this demo, host Cameron Garrison and Adam Smith walk through the powerful features including:✅ **Smart Scheduling** – Browse sessions by day, add to your personal agenda, track credit hours  ✅ **AI Recommendations** – Private AI (trained only on conference data) suggests sessions based on your role (food inspector, septic, etc.)  ✅ **Conflict Detection** – Never double-book yourself again  ✅ **Private Notes & Presenter Decks** – Take notes and access slides after sessions  ✅ **Built-in Trivia Games** – Test your food safety & environmental health knowledge, compete on the leaderboard, and win prizes at the HS GovTech booth!  ✅ **Kansas City Local Guide** – Walking-distance restaurants, stores, coffee, BBQ, nightlife + rideshare integration with safety alerts  ✅ **Community Feed** – "Reddit for the Conference" – share photos, violations, stories, and connect with other attendees  ✅ **Digital Drink Ticket** – Claim your free drink QR code in the app  Whether you're attending NEHA in Kansas City or just want to see the future of conference apps, this is a must-watch.**Download the app now and start planning:**➡️ https://neha.conferenceguide.aiFirst 25 people to set up the app get a special prize at the HS GovTech booth!**Timestamps:**00:00 - Intro & Why We Built This01:30 - App Overview & Onboarding03:15 - Session Scheduling & Credits06:45 - AI-Powered Recommendations09:20 - Private Notes & Presenter Decks11:10 - Conflict Detection13:00 - Email Your Agenda14:40 - Trivia Games & Leaderboard19:30 - Kansas City Local Guide & Navigation23:45 - Community Feed ("Conference Reddit")26:10 - Digital Drink Tickets & Prizes28:00 - EDH Appreciation Lounge & Live Podcast RecordingsPowered by HS GovTech | Beyond Data Management Podcast#NEHA2026 #EnvironmentalHealth #ConferenceApp #GovTech #AI #KansasCitySend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this special Fourth of July week episode of the Beyond Data Management Podcast, Cameron Garrison is joined by HS GovTech’s own Adam Smith for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at spring environmental health conference season.From Idaho to California, Montana, West Virginia, North Dakota, and AFDO in Columbus, this episode takes EH Nation on the road for a recap of the conferences, conversations, travel chaos, red-eye flights, strange airport food, client meetups, AI discussions, and unforgettable moments that happened along the way.Cameron and Adam talk about environmental health conferences across the country, the importance of showing up in person, what HS GovTech is seeing from agencies nationwide, the upcoming NEHA conference, the AFDO AI workshop series, live podcast recordings from the road, and why public health communication, trust, and technology are becoming more important than ever.And yes — we also discuss the legend of Adam’s mustache, a White Castle vending machine disaster, a surprisingly luxurious airport bathroom, rubber duck souvenirs, blackjack in North Dakota, and what happens when conference season pushes sleep deprivation to the limit.Topics covered include:Environmental health conference seasonHS GovTech on the roadNEHA, AFDO, CUPA, SEHA, Montana, Idaho, West Virginia, North Dakota and moreAI in food safety and public healthPublic health communication and trustLive podcast recordings from upcoming conferencesBehind-the-scenes stories from the Beyond Data Management PodcastTravel chaos, red-eye flights, road stories, and EH Nation community momentsIf you work in environmental health, public health, food safety, regulatory programs, or government technology, this episode is a lighter but meaningful look at the people, places, and conversations shaping the EH community across the country.Powered by HS GovTech.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

🎙️ Beyond Data Management Podcast — Powered by HS GovTechWhat if your food safety and quality systems could answer any question in real time, in any language, tailored to your role — while predicting problems before they happen?In this powerful episode, Cameron Garrison interviews Dr. Vera Dickinson, Founder & CEO of Nova Q. Vera brings decades of hands-on expertise from the front lines of food safety: PhD research on pathogens, quality leadership at Disney (under Frank Yiannas), Mars Wrigley, Danone, Sargento, and more.They discuss:Why the food manufacturing industry remains conservative despite razor-thin margins and high-stakes risksThe human and financial cost of manual processes and slow recallsHow exposure to ChatGPT sparked Vera’s vision for purpose-built AI (no generic hallucinations)Nova Q’s innovative tools: unified regulatory knowledge center, real-time analytics, root cause analysis, forecasting, and organization-wide visibilityLeadership lessons on culture change, hiring smarter teammates, and fearless decision-makingLessons from major mergers, industry consolidation, and high-profile failures like Chipotle and Peanut Corporation of AmericaVera emphasizes the need for validated, future-proof AI tools that support both internal compliance and upcoming regulatory requirements.Whether you work in food manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or government oversight — this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration for anyone passionate about modernization and protecting public health.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In our June 1st episode AFDO Executive Director Steve Mandernach gave us a teaser that a new AI for food safety and health regulators was going to be debuted at the upcoming AFDO conference in Columbus Ohio.The unveiling has happened, and Wiley is smart.  Jason Brill from AFDO joins us to give us an exclusive deep dive into this powerful new tool.You can ask Wiley yourself at https://afdo.org/askwiley and you can reach Jason at [email protected] us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode of Beyond Data Management, Cameron Garrison welcomes back Steve Mandernach, Executive Director of AFDO, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of food safety regulation, inspections, training, and technology.Steve previews the upcoming AFDO conference in Columbus, including major sessions on AI in food safety, the 15th anniversary of the Food Safety Modernization Act, food safety culture, inspector safety, de-escalation, and the launch of AFDO’s new AI-powered website assistant, Wiley.The conversation also covers FDA-state collaboration, the “FDA bridge project,” federal information-sharing challenges, food chemical regulation, training modernization, and why AI may create one of the biggest shifts the inspection world has seen in decades.Whether you work in regulatory food safety, public health, industry compliance, inspections, or government technology, this episode offers a look at where the field is heading next.Links and Resources Discussed:AFDO & 2026 Annual Conference• AFDO Official Website: https://www.afdo.org/• 130th AFDO Annual Educational Conference (Columbus, OH – June 5-9, 2026): https://www.afdo.org/event/aec-130/• AFDO Training Courses & Webinars (free): https://www.afdo.org/training/Dr. Harvey Wiley & The Poison Squad• PBS American Experience Documentary "The Poison Squad": https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/poison-squad/• Book: "The Poison Squad" by Deborah Blum: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/312067/the-poison-squad-by-deborah-blum/FSMA 15th Anniversary & Policy• FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Overview: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma• The BRIDGE Project (FDA state inspection transition): https://www.fda.gov/food/integrated-food-safety-system-ifss/bridge-project• Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026 (H.R. 8430): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8430Cost of indecision clip from Steve's first appearance on the podcast:https://youtu.be/L6XpjQWb0kkSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode of Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech, Cameron Garrison talks with Dr. Aaron Ashbrook, Assistant Professor of Urban & Peri-Urban Entomology at the LSU AgCenter.Dr. Ashbrook breaks down the science (and horror) of bed bugs: their resurgence tied to spring travel in the Southern U.S., how much blood they drink, why they’re so hard to kill, and the bizarre reality of traumatic insemination. He also shares practical advice for travelers, hotel inspections, and what environmental health professionals should tell operators when bed bugs show up.🔑 What You’ll Learn:• The gross truth about bed bug mating (traumatic insemination) and how much blood they actually consume• Why bed bugs are surging again in 2026 — especially in the South due to travel• Heat treatments: What temperature and time actually kills them (and why resistance to heat is limited)• Hotel room inspection checklist every traveler should use• Why bed bugs are NOT a “dirty house” problem — they love clean, high-traffic places• IPM strategies: Vacuuming, mattress encasements, silica dust, biocontrol, and when to combine with insecticides• Real lab insights from Dr. Ashbrook’s heat + humidity and insecticide researchWhether you’re in environmental health, pest control, or just someone who travels and doesn’t want unwanted guests, this episode gives you the facts without the hype.Dr. Ashbrook’s work focuses on bed bugs, German cockroaches, and other urban pests in the humid Gulf Coast environment. He’s also heavily involved in extension and training for pest control operators and public health professionals.📌 Resources Mentioned:- LSU AgCenter Urban Entomology- Bed Bugs Uncovered webinar / presentations by Dr. Ashbrook- Recent heat exposure studies on bed bugsDrop your biggest bed bug horror story (or hotel inspection tip) in the comments!👉 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in environmental health, entomology, and government innovation.#BedBugs #EnvironmentalHealth #LSU #Entomology #PestControl #HotelSafety #TravelTips #PublicHealthSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode of Beyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech, Cameron Garrison sits down with Alicia Love, Bureau Chief of the Meat, Milk & Egg Inspection Bureau at the Montana Department of Livestock.Alicia shares her unexpected journey from wildlife management dreams → vector control → becoming a food safety leader in one of the most unique state agencies in the country. She also delivers practical, biology-based strategies for one of the toughest parts of regulatory work: de-escalating conflict with angry operators, restaurant owners, and meat plant workers.🔑 Key Topics Covered:• How the amygdala hijack affects inspectors and operators — and why stepping away is often the smartest move• Practical phrases and excuses to reset heated situations without losing authority• Body language tips (why standing in doorways makes things worse)• Recognizing when a situation has crossed from "unpleasant" to "unsafe"• Dealing with lies, complaints, and burnout in food safety inspections• What makes Montana’s Department of Livestock different from typical ag or public health departments• Real field stories — from cockroach surprises to being asked to write up a violation on purposeWhether you're a food safety inspector, environmental health professional, or anyone who deals with regulated industries, this episode gives you tools to stay calm, protect your mental health, and build better relationships in the field.Alicia’s popular de-escalation training (recently presented for NEHA and others) is designed specifically for inspectors — not law enforcement — and focuses on real-world regulatory interactions.📌 Resources & Links:• Alicia’s recent NEHA Conflict De-Escalation Webinar [add link if available]• Montana Department of Livestock Meat, Milk & Egg Inspection• NEHA Pre-Conference Training with Alicia Love (August 2026)If you're in regulatory work, drop your biggest inspection conflict story in the comments — we read them all!👉 Subscribe for more real conversations with leaders in environmental health, food safety, and data management in government.#FoodSafety #EnvironmentalHealth #DeEscalation #FoodInspection #RegulatoryTraining #PublicHealthSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Episode 34 of Beyond Data Management is here, and this week Cameron Garrison is joined by Melissa Rogerson for another Ask the Inspector-style conversation powered by questions from across EH Nation.In this episodeWe dig into the real-world challenges food inspectors and environmental health professionals face every day — from difficult operators and illegal food vendors to training new inspectors, handling deception in the field, and helping people break into food safety careers.Melissa Rogerson brings frontline environmental health experience and practical insight to a wide range of audience-submitted questions, including:-what inspectors hear when operators say “you were just here”-how to handle illegal or unpermitted food vendors-whether operators use small talk to distract inspectors-the mental toll of difficult inspections and dishonest interactions-what training works for new inspectors-how to coach staff who miss violations-strange but memorable things seen in kitchensFeatured GuestMelissa RogersonHS GovTechFormer El Paso County Environmental Health Department, ColoradoAbout Beyond Data ManagementBeyond Data Management, powered by HS GovTech, explores environmental health, public health, inspections, compliance, data systems, and the real-world work happening across agencies and communities.Connect with usHave a question, story idea, or want to be featured on the show?Email: [email protected] below:What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen in a kitchen that wasn’t technically a violation?#FoodSafety #HealthInspector #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth #FoodInspection #RestaurantInspections #FoodSafetyCareer #EHNation #HSGovTech #BeyondDataManagementSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Season 2 of Beyond Data Management is here — and we’re kicking things off with a special Ask the Inspector episode.Host Cameron Garrison welcomes back Kristin Geary of HS GovTech to answer real questions from across EH Nation about food safety, health inspections, food trucks, fake complaints, rodents, date marking, code interpretation, and what inspectors really deal with in the field.This episode dives into some of the most common — and most frustrating — issues facing environmental health professionals and food safety inspectors today, including:food truck commissary problemsillegal and unpermitted vendingfake or retaliatory complaints from former employeeswhether restaurants get tipped off before inspectionsrodent and mouse infestations in food establishmentssingle-use cups and lids stored in bathroomsdate marking rules for pickled and brined foodsborderline hot and cold holding temperatureshow inspection reports spread on social mediawhether TV and movies unfairly portray health inspectorsIf you work in environmental health, food safety, public health, or operate a restaurant, grocery store, food truck, or retail food business, this episode is packed with practical insight.In this episode:Why food trucks are one of the hardest areas to regulateThe real challenge with commissary agreementsHow inspectors deal with bogus complaintsWhat happens when employees report hidden food safety issuesWhen date marking rules do — and do not — applyWhy rodent complaints matter so muchHow much discretion inspectors actually haveWhy inspectors are often misunderstood in pop cultureFeatured GuestKristin GearyHS GovTechAI For The Public Good Symposium:  As mentioned in this episode Cameron is speaking at this event at Bowling Green State University on April 2nd.  Details can be found at:  https://events.bgsu.edu/event/public-allied-health-symposiumAbout Beyond Data ManagementBeyond Data Management is the podcast powered by HS GovTech, exploring environmental health, public health, government technology, regulatory challenges, and the future of inspection and compliance work.Connect with usGot a question, topic idea, or want to be featured on the show?Email: [email protected] below with your thoughts:What’s the biggest food safety issue inspectors face today?#FoodSafety #HealthInspector #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth #FoodTrucks #RestaurantInspections #FoodCode #EHNation #HSGovTech #BeyondDataManagementSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Happy holidays EH Nation! 🎄 It’s our Season 1 finale and year-end holiday extravaganza. We launched this show and channel in April with a simple goal: spotlight the “hidden profession” of Environmental Health (EH) with real stories, teachable moments, and some truly unforgettable clips. Eight months later, we’ve crossed 1,000,000+ views across all platforms — and it's all due to each of you.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support in season one!Today’s holiday year end wrap up highlights show features some of the most memorable moments of our first 32 episodes: 🎄Early-warning signals that predicted the Chipotle outbreak before it happened: Patrick Quade (DineSafe / iwaspoisoned.com) on brand risk signals years before headlines 🎄NEHA AEC (Phoenix) on tour + Evan Satel, actual Jeopardy champion 🎄Dr. David Dyjack (NEHA) calling the screw worm resurgence (then it arrives), plus his crawl-space wall of rats story 😳 🎄Chirag Bhatt (Houston) runs a bribery sting with HPD & the 6pm news 🎄Graham Mitchell (UK): a mouse baked into a sliced loaf… and the guy who wanted a crocodile in his bathtub 🎄Van Craesap (OH): a basement sewage flood… hiding over 600 tires 🎄Steve Mandernach (AFDO): why indecision in government creates chaos (and the 25-year petition problem) 🎄Bob Custard: EH as problem-solvers first (the church, the privy, and real community fixes) 🎄Viral viewer clip: a McDonald’s fry hopper turned bio-brick (yikes)Holiday fun: name the “violations” in the movie scene game (A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Home Alone 2)Bonus: Behind-the-scenes at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s synchronized holiday light show👉 Send your photos/videos or questions (EH pros & public welcome): [email protected]👉 Shorts, reels & polls weekly — subscribe so you don’t miss 2026’s new formats, on-the-road episodes, and deep dives.🎄You can get more information on the Speedway Lights, including get tickets at:  https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/speedway-christmas/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23277708479&gbraid=0AAAAA-nPOtWjzjgLs4hUSN8sKSxGZ0fJN&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo4TKBhDRARIsAGW29be2bEmYqPXe_grgOQE4d1Rgr82mJQ4rKahith-1f-vCcYAUk14YFTIaAqCkEALw_wcBFrom all of us at the Beyond Data Management Show and HS GovTech we wish you and yours the best holiday season and a happy 2026 - we look forward to more exciting conversations every Tuesday right here in the new year!Chapters00:00 Cold open & holiday set reveal02:00 Why we launched + 1M+ views milestone05:30 Clip: Patrick Quade — Chipotle early warnings & brand risk09:40 Clip: NEHA AEC live + Jeopardy champ Evan Satel12:40 Clip: Screw worms prediction → reality (Dr. David Dyjack)17:20 Clip: Dyjack’s crawl-space rats moment19:55 Clip: Cherag Bhatt HPD sting (cash, cuffs, 6pm news)23:10 Clip: Mouse baked in bread (Graham Mitchell, UK)26:05 Clip: Viewer video — bleach on food & when product is destroyed29:00 Clip: Basement sewage flood + 600 tires (Van Christup)32:30 Clip: Government indecision & food chemicals (Steve Mandernach)36:15 Clip: Problem-solver not just a regulator (Bob Custard)40:10 Clip: Viral fry hopper bio-brick at McD’s42:40 Holiday movie safety violations game47:30 Speedway Christmas lights preview & sign-offHave a story, mystery photo, or temp-event head-scratcher?📩 [email protected] — say if you want to come on to discuss your picture or to remain anonymous.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Happy Tuesday, EH Nation! Today we head to the Pacific Northwest with Bonnie Waldemarson (Senior Environmental Specialist, Idaho North Central District). We dig into rural, multi-program Environmental Health: food safety, onsite septic, drinking water, and what happens when a caterer “cans” centerpieces (hello, botulism risk). We also break down that viral clip of an inspector pouring bleach on food—when and why that happens.You’ll hear about:How Idaho’s district model covers 5+ counties with tiny teamsWednesday coliform result sprints & rapid operator outreachCanning at a catering gig (and the rules operators miss)Mobile food trucks culture shift in rural townsWorking across state lines (WA/ID) and tribal jurisdiction (Nez Perce)Childcare licensing changes and what parents should ask“Education first” enforcement—and the rare times product gets destroyedBoat-access inspections in Hells Canyon (yes, seriously)👀 Have photos or videos for us to analyze on-air?Email: [email protected] — note if you’d like to come on to tell the story.⏭ Next week: our Season 1 highlight reel (final episode of the year). Subscribe now and make sure to not miss it!Chapters below ⬇️Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Cold open & holiday setup00:40 Guest intro: Bonnie Waltmarson (Idaho North Central District)02:05 Idaho’s district structure & small-team reality04:10 On-call drinking water: lab pickups, coliform timelines07:05 Rural distances, courier vs. long drives to labs09:10 Multi-program life: food, septic, land division, solid waste11:30 The “rustic wedding” canning jars story (botulism talk)16:05 Why inspectors sometimes bleach and discard food at events19:25 Temporary events: temperature control & realistic volumes22:00 Mobile food trucks: culture shift and compliance24:45 Border & tribal jurisdiction: WA/ID & Nez Perce Nation28:10 What the public should ask vendors & daycares31:00 Childcare licensing changes & media/PIO lessons34:20 Photo contests, using pics for training & reports37:15 Septic mis-installs, when photos beat words39:30 Field perks: boat-in inspections in Hells Canyon41:20 Wrap + how to submit your pics/videos to the showSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Fresh off the holiday break, we’re back with a field-level masterclass. Cameron sits down with Zach Barr (Registered Sanitarian, Toledo-Lucas County, OH) — a next-gen EH generalist who inspects pools, beaches, body art studios, housing, campgrounds, solid waste and more. Zach walks us through his NEHA photo contest shocker: a so-called “clean room” in a piercing studio with visible growth in the sink and the wrong autoclave for hollow instruments — and exactly how a clean room should look (hint: hospital-esque).What you’ll learn-Body art safety: pre-enzymatic cleaning vs. scrubbing, autoclave basics (why a drying cycle matters for hollow instruments), records, and consumer tips (how to find inspection reports or use FOIA).-Pools without the spin: automatic chemical controllers (clean probes → replace probes → calibrate), combined chlorine, and the correct UV → filtration → chlorination order of operations.-Ventilation or chemistry experiment? Why poor pump-room ventilation + acid + chlorine = corrosive salt “snow” and potential chlorine gas hazards.-Beaches & rain: how total coliform sampling, rainfall timing, and advisories actually work.-Restaurant reality check: we review a viewer’s fry-station photo (open drink, glove misuse, grease build-up, uncovered food) and discuss what inspectors look for.Chapters00:00 Welcome back, EH Nation02:00 Zach’s path: exercise science → QC micro → EH generalist08:30 Pool literacy: salt vs. chlorine, UV, controllers & maintenance17:10 Pump-room ventilation & “crystalized” equipment (don’t gas your building)24:00 Beach monitoring, rainfall windows & advisories28:40 NEHA photo winner: the not-so-clean “clean room” (what right looks like)39:10 Autoclaves for hollow instruments & documentation that matters46:00 How the public can check inspection reports (and FOIA if needed)51:30 Viewer photo: line-cook red flags & quick fixes58:00 Takeaways + how to submit your photosGuestZach Barr — Registered Sanitarian, Toledo-Lucas County (OH)Got a wild field photo or question?📬 [email protected] — tell us if you want to come on and explain the story behind it.Programming noteWe’re sprinting to the end of the season, then quick holiday break. Back on Tuesdays!Hashtags#EnvironmentalHealth #BodyArtSafety #Autoclave #PoolInspection #Chlorine #UVDisinfection #BeachWater #FOIA #FoodSafety #EHNation #HSGovTechSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

If “death by PowerPoint” training isn’t changing behavior, you’ll love this one. Cameron sits down with Bob Custard (past NEHA President; Environmental Health Leadership Partners) — a globe-trotting EH trainer who’s worked on everything from MLB clubhouse food safety to global water & sanitation projects, and even won NEHA’s photo contest with a shot of a 1st-century AD public toilet in Ephesus (hello, ancient graywater reuse!).We cover:Why hands-on, scenario-based training beats lecturing — and the “Andy Griffith vs. Barney Fife” approach to complianceBuilding local Food Safety Advisory Councils that actually help (industry + schools + hospitals + consumers)Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) in the wild (farmers markets & rib promos) and how to make it work responsiblyThe MLB clubhouse story: virtual inspections, performance nutrition, and preventing team-wide outbreaksKarst groundwater reality: mapping private well contamination with free lab & rainfall data (what spikes 2–3 days after heavy rain)Low-cost global wins: biosand filters, color-coded buckets, and teaching WASH where it matters mostThe Ephesus latrine: marble seats, running water, vinegar sponges… and what today’s EH can learn from itBigger vision, bigger impact: moving beyond “permits & inspections” to problem-solving and partnershipChapters (add timestamps after upload)00:00 Cold open & intro02:00 Bob’s path: geology → restaurants → EH → trainer/consultant09:30 MLB clubhouse food safety & virtual walk-throughs15:30 Training that sticks: hands-on, risk-factor focus, people skills21:30 Advisory councils that actually collaborate (not another meeting)27:30 Global work: low-tech WASH solutions that save lives34:00 NEHA photo winner: the Ephesus public toilet & graywater reuse40:00 Private wells & karst: using free data to map contamination48:00 Viewer Q: ribs at room temp, TPHC the right way56:00 Wild stories (colon hydrotherapy next to smoothies?!)1:03:00 Takeaways, links & how to reach BobGuestBob Custard — Environmental Health Leadership Partners • Past President, NEHA • AFDO instructor • Global Environmental Health Partnership founderContact: [Insert Bob’s preferred email/URL here]Callouts & Links (add final URLs)NEHA Environmental Health Leadership AcademyAFDO Retail Program Standards resourcesTPHC guidance (holding, logs, discard times)Private well testing & rainfall timing one-pagerPhotos from the Field: submit your inspection pics for a future episode → [submission link]HousekeepingKeep Summer Stevens’ father, Bobby, and family in your thoughts. 💙Thanksgiving break next week — back in two Tuesdays!Subscribe & shareIf you care about environmental health, food safety, retail standards, WASH, or just great stories with practical lessons, hit Subscribe and drop your biggest training win (or fail) in the comments.Hashtags#EnvironmentalHealth #FoodSafety #NEHA #AFDO #RetailProgramStandards #TPHC #PublicHealth #PrivateWells #Karst #WASH #EHNation #HSGovTechSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

A handwashing sink…used as a shelf?!  In this episode of Beyond Data Management - powered by HS GovTech, Cameron Garrison sits down with Marlene Johnson (City of Burlington, MA) - a NEHA Photo Contest winner and 20+ year Environmental Health pro.They unpack the viral photo, why handwashing still breaks systems, how Boston’s training pipeline launched her career, the unique “351 boards of health” reality in Massachusetts, and practical wins around CFPMs, food trucks, complaints, and consistent FDA Food Code adoption.What you’ll learn:-The photo: a blocked hand sink and the cascade of violations it revealed-Teacher not a cop: inspection philosophy that actually changes behavior-Massachusetts’ local Boards of Health model—benefits and headaches-CFPM coverage expectations, fines, and fair-but-firm enforcement-Mobile food pitfalls: hand sinks, hot water, hot/cold holding in motion-Complaint triage, FBDO follow-up (why 72-hour histories matter)-Training that sticks: 5 risk factors, multilingual materials, photo-based drills-Consistency gaps across jurisdictions & why operators get whiplashChapters00:00 Intro01:05 Marlene’s path: restaurant manager → inspector06:30 “Teacher not cop” & North End lessons11:35 Programs beyond restaurants: pools, body art, animals15:10 MA structure: 351 local boards & local regs19:00 CFPM coverage, fines & compliance24:45 Code enforcement cadence & frequent flyers29:10 Foodborne illness complaints: last-meal bias & callbacks33:00 Food trucks: sinks, temps, hot water reality37:10 Training that works: the 5 risk factors41:15 The hand sink as shelf photo - what went wrong & fixes47:50 More field stories (Crown Royal tea bag, missing sinks)53:40 Consistency & the Food Code adoption lag58:10 Optimism vs. worries for EH’s future1:02:00 Wrap & call for “Photos from the Field”Please Remember to Like and Subscribe:Subscribe for weekly EH stories + practical tech & training wins.Drop your wildest “What’s wrong with this picture?” in the comments - and send us photos for the upcoming Photos from the Field episode.--Cameron Garrison | Executive Director of Growth and OperationsCheck out The Beyond Data Management PodcastOffice:  704-317-2403Mobile:  [email protected] Data ManagementSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

🌍 Ever wonder in what ways food safety rules differ wildly between the UK and US?In this eye-opening episode of Beyond Data Management, host Cameron Garrison sits down with Graeme Mitchell, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Health at Liverpool John Moores University, for a transatlantic deep dive.What You’ll Learn:Why the US is “50 little countries” when it comes to food codes (and why the UK isn’t)  The UK’s “Primary Authority” secret to consistent inspections nationwideCovid lessons: trust, hypocrisy, and the Boris Johnson party scandalFrom cholera pumps to mouse-in-bread nightmares: Graham’s wildest field storiesGreen funerals, AI in inspections, housing inequality, and the future of EH🎙️ Timestamps:0:00 Intro & UK vs US Food Law Chaos5:12 Covid, Brexit & Political Trust12:40 Graham’s Accidental EH Career18:22 The Invisible Profession & Zombie Apocalypses25:10 Mouse in Sliced Bread (Yes, Really)32:15 AI: Friend or Job-Killer for Inspectors?40:00 Green Burials & Death Avoidance48:30 Housing, Life Expectancy & Einstein’s Definition of “Environment”👉 Watch Next:“AI in Food Safety Inspections: The Future Is Here”“Green Funerals: Eco-Friendly or Regulatory Nightmare?”💬 Comment Below:Would you rather enforce in the UK’s uniform system or the US’s wild west?📌 Connect with Graham:Liverpool John Moores University | Search “Graham Mitchell Environmental Health”📺 Subscribe for weekly EH deep dives every Tuesday!Powered by HS GovTech  www.hsgovttech.com #EnvironmentalHealth #FoodSafety #PublicHealth #UKvsUSA #PodcastSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Happy Halloween! 🎃 In this spooky bonus episode of the Beyond Data Management Podcast (powered by HS GovTech), host Cameron Garrison and producer Christina Miller bring you real-life ghost stories straight from the Reddit health-inspector community — plus a very special guest: Vinny the Skeleton 🦴 (complete with a hot date named Audrey).Originally pitched in August by Tina (who knew inspectors had creepy tales), we asked the 6,000+ members of the r/EnvironmentalHealth subreddit:“Tell us your haunted restaurant or facility ghost stories!”You delivered — and we’re reading the best ones on air.👻 Featured Chills:🎃 A 1700s catering kitchen where a shadowy figure in black vanished into a storage room…🎃 A bar basement with 3 confirmed deaths, a porcelain doll in a wheelchair that turned to face the inspector…🎃 Utensils flying, cutting boards moving, and Ghost Hunters filming — with zero evidence… until the inspectors saw it themselves.🎙️ On Set Today:🦴 Cameron Garrison (Host)🦴 Christina Miller (Producer & Halloween Mastermind)🦴 Vinny the Skeleton - (Guest Co-Host, arthritis and all)🦴 David Styles (Control Room Wizard behind the spooky graphics)From creaky wooden hatches leading to spider-infested basements to hidden daycare rooms behind fake walls, health inspectors see it all — including things that shouldn’t be there.“I saw the doll facing me… when I came back around the circle, it was facing me again.” 😱🎃 Bonus Fun:Vinny gets a girlfriend (Audrey the carnivorous plant)Puns, full-size candy bars, and THC jello-shot neighborsTeaser: Next Tuesday — Graham Mitchell (EH thought leader and frequent BBC contributor) shares his story and brings some great pictures including a mouse baked into a loaf of bread 🐭🍞Please remember to help us out and like, comment your own ghost story, and subscribe for weekly episodes every Tuesday!  Tag a health inspector who’s seen something spooky. 👇#HealthInspector #GhostStories #HauntedRestaurant #HalloweenPodcast #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealthHeroes #BeyondDataManagementSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Join host Cameron Garrison for a riveting return visit with HS GovTech's Chirag Bhatt, former Bureau Chief of the City of Houston's Environmental Health Department. In this storytelling-packed episode of the Beyond Data Management Podcast we take an unfiltered dive into the chaotic underbelly of public health regulation, Chirag shares jaw-dropping anecdotes from his 40+ years on the front lines, including:Bribery gone wrong: From low-key "free dinners for the family" offers to a full-blown sting operation where Chirag channeled his inner Chris Hansen, wiring up with Houston PD to bust a shady operator—flipping the script on a scandalous news cycle.Internal drama: The overtime fraud saga that sparked a rogue employee group called "Concerned Sanitarians for Change," complete with media smears, OIG investigations, and accusations of favoritism (cricket games included?).Extreme encounters: An inspector literally locked in a walk-in freezer by a belligerent seafood wholesaler—and why firing "bad apples" in government is a bureaucratic nightmare.High-stakes VIP duty: Chirag's surreal gig as the food safety "Secret Service agent" for a VP George H.W. Bush luncheon with India's Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, complete with sealed trays, canine sweeps, and non-stop monitoring.Timeless wisdom: Gaps in EH education (no classes on media or conflict?), the power of data-driven inspections via HSCloud Suite, AI's game-changing role in smarter regulation, budget battles vs. fire departments, and building media alliances for transparency.Whether you're an EH pro, policymaker, or just love true-crime vibes in public service, this episode uncovers why EH is equal parts science, drama, and detective work. Laugh, cringe, and learn how to navigate the madness.Watch/listen now and subscribe for more stories from the field! Reach Chirag at:[email protected] or email us at:[email protected] with your thoughts.#EnvironmentalHealth #FoodSafety #PublicHealth #Podcast #HSGovTech #HSCloudSuiteSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Environmental Health is prevention—and prevention is hard to see. It's why they local news doesn't lead with "Another plane took off safely - details at 11" In this episode of Beyond Data Management, host Cameron Garrison sits down with Larry Ramden, current President of NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) and longtime Massachusetts EH leader. Larry shares his journey from mosquito control technician in the Caribbean to state and local EH leadership in the U.S., why uniform adoption of the FDA Food Code matters, how to tell prevention’s story to the public, and a simple pizza-sauce fix that saved a restaurant money and improved food quality.If you care about food safety, vector control, public communication, and the next generation of EH pros—this one’s packed.What You’ll Learn:How hands-on training (yes, even slaughterhouse work) builds better inspectorsVector control in the Caribbean vs. the U.S.—and what still works todayWhy Massachusetts’ structure (351 local boards) is unique—and what that means for consistencyThe case for uniform Food Code adoption across jurisdictionsTactics to fight burnout and the “hidden profession” problem by marketing EH to the publicMentorship: creating value beyond the checklist and building the next generationA real-world allergen/labeling miss that triggered a multi-state recall—what to watch forPool chemistry 101 order of operations (alkalinity → pH → chlorine) you can share with operatorsDiversity, tech modernization, and why Larry’s optimistic about EH’s futureChapters00:00 Intro & guest welcome02:15 Larry’s path: Caribbean training, biology, and early vector work08:54 Meat inspection lessons & why process knowledge matters13:40 Vector control at home visits, water storage, and tree holes18:48 Moving to the U.S., education hurdles, and breaking into public health25:30 Massachusetts model: local boards, home rule, and statewide consistency31:10 Food safety focus: from state wholesale to local retail38:05 “The hidden profession”: telling prevention’s story to the public44:10 Marketing EH: open houses, NEHA storytelling, and community education49:22 Case study: allergen mislabeling and a multi-state recall55:40 Pool chemistry order that actually works (and how to teach it)1:00:35 Uniform Food Code adoption—why it matters for operators & chains1:06:10 Mentorship, imposter syndrome, and accelerating new inspectors1:13:00 Diversity, technology, and recruiting the next generation1:18:20 A pizza-sauce process fix that cut waste & improved quality1:23:10 Closing thoughts: realism, optimism, and the future of EHAbout Larry:Larry Ramden is the President of NEHA and a veteran EH practitioner with decades across state and local roles, quality control in food manufacturing, and national training. His focus areas include food safety, mentorship, and elevating public understanding of EH’s impact.Join EH Nation 👇Subscribe for weekly episodes on Environmental Health, data, and modernizing municipal services.Comment your biggest EH communication win or challenge—we might feature it in a future episode.Share this with a colleague who mentors new inspectors.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Ever heard of the Nasal Ranger or odor school? In this episode of Beyond Data Management, host Cameron Garrison sits down with Melissa Rogerson, former Program Manager at the El Paso County, Colorado Health Department and now Senior Project Manager at HS GovTech.Melissa takes us on a fascinating journey from her early days studying math and optometry at Colorado State University, to discovering her passion for Environmental Health (EH) and building a career that spanned food inspections, childcare programs, body art, air quality, waste tires, emergency response, and more.We discuss:How Melissa “accidentally” fell in love with environmental health and turned it into an 11-year careerWhat it was like responding to wildfires, floods, and other disasters as an EH professionalThe hidden world of waste tire programs and why they matter for air, water, and vector controlThe bizarre but true world of odor investigations and her certification through “odor school” using the Nasal RangerA jaw-dropping story about a childcare facility with a fake wall hiding kids — and how EH data systems played a role in investigationsWhy Melissa left local government after more than a decade to join HS GovTech and now helps agencies nationwide modernize with the HS Cloud SuiteThis episode blends career insights, emergency response lessons, and unbelievable field stories that highlight just how vital (and unpredictable) environmental health work can be.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories and thought leadership from the Environmental Health Nation.#EnvironmentalHealth #HSGovTech #PublicHealth #NasalRanger #OdorSchool #GovTech #BeyondDataManagement #FoodSafetySend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Ashley Miller has had a remarkably diverse career in environmental health.  From a local inspector, to some of the largest company's in the country, she has worked in environmental health her entire career.  Ashley joins us for a wide ranging conversation about her years working with , and shares with us the exciting work that she is now doing at NEHA.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Meet Mahek Zaveri, one of the bright new faces shaping the future of Environmental Health.By the time most teenagers in the U.S. were just getting their driver’s license, Mahek was already a fully trained dentist, performing advanced procedures like root canals. After moving to the United States to pursue her Master’s in Public Health, she discovered her true passion: Environmental Health.Mahek recently completed NEHA’s internship program this summer and will graduate this December, with plans to begin her career in a local Environmental Health Department.In this inspiring conversation, Mahek shares her journey from dentistry to public health, offering insight into:Why she transitioned from dentistry to environmental healthHer experience as part of NEHA’s Environmental Health internship programHow the next generation is stepping up to meet the challenges in public health and safetyWhy young professionals are critical to the future of Environmental HealthWith many thought leaders calling for a new generation to carry the field forward, Mahek proves there is a smart, passionate, and motivated group of future leaders ready to make an impact.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the people shaping the future of Environmental Health and Public Health.#EnvironmentalHealth #NEHA #PublicHealth #FutureLeaders #EHCommunity #EnvironmentalHealthPodcastSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

🏗️ In this episode of Beyond Data Management, we sit down with Christine Brakefield, former building official, to explore how municipal building and code departments are transforming the way plan design reviews are done.Discover how the DigePlan platform is helping local governments bring the plan review process online, using AI-enabled technology to make building departments more contractor-friendly, builder-friendly, and efficient than ever before.Christine shares her unique insights on:The shift from paper-based to digital plan reviewHow AI is streamlining municipal code complianceWhy DigePlan is a game-changer for builders, contractors, and code officialsThe future of building inspections and permit approvals in a digital worldIf you’re a contractor, builder, code enforcement official, or public sector leader, this episode will give you a first look at how GovTech innovation is reshaping the construction and permitting industry.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on technology shaping environmental health, public safety, and code enforcement.#DigePlan #BuildingCode #AI #GovTech #ConstructionTech #DigitalPlanReview #CodeEnforcementSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode of Beyond Data Management, we dive into the exciting growth and big changes happening at HS GovTech, the leading provider of digital solutions for the Environmental Health community.Join the conversation with our new CEO, Eric Thomas, and Co-founder, CTO & Head of Product, Silas Garrison, as they share insights on:HS GovTech’s vision for the future of environmental health technologyHow new leadership will impact innovation and growthUpcoming product developments designed to better serve public health departments and environmental health professionalsWhether you’re part of the environmental health community, a public health leader, or simply interested in how GovTech innovation is shaping the future, this conversation offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring leaders shaping the future of public health and environmental health technology.#HSGovTech #EnvironmentalHealth #PublicHealth #GovTech #Podcast #LeadershipSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

What if a tiny parasite could destroy the U.S. livestock industry?In this episode of the Beyond Data Podcast, we talk with Dr. David Dyjack (who called this threat out back in May as being real but not in the news - during a conversation on this podcast.) and he breaks down the shocking threat posed by the New World Screwworm—a flesh-eating parasite making a dangerous comeback. Discover how it spreads, why it’s so deadly to cattle, and what’s being done to stop it.📌 Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:15 What is the New World Screwworm?04:30 Why It’s a Threat to U.S. Livestock08:10 Historical Outbreaks & Eradication Efforts12:20 Current Status & Prevention Measures18:00 The Big Question: Are We Ready?👉 Subscribe for more science, tech, and data-driven insights!#NewWorldScrewworm #Livestock #Agriculture #BeyondDataPodcast #FleshEatingParasite #AnimalHealth #ScienceExplainedSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this Spotlight segment from the Beyond Data Management Podcast we talk about a health inspector viewer submission of a video of the nastiest thing they came across in a restaurant - McDonald's"  kitchen during a health inspection.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this segment from the full episode.  We discuss a side bet between two health inspectors as to whether observing an employee in a restaurant kitchen using a pocket knife to cut potato's is a health code violations.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

Today's episode features a panel of EH professionals, and former health inspectors, answering viewer questions about health inspection scenario's including:"I observed someone in restaurant kitchen cutting a potato with a pocket knife - is it a violation?" Also, check out the video at the end - of a violation an inspector ranks as one of the top 3 nastiest all time violations they've seen.The panel includes:Caitlin Gappa the founding director of the Douglas County Colorado Environmental Health Department.  You can reach Caitlin at [email protected] Melissa Rogerson, former supervisor at the El Paso County Colorado Environmental Health Department.  You can reach Melissa at [email protected] us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

On this episode, Cameron chats with HS's very own Kristen Geary about her life as an environmental health professional and restaurant inspector.A former Environmental Health Inspector and supervisor for Jackson County, Missouri, and still currently the manager of the State of Missouri Environmental Health Association.  Kristen dives into her story of working at the county office as an admin, she took a leap of faith and tells us more about how she fell in love with EH even after the Field Training, Inspections, Science, and so much more! Kristen also shares some of the unbelievable stories of situations she's encountered as a health inspector.The BEST PART?! Kristen, is one of HSGT's Senior Project Managers, using her real work EH experience, including implementing HS as a client at her FORMER agency client, Kristen is paying it forward helping EH agencies around the country take their agency and data BEYOND! As not just a Vendor, we are a Partner!Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this special segment, live from NEHA AEC 2025 in Phoenix, we chat with Shelly Wallingford the Director of Food Safety at Sprouts Farmers Market, a supermarket chain with 443 locations in 24 states.  Shelly has enjoyed a long career in environmental health, working for years with agencies on the regulatory side - as an inspector - before going to the private sector.Shelly shares her journey and discusses the criticality of industry and regulators working as partners in the interest of public health and safety.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this special live segment from Phoenix, we chat with Randall Barnes the director of the Ashtabula County Ohio Environmental Health Department about his EH journey and his thoughts on the 2025 AEC.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this special segment of the Beyond Data Management Podcast LIVE from NEHA AEC 2025 in Phoenix we visit with Toni Ousley from Pueblo County Colorado Environmental Health Department.  Toni discusses the never ending adventure of being an EH professional and also talks about the importance of properly managing your agency's data.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this segment live from Phoenix we talk to NEHA's own Evan Suttell - Entreprenurial Zone Assistant with NEHA.  We discuss ab exciting new self assessment tool NEHA released for agencies at the 2025 AEC.  We also talk about his experience as a Jeopardy champion, earning $20,200, and he gives us a fascinating peak behind the scenes on how the process of being on Jeopardy works .  Evan is a real asset to the EH community and we enjoyed chatting with him in the exhibit hall.You can see Evan's Jeopardy stats, including the questions board for each episode at:https://j-archive.com/showgame.php?game_id=9003https://j-archive.com/showgame.php?game_id=9004Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this special segment live from the NEHA AEC 2025 conference in Phoenix, NEHA CEO Dr. David Dyjack sits down with us to discuss the importance of the AEC and the pressing issues facing the EH community that/ NEHA is helping the community deal with.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this episode we have a fascinating conversation with Jorge Hernandez from Wendy's, Eric Martin from Texas Roadhouse, and HS GovTech's own Chirag Bhatt about the critical role, and partnership with regulatory EH agencies, in food safety and safety culture.Jorge with Wendy's (7,242 locations in 30 countries), and Eric with Texas Roadhouse (792 locations in 11 countries) have vast experience in the food safety and regulatory field and have been doing exciting things in their large complex organizations that make a profound difference for food safety and food safety culture.  Chirag, currently the Director of Regulatory Affairs with HS GovTech, also has a tremendous amount of experience on the industry side, including with Bloomin Brands (Outback), and Bucee's.Thanks to Eric, Jorge, and Chirag for taking the time to have a candid conversation, and for sharing their knowledge and experience with the broader EH community.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this short clip from the full episode - real health inspectors discuss footwear choices and how some restaurants are so gross they can literally ruin your shoes.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this short clip from our full episode discussing real life stories from health inspectors - Kristen Geary recounts the time a restaurant owner tried to convince her mouse droppings were sesame seeds.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this short clip from our extended conversation with Dr. David Dyjack - CEO and Director of NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) - shares the creepiest thing he experienced in an inspection, and he also introduces us to the Mole CricketSend us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected] 

In this segment from our full conversation with Dr. David Dyjack - CEO and Director of NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) - he discusses concerning new public health threats that are here in the US now, but are not getting media attention or headlines.Send us Fan MailPlease remember to like and subscribe - and reach out to us with your stories and show ideas [email protected]