Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health, the show about reclaiming healthcare and strengthening our communities. I’m your host, Dave Chase, author of Relocalizing Health: Taking Back Healthcare, Rebuilding Communities. Today, we dive into the realities of being a patient in America, a system where too often, getting sick can mean financial ruin, emotional devastation, and feeling invisible.Our guest, Matthew Zachary, survived brain cancer as a young concert pianist and went on to do something even rarer, turning his experience into a national movement. As the founder of Stupid Cancer, host of the Out of Patients podcast, and cofounder of We The Patients, Matthew Zachary has spent nearly three decades fighting to give patients a real collective voice in a healthcare maze designed to isolate and overwhelm.In this conversation, we explore what it means when patients stop being statistics and start becoming a civic force, the power of collective activism, and how something as simple as a patient navigator can be the “seatbelt” we all need on our healthcare journey. We’ll talk about fighting denial engines, rethinking industry incentives, and why the revolution in healthcare might just be led by people who never wanted to be activists in the first place.Let’s dive in.Timestamps:00:00 Empowering patient advocacy05:32 Financial strain of cancer care09:29 Discussing healthcare affordability issues12:08 Concerns over AI in healthcare14:24 Understanding healthcare appeals process18:20 Understanding patient needs vs. system assumptions21:08 Discussing product design flaws23:14 Using nurse navigators for better care27:11 Discussing civic power in healthcare31:56 Audrey Tang and gov0 initiative35:26 Discussing waste in healthcare spending37:20 Challenging powerful hospital systems40:02 Discussing Matthew's impact and achievements Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health, where host Dave Chase draws a bold parallel between America’s rural electrification revolution and the grassroots transformation happening in healthcare today. In this episode, Dave Chase unpacks the inspiring story of Iowa farmers who built miles of power lines before they even had a power source, showing how local ingenuity can spark nationwide change. He introduces his “three, two, one” framework, a blueprint where pioneering communities prove what’s possible, their success spreads, and smart policy amplifies the impact.You’ll hear real-world examples of how forward-thinking communities and cooperatives are reclaiming healthcare, like employer health plans in Wisconsin, a transformative effort in Ashtabula, Ohio, and successful models from Alaska Native tribes. Dave Chase shares actionable steps for employers, cooperatives, and policymakers to join the movement, and unveils his new book, "Relocalizing Health." Whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply passionate about your community’s wellbeing, this episode offers hope, practical guidance, and a reminder that American ingenuity is alive and ready to reinvent healthcare from the ground up.Timestamps:00:00 "Farmers' Power Revolution"04:23 "Cooperatives: Community-Driven Solutions"09:05 "Localized Care vs. Distant Decisions"10:10 "From Worst to Best Healthcare"16:15 "Empowering Community Health Innovation"17:03 "Transforming Healthcare at Rosetta Fest"20:18 "Transforming Communities, Reclaiming Healthcare"Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health. In this episode, we shine a light on Plainfield, Indiana, a town just west of Indianapolis, where public sector employees like police officers, firefighters, and public works staff were once priced out of their own healthcare. Nate Thorne, assistant town manager, joins us to share how Plainfield broke free from years of rising premiums and shrinking paychecks, fundamentally transforming its approach to employee health benefits.Instead of accepting sky-high insurance costs as an inevitable “healthcare trend,” Plainfield’s leadership took courageous steps: moving to a self-insured health plan, forging a direct contract with their local hospital, and reimagining benefits so workers now pay zero deductibles and co-pays, with real dollars flowing back into their households. These savings built meaningful new programs like mental health support and childcare assistance, and Nate Thorne and his team are on a mission to show other cities and counties that there is a better way.Whether you manage a city, run HR for a school district, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how local governments can invest in their people and communities, this episode brings you the story, the lessons, and the playbook, direct from a Rosie Award finalist, on how to take back control of your health plan and rethink what’s possible for your workforce.Timestamps:00:00 Challenges of municipal worker benefits04:21 Facing rising insurance costs07:24 Challenge of risk in public policy11:46 Implementing a Self-Insured Program16:10 Managing healthcare spending changes18:07 Cost-saving strategies for healthcare plans22:02 Creative funding for employee benefits26:18 Leadership and gradual progress advice28:52 Challenges in the public sector32:02 Managing retiree health benefits35:13 Employee survey results on premiums37:25 Annual employer gathering details40:11 Plainfield's health plan changes Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, where an organization fighting hunger is revolutionizing health benefits for its employees. Join Dave Chase as he sits down with Amy Lein, Chief Human Resource Officer at Second Harvest, to uncover how this nonprofit broke away from the broken health insurance model, creating one of the nation's highest-quality, most accessible benefit plans.Learn how every employee at Second Harvest pays zero in premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, translating into real quality of care and tangible support like paid leave and grocery assistance. Hear firsthand stories of transformation as employees, for the first time, can actually afford and access the care they need. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, city managers, and anyone who has ever looked at a health insurance renewal and thought, “We can’t afford anything better.” As Dave and Amy reveal, a better way is not only possible, it’s already here.Timestamps:00:00 Making healthcare affordable for employees05:41 Improving employee healthcare access09:14 The concierge nurse navigator10:01 Affordable access to top doctors14:32 How the gift card program works19:35 Offering paid parental leave22:37 Having access to quality healthcare26:07 Rising healthcare costs and solutions30:02 Vision for what's next30:43 Creating a great workplace culture34:38 Wrapping up with final advice Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase. In this episode, we explore what happens when a clinical leader takes health care into their own hands for both their patients and their employees. We'll meet Tim Spooner, a physical therapist who, in 1990, opened a single clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona with the conviction that the right care, at the right time, can transform lives. Thirty-five years later, Tim leads Arizona's largest private PT practice, operates clinics across Arizona and Texas, and runs Solve Global, a company that's reshaping how employers nationwide address musculoskeletal health.But Tim's story doesn't stop with clinical excellence. Frustrated by skyrocketing premiums, opaque data, and decreasing reimbursements, he set out to redesign his company's health plan from the ground up. In the process, he redirected money typically lost to the old system back into his people, offering benefits like tuition reimbursement, direct primary care memberships, and robust musculoskeletal solutions. His efforts not only earned national recognition but also inspired other PT practices to follow suit.Today, we'll dive into Tim's journey of leadership and innovation, the challenges he faced, and how his blueprint for change is empowering others to reclaim health care, making it more transparent, effective, and people-focused. Stay tuned as we learn what it truly means to "walk the talk" in health care and why the proof is in the room.Timestamps:00:00 How Tim Spooner got started03:28 Discovering rising healthcare costs08:06 High hospital markup example13:14 Regenerative medicine success stories15:36 Proactive healthcare and early intervention19:57 Challenges for healthcare professionals22:48 Transitioning to self-insured healthcare24:12 Leadership and driving results26:59 Medical costs and MRI findings30:43 Navigating healthcare payment models36:11 Closing advice for key audiences36:49 Partnering with clinical practice leaders Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

On this episode of Relocalizing Health, host Dave Chase sits down with family physician and author Michael Fine, a leading voice in healthcare reform and the driving force behind Primary Care for All Americans. Together, they unpack the provocative idea of medicine as a form of colonialism, exploring how corporate healthcare systems extract wealth from local communities and diminish their capacity for self-governance.Michael Fine draws on decades of experience, from running a small family practice to leading the Rhode Island Department of Health, to illustrate the devastating impact of for-profit healthcare on both patients and the social fabric of our towns. He shares revealing moments that highlight the true cost of primary care versus the astronomical amounts funneled out of communities, and explains why universal, community-driven primary care could be the linchpin for both improved health outcomes and economic resilience.The conversation doesn’t just examine what’s broken, it spotlights grassroots solutions and social movements rekindling democracy and civic engagement in healthcare. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of community health initiatives, the simple mechanics behind local health plans, and strategies that unite both fiscal conservatives and progressives in the fight to reclaim healthcare dollars. Through stories of hope, frustration, and action, this episode charts a path for how all Americans, clinicians, citizens, and policymakers alike can join together to rebuild a just and sustainable healthcare system from the ground up.Timestamps:00:00 "Colonialism in Modern Healthcare"04:58 "Radical Sliding Scale Practice"09:00 "Essential Services for All"11:41 "Preventing Second COVID Wave"16:57 "Impact of Urban Health Inequity"20:31 "Primary Care Reduces Healthcare Waste"21:19 "Emergency Room Vortex Issues"27:04 "Primary Care for All Idea"29:50 Volunteer-Led Healthcare Voucher Program33:13 Primary Care Gaps Revealed37:31 "Social Movement & Governance Insights"38:16 "Sustainable Democracy Through Participation"41:19 "Healthcare System & Community Solutions" Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, the podcast that dives deep into how communities across America are reclaiming their healthcare from corporate control and building systems focused on people over profit. In this episode, we welcome Michael Norman, Chief Strategy Officer at Genesis Healthcare System in Zanesville, Ohio, and President of HealthyPath, a community-owned health plan product making a big impact.Mike shares his inspiring journey after being told his rural hospital wasn't "relevant" by a major insurance carrier, despite offering high-quality care at lower costs. This pivotal moment sparked the creation of HealthyPath, a product designed to empower local employers with affordable coverage options and give employees access to care without overwhelming deductibles. In just one year, HealthyPath’s 20 participating employers collectively saved $1.2 million, proving that local solutions can truly transform the healthcare landscape.Along the way, Mike discusses the importance of remaining independent as a community hospital, the economic role local healthcare systems play, and the pitfalls of consolidation that often leave rural communities behind. He also shares how employer feedback has shaped HealthyPath, where quality coverage is now helping businesses attract and retain talent, and employees can finally afford the care they need.We explore the innovative partnership between local hospitals and modern benefit advisors like Christina King, the collaborative power of rural Ohio's High Value Network, and what it takes to replicate this change in other communities. If you’re seeking hope and practical ideas for reshaping healthcare around local values and community needs, this episode is sure to inspire.Tune in as we shine a spotlight on those forging a new path, where community wellbeing comes first, and the American dream of accessible, affordable healthcare starts at home.Timestamps:00:00 Rural Healthcare Challenges and Costs04:59 Rural Hospital Relevance Challenge10:17 Local Oversight Strengthens Communities11:33 HealthyPath: Affordable Healthcare Solution14:47 "Christina's Impact on HealthyPath"18:16 $1.2M Employer Premium Savings22:37 "From Skeptic to Advocate"26:55 "Cost Management Through Local TPA"30:42 Scaling Value-Based Healthcare Solutions32:10 "Hospital Execs as Celebrities"35:14 Transforming Healthcare and Employer Retention38:32 "Rosetta Fest: Transforming Healthcare"Christina King - https://healthrosetta.org/advisors/christina-king/ Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, where we explore how communities are reclaiming control over healthcare and rebuilding systems that truly serve people. In this episode, host Dave Chase welcomes Patrick Blackaller, the driving force behind the Employer Healthcare Cooperative of Wisconsin. Together, they dive into the journey of transforming healthcare for schools and employers in Wisconsin, shifting from an extractive industry toward a model that prioritizes care, cost transparency, and community partnerships.You'll hear honest reflections on the tough choices and personal stories that sparked this movement, including the profound impact of rising costs and restrictive insurance plans on real people. Patrick Blackaller shares how direct contracts, innovative clinics, and new pharmacy approaches are not only saving millions but also bringing dignity and access back into healthcare. This episode is packed with lessons on pioneering change, even in the face of skepticism, and offers a blueprint for other communities ready to take bold steps toward a better future.Timestamps:00:00 "Rural School Struggles with Healthcare"05:04 "Creating Care Through Self-Funding"09:14 Overcoming Skepticism to Find Support12:50 Affordable Medication Access Strategies14:23 "Optimizing Health Plans Affordably"17:10 Streamlining Healthcare Navigation and Education20:30 Healthcare Spending and Employer Insights23:51 "Optimizing Quality and Cost Balance"27:21 Perseverance Through Challenges31:23 Purpose-Driven Leadership Strategies35:21 "Relocalizing Health: American Comeback" Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

On this episode of Relocalizing Health, host Dave Chase is joined by April Kyle, president and CEO of Southcentral Foundation in Alaska, for a deep dive into one of America’s most remarkable healthcare transformations. Together, they explore how the Alaska Native community took control of their own healthcare system, moving from an underfunded, top-down model to a community-owned system that now boasts some of the best health outcomes and highest satisfaction rates in the world.April Kyle shares the practical blueprint behind this success: from the generational trauma and distrust that had to be overcome, to the pivotal role of true community engagement and ongoing governance that keeps the transformation alive. The conversation highlights the importance of listening, evolving systems to meet community needs, and the challenges of sustaining change across decades. Listeners will hear inspiring, concrete stories of how community voices are not only heard, but drive real decisions, from scheduling mammograms around moose hunting season to making tough calls about housing for providers.Whether you’re a community leader, healthcare provider, or simply passionate about building better systems, this episode offers actionable insights and hope for communities everywhere looking to take back control and create a system built for and by them.Timestamps:00:00 "Relocalizing Health: Community-Driven Care"04:18 April Kyle's Introduction & Journey09:31 "Community-Centered Evolving Healthcare Model"12:42 "Relocalizing Health, Not Healthcare"15:20 Listening to Families, Closing Gaps19:35 "Listening, Dialogue, and Community Partnership"22:24 "Community-Driven Leadership Challenges"27:15 Listening to Community First28:12 "Community-Driven Listening and Customization"32:49 Community Decision on Housing Safety36:31 "Clinical Outcomes Data Sharing"37:26 Community Resource Allocation Dialogue40:42 "Power of Convening Communities"46:25 "Embracing Community-Led Healthcare Change"48:13 Integrating Behavioral Care Insights50:48 "Rosetta Fest: Health Care Transformation"Podcasts: IHI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-people-of-the-system-own-the-system-with/id1681829836?i=1000678625961Moving to Value Part 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-the-nuka-blueprint-w-april-kyle-and-dr-doug-eby/id1716935535Part 2 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-2-the-nuka-blueprint-w-april-kyle-and-dr-doug-eby/id1716935535 Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to Relocalizing Health, the podcast where we shine a light on the communities taking healthcare back from corporate control and making it serve people, rather than profit. In today’s episode, host Dave Chase sits down with Christina King, a benefit advisor from Columbus, Ohio, who’s breaking the mold on how we think about hospitals and employer health plans.Instead of waiting for Washington to fix a “terminally broken” system, Christina King has been rolling up her sleeves and partnering with regional hospitals to create community-owned health plans, even as much of Ohio’s healthcare landscape is collapsing around her. She unpacks how these grassroots efforts are not only keeping care in the community, but transforming hospital relationships, employer incentives and even employee recruitment by building something better from within.We’ll dig into the unique financial models, the critical role of direct primary care and independent pharmacies, and why employers are finally able to use health benefits as a genuine tool to attract their workforce. Plus, Christina King shares how these local successes are fueling statewide excitement and connecting an ever-growing network of visionary leaders ready to take healthcare transformation on the road.Get ready for an inspiring conversation that offers practical insights and real hope for reclaiming the American dream, one community at a time.Timestamps:00:00 Reclaiming Healthcare, Serving Communities04:33 Networking to Reach Hospital Executives08:41 Healthcare Innovation Around Metro Areas12:45 Replicating Community Health Plans15:42 Community-Focused Healthcare Collaboration18:05 "Health Plans Driving Employee Attraction"23:20 "Employer Community Health Revolution"25:00 Community Celebration After Denver Trip28:25 "Employers Discussing Healthcare Challenges"31:33 Hospital Competition and Cost Reform36:12 "Live in Anticipation of Connections"37:45 Reclaiming Healthcare, Building Community Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, where we dig deep into the heart of America's healthcare crisis and the opportunities that can rise from its collapse. In this Solo Episode, host Dave Chase confronts the uncomfortable truth: our healthcare system is not just broken, it's on the brink of collapse, with skyrocketing costs, staggering waste, and millions of Americans falling into medical debt.But it's not all doom and gloom. Dave Chase shares a personal story of loss and regret that fueled his mission for meaningful change, and he draws on history and proven models to show us how collapse can pave the way for better, more equitable healthcare. From community-owned health plans to bold policy solutions like the proposed Community Self Determination Act, he reveals two real pathways to transformation, grounded in local control, transparency, and an unwavering focus on true wellbeing.If you're ready to learn how communities are already reclaiming their health (and their financial futures), and how we can move from fear to action as this system unravels, this episode is your essential starting point. Let’s explore how we can turn crisis into an opportunity for lasting, positive change in American healthcare, one community at a time.Timestamps:00:00 "America's Systemic Collapse and Hope"05:15 Healthcare Costs and Human Impact07:47 "Fragile Healthcare Hierarchies Collapse"12:29 "Rethinking Healthcare for Wellbeing"16:12 Native Healthcare Transformation Revolution18:21 "Optimal Community Health Plan Model"23:10 "Path to Healing and Reform"24:13 "Relocalizing Health Solutions" Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to the 11th episode of Relocalizing Health, where we dive deep into how communities are reclaiming their local healthcare systems from extraction and inefficiency. This week, host Dave Chase is joined by Josh Butler, a benefit advisor based in Amarillo, Texas, who has been at the forefront of transformative change in his region.Instead of telling a story from a neat conclusion, we’ll journey into the "messy middle", where real progress and real challenges coexist. Josh Butler shares his pivotal moments, including a powerful story about helping a truck driver finally receive surgical care after ten years of suffering due to unaffordable deductibles. Inspired by the Health Rosetta movement, Josh transitioned from selling traditional insurance to building innovative, local solutions through the High Plains Health Plan.Listen in as we unpack the obstacles, breakthroughs, and the human impact of reimagining health benefits, where employers, clinicians, and advisors work together to create plans focused on accessibility, affordability, and genuine care. Whether you’re an employer, civic leader, or just someone passionate about change, this episode reveals what’s possible when communities take ownership of their healthcare dollars and destinies.Join us for a compelling conversation about restoring the American dream, one local health system at a time.Timestamps:00:00 "Relocalizing Healthcare Transformation"03:30 Health Insurance Broker Challenges08:29 "Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Collaboration"12:27 "Joining Health Rosetta: My Journey"13:25 "Growth, Learning, and Overcoming Fear"19:21 Physicians Prioritize Patients Over Profit21:52 Healthcare Industry Resistance to Change25:53 Choosing Partners Carefully28:17 "High Plains Health Plan Benefits"32:52 Brokerage Expansion and Partnerships35:15 Establishing a Financial Baseline39:21 Restoring the American Dream41:27 "Transforming Healthcare with Passion" Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, where we shine a light on the reality behind America's healthcare crisis and offer practical, local solutions you can start implementing today. In this episode, Dave Chase dives deep into the staggering 342% increase in healthcare costs since 1999, exposing why traditional benefit packages keep getting worse despite annual "kabuki dance" negotiations between employers, brokers, and insurance carriers.Through real-world stories, like Bryce Heinbaugh, an Ohio benefit advisor who transformed from feeling part of the problem to helping thousands in his community, Dave Chase reveals how deliberate, grassroots actions can change the game. Learn about the transformative power of community-owned health plans, transparent pricing, advanced primary care, and keeping healthcare dollars local.If you're an employer tired of wasteful spending or a benefit broker fatigued by the status quo, this episode uncovers actionable ways to reclaim what matters most: high-quality, affordable care for your people and real economic value for your organization. It’s not about disruption for disruption’s sake, it’s about restoring common sense and dignity to healthcare, right where you live. So tune in as we bust myths, share inspiring case studies, and invite you to join the movement to relocalize health.Timestamps:00:00 "Brokers, Profits, and Transformation"03:32 Healthcare Costs: A Theft Problem08:09 Reimagining Healthcare for Success12:21 Transparent Healthcare & Pharmacy Benefits14:41 "Advanced Primary Care Benefits"19:09 "Life-Changing Healthcare Savings Story"20:09 "Transforming Healthcare to Value Creation"25:52 "Health Reset Transformation Steps"26:40 Relocalize Health Now Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to "Relocalizing Health"! In today’s episode, host Dave Chase sits down with Russell DuBose, Vice President of Human Resources at Phifer Incorporated, for a powerful conversation on how one manufacturer reimagined healthcare costs as a supply chain problem, and solved it using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.Rather than accepting healthcare as an uncontrollable expense, Phifer Inc. applied continuous improvement principles to overhaul their benefits, delivering results that have stunned the industry: five years of flat healthcare costs, scholarships for employees’ dependents, zero pharmacy copays for over 2,500 individuals, and childcare bonuses for hundreds of families. But it goes beyond cost containment, Russell DuBose built the foundation so other local employers could access these benefits and help create healthier, more resilient communities.This episode dives deep into Phifer’s journey, including how they broke away from legacy broker models, embraced Health Rosetta principles, leveraged data-driven decision-making, and established onsite primary care and pharmacy access that drastically improved outcomes, especially during the COVID pandemic. You’ll also learn how this story is inspiring other manufacturers and local employers to rethink their approach to healthcare, and what’s coming next as advanced, individualized medicine becomes a reality.Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about transforming healthcare, this episode will change how you think about what’s possible for your company and your community.Timestamps:00:00 "Reclaiming Healthcare: Community Solutions"05:51 "Solving Healthcare with Lean Six Sigma"10:04 "Transition to Transparent PBM Model"12:07 "Advancing Precision Healthcare Systems"15:11 "Building a Unified Healthcare Paradigm"18:20 "Health Rosetta's Impact Initiative"21:07 "Primary Care: The Key Engine"24:37 "Eliminating Barriers to Care"30:57 Healthcare Costs and System Failure33:59 "Advancing Employer-Focused Healthcare Solutions"36:51 Primary Care Investment Revolution42:22 Precision Medicine Pathway Development45:00 "Advocating Transparency in Healthcare"47:31 "Modernizing Manufacturing: First Steps"51:11 Empower Teams for Transformation Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to Relocalizing Health, the podcast where we delve into how communities across America are taking back control of their healthcare from corporate interests and transforming it into a force for genuine wellbeing and economic vitality. I’m your host, Dave Chase.In today’s episode, we bring you a truly inspiring story of healthcare transformation, not spearheaded by a hospital exec, a government official, or a tech disruptor, but by an independent benefits advisor from Ohio who decided enough was enough. Bryce Heinbaugh joins us to share his journey, which began with a professional crisis of conscience after realizing how much money was being siphoned out of his community by a broken healthcare system.Bryce opens up about his pivotal moment at a Health Rosetta conference, the challenges of being a change agent, and how he helped move Ashtabula City Schools from the brink of financial crisis to building a $7 million healthcare reserve. We’ll explore the practical steps he took to rebuild the local healthcare ecosystem, from partnering with direct primary care physicians and community pharmacists, to negotiating direct contracts with high-quality providers, even in a so-called “medical desert.”Alongside Bryce, we’ll dig into the blueprint that empowered not just schools, but also local governments and private employers, to save millions while improving care for their people. We’ll discuss the national implications of this approach, the predictable pushback from entrenched interests, and why fostering local collaboration among advisors, clinicians, and civic leaders is crucial for lasting change.If you’ve ever wondered how healthcare could become an economic engine rather than a drain, or what it takes to shift from Wall Street-driven models to community-owned health plans, this is the episode for you. Stick around for actionable insights, hard-earned wisdom, and a hopeful look at what’s possible when communities work together to reclaim their healthcare destiny.Timestamps:00:00 "Revolutionizing U.S. Healthcare Costs"04:52 Epiphany of a Benefits Broker07:07 Healthcare Innovation Journey12:24 Community-Focused Healthcare Solution17:02 "Leveraging Major Employers for Community Initiatives"18:07 Analyzing Healthcare Spending Data22:59 Orthopedic and Imaging Expansion Success25:59 Healthcare Reform Sparks Local Controversy29:52 "Decentralizing Healthcare from Wall Street"31:49 Cut Out Middleman, Save on Prescriptions37:16 "Zero-Cost Healthcare Impact on Communities"38:44 Economic Impact of Healthcare Savings43:35 "COHP Scorecard Assessment"48:33 Space Collaboration Insights49:44 Revolutionizing Healthcare Access Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health, the show where we explore inspiring stories of communities reclaiming healthcare and reshaping the system to serve people, not profit. In today’s episode, host Dave Chase takes us to Ashtabula County, Ohio, a region that transformed itself from a “medical desert” into a beacon of hope for what healthcare can look like when it’s community-powered and people-centered.You’ll hear from three courageous local healthcare leaders: Dr. Brad Schneider, a primary care physician who broke out of the hospital “hamster wheel” to offer direct primary care; Maria Fowler, owner of one of the last independent pharmacies in town, standing strong against corporate chains and unfair pharmacy benefit managers; and Casey Billington, a nurse who helped co-found a revolutionary nurse navigation service that ensures every call is met with a real human; no AI, no runaround.Together, they reveal the staggering ways in which their community-owned health plan is not only saving millions of dollars for local schools and governments, but also restoring compassion and genuine relationships in care. Through their candid stories, you’ll get a front-row seat to the “mafia-like” challenges of the current system, the heartbreak of patients forced to fundraise for life-saving treatments, and the joy of finally making the system work for the people it’s supposed to serve.If you’re a civic leader, clinician, or anyone hungry for proof that healthcare can be both better and more affordable, this episode is packed with hope, practical strategies, and a vision of a future where community truly comes first. Let’s dive in!Timestamps:00:00 Relocalizing Health: Community Care Revolution05:45 Rising Patient Load Challenges Doctor08:01 Burnout as a Family Doctor11:34 Challenges in Primary Care Access14:04 Pharmacy System Challenges and Closures20:10 Barriers to Healthcare Access23:22 Transition to Direct Primary Care26:39 Rapid Orthopedic Access Service30:35 Delayed Doctor Appointment Crisis34:10 Revolutionizing Healthcare Access & Savings36:31 Advocating Self-Insurance for All Employers40:48 Healthcare's Role in Retention & Recruitment43:26 Direct Primary Care Revolution46:37 Rethink Healthcare Deserts51:26 Community-Oriented Business Models Discussed54:08 Flexible Healthcare Model Success57:12 Gratitude for Healthcare Professionals Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, the podcast where we dive into how local communities can reclaim their healthcare dollars and shape healthier, more vibrant futures. In this episode, host Dave Chase sits down with the ever-insightful Esther Dyson - investor, writer, and founder of the 10-year Wellville project, for a deep conversation about what it really takes to create lasting health at the community level.Kicking things off, Esther challenges us with a provocative comparison: we do a better job maintaining our cars than our own bodies. She and Dave explore why the true challenge in healthcare isn’t just about lowering costs, but making healthcare itself less necessary through prevention and social connection.Esther shares the inside story of Wellville, reflecting on lessons learned from working far beyond the “tech fix” mindset and instead focusing on trust, social fabric, and local leadership. They discuss the importance of making “new mistakes,” the pitfalls of short-term thinking in both healthcare and corporate America, and how employers can - and do - become powerful agents for community well-being.Together, Esther and Dave dig into everything from the power of data and the need for long-term investment, to the complicated dance between local action and national systems. Listen in for practical wisdom, hard-earned insights, and a dose of optimism about ways we can rebuild a healthier society from the ground up.Timestamps:00:00 "Reclaiming Healthcare Dollars Locally"06:10 "Health X Prize Proposal"09:32 Building Trust: A Decade's Insight11:47 Collaborative Catalyst Metaphor14:37 Preventive Healthcare Innovation17:22 "Short-Term Focus Hurts Healthcare"21:07 Transforming Community Through Health Initiatives23:48 "Restoring Humanity in a Gig Economy"28:55 Employer Healthcare Data Challenges33:26 Healthcare Economy Dynamics34:19 "Relocalizing Health Gratitude" Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to Relocalizing Health, the podcast uncovering how communities can take back healthcare from profit-driven systems and put people first. In today’s episode, host Dave Chase sits down with Dr. Rushika Fernandopulle, co-founder of Iora Health and current co-founder of Liza Health, to discuss the next frontier in primary care innovation. With heartfelt stories from the frontlines, Dr. Fernandopulle exposes the perils of fragmented, transactional medicine, where patients are overwhelmed with prescriptions and disconnected from real human care. Together, they explore how redesigning primary care - focused on relationships, not transactions - can restore the American dream for everyday people, improve outcomes, and even lower costs.Dr. Fernandopulle shares how Iora Health’s pioneering model brought humanity back to healthcare, using health coaches, technology, and a payment approach that actually rewards better health. You’ll hear compelling examples, from helping a socially isolated patient navigate her city to slashing unnecessary medications for complex patients that highlight just how transformative relationship-based care can be.Tune in for a compelling conversation on the power of independent primary care, the role of technology (including AI), and how communities can push for the changes needed to make healthcare work for everyone. Whether you’re a clinician, an employer, or invested in your local healthcare system, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for a better future in healthcare.Timestamps:00:00 Exceptional Family-Centric Healthcare Model05:23 "Meds Roulette: A Risky Routine"09:43 Patient Accountability Partnership Model12:33 Seniors' Isolation Addressed by Community Care16:20 Building Iora Health: Custom EHR Development19:00 Specialists Outnumber Primary Doctors in the US23:07 Rethinking Healthcare Systems25:39 AI in Healthcare Revenue Management28:54 "Payment Model Shifts in Healthcare"32:05 Prioritizing Care Over Profit35:01 Population Management in Healthcare Practices38:47 Reducing Healthcare Costs Benefits All42:21 "Restoring Humanity to Healthcare"43:43 "Business Diversity at Rosetta Fest" Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to another episode of Relocalizing Health! Today, host Dave Chase dives deep into the opportunities and challenges AI brings to healthcare, joined by digital health pioneer Dr. Jay Parkinson. Together, they explore a future where technology and community-driven care intersect, asking the big questions about how AI can support, rather than replace, the vital human relationships at the core of medicine.Jay shares stories from his unique journey, from being one of the first iPhone-enabled physicians making house calls, to innovating virtual primary care with Sherpa, and now leading Automate Clinic, where he’s working to train AI models to think more like doctors. As they sift through possibilities and pitfalls, Dave and Jay unpack what truly makes care excellent, which elements must remain human, and how AI might transform both the daily experiences of clinicians and the health journeys of patients.They also tackle AI’s role in addressing the broader determinants of health, beyond pills and procedures, into the realms of social connection and community resources. With insights for both clinicians embracing change and everyday people eager to understand what’s ahead, this episode is a candid, forward-thinking look at the evolution of healthcare.So, whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this conversation is designed to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire the kind of creative thinking that just might change the system for the better. Let’s get started.Timestamps:00:00 "Transforming Healthcare with Technology"04:21 Revolutionizing Telehealth: Consistent Doctor Access07:12 Optimizing Healthcare with AI11:13 AI in Holistic Healthcare Solutions13:23 Health vs. Medical: A Future Perspective18:56 AI Enhancing Health Conversations20:55 Rising Risk in Healthcare Analytics24:14 Focus on Basic Primary Care27:32 Curiosity Transforms Healthcare Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health! In today’s conversation, host Dave Chase sits down with Dr. Eric Bricker, a renowned internal medicine physician, board member for a leading direct primary care organization, and the mastermind behind those wildly popular whiteboard healthcare explainers online.Together, Dave and Dr. Bricker dive into the heart of America’s healthcare challenges: from deeply misaligned financial incentives to the separation of health and social care funding streams. You’ll hear candid stories and sharp insights from Dr. Bricker’s career working with millions across the country, and learn why fixing payment models could be the key to unlocking better primary care.The episode also unpacks the crucial role of local leadership, using real-world examples like the transformation in McAllen, Texas, and how direct primary care models are gaining traction among public employers. Dr. Bricker doesn’t just cut through the theoretical; he brings a dash of humor, some tough truths about medical training and system inertia, and inspiration for anyone striving to build healthier communities.Whether you're a health plan wonk, a city leader, or just itching to see change, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective and a few memorable quotes. Tune in to hear why, when it comes to transforming health systems, enthusiasm, persistence, and community leadership matter just as much as bright ideas.Timestamps:00:00 "Navigating U.S. Healthcare Insights"07:53 "Fixing U.S. Healthcare Flaws"12:59 Healthcare Politics and Resource Allocation18:27 Doctors Face Unexpected Social Work25:26 Primary Care Requires More Time31:04 Social Isolation to Social Prescription33:55 Scaling Direct Primary Care Practices42:11 "Influential Historians: The Durants"47:40 "Independent Thinkers Drive Health Innovation"51:53 Finding Your Purpose and Calling56:09 Localized Ecosystem Growth Explained01:01:17 Engaging Conversations at Rosetta Fest Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health, where we dive into the critical and often complicated world of healthcare reform at the local and state level. In this episode, host Dave Chase sits down with two trailblazing leaders in public sector health: Marilyn Bartlett, renowned for her transformative work on Montana’s state health plan and a member of Fortune’s 50 World Greatest Leaders, and Chris Deacon, an experienced former Deputy Attorney General of New Jersey with firsthand knowledge of negotiating healthcare on behalf of state employees.Together, they unpack the real-life impact of skyrocketing healthcare costs on state budgets, infrastructure, and, most importantly, the everyday lives of public employees. The conversation moves beyond numbers, exploring how unions became unexpected allies in the fight for health plan reform- and why educating and engaging stakeholders is the cornerstone of lasting change. From the power of transparent data to the importance of local advocacy and creative legislative wins, Marilyn and Chris share practical, actionable lessons for mayors, school boards, and anyone interested in bending the cost curve without cutting benefits.Tune in as we shine a light on how shifting the status quo can restore trust, save millions, and lead to better care for all - plus, get a preview of their hands-on workshops at Rosetta Fest, where they’ll pull back the curtain on hospital finances, contract red flags, and more. If you care about healthier communities and smarter spending, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Genius Thrives in Adversity03:50 State Employee Health Plan Challenges08:46 Economic Development 3.0 Podcast Insights10:55 Unified Approach to Health Benefits14:21 Effective Data Use in Decision-Making18:55 Federal Health Policy Movement Signals22:18 Montana Pharmacists' Legislative Victory23:25 Surprise Policy Gains for Advocates29:14 Touching Union Meeting Reflections30:41 Praising Marilyn and Chris's Impact33:04 Grateful for Fun Contract Work Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, where we dig into the powerful connection between healthcare and community prosperity. In this episode, host Dave Chase explores a hidden economic struggle affecting towns across America, one where healthcare dollars can either drain local economies or become the engine that revitalizes them. Dave shares compelling stories, like how a reimagined approach to healthcare in Tangelo Park, Florida, helped fund college for every child and reduced crime dramatically, while unchecked hospital expansion elsewhere continues to burden families for generations.This episode shines a light on why traditional strategies to attract jobs may be less effective than transforming local healthcare ecosystems, highlighting real-life examples from Ohio to Alabama where communities have redirected wasted healthcare spending into scholarships, community programs, and job growth. Through cooperatives, innovative employers, and local leadership, Dave reveals a playbook for reclaiming healthcare dollars and harnessing them to rebuild the social and economic fabric of our communities.Whether you’re an employer, teacher, community leader, or local advocate, Dave empowers you with ideas and tools to help your community thrive, reminding us all that the future of healthcare and local prosperity is in our hands. Join us as we explore real solutions already working across the country, and find out how you can be part of this growing movement to relocalize health.Timestamps:00:00 Healthcare Drains Local Economies05:11 Rethinking Hospital-Centric Economic Development09:47 "Community Focus in Transparent Healthcare"13:03 Community Wealth Through Cooperatives14:48 Localizing Healthcare for Economic Growth15:44 Rosetta FestLearn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase - Episode 1 - Coming Soon!Learn More:RosettaFest 2026 - https://rosettafest.org/Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/