The Pulse: At the Heart of Black Health and Wellness

Host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Renee Anthony, physician and founder of Momentum Park, an initiative focused on advancing perinatal equity and supporting Black mothers and babies. Dr. Anthony shares her journey from academic medicine to founding Momentum Park after witnessing disparities in pregnancy experiences and outcomes for Black women.

In this episode of The Pulse, host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Caria Gens, a pharmacist, public health scientist, and CEO of Salveo Innovations. Dr. Gens discusses the inspiration and development of "Tyrone," a mobile health application designed to bridge the communication gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially within the Black community.

In this episode of 'The Pulse' hosted by Jade Curtis from BlackDoctor.org, Kwame Terra, CEO and Founder of Bear Health, discusses his New Orleans-based startup aimed at enhancing health within the black community. Terra introduces Bear Health's innovative app that assigns users a health score based on various metrics like physical health, activity levels, and mental well-being. The app provides actionable insights and connects users with healthcare providers. The episode delves into the inspiration behind the app, the importance of merging technology with health, and the community-building events hosted by Bear Health. Terra also shares his personal journey, the challenges faced, and the success stories spawned from their initiative, including users significantly improving their health outcomes. Tune in to learn how Bear Health is making strides in leveling up black community health one step at a time.

In this episode of The Pulse, host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Porsche Johnson Williams, an oncology pharmacist and medical science liaison, about the importance of clinical trials and precision medicine in the Black community. Dr. Williams explains that clinical trials are often misunderstood as a last resort, but they can offer better and more precise treatment options than standard care, especially in oncology. She emphasizes the need for self-advocacy, encouraging patients to ask about clinical trials and overcome historical mistrust by seeking providers who understand their needs.

Host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Sackey, a psychopharmacologist and mental health coach, about his passion for mental health, especially within Black communities. Dr. Sackey discusses his new initiative, "Mental Keys," and its community project, "Your Mind is Our Business," which aims to break the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations.

Host Jade Curtis interviews Camille Campbell, a pharmacist and health equity advocate, about the importance of diversity in clinical trials, especially for Black communities. Camille shares her background in pharmacy, clinical research, and her transition into health equity work, emphasizing the need for representation in clinical trials to ensure drugs are effective for all populations.

In this episode of The Pulse, Jade Curtis hosts El Ross, Managing Director of the Quai Group, to discuss financial literacy, budgeting, setting clear financial goals, and understanding how money works. El emphasizes the importance of starting to invest with familiar brands and the significance of using credit responsibly. He also shares insights on securing funding for businesses through grants and managing debt effectively.

In this episode of The Pulse, host Jade Curtis interviews Tatiana Ridge, a clinical consultant, surgical technologist, and founder of "For the Love of Surgery." Tatiana shares her journey from medical professional to entrepreneur, highlighting her passion for supporting aspiring surgical professionals through her educational platform. The discussion covers the resources available on her website, including accredited school lists, salary transparency, and study guides, as well as her large social media following. Tatiana emphasizes the importance of community, representation, and information-sharing in healthcare, especially for Black professionals. She shares inspiring stories from users who found direction and support through her platform. The conversation also touches on overcoming challenges in education, advocating for oneself, and the value of pursuing work driven by passion. Tatiana's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: make sure you love what you do, as passion is key to perseverance and success.

In this episode of The Pulse, host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Michael Conwood, the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of My Lua Health, an AI-powered maternal wellness startup. Dr. Conwood shares the mission and innovations behind My Lua Health, including their NIH-funded, VC-backed platform that predicts postpartum depression in the first trimester with 94% accuracy. The conversation explores the app's features, such as evidence-based information, symptom tracking, and support for doulas and healthcare providers. Dr. Conwood discusses the importance of technology in addressing maternal health disparities, the role of AI in healthcare, and the need for diverse voices in developing unbiased AI models. The episode also delves into the future of agentic AI applications, the impact of technology on job markets, and the importance of community collaboration to drive change in healthcare. Listeners are encouraged to embrace technology, support one another, and work together to create a better future for maternal health.

Host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Christina Madison, a clinical pharmacist and public health consultant, about her career and the critical topic of HIV prevention, especially among Black women. Dr. Madison discusses her work in public health, her consulting business, and her media presence. The conversation centers on the importance of vaccinations and recent legal wins supporting preventative care. Dr. Madison highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black women, emphasizing that risk is often related to geography and community prevalence rather than individual behavior.

In this episode of The Pulse, host Jade Curtis interviews Cornelius Bankston, founder of Tech Plug, a health innovation firm based in New Orleans. The conversation centers on addressing health access in marginalized communities, the importance of bringing innovative health tech solutions to underserved populations, and the need for representation in technology and healthcare.

In this episode of The Pulse, executive editor Jade Curtis sits down with doula and birth equity advocate Alyssa Bedard at the Black Health Connect conference. Alyssa breaks down the essential role of doulas, how they differ from midwives, and the vital support they provide throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She also shares her personal journey into doula work, shaped by her own experiences and passion for maternal and child health justice. This conversation highlights the importance of maternal advocacy and the need for equitable, safe birthing experiences for all.

In this episode of The Pulse, host Jade Curtis sits down with Dr. Marius Chukwurah, a sports cardiologist, to discuss heart health in athletes and the general population. Dr. Chukwurah shares insights from his experience working with professional and tactical athletes, explains the path to becoming a sports cardiologist, and highlights the importance of exercise, diet, and sleep for cardiovascular health. The conversation covers common heart health challenges, the impact of different diets and lifestyle choices, and practical tips for improving heart health, whether you're an athlete or just looking to live healthier.

In this episode of "The Pulse," host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Okey K. Enyia, a health policy executive with over 15 years of experience. Dr. Enyia discusses the impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on Black and Brown communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving healthcare access and addressing health disparities, especially in the South. He shares insights from his upcoming book, "The John Henry Health Equity Playbook," which offers strategies for civic engagement and policy advocacy at all levels of government. Dr. Enyia highlights the direct connection between political participation and health outcomes, urging listeners to be active in the policymaking process. The conversation also explores Black men's health, the importance of self-care, and how communities—especially women—can support Black men's mental and physical well-being. The episode closes with practical advice on advocacy, self-empowerment, and the value of showing up for one another.

This episode of "The Pulse" features host Jade Curtis in conversation with Dr. Crystal Redmond, a public health doctor and executive director of Spark Reproductive Justice Now. The discussion centers on reproductive justice, maternal health disparities, and the impact of systemic oppression on Black communities, particularly in Georgia. Dr. Redmond shares insights on advocacy, the importance of culturally humble care, and the challenges posed by restrictive abortion laws. The episode also highlights the power of storytelling, community organizing, and practical tips for self-advocacy in healthcare. Dr. Redmond encourages listeners to connect with local organizations and emphasizes that everyone can contribute to social justice, regardless of their background or profession.

In this episode of "The Pulse," host Jade Curtis interviews Dr. Michael H. Ford, the State Director of Health Equity for Aetna Better Health of Maryland. The conversation centers on the impact of Medicaid and recent legislative changes on vulnerable communities, particularly Black and Brown populations and children. Dr. Ford explains the differences between Medicaid and Medicare, highlights the importance of advocacy, and shares practical ways individuals can make their voices heard—through social media, contacting state officials, and community engagement. The discussion also delves into Dr. Ford's work on health equity, including efforts to bridge gaps in culturally and linguistically appropriate care. A significant portion of the episode focuses on Black maternal health, with Dr. Ford sharing powerful stories to illustrate the challenges faced by Black women and the need for better advocacy and culturally competent healthcare. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to speak up, advocate for themselves and their communities, and ensure that important health stories are not forgotten.

In this episode of "The Pulse," host Jade Curtis sits down with Dr. Desiree Strickland, a public health expert, entrepreneur, and founder of Strickland Health Consulting and the Public Health Club. Dr. Strickland shares her journey from earning a doctorate in public health to launching a successful consulting business and building a thriving online community of over 700 public health professionals. The conversation explores the challenges of working in public health, especially around compensation and burnout, and how Dr. Strickland's initiatives empower professionals to advance their careers and start their own businesses. Listeners hear inspiring stories of club members who have transformed their careers and finances, as well as practical advice for anyone interested in public health or entrepreneurship. Key takeaways include the importance of community, leveraging your skills beyond traditional roles, and the value of taking action even when you don't feel fully ready. Dr. Strickland encourages listeners to find their passion, connect with like-minded individuals, and pursue opportunities in the broad and impactful field of public health. Connect with Dr. Strickland on Instagram (@DesireeCourtneyJ) and learn more about the Public Health Club at publichealthclub.com. Don't miss her podcast, "The Dr. Dez Show," for more insights on career, entrepreneurship, and life.