Speaking Our Minds Podcast

Speaking Our Minds Podcast brought to you by the City of Nashua, Division of Public Health & Community Services , we sit down with Tori Markiewicz, Nashua Community Coordinator for the Granite State Organizing Project, a nonprofit focused on uniting communities to fight for racial and economic justice across New Hampshire. We break down GSOP’s mission—bringing people together to build power, advocate for change, and tackle issues like housing, healthcare, and inequality.

On the next episode of Speaking Our Minds Podcast brought to you by the City of Nashua, Division of Public Health & Community Services , we sit down with Tori Markiewicz, Nashua Community Coordinator for the Granite State Organizing Project, a nonprofit focused on uniting communities to fight for racial and economic justice across New Hampshire. We break down GSOP’s mission—bringing people together to build power, advocate for change, and tackle issues like housing, healthcare, and inequality.

We’re joined by Ebram Aziz, who immigrated from Egypt to the United States at just nine years old and has built an inspiring career rooted in service and leadership. A Registered Nurse for nearly seven years, Ebram brings a diverse background across correctional healthcare—where he rose to Director of Nursing at a maximum-security prison in Massachusetts—along with experience in the emergency department, operating room, and public health. Today, he serves as the Lead Coordinator for the City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services.We’re also joined by Robert Ortiz, Public Health Medical Assistant for the Division of Public Health & Community Services, who plays a key role in supporting vital community programs such as the LEAD program and immunization initiatives.Together, they  break down the realities of lead exposure, its lasting effects, and why awareness and prevention are still crucial today. 

We’re joined by Ebram Aziz, who immigrated from Egypt to the United States at just nine years old and has built an inspiring career rooted in service and leadership. A Registered Nurse for nearly seven years, Ebram brings a diverse background across correctional healthcare—where he rose to Director of Nursing at a maximum-security prison in Massachusetts—along with experience in the emergency department, operating room, and public health. Today, he serves as the Lead Coordinator for the City of Nashua Division of Public Health & Community Services.We’re also joined by Robert Ortiz, Public Health Medical Assistant for the Division of Public Health & Community Services, who plays a key role in supporting vital community programs such as the LEAD program and immunization initiatives.Together, they  break down the realities of lead exposure, its lasting effects, and why awareness and prevention are still crucial today. New Episode available April 27th on all your streaming podcast platforms.

* This episode is in Spanish*Hoy, entrevistamos a  Angela Mercado, originaria de Ecuador, es la fundadora del Community Engagement Training Center y lleva más de 25 años impactando positivamente la comunidad de Nashua, New Hampshire. Con formación en servicios humanos y psicología, y estudios en consejería, su misión es crear un espacio inclusivo que conecte a la comunidad con recursos esenciales y promueva el bienestar y el crecimiento de todos. Puedes vistar su pagina del web aqui. Producido por Jonathan Gonzalez de Flow Free Or Die Entertainment. 

Entrevistamos a Angela Mercado de Community Engagement Training Center localizado en Nashua, NH. Una profesional dedicada a fortalecer la comunidad a través de recursos, orientación y programas que impulsan el crecimiento personal y profesional de quienes sirve.Su trabajo se enfoca en crear oportunidades accesibles y brindar apoyo real a quienes buscan avanzar y construir un mejor futuro. No te pierdas el próximo episodio este lunes 20 de Abril en todas las plataformas de donde se escucha su podcast.

In this episode of Speaking Our Minds, we introduce and unpack the meaning behind our new slogan, “Where Health is More Than Healthcare.” Savitri Horrigan and Iraida Muñoz share the vision behind this message—emphasizing that true health extends beyond clinical care to include community, environment, education, and access.The conversation also highlights the impact of the 2026 Mayors Task Force on Substance Abuse Legislative Breakfast, reflecting on the importance of collaboration between community leaders, policymakers, and public health professionals in addressing substance use challenges.Savitri and Iraida further explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how early exposure to trauma can shape long-term health outcomes for youth. They thoughtfully navigate complex and sensitive topics, including systemic racism within the healthcare system, while emphasizing the importance of approaching these realities through a trauma-informed lens.This episode goes deeper than surface-level conversation—opening the door to critical dialogue, awareness, and understanding. And this is only the beginning… there’s much more to uncover.This episode was recorded at Flow Free Or Die Studios and produced by Jonathan Gonzalez from Flow Free Or Die Entertainment. 

Trailer to Episode 2 with Savitri Horriga  and Iraida Muñoz Titled " Where Health is More Than Healthcare", Releasing Monday April 13th. 

Season 3  Episode 1 – Introduction & Setting the FoundationIn this episode of Speaking Our Minds, we’re joined by Savitri Horrigan, Behavioral Health Strategist, and Iraida Muñoz, Public Health Strategist, from the Division of Public Health and Community Services.They share their backgrounds, the work they do within the community, and the impact of their roles in addressing critical public health challenges. The conversation takes a deeper look into difficult but necessary topics, including opioid overdoses, while also highlighting the importance of educating youth on the social determinants of health.This episode sets the tone for honest dialogue, awareness, and meaningful change within our communities along with setting the expectations on topics being discussed for this season in future episodes. This podcast is brought to you by the City of Nashua from the Division of Public Health & Community Services and produced by Jonathan Gonzalez of Flow Free Or Die Media Entertainment, LLC. 

Get a first look at Speaking Our Minds — a podcast created to amplify real voices, real experiences, and real conversations that impact our communities.In this trailer, we set the tone for a powerful season ahead — highlighting topics around mental health, public health, and the social factors that shape our everyday lives. Through honest dialogue and diverse perspectives, this series creates a space where stories are not only heard, but understood.This season, expect meaningful conversations with community leaders, health professionals, and individuals with lived experiences — all coming together to educate, inspire, and spark change. From addressing opioid overdoses to empowering youth through awareness and education, Speaking Our Minds is more than a podcast — it’s a movement toward understanding and connection.🎧 Launching Monday, April 6th on all streaming platforms.Follow, subscribe, and join us as we start speaking our minds.