Inside The 1581

Hosted by Oklahoma Hospital Association

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Jun 2026

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About the show

From the heart of America, welcome to Inside the 1581, a podcast presented by the Oklahoma Hospital Association. Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the sweeping plains, rolling hills, and vibrant culture of the great state of Oklahoma. Hosted by Rich Rasmussen, President and CEO of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, each episode invites you to explore the rich history and diverse tapestry of a state whose spirit echoes through every corner. We delve into compelling conversations with political leaders, healthcare pioneers, and the voices that mold Oklahoma's future.

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34 recent

June 10, 202639 min

How Telestroke Is Supporting Rural Oklahoma Hospitals

On this edition of Inside the 1581, we’re joined by Trent Bourland, vice president of rural health at SSM Health, and Eric Finley, executive director of the Foundation for a Healthy Oklahoma, to discuss the impact of telestroke services and the importance of rapid access to stroke care in rural communities. Bourland and Finley share how telestroke programs can help hospitals provide faster treatment closer to home, improve patient outcomes and strengthen rural health care services across Oklahoma. The conversation also explores the financial and operational challenges rural hospitals face when patients must be transferred for care and the long-term impact expanded access to specialty services could have on communities statewide.www.insidethe1581.com

April 15, 202645 min

OU College of Nursing Featuring Dean Melissa Craft

On this edition of Inside the 1581, we’re joined by Melissa Craft, dean of the University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, to discuss the role of clinical partners in shaping high quality nursing education and supporting student success. Craft shares how hospital partnerships enhance hands on learning, the challenges around clinical placements, and the importance of collaboration in meeting growing workforce demands. She also highlights the college’s new CRNA program and how it will help strengthen the nursing pipeline and support healthcare systems across Oklahoma.www.insidethe1581.com

April 1, 202645 min

Supporting Employees with Long-Term Care Benefits

On the latest episode of Inside the 1581, we’re joined by Sammy Kolbas, Regional Sales Director at Trustmark, and John Symcox, Chief Innovation Officer at First Fidelity Bank, to discuss the growing importance of long-term care in financial planning and employer benefits. They discuss trends in employer interest, product design innovations, and how long-term care coverage can help hospitals and healthcare organizations retain employees and support multigenerational workforces.www.insidethe1581.com

March 11, 202634 min

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

On this edition of Inside the 1581, we’re joined by Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready to discuss the Qualified Health Plan Provider Directory pilot program and how Oklahoma is working with federal partners to improve the accuracy of provider directories. The pilot aims to make it easier for providers to verify their information and help ensure patients can find accurate listings for doctors and hospitals in their health plan networks. Commissioner Mulready also discusses Oklahoma’s planned transition from Healthcare.gov to a state based health insurance exchange and what that change could mean for consumers and the health care market. Mulready is Oklahoma’s 13th insurance commissioner and will conclude his second term in 2027 due to term limits. He began his career in the insurance industry more than 40 years ago and later served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives before being elected statewide in 2019.

January 28, 202630 min

Our Blood Institute Featuring Dr. John Armitage

On this edition of Inside the 1581, we’re joined by Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute, to explore the challenges facing the blood supply during National Blood Donor Month. Dr. Armitage shares the current state of blood inventory, what low supplies mean for patients, and how hospitals and healthcare leaders can help. Visit https://ourbloodinstitute.org/ to find a location near you to donate.www.insidethe1581.com

December 17, 202523 min

The Voices Featuring Bennett Geister, Part 3

On this special edition of “The Voices” on Inside the 1581, broadcasting from the annual OHA Connect conference, we speak with Bennett Geister, president of Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City Communities.He shares his perspective on the health care landscape in Oklahoma and discusses how Mercy is impacting their communities.www.insidethe1581.com

December 10, 202519 min

The Voices Featuring Corey Lively, Part 2

On this special edition of “The Voices” on Inside the 1581, broadcasting from the annual OHA Connect conference, we speak with Corey Lively, CEO of Great Plains Regional Medical Center. He shares his perspective on the health care landscape in Oklahoma and describes what it is like to serve a rural community at his hospital in Elk City.www.insidethe1581.com

December 3, 202529 min

The Voices Featuring Darin Farrell, Part 1

On this special edition of “The Voices” on Inside the 1581, broadcasting from the annual OHA Connect conference, we speak with Darin Farrell, president and CEO of Weatherford Regional Hospital. He discusses the current health care landscape in Oklahoma and describes how his hospital and the Weatherford community responded to the ammonia gas leak that impacted the area.www.insidethe1581.com

October 29, 202531 min

Improving Care for Rural Veterans Part 2

On this edition of Inside the 1581, we’re joined by Howard Manuel, Deputy Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Richard Marble, Senior IT Specialist at the VA. Together, they share the vast scope of the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system, the challenges and opportunities in recruiting a mission-driven workforce, and how the VA is partnering with hospital associations to strengthen care for veterans. They also discuss recent legislative efforts to expand access, advancements in digital modernization, and the future of veteran healthcare in rural America.

October 29, 202532 min