Public Health Careers

Hosted by Omari Richins, MPH

Business Education Science

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Episodes

341

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Omari Richins, MPH, the Founder of The Public Health Millennial platform, chats with professionals and students to hear their unique and diverse public health career stories with tips and insights to help you along your public health career journey. This show is for anyone interested in public health or related fields. It covers stories, live sessions, and other relevant public health content. It offers insightful stories, career strategies, actionable tips, and resources to assist you in taking the next step in your public health career. You'll learn about the importance of public health, public health issues, and what you can do with your degree in public health. Whether you are a new public health student or professional, this show will surely have helpful stories and tips you won't want to miss.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 11, 2026Episode 2651 hr 1 min

265: Beyond the Data: Storytelling, Film, and Health Equity with Kierra Sarfo-Kantanka, MPH

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Kierra Sarfo-Katanka, MPH. Kierra is Founder and Executive Director of Data & Narrative Collective, to explore how creativity, storytelling, and lived experience can make public health more human. We talk about her journey from theater and pre-med to public health, why data alone rarely tells the full story, and how film and media can build empathy and communicate complex health issues. Kierra also takes us behind the scenes of her debut documentary, Women with the Issue of Blood, which centers women’s experiences and shines a light on gaps in gynecological and reproductive healthcare. We also get into community engagement, misinformation, graduate school, career development, and what it means to build a public health career at the intersection of your different passions. 🎯 Learn more about this episode and resources mentioned 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🎯 Storefront 🧠 Join our public health community Chapters: @0:00 Introduction to Kierra Sarfo-Katanka, MPH and her work @3:36 Kierra's background in theater and filmmaking @6:02 The origin of Data and Narrative Collective @10:00 Connecting research, storytelling, and community impact @15:54 Women with the Issue of Blood documentary and community impact @21:47 Key messages from the documentary and health disparities @24:10 Recommendations for healthcare providers and policy change @27:23 Inspiration behind building Public Health Key platform @42:28 What public health means to Kierra @45:16 Kierra's academic journey and public health career Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

August 4, 202622 min

the new 1% public health professional

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the characteristics and strategies of the new 1% public health professionals who are advancing their careers effectively. He emphasizes the importance of measurable impact, building relationships, and the value of soft skills alongside technical skills. The discussion also covers the significance of understanding funding and policy, leveraging AI, creating opportunities, and the necessity of tailoring job applications. Omari highlights the need for continuous learning and engagement in the field, as well as the importance of passion combined with strategic thinking for long-term success in public health careers. 🎯 Our New Career Services Storefront ✍🏾 TPHM Needs Survey 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🧠 Join our public health community 👕 Check out our apparel 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 💬 Suggest a Topic Chapters: @0:00 Introduction to the 18 principles of top public health professionals @0:49 Building relationships consistently, not just when unemployed @2:19 Soft skills are as valuable as technical skills @3:34 Reframing imposter syndrome as a sign of growth @5:06 Understanding funding, policy, and power in public health @6:03 Using AI strategically while mastering foundational skills @7:18 Creating impact snapshots and documenting wins @8:15 Building a strong LinkedIn presence @9:11 Creating opportunities instead of waiting for permission @10:35 Tailoring resumes and stories to each role @11:30 Exploring careers beyond traditional settings @13:05 Learning practical, in-demand skills @14:28 Communicating effectively with diverse audiences @15:24 Documenting impact and building a boundaries document @16:48 Protecting energy and building a sustainable life @17:49 Taking initiative and being dependable @19:23 Knowing when to say no and setting boundaries @19:43 Staying informed and engaged in public health @20:14 Balancing passion with strategy and visibility @22:06 Conclusion and upcoming resources and events Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

July 28, 20261 hr 18 min

264: Building Trust in Clinical Trials: Community Engagement Insights from Dr. Anthony Cornelius Gittens, DrPH, CHES

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dr. Anthony Cornelius Gittens, DrPH, CHES. He shares his journey in public health, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, representation in clinical trials, and the role of language and culture in shaping public health initiatives. He discusses his current role as a community clinical manager, the challenges of building trust with historically underrepresented communities, and the significance of community health workers. Dr. Gittens also reflects on his educational journey and the lessons learned along the way, advocating for a public health approach that prioritizes equity and access for all. In this conversation, Dr. Anthony Gittens shares his journey into public health, highlighting transformative experiences in Colombia that shaped his perspective. He discusses the importance of education in public health, particularly his master's and doctoral studies, and emphasizes the need for leadership and community engagement in the field. Dr. Gittens reflects on his various roles in public health, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of networking and personal development for aspiring public health professionals. 🎯 Learn more about this episode and resources mentioned 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🎯 Storefront 🧠 Join our public health community Chapters: @0:00 Introduction and Guest Background @1:28 Journey into Public Health and Global Experience @2:09 Mental and Physical Challenges of Jujitsu @3:45 Language, Culture, and Community Engagement @5:35 Current Role at Inside Edge Consulting Group @9:18 Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials @13:35 Weekly Routine and Community Engagement @16:06 Most Enjoyable Aspects of the Role @17:33 Challenges in Building Community Trust @19:13 Teaching at Calbright College @21:37 Rebuilding Trust in Clinical Trials @25:18 Common Themes Across Public Health Sectors @29:21 Transportation as a Public Health Issue @31:33 Role of Community Health Workers @33:47 Personal Definition of Public Health @34:56 Initial Draw to Kinesiology and Exercise Science @36:06 Transformative Experience in Colombia @37:19 Discovering Public Health as a Field @39:12 Deciding to Pursue Public Health and Global Health @42:04 Lessons from Living in Colombia @43:13 Impact of MPH on Community Engagement @45:36 Choosing the DrPH for Leadership Focus @48:28 Lessons in Public Health Leadership and Systems @50:45 Advice for Public Health Students @1:02:01 Roles in Public Health and Military Service @1:03:15 Preparing for Career Transitions @1:04:32 Community Engagement Improvements Needed @1:07:55 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals @1:12:42 Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth @1:13:14 Recommended Resources and Books @1:15:07 Advice to Younger Self Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

July 21, 202616 min

the new 1% public health student

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the evolving landscape of public health education and the characteristics that distinguish the new generation of public health students. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality in career preparation, the need for practical skills, and the value of networking and building relationships. Omari outlines 15 key strategies that can help students stand out in the competitive job market, including building a professional online presence, engaging in informational interviews, applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects, and staying curious about emerging trends in public health. 🎯 Our New Career Services Storefront ✍🏾 TPHM Needs Survey 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🧠 Join our public health community 👕 Check out our apparel 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 💬 Suggest a Topic Chapters: @0:00 Introduction and overview of the new public health student mindset @2:18 The importance of intentional skill development @4:20 Building your professional presence early @5:08 The power of informational interviews @6:19 Applying classroom concepts to real projects @7:18 Communicating beyond public health @9:14 Using AI sparingly and strategically @11:39 Developing practical, hireable skills @11:58 Exploring diverse public health careers @13:23 Building relationships instead of going solo @14:16 Taking initiative before feeling ready @16:09 Grades versus real-world experience @17:04 Documenting wins and achievements @19:00 Communicating impact with confidence @20:37 Staying curious about the future of public health @21:06 The power of consistency and small actions @21:35 Starting before you're fully ready @22:24 Final thoughts and encouragement Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

June 3, 202614 min

Navigating Public Health Challenges

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the current challenges faced in public health, emphasizing the feelings of frustration and burnout among professionals. He highlights the importance of community support and the role of government in providing social safety nets. Richins encourages listeners to take action, build connections, and share their stories to foster a sense of community and drive positive change in public health. 🎯 Our New Career Services Storefront ✍🏾 TPHM Needs Survey 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🧠 Join our public health community 👕 Check out our apparel 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 💬 Suggest a Topic Chapters: @0:00 Navigating Challenges in Public Health @2:47 The Importance of Community and Care @6:05 Government's Role in Public Health @8:58 Taking Action and Building Connections @12:09 The Future of Public Health and Community Efforts Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

May 26, 20261 hr 14 min

263: The PHuncle: Making Public Health Cool, Human, and Relatable with Dorian Johnson, NBC-HWC, MPH

Omari Richins, MPH of the Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dorian Johnson, also known as The PHuncle. Dorian is a public health educator, communicator, and content creator focused on making health information more engaging, relatable, and culturally relevant. Through creative storytelling and authentic conversations, he works to bridge the gap between traditional public health messaging and the communities it aims to serve. His background spans fitness, health education, and public health communications, with a strong focus on behavior change, representation, and improving how we connect with people around health topics. 🎯 Learn more about this episode and resources mentioned 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🎯 Storefront 🧠 Join our public health community Chapters @0:00 Introduction to Dorian Johnson and The PH Uncle @5:59 The Birth of The PH Uncle: A Unique Approach to Public Health @9:07 Filling the Gap in Public Health Messaging @11:54 Building a Portfolio: The Journey of The PH Uncle @15:08 Creating Engaging Public Health Content @17:59 Navigating Professionalism in Public Health @20:57 The Joys and Challenges of The PH Uncle @24:00 Public Health Fellowship Experience @27:03 The Limitations of Public Health Messaging @30:03 Understanding Behavior Change in Public Health @33:12 Common Mistakes in Health Education Campaigns @36:49 The Myth of Melanin and Sun Safety @38:48 Balancing Evidence and Emotion in Health Communication @42:24 Understanding Public Health: A Personal Perspective @44:50 From Fitness to Global Health: A Journey @51:44 The Importance of Education and Credentialism @56:00 The Role of Sociology in Public Health @59:59 Lessons from the MPH Experience @1:03:05 Advice for Future Public Health Professionals Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

May 21, 202617 min

Navigating Misinformation in Public Health & What's Going On With Ebola

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the pervasive issue of misinformation in public health, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to combat it. He outlines a practical framework for engaging in conversations about health topics, focusing on listening, validating, redirecting, and informing. Richins also addresses the current Ebola outbreak, highlighting the importance of strong public health systems and community trust. He concludes by stressing the significance of public health engagement in rebuilding trust and understanding within communities. 🎯 Our New Career Services Storefront ✍🏾 TPHM Needs Survey 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🧠 Join our public health community 👕 Check out our apparel 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 💬 Suggest a Topic Chapters: @0:00 Understanding Misinformation in Public Health @8:15 Effective Communication Strategies @16:34 Current Public Health Issues: Ebola Outbreak Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

May 12, 20261 hr 10 min

262: Transforming Public Health Through Community Engagement with Lydia Babcock, MA, MPH, PMP

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Lydia Babcock, MA, MPH, PMP. Lydia uses participatory action research, ethnography, and mixed methods to help organizations identify root causes, close gaps, and design solutions that actually work for communities. Her work sits at the intersection of public health, medical anthropology, policy research, and community engagement, with experience spanning both domestic and global health settings - including serving as a Peace Corps Community Health Specialist in Malawi. Resume Workshop (May 24th): https://thephmillennial.com/workshops/ 🎯 Learn more about this episode and resources mentioned: ➡ https://thephmillennial.com/episode262 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services: https://thephmillennial.com/services/ 🎯 Storefront: https://stan.store/thephmillennial 🧠 Join our public health community at: ➡ https://thephmillennial.com/join Chapters: @0:00 Introduction to Lydia Babcock @3:54 Exploring Doula Research and Medicaid @7:23 The Role of Data in Public Health @11:16 Qualitative Research: Skills and Insights @12:40 Independent Consulting and Community Engagement @16:19 The Importance of Co-Design in Research @22:18 Interconnectedness of Public Health Issues @24:43 Facilitating Successful Focus Groups @26:45 Misconceptions About Qualitative Research @27:34 Participatory Research: Real-World Impact @32:12 Ensuring Research Leads to Action @35:01 Defining Public Health and Its Challenges @36:35 Educational Background and Its Influence @38:01 Understanding Psychology in Public Health @40:53 The Role of Medical Anthropology @44:28 Critical Perspectives on Public Health @49:23 Experiences in the Peace Corps @1:00:52 Housing and Community Development Insights @1:02:22 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

May 5, 202614 min

Advice for students who feel lost

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast discusses the common feelings of uncertainty and being lost in the public health field. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, taking action, and building skills through various experiences. Richins provides practical advice on exploring different career paths, developing essential soft skills, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for networking and growth. He encourages listeners to embrace their journey and take small steps towards their goals in public health. 🚀 Turn Your Public Health Experience Into a Job-Winning Resume in 2 Hours ✍🏾 TPHM Needs Survey 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🎯 Our New Career Services Storefront 🧠 Join our public health community 👕 Check out our apparel 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn 💬 Suggest a Topic Chapters @0:00 Navigating the Journey in Public Health @2:46 Building Skills and Gaining Experience @6:08 Exploring Career Paths in Public Health @8:49 Essential Soft Skills for Public Health Professionals @12:09 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store

April 14, 20261 hr 13 min

261: Building Health Equity from the Inside of Health Systems with Winston Wright, MPH

Omari Richins, MPH of the Public Health Careers podcast talks with Winston Wellington Wright, MPH. In this conversation, Winston shares his journey as a health equity strategist, consultant, and co-founder of Brothers in Public Health. He reflects on how his experiences in St. Louis shaped his understanding of health disparities and the importance of centering community in public health work. Winston also shares how coaching youth soccer has influenced his leadership style - focused on teamwork, growth, and affirmation. He breaks down what real health equity work looks like inside health systems, highlighting the role of community voice, data, and navigating institutional challenges. Winston also discusses the impact and growth of Brothers in Public Health, and why representation, mentorship, and visibility are key to driving change. The episode closes with advice for future public health professionals - embracing creativity, staying grounded, and understanding that public health is a way of life. 🎯 Learn more about this episode and resources mentioned 💡 1-on-1 mentorship & services 🎯 Check out career support products on storefront 🧠 Join our public health community Chapters: @0:00 Introduction and Background of Winston Wright @4:21 Public Health Philosophy and Community Engagement @7:15 Experiences in St. Louis and Health Disparities @9:52 Coaching Youth Soccer and Life Lessons @12:58 Career Journey and Health Administration Insights @15:54 Sickle Cell Program Development and Challenges @17:35 Patient Family Advisory Council and Community Impact @20:00 Navigating Bureaucracy in Health Systems @23:09 Advice for Aspiring Health Administrators @25:51 Brothers in Public Health: A Collaborative Initiative @35:56 Community Engagement and Growth @37:50 The Evolution of Brothers in Public Health @38:48 Collaborative Impact in Public Health @40:42 Navigating Gentrification and Community Identity @47:44 The Importance of Community and Visibility @49:41 Cultural Shifts in Nashville's Culinary Scene @59:32 Reflections on Public Health and Personal Growth @1:02:35 Advice for Future Public Health Professionals Support the show Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all. ⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐ Follow & Support: - Join The Public Health Community - The Public Health Millennial on IG - The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn - The Public Health Millennial Website - Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn - Support on The Public Health Store