Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action

Hosted by Dr. Joyee Washington

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Aug 2026

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Public Health Joy is a podcast for public health professionals, researchers, and community leaders who believe equity, justice, and healing belong at the center of public health work. Hosted by Dr. Joyee Washington, the show explores community-engaged research, health equity, leadership, policy, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable public health careers, bridging strategy with soul to reimagine public health. This is a space where rest fuels resistance, community power drives change, and public health becomes a tool for collective healing and transformation.

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August 21, 2026Episode 1422 min

S5 E14 - Quiet Rage: Naming the Grief, Choosing the Fight

In this episode, Dr. Joyee is being honest with you about where she's at right now. We're talking about the weight of racial violence, the grief that gets passed down before we even have words for it, and the quiet rage that builds in the body every time we hear another name. She's naming what it feels like to move through this world exhausted and still show up. Still lead. Still fight. This episode isn't just about the pain; it's about what we do with it. It's about choosing to be bold and strategic instead of silent. It's about protecting our joy in the middle of the fight, not after it, because joy has never meant everything is fine. For us, joy has always been resistance. This one is heavy. If you need to sit with it in pieces, that's okay. If you need a place to land when it's over, that's okay too. That's what we're building here. You don't have to have it figured out. You just have to know there's a place for you. Key Points From This Episode: The emotional impact of racial violence [0:00–6:00] The concept of quiet rage and its role in activism [0:00–1:30] Historical context of racial trauma from the civil rights movement to today [1:30–11:00] The importance of strategic and calculated resistance [6:00–14:30] Joy as an act of resistance and self-preservation [19:00–21:00] The need for community spaces for healing and belonging [19:00–21:00] Internal work to recognize biases and privileges [14:30–20:00] The role of public health in addressing systemic injustice [14:30–20:00] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

August 7, 2026Episode 1354 min

S5 E13 - Connecting Purpose & Profit in Public Health

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee sits down with her friend, coach, and sister in faith, Reesi Wilson. As a funnel strategist, master copywriter, and profitability coach for women entrepreneurs, she joins Dr. Joyee for a raw, full-circle conversation about the journey it took to get here. They're tracing the story back to where it started: Dr. Joyee burnt out, underpricing herself, and still operating on academic time long after she'd left academia. Reesi walks us through the years, the pivot, the burnout, the boundaries, the trip to Mexico that cracked everything open, the summit that was born from a dream, and the "wilderness season" that followed when obedience didn't come with an immediate reward. They get into it: what happens when you do everything "right" and the harvest still doesn't come right away? What does it look like to keep your faith at the center of your business, even when nobody teaches you how to market that? And how do you know when a hard season is actually a restoration season in disguise? Reesi gets personal by discussing praying and fasting alongside Dr. Joyee through the hardest stretches, and reminding her that our actions always reveal what we truly believe. This episode is a masterclass in burnout recovery, faith-fueled entrepreneurship, and trusting the process even when the outcome isn't instant. If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to build a thriving business without leaving your faith at the door, this episode is for you. Key Points Faith and entrepreneurship [32:03 – 35:10] Overcoming burnout and scarcity mindset [12:13 – 17:07] Building impactful public health programs [25:23 – 30:57] The role of rest and reflection in success [20:16 – 25:22] Integrating faith into professional life [08:12 – 09:08] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

July 17, 2026Episode 1245 min

S5 E12 - Reframing Black Men’s Health: From Disparities to Community-Driven Solutions

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee sits down with Dr. Okey Enyia — health policy researcher, author, and founder of the John Henry Institute for Black Men's Health and Policy Innovation — for a powerful conversation about what it really takes for Black men to not just survive, but thrive. They start with the legend of John Henry — the "steel-driving man" who beat the machine but lost his life doing it — and unpack what that story still teaches us about chronic stress, structural racism, and the cost of always having to prove yourself. Dr. Enyia shares the real history behind the legend, including the John Henryism hypothesis: the idea that chronic stressors kill, and how that shows up in the data on Black men's life expectancy today. They get into it: do Black men get to have a soft life? Who gives them permission to rest? And what does community care actually look like when we've all been conditioned to equate rest with laziness? Dr. Enyia gets personal too — talking openly about being laid off, navigating depression and identity shifts, and how Jesus and therapy have both been part of his own healing journey. This episode is a masterclass in self-care, soul care, and reclaiming rest as a birthright, not a reward. If you've ever wondered how we build spaces where Black men can just be , without having to earn it, this episode is for you. Key Points John Henry legend and its metaphor for health and stress [01:21 – 11:21] Health disparities among Black men and policy solutions [20:57 – 23:41] The importance of self-care, rest, and community support [19:41 – 29:07] Impact of white supremacy and capitalism on Black health [13:01 – 19:10] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

July 3, 2026Episode 1142 min

S5 E11 - Redefining Worth: Reclaiming Identity, Data Storytelling, and Worth Beyond the Title

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee sits down with Dr. Zenobia Bryant Antoine for a powerful conversation about the deep connection between self-worth, data storytelling, and community impact. They're talking about the internal work required to lead authentically, challenging us to redefine our value beyond titles, degrees, and dollar signs. Dr. Bryant Antoine reminds us that data doesn't just tell a story about numbers; it tells a story about people, and the way we hold that responsibility says everything about our leadership. At its core, this conversation is about alignment: between who you are and how you lead, between the data you collect and the communities behind it, between your worth and your work. If you've ever struggled to separate your identity from your title, or wondered how authentic leadership creates lasting public health impact, this episode is for you. Key Points The importance of not defining oneself by roles or titles [01:41 – 04:17] Connecting data to real stories and community impact [01:41 – 08:02] Internal work and self-worth in leadership [08:02 – 12:49] The power of pivoting and adaptability [12:57 – 15:09] Redefining value and impact beyond money and titles [15:09 – 29:42] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

June 19, 2026Episode 1058 min

S5 E 10 - Sitting at the Feet of Wisdom: A Juneteenth Conversation with Dr. Lovell Jones on Black Research, Health Equity, and Legacy

In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee sits down with Dr. Lovell Jones. Dr. Jones is a pioneering cancer researcher, health equity scholar, and one of the most important architects of the infrastructure that made space for Black researchers in the biomedical sciences. As the first African American to be hired in the basic/behavioral sciences, at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, rose through the ranks to a tenured full professor and the first to hold an administrative title. He has been mentored by giants. And he has mentored giants. Researchers now doing transformational work across the country and across the globe credit him as a foundational part of their journey. In this conversation, he opens up about mentoring the next generation, addressing health disparities, and what it truly means to lead with a servant's heart. From historical insights to real community impact, this conversation is packed with wisdom on collaboration, legacy, and showing up for the people who need us most. This is probably the most important podcast episode we have ever released, which tells you everything you need to know about how much work we have to do to recover and preserve our own history. Key Points From This Episode: Mentoring with purpose and heart [9:37 – 14:39] The role of community and collaboration in health disparities [14:39 – 28:25] The history and impact of the Intercultural Cancer Council [35:21 – 43:58] Building sustainable legacies in public health [43:58 – 51:22] Addressing systemic issues and fostering change [22:18 – 35:13] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

June 5, 2026Episode 924 min

S5 EP 9 - The National Black Researchers Week Returns: Carrying Forward Our Legacy

In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington shares the deeply personal story behind National Black Researchers Week — why it was created, what it has meant to the community, and why she is committed to carrying it forward this year. This episode is about more than an event. It's about honoring the vision of someone who poured everything into making space for Black researchers, and making sure that vision does not die. In a season where so much has been taken, we are choosing to build, to gather, and to show up for one another. Key Points From This Episode: The origin and significance of National Black Researchers Week [00:32 – 08:30] Leonora O'Quara's legacy and impact [03:45 – 15:20] Community support and collaboration among Black researchers [15:20 – 23:00] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

May 15, 2026Episode 845 min

S5 EP 8 - The Intersection of Social Work and Public Health: Redefining Leadership, Strategy, and Impact

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington and Nicole Clark sit down to discuss Nicole's powerful journey from social work to consulting, reflecting on how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership, community impact, and personal growth. Through an honest and thoughtful conversation, Nicole explores the deep connections between public health and social work, reminding us that meaningful change starts with understanding people, systems, and the communities we serve. Nicole also speaks candidly about the importance of intentionality — choosing work, relationships, and opportunities that align with your values and purpose. From embracing professional evolution to navigating transitions with clarity and courage, this episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear, but it can still be deeply fulfilling. At its core, this conversation is about impact: how we show up for communities, how we continue learning throughout our careers, and how staying grounded in service can create lasting change. If you’ve ever questioned your next step, redefined your purpose, or wanted to build a career rooted in both passion and impact, this episode will resonate with you. Key Points From This Episode: Intersection of social work and public health [00:00 – 12:45] Career evolution and entrepreneurship [12:46 – 35:05] The power of words and manifestation [26:29 – 28:30] Intentional leadership and community impact [28:30 – 43:25] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

May 1, 2026Episode 747 min

S5 EP 7 - Discovering Community Engaged Research: A Public Health Journey Rooted in Trust and Purpose

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington and Jesseca Chatman sit down to reflect on their introduction to community-engaged research and CBPR — and how those early experiences fundamentally changed everything they thought they knew about public health. Together, they dig into what it really means to build trust with communities, not just collect data from them. Dr. Joyee and Jesseca open up about the personal growth that comes from doing this work, the challenges of making community-based research sustainable, and why relationship-building is just as important as any finding you'll ever publish. From the intersections of public health and law to the everyday realities of showing up for communities, this episode is both a reflection and a reminder. One thing is clear: when your work is rooted in trust, accountability, and genuine partnership, the impact goes far beyond a research report. If you care about community voice, ethical research, and finding real joy in the work, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Key Points From This Episode: Community engagement is crucial for effective public health initiatives. [10:56–11:30] Building relationships with community members takes time and effort. [15:00–21:05] Sustainability should be a key consideration from the start of any project. [34:23–38:56] Flexibility and adaptability are essential in community-based research. [28:04–33:23] Personal experiences shape our professional journeys in significant ways. [00:32–10:00] Collaboration between community organizations and universities enhances research outcomes. [10:29–13:35] Understanding the social determinants of health is vital for addressing community needs. [40:10–42:00] Joy in work comes from knowing you are making a difference. [39:50–42:50] Theoretical knowledge must be complemented by practical experience. [13:35–15:00] Investing in community relationships leads to better health outcomes. [17:22–20:50] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here

April 17, 2026Episode 639 min

S5 EP 6- From Data to Impact: How Epidemiology and Project Management Power Community Health

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, we sit down with Alexandra Piatkowski, founder and CEO of Piat Public Health, for a conversation that reframes how we think about structure, strategy, and community impact in public health. Together, we dig into what it really means to bring project management into public health spaces — not as a corporate add-on, but as a tool for health equity. Alexandra opens up about how she stumbled into project management through practice, what it looks like to manage complex community initiatives with limited resources, and why documentation and communication are the unsung heroes of any project done well. From the detective work of epidemiology to the big-picture thinking required to keep coalitions moving forward, this episode makes the case that public health professionals who understand project management bring something truly special to the table. And for those who feel stretched thin and under-resourced? Alexandra has practical, real-world advice for making it work anyway. One thing is clear: when project management is intentional, community-centered, and grounded in public health values, it becomes one of the most powerful tools we have for turning data into action — and plans into real change. If you care about health equity, community engagement, and building the kind of leadership skills that actually move the needle, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Key Points From This Episode: Project management and public health create a unique skill set. [19:21 – 23:08] Leadership in public health benefits from project management skills. [10:52 – 12:46] Combining different skill sets can lead to innovative solutions. [19:21 – 20:10] Epidemiology enhances project management in health initiatives. [19:21 – 20:10] Public health professionals should consider project management training. [31:30 – 32:50] Effective project management is crucial in public health projects. [20:10 – 23:08] The integration of skills leads to better health outcomes. [20:10 – 23:08] Leadership roles in public health require diverse expertise. [33:11 – 35:18] Project management can improve public health program efficiency. [26:05 – 28:39] There is a growing need for skilled leaders in public health. [33:11 – 35:45] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: ⁠Click Here⁠

April 3, 2026Episode 542 min

S5 EP5 - From Salary to Six Figures: Public Health Consulting as a Career Path for Leadership Impact

In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington interviews Dr. Desiree Strickland, founder of the Public Health Club, about how consulting can be a tool for freedom rather than burnout. Dr. Strickland shares her journey into public health consulting and how professionals can leverage their expertise to increase both impact and income — without sacrificing their well-being. They explore the hustler mindset, effective communication, and the role of social media and AI in expanding opportunity. The conversation also touches on building values-driven businesses, reimagining public health education, and creating career paths that honor community while protecting your capacity. A must-listen for public health leaders ready to thrive as entrepreneurs and make a lasting difference. Key Points From This Episode: Helping public health professionals increase their impact and income. [00:32 – 02:00] The journey from a traditional public health job to consulting. [02:00 – 05:15] The importance of a hustler mindset in entrepreneurship. [07:08 – 11:32] Navigating non-federal consulting opportunities. [05:15 – 07:08] The significance of effective communication in public health. [29:53 – 31:19] Reimagining public health in a post-COVID world. [13:36 – 16:15] Building a sustainable career in public health. [16:45 – 19:42] The role of social media and AI in disseminating public health information. [32:11 – 35:30] The need for public health education to adapt to current realities. [28:30 – 29:53] Encouraging public health professionals to market their skills and services. [20:38 – 22:27] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here