Health Chatter

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Clarence and Stan

HEALTH CHATTER is a weekly podcast in which Dr. Stan Shanedling, Clarence Jones, and special guests bring a dynamic conversational lens to many of today's health issues. It's a podcast for people young, old and professional and from various backgrounds. It is intended to bring to light through open conversation the health concerns and questions we all face. Stan and Clarence have had different health career trajectories but compliment each other through a trusted dialogue of teaching, learning and disagreeing at times that in the end creates all smiles!

Men's Stories about Health
#121
06/27/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Sam Simmons about men’s stories and experiences related to health and healthcare.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at https://www.huemanpartnershipalliance.org/


PTSD in Young Women
#120
06/06/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Ida Fonkoue, Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Division at the University of Minnesota, about the connections between trauma, stress, and PTSD in young women.

Dr. Fonkoue serves as the director of the Neurobiology of Emotion, Sleep and Trauma (NEST) lab, where she and her team investigate how trauma affects neurocirculatory and hormonal systems, particularly as they relate to cardiovascular disease risk in women.

Join us for an enlightening discussion about how trauma shapes women’s cardiovascular health.

Join the conversation at he...


Dreams and Health
#119
05/27/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Diana Sabreen, founder of The Big Dream, about how our dreams - both big and everyday - shape our health, creativity, and sense of purpose.

Diana brings a refreshingly unconventional path to her work - opting for sunlit cliffs and cross-continental adventures instead of fluorescent lights and cubicles. Her life has been guided by curiosity, creativity, and a belief that joy and self-expression are essential to wellness. As a longtime artist, activist, and coach, she helps people break free from societal “shoulds” and reconnect with the boldest vers...


Addressing Health in Anxious Times
#118
04/25/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter Team chat about how to address health in anxious times, and explore how uncertainty, stress, and societal challenges shape our public health infrastructure.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at https://www.huemanpartnershipalliance.org/


Public Health, Now What
#117
04/18/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. John R. Finnegan, former dean of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, about the role of public health in today’s changing landscape.

Dr. Finnegan, who holds an MA and PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota, has contributed decades of experience to public health education, research, and service. His work includes leadership roles with organizations such as Children’s HeartLink, HealthEast, and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, as well as involvement in initiatives focused on sexual assault prev...


Alzheimer's
#116
04/04/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Patty Takawira, who leads the Aging and Healthy Communities Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health, about Alzheimer’s.

Patty works alongside a passionate team to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, promote early detection, and support the health and wellbeing of both caregivers and individuals living with dementia. Her work is rooted in advancing health equity and ensuring that all Minnesotans have the opportunity to age with dignity, connection, and care.

Listen along as Patty Takawira shares their expertise about Alzheimer’s and...


Quality Assurance & Quality Improvement in Healthcare
#115
03/28/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Jennifer Lundblad, President and CEO of Stratis Health, about quality assurance and quality improvement in healthcare.

Dr. Lundblad leads Stratis Health, an independent non-profit based in Bloomington, Minnesota, focused on collaboration and innovation in health care improvement. With a strong foundation in leadership, organizational development, and program management, she brings deep experience from both the nonprofit and healthcare sectors.

Listen along as Dr. Lundblad shares how quality assurance and improvement are critical to improve health outcomes.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com<...


Healthcare As We Age
#114
03/22/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Abigail Houts, Internist and Geriatrician, about healthcare as we age.

Dr. Houts brings a wealth of experience in geriatric medicine, having served in diverse clinical and leadership roles across the country. From her early work with PACE programs in Chicago to launching a physician house call service for underserved seniors at Hennepin County Medical Center, she has long been an advocate for accessible, community-based elder care. Currently, she leads as Medical Director for Ambulatory Services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services and continues to provide...


Opioid Crisis
#113
02/14/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Kumi Smith, Associate Professor in the Division of Epidemiology & Community Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, about the opioid crisis.

Dr. Smith's research focuses on health disparities at the intersection of infectious diseases, substance use, and unstable housing. She develops structural interventions to support clinical workers in delivering culturally specific and trauma-informed care for marginalized patients. Her expertise spans HIV, STIs, infectious disease dynamics, intervention science, sexual health, and healthcare stigma.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the opioid...


Veteran Health
#112
02/07/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Steven Fu, Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and Director of the VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR), about Veteran Health.

Dr. Fu's research focuses on smoking cessation and tobacco-related health disparities, particularly among diverse and disadvantaged populations. His work aims to improve the delivery and utilization of tobacco dependence treatments, ensuring better health outcomes for those who have served. With an extensive background in medicine and public health, Dr. Fu brings valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in Veteran...


Firearm Storage & Safety
#111
02/01/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Thomas E. Kottke, Kathleen Anderson, & Thea Williams about firearm storage and safety.

Dr. Thomas E. Kottke is the medical director for well-being at HealthPartners, a professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, and a health services researcher at the HealthPartners Institute. With a background in internal medicine, cardiology, and public health, his work focuses on preventive care and community well-being.

Kathleen Anderson is a clinical social worker, mother of three, and a volunteer educator with Be SMART, a national campaign dedicated to promoting...


Naturopathic Medicine
#110
01/18/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Andrew Litchy, N.D., about naturopathic medicine and its role in modern healthcare.

Dr. Litchy is a naturopathic doctor who treats people of all ages, focusing on digestive and cardiovascular health, chronic illnesses, and overall wellness. He is also a faculty member, meditation teacher, and collaborator with research programs aimed at integrating naturopathic approaches and mindfulness practices into broader healthcare solutions.

Join us for an enlightening discussion about the principles and applications of naturopathic medicine, and stay tuned to gain fresh perspectives on holistic health.<...


Health Insurance
#109
01/11/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat about Health Insurance.

Listen along as the team attempts to make sense of a variety of health insurance complexities. This episode is merely an introduction with more detailed episodes to come.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at huemanpartnership.org.


Pharmacy Deserts
#108
01/07/2025

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter Team chat with Dr. Chrystian Pereira, an accomplished leader in pharmaceutical care and health systems, to discuss the pressing issue of pharmacy deserts and their impact on community health.

Dr. Chrystian Pereira, Pharm.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in the department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems. As the Director for Interprofessional Education, Dr. Pereira spearheads initiatives that enhance collaborative care across health professions. In addition to his role at the College of Pharmacy, he practices as a clinical pharmacist and trains...


Pediatric Blood Disorders
#107
12/29/2024

Stan, Clarence, & Barry chat with Dr. Kathleen Garland to better understand pediatric blood disorders.

Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Garland is a pediatric hematologist at Children's Minnesota, specializing in hemostasis and thrombosis with a passion for advancing care through clinical trials and research. With training from East Tennessee State University, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and Oregon Health & Science University, she excels in delivering evidence-based, technology-driven care and mentoring the next generation of hematology specialists.

Listen along as Dr. Garland shares her expertise on pediatric blood disorders and their impact on children and families.

...


Preventive Services Task Force Community Guide
#106
12/20/2024

Stan and Clarence chat with three incredible leaders in public health and policy: Dr. Tom Kottke, Dr. Amy Lansky, and Dr. Alison Cuellar.

Dr. Tom Kottke is the Medical Director for Well-Being at HealthPartners and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. With a career dedicated to cardiovascular health and preventive medicine, Dr. Kottke brings a wealth of experience in evidence-based practice and public health leadership. A member of the inaugural U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, he has contributed to federal guidelines on tobacco treatment and co-chaired the National Quality Forum’s Cardiovascular Standing Co...


Vaccinations Update
#105
12/16/2024

Stan, Clarence, & Barry revisit vaccinations with Nurse Practioner, Shirlynn LaChapelle

Shirlynn LaChapelle, President of Nursing is the Answer and a nurse consultant at Shirlynn LaChapelle & Associates, brings decades of expertise as a former surgical ICU nurse, nurse practitioner, and past president of the Minnesota Black Nurses’ Association. A member of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Drug Pricing Task Force, she joins Health Chatter to share her insights on the critical role of vaccinations in promoting public health.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Heal...


Tobacco Cessation
#104
11/10/2024

Stan, Clarence, & Barry chat with Dr. Christi Patten about their research in developing novel, theory-based behavioral interventions for tobacco cessation.

Listen along as Dr. Patten details the complexities and challenges of tobacco cessation.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Telehealth Expansion
#103
11/01/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Pam Mink - Director of Health Services at the Minnesota Department of Health - about a newly released report on telehealth expansion.

Check out the new report here

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Stereotypes & Labels
#102
10/25/2024

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team discuss the impacts labels, stereotypes, and identities can have on health.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Indigenous Health
#101
09/27/2024

Stan and Clarence chat with two incredible leaders in Indigenous health and public policy: Ravyn Gibbs and Kris Rhodes.

Ravyn Gibbs serves as the Tribal Liaison at the Minnesota Department of Health. Ravyn works to uplift Native communities, focusing on Indigenous rights and reducing health disparities. With a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota Duluth and dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of Minnesota, Ravyn is also pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. Drawing on previous work in federal Native and Tribal affa...


100th Episode Special
#100
09/22/2024

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team reflect on over 2 years of Health Chatter episodes in this 100th episode special.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Traveling & Health
#99
09/13/2024

Stan, Clarence, and the Health Chatter team chat about the effects of traveling on health.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Health & Safety
#98
09/06/2024

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat about the impacts of safety on health.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Infectious Disease
#97
08/30/2024

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Mike Osterholm about infectious diseases.

Dr. Osterholm - a Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health, and the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota - has an extensive and distinguished career in infectious disease. Dr. Osterholm has also held numerous positions throughout state and local governments serving as the Science Envoy for Health Security on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, Special Advisor to the then Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson...


Burials, Funerals, & Health
#96
08/23/2024

Stan, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat about burials, funerals, and health. Listen along as the team reflects on their personal experiences and how these experiences influence health and well-being.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Toxic Relationships
#95
08/16/2024

Stan, Clarence, and the team chat with Jordyn Scorpio about toxic relationships.

Jordyn serves as the Director of Community Education at SHALVA - the oldest independent Jewish domestic abuse agency in the United States - where they focus on creating a prevention education program for young couples. Jordyn has also been a part of the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Solidarity network, the planning committee for the JCFS Professional Network, the program committee for Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the steering committee for Run DV (domestic violence) Out of Town, and served as the SHALVA rep on the Chicago...


Fake News and Health
#94
08/09/2024

The Health Chatter team explores fakes news and potential health implications.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Fake News and Health
#94
08/09/2024

The Health Chatter team explores "fake new" and potential health implications.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Health and Politics
#93
08/02/2024

Listen along as the Health Chatter team dives into the effects of politics on health.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Health Disparities
#92
07/05/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Dr. Miguel Ruiz about health disparities.

Dr. Miguel Ruiz is an internal medicine and palliative care specialist who has practiced in Minnesota for over twenty-five years. After working as an internist at the West Side Community Health Services/La Clinica serving Latinx and other diverse communities, he transitioned his practice to Regions Hospital where he worked as a hospital medicine physician and a palliative care specialist. Dr. Ruiz is also an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and is actively involved in the training of...


Infant Mortality
#91
06/28/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Michelle Chiezah on infant mortality.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at http://huemanpartnership.org/


Arthritis and Rheumatology
#90
06/14/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Dr. Paul Waytz on arthritis and rheumatology.

Dr. Waytz - an experienced Rheumatologist - began his career as a physician in med school at the University of Illinois with an Internal Medicine Residency and Rheumatology Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. After two years in academic medicine, Dr. Waytz transitioned to private practice for the next 34 years. While Dr. Waytz retired from seeing patients in 2014, he continued with the clinic as a principal investigator for drug studies and clinical research focusing on implicit bias and DEI relations.

Listen along...


Caregiver Burnout
#89
06/07/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Dr. Terri Harvath and Lisa Brown about caregiver burnout.

Dr. Terri Harvath - Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing - is an internationally recognized expert in gerontological nursing practice and education and is currently serving as the Associate Director of the Clinical Science & Practice Core for the Center on Healthy Aging and Innovation at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Harvath also serves on the National Advisory Committee for the CAP-CT (Caregivers As Partners in Care Teams), Advancing Caregiving Research and Evidence Network (CARE Network) Steering Committee, and...


Access to Health Care
#88
05/31/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Dr. Lynn Blewett - Director of the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) and Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health - about access to healthcare and insurance.

Dr. Blewett has a long-standing career and experience in public health, health insurance models, health care policy, and access to health care. As the Director of SHADAC, Dr. Blewett supports state efforts to monitor and evaluate programs to increase access and coverage through funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Listen along as Dr. Blewett shares their...


The Future and Vision of Public Health Education
#87
05/24/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Dean Melinda Pettigrew of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health about the future and vision of public health education.

Dean Pettigrew has an extensive public health career. Before her current role, Dean Pettigrew was the Anna M. R. Lauder Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. While at Yale, Dean Pettigrew held several leadership positions including interim dean, deputy dean, senior associate dean for academic affairs, and deputy Title IX coordinator. As a trained epidemiologist, Dean Pettigrew's research research focuses on the epidemiology of respiratory tract...


Stress
#86
05/24/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry welcome back Brandon Jones to chat about the detrimental effects of stress.

Brandon is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH). His background is in Sociology, Community Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy. As a psychotherapist, professor, and behavioral health consultant before his leadership at MACMH, Brandon has worked as a school-based mental health counselor and specializes in therapeutic services within communities of color.

Listen along as the team chats about stress.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in...


Loneliness
#85
04/19/2024

Stan, Clarence, and Barry chat with Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad about loneliness.

Dr. Holt-Lunstad is a professor of psychology and neuroscience and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection. Her research focuses on the individual and population health effects, biological mechanisms, and effective strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection.

Listen along as Dr. Holt-Lunstad shares their expertise on the effects of...


Organ Donation with LifeSource
#84
04/12/2024

The Health Chatter team chats with Susan Mau Larson and Nichole Salaam from LifeSource about organ donation.

Susan Mau Larson, the Chief Administrative Officer at LifeSource, has an extensive career advancing organ donation and supporting families. Susan positions LifeSource for continued growth and success by driving fulfillment of the long-term vision and strategic priorities ensuring effective internal and external communications, working with our state and federal officials, and leading key strategic initiatives.

Nichole Salaam, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at LifeSource, works to identify and drive strategies to eliminate systemic organizational marginalization and...


Narcissism
#83
04/05/2024

Stand and Clarence chat with Brandon Jones about narcissism.

Brandon is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH). His background is in Sociology, Community Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy. As a psychotherapist, professor, and behavioral health consultant before his leadership at MACMH, Brandon has worked as a school-based mental health counselor and specializes in therapeutic services within communities of color.

Listen along as Brandon shares his wealth of knowledge on narcissism.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, wh...