Let's Talk About It w/Frederick Knuckles

In this enlightening episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles engages with Research Specialist Lydia Beard to discuss the critical importance of building trust in clinical research within African American communities. Lydia shares her personal journey into the field and addresses the historical factors, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, that have contributed to skepticism and resistance toward medical research among African Americans.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Lydia emphasizes the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches and community engagement to overcome these barriers. She highlights ongoing efforts to increase participation in clinical trials and underscores th...

In this enlightening episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles speaks with Dr. Rajeet Shrestha, psychiatrist at University Hospitals, about the importance of brain health across every stage of life. Dr. Shrestha shares his personal journey into the field of psychiatry and his commitment to treating the whole person.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Dr. Herb Caldwell, professor at Logan University and founder of The Mama Joe Project — a powerful initiative focused on improving health outcomes and honoring the legacy of caregivers in the community.
Dr. Caldwell shares how The Mama Joe Project uses storytelling, research, and education to address chronic disease, caregiving stress, and systemic health disparities.

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Diane and Tom Detelich, the 2025 recipients of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter Champion Award. Diane and Tom share their personal connections to Alzheimer’s—Diane’s grandmother and Tom’s mother both faced the disease—and how these experiences have fueled their unwavering commitment to the cause.

Joined by Executive Director Melissa Zapanta Shelton, the conversation delves into the Detelichs’ advocacy efforts, their support for research in health equity, and the significance of the upcoming A Celebration of Hope gala. This episode high...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles welcomes Deborah Cloud — a registered nurse, longtime volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter, and leader of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, the largest African American caregiver support group of its kind in Ohio.

After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s in 2000, Deborah turned her grief into action, dedicating herself to supporting families and pushing for a cure. She shares the power of community in caregiving, and how faith, education, and advocacy can make a lasting impact. Deborah also offer...

In this special episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles is joined by Pastor Heidi Barham, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hospice of the Western Reserve, to discuss the significance of National Healthcare Decisions Day, observed annually on April 16. Pastor Barham brings her extensive experience in hospice care and her commitment to community engagement to shed light on the importance of advance care planning.

Together, they explore how proactive conversations about healthcare preferences can empower individuals and families, reduce stress during critical moments, and ensure that care aligns with personal values. Pastor Barham em...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Erica McBee, a dedicated registered nurse and leader based in Cleveland. As the Chair of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Health and Fitness Committee, Erica is passionate about bridging the gap between healthcare and the community.

Together, they discuss the critical role of community partnerships in addressing health disparities, especially in underserved populations. Erica shares her insights on the importance of outreach, education, and providing accessible resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Discover how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change...

Host Frederick Knuckles welcomes Siobhan Aaron, nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, for an important conversation about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and the realities families face during serious illness and end-of-life care. Drawing from her extensive experience in palliative and hospice care, Siobhan shares how she witnessed the urgent need for better support for caregivers, particularly in communities impacted by health disparities.

Together, they explore the intersection of chronic disease, health equity, and caregiving — and offer practical advice for families navigating some of the most difficult moments of t...

On this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles is joined by Gina Davis, President and CEO of Fairhill Partners, along with team members Wendy Chaney and Carla Lanier, for a discussion on aging with dignity, support for caregivers, and the importance of community-based solutions.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Beverly Berry, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association, for an important conversation about health disparities, representation, and why communities of color are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

Together, they discuss the unique challenges faced by African American and Hispanic families, barriers to care and diagnosis, and the critical work being done to make resources more accessible and culturally responsive.

On this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles takes time to break down the staggering impact of Alzheimer’s disease right here in Ohio — and why understanding the numbers matters for all of us.

Did you know nearly 1 million Ohioans are directly affected by Alzheimer’s? That includes over 220,000 people living with the disease — and the 2 to 3 caregivers who support each of them every single day. The numbers are even more alarming for communities of color, with African Americans being twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans 1.5 times more likely, to develop Alzheimer’s compared to white coun...

On this special call-in edition of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles opens up the phone lines to hear directly from you — our listeners. Caregivers, family members, and those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia called in with their most pressing questions — and we brought in expert guidance and resources to help answer them.