In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis talks with Pam Orrin, COO and co-founder of GRIN, a digital oral health platform reimagining how care is delivered for underserved communities. Pam shares her journey from technology leader to health innovator, the challenges of addressing oral care deserts, and how GRIN’s accessible, affordable tools are transforming the way providers reach patients—no broadband required.

We explore why oral health must be recognized as a core social driver of health, the connection between oral disease and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and the ripple effects that poor access to dental care can have on individuals, families, and the economy. Pam also offers valuable insights for health tech innovators on how to build equity into products from the ground up.

📌 Sponsored by GRIN – Learn more at https://www.get-grin.com/

Shownotes:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
00:45 – Meet Pam Orrin & the GRIN Mission
03:15 – Why Oral Health is Overlooked in Health Tech
06:35 – The Global Oral Health Crisis
09:00 – Early GRIN Impact Stories in Underserved Communities
12:20 – The Link Between Oral Health & Full Body Health
14:30 – Why Oral Health is a Social Determinant of Health
17:10 – Economic & Social Ripple Effects of Poor Oral Care
19:40 – Absenteeism, Malnutrition, and Hidden Impacts
23:30 – Building Equity into Product Design
25:15 – Serving Digitally Excluded Communities
26:40 – Measuring Equity, Efficiency & Behavioral Change
31:20 – Reducing Health System Burden
34:10 – Making Care Efficient for Patients & Providers
36:05 – Uplifting Communities Through Health Technology
38:25 – The Future of Digital Oral Health
43:20 – Advice for Health Tech Innovators
44:12 – How to Connect with GRIN
46:52 – Closing Thoughts

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Closing the Oral Health Gap with Technology | Pam Orrin, COO of GRIN

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Stacy Wells, a purpose-driven leader and DEI practitioner working at the intersection of behavioral health, education, and public service. From her early days in the classroom to her current role leading health equity efforts in Minnesota’s direct care and treatment system, Stacy shares the challenges and lessons of navigating systemic racism, healthcare disparities, and the politicization of equity work.

Together, they explore how cultural humility, lived experience, and community input must shape our systems of care, and why staying committed to the work matters now more than ever.

Follow and subscribe to The Healthy Project Podcast for more conversations that push health equity forward.

🔗 For health information and resources, visit:
www.healthyproject.co


📌 Shownotes:
00:00 – Welcome and intro to Stacy Wells
01:10 – Stacy’s shift from PR to education to public health
03:45 – Minnesota’s persistent disparities in education and health
06:30 – The intersection of youth education and healthcare systems
09:15 – Supporting individuals with complex behavioral health needs
13:30 – Why cultural humility matters in direct care
18:00 – Including lived experience in designing care
22:15 – When community feedback challenges systems
28:00 – Speaking truth in professional spaces
30:50 – DEI backlash and its toll
36:15 – Holding space for joy and rest as a Black woman in the work
42:00 – Why staying curious and connected is key
43:30 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Stacy Wells

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

Stacy Wells on Health Equity, DEI, and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis is joined by Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Together, they get into the pressing issue of proposed Medicaid funding cuts and the far-reaching implications for millions of Americans, particularly those in underserved communities. Sr. Mary offers expert insight into what these changes could mean for access to care, the healthcare workforce, and the moral responsibility we share in supporting those who are vulnerable. This is a timely and vital conversation about healthcare, equity, and advocacy.

📌 Show Notes:

 * Introduction to Sister Mary Haddad and her role at CHA (00:33)
 * Overview of Medicaid and why it's essential (02:48)
 * Details on proposed funding cuts and their potential impact (04:50)
 * The urgency of the moment and why it matters now (08:51)
 * Who is most at risk from these changes (10:53)
 * Consequences for emergency rooms and healthcare access (12:23)
 * Discussion on work requirements and policy misconceptions (13:07)
 * Effects on state governments and local economies (15:30)
 * Broader societal impact beyond Medicaid recipients (16:30)
 * Consequences for healthcare providers and Catholic health systems (19:13)
 * CHA’s advocacy efforts and how citizens can get involved (23:44)
 * A message of hope and community resilience (27:36)
 * Where to learn more and take action (29:48)

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

Medicaid at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Sr. Mary Haddad

What if the key to better health isn’t treatment—it’s prevention?

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Corey Dion Lewis breaks down the true meaning of preventative health and why it matters. From early screenings to lifestyle changes, Corey explains how staying ahead of illness can save money, boost energy, and extend your life.

We cover:

 * What counts as preventative care
 * How early detection works
 * Why prevention puts you in control of your health
 * Simple steps you can take today

This isn’t about reacting. It’s about being ready.

Subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs a reminder to book that checkup.

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

What Is Preventative Health? (The Most Overlooked Tool in Healthcare)

ITamar Blue, founder of Mental Happy, joins Corey Dion Lewis on The Healthy Project Podcast to explore how group therapy and community-based care are changing the future of mental health.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
 • Why group support is often more effective than one-on-one therapy
 • How Mental Happy empowers both participants and providers
 • The cultural and structural gaps in mental health care
 • Why more therapists are shifting to cash-based models
 • How virtual communities are breaking down stigma in Black mental health spaces

Whether you’re a provider, peer specialist, or just someone looking for emotional support, you’ll gain insights into what true community healing can look like.

Guest:

Tamar Blue
Founder & CEO, Mental Happy
Website: https://www.mentalhappy.com

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarlucienblue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mentalhappy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhappyhumans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livementalhappy
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalhappyinc

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

Community Healing, Group Therapy & Mental Health Access with Tamar Blue of Mental Happy

In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, we feature an inspiring artist interview with Ariel, part of the Freedom of Expression Project. Ariel shares her journey into sewing art, creating handmade purses, and how sewing by hand supports mental health and creativity. We talk about creative coping strategies, colorful yarn projects, and beginner sewing inspiration. Learn how personal expression through art, community art projects, and therapeutic art activities can help reduce stress and build community. This Freedom of Expression artist series highlights the power of creative expression and artist storytelling. Watch to hear how sewing reduces stress and fuels personal creativity.

Learn more about the Freedom of Expression Project here: https://www.foeproject.com/

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

Handmade Purses, Healing, and Creative Expression

In this heartfelt episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Sadie, a creative soul whose journey with mental health, adoption, and anxiety has been transformed through art.

Sadie shares how drawing, painting, origami, and glitter have become more than just hobbies—they’re her tools for healing, self-expression, and emotional strength. She talks about the power of community, her dream to open an inclusive art studio, and how creativity gives people a sense of purpose and belonging.

This episode is part of our collaboration with the Freedom of Expression Project, highlighting voices that use art for emotional resilience and empowerment.

🎨 Topics Covered:

 * Art therapy and mental health
 * Overcoming anxiety through creativity
 * Building community through self-expression
 * The role of faith and support systems
 * Finding purpose through art

🔗 Learn more about the Freedom of Expression Project and how you can support inclusive creative spaces in the video description.

#mentalhealth #arttherapy #creativeexpression #freedomofexpression #belonging #anxietyrelief #healthypodcast #publichealth #youthempowerment #healingthroughart #communitysupport

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

How Art Helped Me Heal: A Story of Creativity, Anxiety, and Belonging

In this episode of The Healthy Project, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Brian Foster to explore how community health workers are transforming diabetes care—especially in underserved communities. Brian shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes and his work with the American Diabetes Association. They discuss the connection between diabetes and heart disease, health equity, patient trust, and why community-based care is critical for improving outcomes.

Topics: type 1 diabetes, diabetes education, community health workers, healthcare access, health equity, social determinants of health, American Diabetes Association, chronic disease management, public health policy, Black health equity, Healthy Project Podcast

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

The Power of Community Health Workers in Diabetes Care and Health Equity

In this eye-opening episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis explores the concept of food swamps—urban environments where unhealthy food options far outweigh nutritious ones. While much attention has been given to food deserts, food swamps reveal a deeper layer of the public health crisis tied to systemic racism, zoning laws, and chronic disease disparities. From obesity and diabetes to nutrition literacy and community health, Corey breaks down the critical role of the built environment in shaping our health outcomes.

Whether you're a public health professional, community advocate, or just passionate about food justice and health equity, this episode offers a powerful and personal perspective on turning food swamps into food sanctuaries.

Show Notes:

 * What is a food swamp and how does it differ from a food desert?
 * Real-life stories from Corey’s work as a safety net health coach
 * How systemic barriers and zoning laws impact food access
 * The link between food environments and chronic disease
 * Exploring the intersection of food insecurity, fast food, and public health
 * Solutions: from urban farming and farmers markets to nutrition education and local policy reform
 * Why tackling food apartheid is about more than food—it's about justice and equity
 * Actionable steps to support low-income communities in accessing healthier food options
 * The role of Social Determinants of Health in shaping Long-term wellbeing

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to keep the conversation around community health and equity going.

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

Understanding Food Swamps: How Your Environment Shapes Health and Access to Nutrition

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In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Cole Smith, founder of Opal, to explore the intersection of AI and mental health care. They discuss how AI therapy tools and digital mental health platforms are reshaping therapy, improving mental health accessibility, and addressing key concerns like AI bias in therapy and mental health data privacy. Cole shares insights on building a mental health startup, the future of AI-powered therapy, and how Opal is working to foster trust in healthcare technology.

Tune in as we talk about ethical AI in healthcare, the challenges and opportunities of teletherapy innovation, and how AI can support therapists rather than replace them. If you're curious about the future of digital therapy, how AI is closing the gap in mental health equity, and what this means for rural mental health, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes:

00:01 – Welcome to The Healthy Project Podcast with Corey Dion Lewis
00:46 – Introducing Cole Smith, founder of Opal, and his passion for AI in mental health
01:43 – The importance of strengthening the therapeutic alliance with AI support
02:09 – Ethical concerns in AI-powered therapy: Privacy, bias, and trust
03:21 – Overcoming resistance to AI in healthcare: How technology is here to stay
04:35 – The human element of AI in mental health: Balancing automation and personal connection
06:52 – How AI therapy assistants can help therapists better understand clients
08:30 – Addressing mental health accessibility in rural communities through AI
09:54 – Breaking down cost barriers and the fragmented nature of mental health tech startups
11:29 – The challenge of finding a therapist: How AI can improve patient-provider communication
14:29 – Helping healthcare professionals navigate AI tools without falling into fear traps
17:43 – How therapists can evaluate AI platforms for data privacy and HIPAA compliance
19:08 – The future of Opal: Expanding AI-powered mental health coaching to more healthcare sectors
21:11 – Where to find Cole Smith and explore Opal’s AI mental health resources

Guest: Cole Smith
Founder of Opal AI, a mental health tech company creating AI-driven solutions for therapists and patients.

Resources & Links:

 * Follow Cole Smith on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-s-smith/]

📢 Subscribe & Stay Connected!
💡 Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Healthy Project Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & more.

★ Support this podcast ★ [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/coreydionlewis]

AI’s Role in the Future of Mental Health Care with Cole Smith

The Healthy Project is hosted by Corey Dion Lewis, Clinical Health Coach for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Because of his experience working directly with patients in underserved communities, Corey felt the need to speak up and address the issues and provide solutions to improve the healthcare experience for the ones that need it the most. The Healthy Project Podcast addresses topics related to health equity, prevention, diversity, and literacy for healthcare professionals addressing today's and tomorrow's biggest challenges. Thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts share their approaches to transforming healthcare into something meaningful and lasting.

The Healthy Project Podcast

Welcome to My City My Health, a podcast presented by The Healthy Project. This podcast is all about health equity and how social determinants of health can impact our communities. Join us as we speak with local community leaders who are making a difference in the health of their cities.

Each episode, we'll delve into topics such as culture, healthcare, prevention, community, and how these factors can impact health outcomes. We'll hear from experts in the field, as well as individuals who are on the ground working to make positive change.

Through these conversations, we hope to inspire listeners to take action and become advocates for health equity in their own communities. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable world.

So join us for My City My Health, and let's explore the social determinants of health and their impact on our cities.

Corey Lewis

Shows