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

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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/

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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

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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

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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

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Dr. Seun Ross, a leading expert in health justice and racial disparities in medicine. They discuss the difference between health equity and health justice, the impact of medical racism, and the role of policy change in health equity. Dr. Ross also shares her work in removing racial bias in healthcare and how it led to 700 Black patients moving up on the kidney transplant list.

If you're passionate about public health advocacy, systemic racism in medicine, and healthcare reform, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ The difference between health equity and health justice
✅ How medical racism is embedded in clinical decision tools
✅ The role of structural barriers in healthcare and their impact on health disparities
✅ The groundbreaking work Dr. Ross has done to eliminate race in medicine
✅ How policy change in health equity can improve outcomes for marginalized communities
✅ Actionable steps for public health experts and healthcare professionals to advocate for health justice



Episode Chapters

⏳ 00:00 - Introduction – Corey Dion Lewis introduces the topic and guest.
⏳ 00:37 - Meet Dr. Seun Ross – Background on Dr. Ross and her passion for health justice.
⏳ 01:48 - Defining Health Justice – The difference between health equity, health justice, and social determinants of health.
⏳ 04:01 - Layers of Health Inequity – Understanding structural barriers in healthcare and racial disparities in medicine.
⏳ 06:21 - Why Well-Intended Programs Fail – The need for holistic approaches in healthcare reform.
⏳ 08:24 - Addressing Root Causes – Why fixing social determinants of health alone isn’t enough.
⏳ 10:51 - Race in Medicine: A Structural Barrier – How racial bias in healthcare affects patient care.
⏳ 12:20 - Removing Race from Clinical Guidelines – Dr. Ross’s work in eliminating medical racism from clinical decision tools.
⏳ 15:10 - The Impact of Removing Race-Based Algorithms – Real-world effects of policy change, including kidney transplant disparities.
⏳ 17:02 - The Role of Multidisciplinary Experts – Why public health experts, sociologists, and policy makers must work together.
⏳ 19:50 - Navigating Healthcare Advocacy in 2025 – How to continue healthcare advocacy despite political challenges.
⏳ 21:46 - Health Equity and the Law – Legal protections for health justice movement and healthcare inequities.
⏳ 23:31 - Dr. Ross’s Future Advocacy Work – Upcoming projects with the Encoding Equity Alliance.
⏳ 25:09 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect – Where to find Dr. Seun Ross online.

Resources & Links

🔗 Connect with Dr. Seun Ross on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/seun-ross-dnp-ms-crnp-f-np-c-60a34b184/]
🔗 Learn more about the Encoding Equity Alliance [https://encodingequity.org/]

Connect with Me:
Website: https://www.coreydionlewis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreydionlewis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreydlewis/
Learn More About The Healthy Project:
Website: https://www.healthyprojectmedia.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

Health Justice Explained: Dr. Seun Ross on Ending Medical Racism and Healthcare Disparities

In this special episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, based on questions from the My City My Health conference, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Daniel Zinnel, CEO of Proteus, to explore the intersections of health equity, farm worker health, and immigrant health care. They discuss Proteus' innovative programs, including mobile healthcare delivery, health and safety training, cancer prevention efforts, and the critical role of community health workers. Daniel shares insights on addressing health disparities, building impactful partnerships, and creating culturally responsive care for underserved communities. Tune in to discover strategies for supporting migrant worker health and overcoming challenges like mass deportations and healthcare access barriers.

Show Notes:
[00:01] Introduction to the Healthy Project Podcast and host Corey Deion Lewis
[00:24] Special episode overview: My City My Health conference and Ask a Pro platform
[01:02] Meet Daniel Zennel, CEO of Proteus, and learn about the organization's history and mission
[02:32] Overview of Proteus' services: Job training, education assistance, and health resources
[04:25] Health and safety training: Addressing heat stress, pesticide exposure, and farm worker safety
[06:02] Mobile healthcare delivery model: Bringing care directly to farm workers
[07:18] Health equity in action: The role of farm workers in our daily lives and bridging care gaps
[09:25] Supporting immigrant health: Strategies to address diverse community needs
[17:29] Translators and AI in healthcare: Balancing technology and human interpretation
[22:51] Preparing for mass deportations: Organizational strategies for supporting vulnerable populations
[30:02] Cancer prevention initiatives: Focus on breast, cervical, and colorectal screenings
[32:40] The importance of partnerships: How collaborations expand public health impact
[35:41] Daniel’s personal connection to farm worker advocacy and Proteus' mission
[38:40] Closing remarks and how to connect with Proteus


Links and Resources:

 * Learn more about Proteus: ProteusInc.net [https://www.proteusinc.net]
 * Follow Proteus on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
 * Connect with Daniel Zennel on LinkedIn: Daniel Zennel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielzinnel/]
 * Support the Healthy Project Podcast: Like, subscribe, and review to help amplify the conversation!

Call to Action:
Interested in partnering or supporting? Reach out at hello@healthyprojectmedia.com. Let’s push the boundaries of health equity together!

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

Improving Healthcare Access for Farmworkers

In this episode of the Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis and guest Julian Lee dive into crucial topics like health equity, type 2 diabetes, and African American health disparities. Together, they explore systemic racism in healthcare, aversive racism, healthcare structural barriers, and health outcomes disparities, with a focus on the African American community in Sioux City, Iowa. Learn about unconscious bias in healthcare, health inequity solutions, and the impact of income inequality and health. This conversation emphasizes improving healthcare trust, patient advocacy, addressing racial health disparities, historical healthcare inequities, and the role of DEI in healthcare. Gain insights into community health challenges, reducing diabetes complications, and the social determinants of health.

Show Notes:
0:00 – Introduction and Welcome
2:15 – Meet Dr. Julian Lee: His Role and Passion for Health Equity
3:42 – Exploring Racism’s Impact on Diabetes Outcomes in African Americans
5:38 – A Personal Journey: How Losing His Father Inspired Advocacy
8:57 – Moving from Awareness to Action in Health Equity
10:25 – Convincing People to Care: Addressing Resistance and Building Compassion
15:20 – Racism in Healthcare: Aversive, Structural, and Overt Forms
20:06 – The Curb Cut Effect: How Inclusive Solutions Benefit All
29:18 – Tackling Bias and Stereotyping in Clinical Interactions
33:03 – Structural Changes for Health Equity: Workforce Diversification and Accountability
36:27 – Mistrust in Healthcare: Historical Roots and Present Challenges
40:49 – Key Findings on Diabetes Disparities in African American Communities
43:44 – Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Julian Lee 

Learn More About Healthy Project Media:
Website: https://www.healthyprojectmedia.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thehealthyproject

Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness 

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

Uncovering Health Disparities: Dr. Julian Lee on Racism, Diabetes, and Health Equity

DiscussIn this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of medical debt and how it disproportionately affects under-resourced communities. Corey is joined by Jenifer Bosco, a Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and co-author of the Model Medical Debt Protection Act. Together, they explore the causes of medical debt, the role of healthcare systems and insurance companies, and practical solutions that can protect vulnerable individuals from crippling financial burdens.

Jenifer shares actionable insights on how to navigate the healthcare system, what hospitals and policymakers can do to alleviate medical debt, and how civic engagement can empower individuals to demand change. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the deep-rooted complexities of medical debt and what can be done to bring about health equity and financial relief.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro: Corey welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of medical debt and its impact on underserved communities.
01:14 - Guest Introduction: Meet Jenifer Bosco, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, who shares her work on financial and medical debt advocacy.
02:35 - Causes of Medical Debt: Jenifer explains the common causes of medical debt, from rising healthcare costs to lack of insurance and high out-of-pocket expenses.
05:22 - Impact of Medical Debt on Access to Healthcare: Discussing how the fear of medical bills can prevent people from seeking necessary healthcare services.
07:39 - The Role of Healthcare Systems: Jenifer talks about what hospitals can do to reduce the burden of medical debt, including financial assistance programs and better debt collection practices.
10:18 - Importance of Financial Assistance Policies: Understanding the need for more accessible and transparent financial aid options for low-income patients.
15:47 - The Role of Insurance Companies: Corey and Jenifer discuss how underinsurance and high-deductible health plans contribute to medical debt, and the role of expanding Medicaid.
19:33 - Empowering Communities: Civic engagement strategies to help communities advocate for better healthcare policies and protections from medical debt collection.
24:03 - The Future of Medical Debt Reform: Jenifer shares her perspective on how ongoing reforms and consumer protection laws can shape a more equitable healthcare system.
25:22 - How to Connect: Resources and contact information for Jenifer Bosco and the NCLC for those looking to learn more or get involved.


Resources Mentioned:

 * Jenifer Bosco on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenifer-bosco-44a09a6?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BDUDt5jASQIqMheEag00EUg%3D%3D]
 * NCLC on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nationalconsumerlawcenter/]
 * Twitter: @nclc4consumers [https://twitter.com/nclc4consumers]
 * NCLC Website [https://www.nclc.org]
 * NCLC’s Medical Debt Resources [https://www.nclc.org/topic/medical-debt/]
 * NCLC’s Model Medical Debt Protection Act [https://www.nclc.org/resources/model-medical-debt-protection-act/]

Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay up to date with all things health, wellness, and public health advocacy, make sure to follow me on social media:

 * X (formerly Twitte

Breaking Down Medical Debt: How It Impacts Under-Resourced Communities & Solutions for Change

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

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