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Health equity isn’t just about access—it’s about being heard, respected, and included in decisions about your care. In this episode, Sandy Kibling sits down with cancer scientist and health equity advocate Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, to unpack why so many patients—especially in marginalized communities—leave appointments confused, dismissed, or unheard.

Eugene shares his personal journey from inner-city Detroit to nonprofit advocacy, including firsthand experiences with medical racism and the real consequences of miscommunication and inaccurate documentation.

You’ll walk away with practical “do-this-next” tools to advocate for yourself: how to ask better questions, document your care, build a support network, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right—so every healthcare encounter moves closer to dignity and equity.

Tips for Effective Health Advocacy

1. Educate Yourself: understanding your health condition and treatment options can empower you to ask the right questions.
2. Build a Support Network: having a medical proxy or an advocate who can speak on your behalf during times of vulnerability can make a significant difference.
3. Document Everything: keep records of your medical visits, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. This can be crucial in discussions about your care.
4. Speak Up: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. Your health and comfort should always be a priority.
5. Utilize Available Resources: look for organizations and resources that focus on health equity and patient advocacy. They can provide valuable support and information.

Resources:

SCHEQ

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In this episode of Get Savvy…Demystifying Healthcare, Sandy Kibling sits down with Dr. Fred Moss—psychiatrist, coach, and founder of Welcome to Humanity—to challenge the way we talk about mental health.

Dr. Fred shares his “Un-Doctor” approach: moving beyond labels, over-pathologizing, and quick fixes to focus on something many people never get in healthcare—being genuinely heard.

Together, they unpack how communication, authenticity, and connection can shift how we experience anxiety, stress, and emotional pain, and how listeners can advocate for themselves (and their loved ones) in a system that often rushes to diagnose.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I normal?” this conversation will give you a fresh, empowering lens.

Takeaways:

• Mental health isn’t always a diagnosis problem — sometimes it’s a connection and context problem.
• Being deeply heard is therapeutic (and often missing in modern healthcare visits).
• Labels can help, but they can also limit—especially when they replace curiosity about the person.
• Advocacy matters: asking better questions can shift the entire care experience.
• Communication is a health skill—learning to express what you feel/need can change outcomes.
• There are alternatives to “quick fix” pathways—support, coaching, and human-centered approaches can be part of a recovery plan.

Chapters/Timing

01:10 - Meet Dr. Fred Moss + the “Un-Doctor” perspective
03:10 - What people are really seeking when they say “What’s wrong with me?”
06:00 - Over-pathologizing: when labels help vs. when they harm
08:40 - The power of being heard (and why it’s rare in healthcare)
12:10 - Anxiety, stress, and emotional pain through a human lens
18:10 - Practical tools: communication, presence, and connection
21:40 - What “Welcome to Humanity” is and who it helps
24:10 - Final thoughts + next steps for listeners

Resources:

Welcome to Humanity

DrFred360.com

Undoctorreset.com

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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In this enlightening conversation, Sandy Kibling and Beverly Meyer delve into the complexities of navigating the healthcare journey, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management and the role of nutrition.

Beverly shares her personal health journey, her philosophy on being a 'wellness warrior', and the significance of understanding lab results. The discussion also covers the primal diet, client success stories, and the implications of GLP-1 drugs on health.

Takeaways

• Beverly Meyer emphasizes the importance of being proactive in health management.
• The partnership between patients and doctors is crucial for effective healthcare.
• Understanding lab results is essential for making informed health decisions.
• Aim for the middle value in lab results to gauge health accurately.
• Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health and wellness.
• The primal diet focuses on eliminating grains and prioritizing animal proteins.
• Client success stories highlight the transformative power of dietary changes.
• GLP-1 drugs can have significant side effects and should be approached with caution.
• Education and awareness are key to navigating the healthcare system effectively.
• Utilizing resources like Life Extension can empower individuals to manage their health.

Sound Bites

• "Help yourself to health."
• "Aim for the middle value for your labs."
• "The grains have to go."

Chapters

03:12
Becoming a Wellness Warrior

05:58
Understanding Lab Results

08:46
The Role of Nutrition in Health

12:12
Client Success Stories

15:00
The Primal Diet Explained

18:02
The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs

20:52
Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources:

Beverly Meyer - On Diet and Health

(Primal Diet - Modern Health) - Podcast

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In this episode, Sandy Kibling discusses the high costs of prescription medications and offers insights into why they are so unaffordable. She explains the role of drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and the complexities of formularies and tiers.

Sandy provides practical strategies for reducing prescription costs, including exploring generics, alternative medications, and patient assistance programs. She also highlights the benefits of using Canadian pharmacies and online options for obtaining medications at lower prices.

Takeaways

• Prescription medications are often unaffordable due to manufacturer control over pricing.
• Patents can prevent the availability of cheaper generic options for many years.
• Insurance plans can vary significantly in how they cover medications, leading to different costs for the same drug.
• Understanding drug tiers and formularies is crucial for managing medication expenses.
• Deductibles for prescriptions may be separate from medical deductibles, impacting out-of-pocket costs.
• Asking about generic versions and preferred alternatives can lead to significant savings.
• Discount cards and apps like GoodRx can help reduce medication costs, but may not count towards deductibles.
• Canadian pharmacies can offer substantial savings on medications, but caution is advised when choosing a provider.
• Regularly reviewing healthcare plans is essential to ensure coverage for necessary medications.

Sound Bites

• "Patents can last for 20 plus years."
• "Always ask if there's a generic version."
• "Check out the show notes for resources."

Chapters

03:01
Understanding the High Costs of Medications

12:11
Navigating Insurance and Formularies

14:04
Strategies for Reducing Prescription Costs

22:24
Exploring Alternative Options for Medications

28:37
Special Considerations for Medicare Recipients

31:01
Using Canadian Pharmacies and Online Options

Resources:

GoodRx

SingleCare

Optum Perks

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

Episode 111: Getting Safe Prescription Medications Across the Border

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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In this episode my guest Brittnee Wheeler discusses the challenges of postpartum care and the need for better support for mothers. She shares her personal journey as a military spouse and mother of five, leading her to create the Rose Relief Postpartum Recovery Undergarment.

The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, the evolution of maternity products, and the impact of innovative solutions on women's health. Britnee emphasizes the need for dignity and comfort during recovery and discusses future product offerings aimed at supporting women at all stages of womanhood.

Takeaways

• Postpartum care products have traditionally been inadequate for mothers.
• The Rose Maternity undergarment provides comfort and support during recovery.
• Moms often lack the necessary tools for postpartum recovery.
• Self-care is crucial for mothers and impacts their families.
• Britnee's products aim to help manage pain at all stages of womanhood.
• The conversation around postpartum care is evolving.
• Women deserve dignity and comfort during recovery.
• Britnee's journey reflects resilience and entrepreneurship.
• Future products will focus on menstrual care for teens.

Sound bites

"Nobody wants to talk about undergarments, right?"
"It’s truly about helping moms manage pain better."
"I can go and take a walk around the store and not feel uncomfortable ."

Chapters

02:45 Britnee's Journey: From Military Spouse to Entrepreneur
06:07 The Need for Postpartum Care Products
08:53 Understanding the Rose Maternity Company relief undergarment
11:46 Real-Life Impact: Testimonials and Experiences
15:08 The Importance of Self-Care and Resilience
17:59 Future Innovations and Product Offerings

Resources:

Rose Maternity Company

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In this episode, Sandy Kibling welcomes Dr. Jessica Edwards, a board-certified family medicine physician and healthcare entrepreneur. They discuss the current frustrations within the healthcare system, including the challenges patients face due to the increasing bureaucracy and the shift of provider-owned practices to larger healthcare systems.

Dr. Edwards shares her journey from observing her father's patient-centered practice to founding Zara Medical, where she aims to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for patients, especially those who feel marginalized.

Dr. Edwards emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and understanding the complexities of the healthcare system. She highlights the need for transparency in insurance and the challenges that come with navigating care.

The conversation also touches on the innovative approaches Zara Medical employs, such as utilizing AI for patient engagement and care navigation, which aims to empower patients and improve their healthcare experiences.

Takeaways

• "The clinical care isn't the issue; it's everything that happens before and after."
• "Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself."
• "Patients often feel marginalized and don't understand what's going on."
• "The healthcare system is broken due to bureaucracy and inefficiency."
• "Insurance companies need to be more transparent with patients."
• "Utilizing technology can help find a good clinician for you."
• "The next generation of doctors will take healthcare back."
• "Don't put off taking care of yourself."

Chapters

05:01
Dr. Edwards' Journey and Founding Zara Medical

08:49
Understanding the Broken Healthcare System

14:30
Navigating Healthcare: Patient Empowerment and Advocacy

19:52
Innovative Solutions at Zara Medical

23:07
Addressing Care for Uninsured Patients

26:36
Insurance Transparency and Patient Experience

30:32
Building the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers

32:56
Final Thoughts and Patient Advocacy

Resources:

ZaraMedical

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In this conversation, Kelly Tuttle, NP shares her personal journey of navigating life after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) she sustained in a car accident.

As a neurology nurse practitioner, she offers insights into the challenges of recovery, the importance of finding the right healthcare providers, and effective strategies for healing, including journaling, mindfulness, and proper nutrition.

Kelly emphasizes the need for patient advocacy and the value of support groups, while also discussing her book, 'After the Crash,' which provides tools for others facing similar challenges.

Takeaways

• Kelly Tuttle's journey began with a traumatic brain injury in 2015.
• Journaling is a crucial tool for tracking symptoms and recovery.
• Sleep is essential for brain healing, requiring 7-9 hours nightly.
• Mindfulness helps individuals cope with changes after a TBI.
• Finding a healthcare provider who specializes in TBI is vital.
• Support groups can provide valuable resources and connections.
• Nutrition plays a significant role in recovery from brain injuries.
• Financial health impacts overall well-being during recovery.
• Communication with caregivers is important for understanding behavior changes.
• Kelly's book offers practical strategies for returning to work after a TBI.

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction to TBI and Personal Journey

03:46: The Impact of TBI on Daily Life

11:25: Strategies for Recovery and Healing

20:18: Finding the Right Healthcare Provider

27:47: Resources and Tools for TBI Survivors

32:24: Final Thoughts and Advice for Caregiver

36:27: In The Next Episode: Navigating Healthcare with Dr. Jessica Edwards

Resources:

KellyTuttle – Brain Loving Advocate

Kelly’s Book After The Crash

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Are you tired of feeling confused and overwhelmed by all the weight loss options out there? Between the GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic making headlines, countless fad diets flooding social media, and friends sharing their bariatric surgery success stories, it's hard to know what's actually legitimate and what might work for you.

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Evan Nadler, the nation's leading pediatric bariatric surgeon who's been treating obesity for over 20 years. His mission extends far beyond the operating room – he's dedicated to changing how we understand and approach weight management for both children and adults.

Breaking Down the Myths and Misconceptions

• Why the Mediterranean diet consistently outperforms every fad diet that comes along.
• The truth about GLP-1 medications and how they're changing our understanding of weight management.
• Real talk about what diet and exercise programs can actually achieve (spoiler: it might surprise you).

Understanding Obesity as a Disease

• Why obesity isn't simply a matter of "eating less and moving more"
• The complex genetic and biological factors that contribute to weight gain.
• How different people require different approaches to achieve lasting results.

Exploring Your Treatment Options

• Affordable alternatives to expensive injectable medications.
• Modern bariatric surgery: safer procedures with dramatically lower complication rates.
• How to find the right healthcare provider who understands all your options.

Dr. Nadler shares his powerful perspective that obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice, and explains why judging others (or yourself) based on appearance alone misses the bigger picture entirely. His approach focuses on meeting patients where they are and providing multiple pathways to success.

Whether you're struggling with weight management yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand this complex health issue better, this episode offers:

• Evidence-based information free from Internet noise and bias.
• Practical steps for creating a personalized treatment plan.
• Hope and encouragement for those who feel they've tried everything.

Don't let the stigma and misinformation surrounding obesity keep you from getting the help you deserve. It's time to approach weight management with compassion, science, and realistic expectations about what different treatments can achieve.

Resources:

Obesity Explained

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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