From brain berries to mushroom powders, today’s smoothie comes packed with promises: sharper focus, better memory, and even protection against dementia. But are these claims backed by science—or just wellness marketing with a green glow?

In this episode, the host, Dr. Kee Chan breaks down the most talked-about “brain foods” like MCT oil, turmeric, lion’s mane, and collagen through the lens of nutritional neuroscience and public health.

You’ll learn:

• What the latest research really says about these trendy ingredients

• Why individual superfoods aren’t magic—but daily habits might be

• How public health reframes brain health as a collective issue, not just a consumer choice

• What smoothies reveal about equity, access, and health misinformation

Spoiler alert: That $14 smoothie might taste amazing—but it’s not your brain’s entire wellness plan.

Tune in if you’ve ever wondered:

• Is this actually helping my brain—or just making my wallet lighter?

• What’s hype and what’s evidence when it comes to cognitive health and nutrition?

• How can we make brain health accessible, inclusive, and supported by systems—not just supplements?

Public Health Takeaway:
Smoothies are fine. But systems matter more. Brain health is about policy, prevention, and daily practices that work for everyone—not just those who can afford tasty magic .

In this episode, we explore the power of music as a tool for emotional healing and developmental support in childhood. I’m joined by two remarkable guests: Dr. Nicole St. Jean and Dr. Sarah Bartolome, who are co-leading of the Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Together, they bring deep experience in education, public health, and the healing arts.

Dr. Nicole St. Jean is an educator, counselor, and advocate for trauma-informed practices in schools. Dr. Sarah Bartolome is a music educator and researcher whose work bridges music, identity, and child development. Together, they share the vision behind MCWI and how music can be integrated into the lives of children to support their mental health and emotional growth.

Key takeaways from this conversation:

• - Music is more than art—it's a therapeutic tool that can promote regulation, resilience, and connection, particularly for children who have experienced trauma.

• - The Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI) is creating new models that blend public health, education, and music to meet the emotional needs of children where they are across the globe.

• - Healing through music often happens without words. It creates a safe space for children to express what they may not yet be able to say.

• - Supporting children's well-being requires collaboration across disciplines—and a willingness to listen, adapt, and lead with empathy.

• 
  

  Whether you’re an educator, health professional, or parent, this conversation offers powerful insights into how music can be used to support the whole child.

  
  

  Resources:

  https://buffett.northwestern.edu/research/global-working-groups/trauma,-music,-and-the-breath-working-group.html

  
  

  Featured articles from Northwestern:

  • https://buffett.northwestern.edu/documents/buffett-brief-trauma-music-and-the-breath.pdf
  • • 
      

  https://music.northwestern.edu/news/2024/music-childhood-well-being

  
  

  https://dailynorthwestern.com/2025/05/01/campus/music-for-childhood-well-being-initiative-uses-music-to-support-childrens-well-being-worldwide/

  
  

  #MusicForWellbeing #ChildhoodMentalHealth #MCWI #PublicHealth #TraumaInformedCare #ArtsInHealth #WholeChildDevelopment

In this solo episode, the podcast host, Dr. Kee Chan shares the inspiration, framework, and real-world applications behind her new textbook, Public and Population Health: Perspectives for Health Systems Management, published by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Drawing from years of teaching public health management at the University of Illinois Chicago alongside co-author Richard Sewell, Dr. Chan highlights why design thinking and systems thinking are essential to solving today’s “wicked” health problems. This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at the book and a conversation about why leadership, empathy, and strategic thinking are critical for the next generation of public health professionals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why design thinking belongs in public health classrooms and leadership circles.

- What makes this textbook different from traditional public health texts.

- How students and instructors can use the book to bridge theory and practice.

- Key topics and tools from Chapter 2: Design Thinking for Population Health.

- Why blending public health and population health perspectives is necessary in today’s systems.

Who this episode is for:

- Public health, healthcare administration, and nonprofit management students.

- Faculty seeking practical, case-based curriculum aligned with CEPH and CAHME competencies.

- Practitioners moving into leadership roles in health systems, community organizations, or policy.

- Anyone looking to integrate innovation, equity, and systems change into their work.

Resources Mentioned:

- Order the textbook: www.ache.org/learning-center/publications/books/2529I

- Request an exam copy or instructor materials: learnbooks@ache.org

- Learn more about Kee Chan: www.keechanphd.com

- Explore ACHE Learn digital platform: www.ache.org/learning-center

Share this episode with:A colleague teaching public health leadership, a student looking for real-world tools, or anyone rethinking how we design and manage health systems.

Connect with the host, Dr. Kee Chan, on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/keechan

#designthinking #systemthinking #publichealth #populationhealth