The Equity Matters Podcast

Misinformation Nation (Correlation ≠ Causation)

What do we lose when misinformation spreads faster than the truth?
In this episode of Equity Matters, we confront the rise of misinformation, why it spreads, how it takes root, and the dangers it poses to public trust. From historical betrayals like Tuskegee and forced sterilizations to today’s viral claims linking Tylenol and autism, we trace how mistrust is both inherited and exploited. We break down the difference between correlation and causation, the limits of junk science, and why flashy headlines often distort more than they reveal.
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You're On Mute (Freedom of Speech Ain't Free)

What does free speech really mean when power and platforms are controlled by so few and how do we speak truth to power responsibly?
In this episode of Equity Matters, we explore the state of free speech in America, not as an abstract right, but as a fragile and contested space under pressure. We trace the long shadow of censorship and intimidation, from dictatorships and McCarthy-era blacklists to modern media consolidation and the silencing of critics. Along the way, we reflect on how fear, power, and self-censorship shape what we say and hear, why speaking truth to power still matters in 2025, and what it takes to act responsibly when the stakes are real both for society and in our own lives.
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Strange Fruit (In Plain Sight)

What does it mean when a violence we were told belonged to the past keeps reappearing in plain sight?
In this episode of Equity Matters, we confront the ongoing reality of lynching in America, not as distant history, but as violence still happening in plain sight. We trace the long shadow of racial terror, from its public spectacle in the past to its quieter denials in the present. Along the way, we reflect on how grief and fear are carried across generations, why naming this violence still matters in 2025, and what it means to resist erasure by refusing to look away.
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Strange Fruit Teaser

When most people hear the word lynching, they think of a distant past. But the truth is, lynching never really ended — it evolved, adapted, and still happens in America today. In this teaser for the next episode of Equity Matters, Dr. James Bell III confronts the spectacle, the silence, and the terrifying continuity of racial terror that remains in plain sight.
Full episode available this Wednesday.

Thoughts & Prayers Pt. II (What About The Children)

What happens when the nation decides which fathers, mothers, and children are worth mourning?
In this episode of Equity Matters, we examine how assassinations, shootings, and state-sanctioned violence are remembered and reported differently depending on who is targeted. We explore how narratives of “innocence,” “radicalism,” and “family” shape national empathy and reveal deep inequities in whose grief prompts action.
 
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Thoughts and Prayers (Moment of Silence)

Political violence is not new, but not all violence is treated the same. In this episode of Equity Matters, we explore how acts of political violence are remembered, mourned, and reported differently depending on who is targeted. Join me as we uncover how history, media, and power combine to dictate whose lives, and whose losses, truly matter.
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The Attack on Public Health & DEI: How We Lead Through Uncertainty

Public health, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are under attack—but what does that mean for practitioners on the front lines? In this episode of Equity Matters, we break down the coordinated efforts to dismantle public health infrastructure and DEI initiatives, the impact on communities, and the critical role of public health leaders in navigating this uncertainty.
How do we stay focused? How do we push back against misinformation and political interference? And most importantly, how do we continue championing equity in every conversation? Join me as we unpack the challenges, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to keep equity at the center of public health—no matter what obstacles arise.
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Watch Words I’m Still Using and You Should Too… on YouTube
Our Public Health Crossroads on LinkedIn
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True Colors: Insights and Reflections on Election 2024

Dr. James Bell III reflects on the 2024 election results and their implications for public health in America. In this episode of 'Equity Matters,' we examine how recent political shifts could shape policies impacting healthcare access, community well-being, and social equity. Join us as we unpack the potential challenges and opportunities for the public health field, exploring what these outcomes mean for professionals and communities striving for health equity.
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Everyday People (A Thousand Cuts)

On today’s episode, we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of microaggressions in the workplace. Learn how these interactions reinforce stereotypes and contribute to systemic inequalities, while offering practical advice on how we can all be more mindful in our daily lives.
 
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Everyday People Teaser

What are microaggressions, and how do they shape the everyday experiences of those on the receiving end? In this short preview of our upcoming episode, we offer a glimpse into the subtle, often unintentional remarks or actions that can reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate inequality. Tune in for a quick dive into how these interactions affect people and why understanding them is the first step toward fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
 
Full episode available on Monday!