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Inside Brookline Health

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by Friends of Public Health

4.0(4 reviews)

7 episodes

Updated Daily

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Podcast Overview

Inside Brookline Health is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical, and science-based guidance tailored specifically for our Brookline community. Hosted by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, and Pat Maher, MS, RNP, this series is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Public Health, in partnership with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Brookline Interactive Group (BIG). Our Mission: Public health can sometimes feel complex or overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Our goal is to make health information accessible, understandable, and actionable. We believe that when you have credible, evidence-based information at your fingertips, you are empowered to make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones. What to Expect: In each short episode, we sit down with trusted experts to dive into the current topics affecting our collective wellbeing. We focus on: Empowering Individuals: Giving you the tools to navigate health challenges with confidence. Inspiring Healthier Living: Sharing tangible tips you can use in your daily life. Building Equity: Fostering a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable Brookline for everyone. Join us as we translate the science into conversation and build a healthier community together—one episode at a time. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.

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Publishing Since

1/1/2026

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Recent Episodes

July 26, 2026

S1E6 - Public Art, Public Health: Building Stronger Communities Through Storytelling

<h1>Episode 6: Public Art, Public Health: Building Stronger Communities Through Storytelling</h1> <h1>What’s Happening?</h1> <p>In this episode, Chris sits down with Summer L. Williams, co-founder and associate director of Company One Theatre, who also serves our local youth as a Dean of Students at Brookline High School. Recognized recently as true public health champions at our local Public Health Awards Ceremony, Summer and Company One Theatre are redefining how we think about community well-being.</p> <p>Public health extends far beyond clinical settings. Social connection, creative expression, and equitable representation in local arts are essential drivers of neighborhood resilience and individual health. Chris and Summer explore the intersection of theater, equity, and mental health, highlighting how public art builds empathy, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging. They also preview Company One Theatre's highly anticipated summer world premiere, A New Era, written by Miranda Austin ADEkoje and directed by Summer L. Williams.</p> <h1>Key Takeaways from Summer L. Williams:</h1> <ul> <li>Art is a Determinant of Health: Public art and community spaces create opportunities for social gathering, shared processing, and mutual support, directly addressing social isolation and strengthening neighborhood well-being.</li> <li>Storytelling Drives Health Equity: Theater allows communities to safely address complex social conversations. Uplifting diverse voices on stage builds emotional safety, trust, and shared understanding across neighborhoods.</li> <li> <p>School and Community Connections: Connecting high school leadership with community arts builds social-emotional resilience in youth, empowering the next generation to find their voice and feel seen. Public Health Champions in Unexpected Places: Effective public health strategy relies also on non-traditional health leaders, educators, and artists who build equity and social cohesion from the ground up.</p> </li> <li> <p>Local Impact Through A New Era: Local cultural events, like the upcoming world premiere written by Miranda Austin ADEkoje, serve as vital tools for civic engagement, dynamic conversations, and collective community growth.</p> </li> </ul> <h1>Resources & Local Support:</h1> <ul> <li> <p>Company One Theatre: Explore upcoming performances, community programming, and tickets for A New Era at <a href="http://www.companyone.org" rel="nofollow">www.companyone.org</a>. A New Era at <a href="https://companyone.org/a-new-era/" rel="nofollow">https://companyone.org/a-new-era/</a> July 18 - August 8, 2026 The Strand Theatre All tickets are Pay-What-You-Want ($0 minimum) Content Advisory: This production is set in 1895 and characters discuss racially motivated hate speech, violence, and lynching. Seating is general admission. This performance runs approximately 2 hours including one 10-minute intermission.</p> </li> <li> <p>CARES Brookline: free online search tool that connects people with local, free, and or reduced-cost social services and programs. By searching with your Brookline zip code, residents can find assistance with needs like housing, food, healthcare, and financial aid. The service is available 24/7 and free to all users, including translated services in over 100 languages. Info here: <a href="http://www.CARESBrookline.com" rel="nofollow">www.CARESBrookline.com</a></p> </li> </ul> <h1>Disclaimer:</h1> <p>This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.</p>

July 3, 2026

S1E5 - Viruses Don't Care About Politics: The Truth About Religious Vaccine Exemptions in Massachusetts

<h1>What’s Happening?</h1> <p>In this episode, Chris sits down with Dr. Matt Motta, an Associate Professor of Health Law, Policy, and Management at the Boston University School of Public Health and an affiliated researcher at the Center for Health Communication at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. As routine childhood vaccination rates face a decline across the nation, they dive into a topic that deeply impacts our local schools, neighborhoods, and public spaces: non-medical vaccine exemptions.</p> <p>While vaccination is widely recognized as one of the most successful public health innovations in human history, rising skepticism and misinformation are creating a serious public health threat. Dr. Motta breaks down how vaccine policymaking actually happens at the state level, addresses the rising trend of people using religious exemptions under the guise of personal beliefs, and shares peer-reviewed strategies to help Brookline residents navigate difficult conversations about vaccine benefits with empathy and trust.</p> <h1>Key Takeaways from Dr. Motta:</h1> <ul> <li> <p>The Reality of Vaccine Policy: Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of vaccine mandates and exemptions are decided at the state level, not by the federal government. Individual states hold the authority to require specific immunizations for entry into public schools or certain lines of work. Medical vs. Non-Medical Exemptions: Every state allows for medical exemptions if a physician determines a child is not healthy enough to be vaccinated. However, states vary wildly on non-medical exemptions. Massachusetts does not allow philosophical or personal-belief exemptions, but it does allow religious exemptions.</p> </li> <li> <p>The "Guise" of Religion: Public health data and academic research reveal that a person's religious preferences or church attendance are rarely associated with how they view vaccine mandates once you account for their political views. The growing concern is that individuals are utilizing the religious exemption as a loophole to express personal vaccine skepticism that has no basis in religious text or doctrine.</p> </li> <li>The Math of Collective Protection: While nine out of ten parents across the country believe in vaccinating their children, a 90% uptake rate is not high enough to stop a highly contagious pathogen like measles from spreading. To achieve true community immunity and prevent localized outbreaks, the vaccination rate must stay strictly between 92 percent and 95 percent. Pathogens do not care about headlines, skin color, or political parties; they simply infect whoever is unprotected.</li> <li>Skepticism is as Old as America: Vaccine anxiety is not a new phenomenon. On America's 250th birthday, history reminds us that George Washington faced intense controversy when he mandated smallpox inoculations for the Continental Army to combat an unseen biological threat. The difference today is how social media can rapidly accelerate modern vaccine hesitancy.</li> </ul> <h1>Resources & Local Support:</h1> <p>Right Here in Brookline</p> <ul> <li>CARES Brookline: free online search tool that connects people with local, free, and or reduced-cost social services and programs. By searching with your Brookline zip code, residents can find assistance with needs like housing, food, healthcare, and financial aid. The service is available 24/7 and free to all users, including translated services in over 100 languages. Info here: <a href="http://www.CARESBrookline.com" rel="nofollow">www.CARESBrookline.com</a></li> <li> <p>Brookline Health Department Navigator: Connect with Eliza Usen for personalized guidance on local services. Email: EUsen@BrooklineMA.gov Phone: 617-730-2652 In-Person: 11 Pierce Street, 2nd Floor, Brookline, MA</p> </li> <li> <p>Brookline Health Department: Families looking for trusted vaccine information, schedule catch-ups, or clinic referrals can contact the Brookline Health Department directly to speak with a public health nurse. </p> </li> </ul> <h1>Disclaimer:</h1> <p>This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.</p>

June 17, 2026

S1E4 - Keeping Our Cool: Community Care and Heat Safety in Brookline

<h1>Episode Notes</h1> <p>In this episode, Chris sits down with Cheryl Snyder, Brookline’s Deputy Director of Emergency Management. As summer arrives and New England temperatures surge, they dive into a topic that directly impacts everyone in our neighborhood: extreme heat.</p> <p>While many of us welcome the summer sun, extreme heat is far more than an annoyance. It is a serious public health threat that is shifting human health risks right here in our densely built neighborhoods. Cheryl shares how climate change is driving sudden, extreme temperature swings in New England, breaks down how to identify life-threatening heat illnesses, and highlights the local infrastructure and community-driven safety nets available to keep Brookline resilient.</p> <p>Key Takeaways from Cheryl Snyder:</p> <ul> <li>The Climate Acclimation Gap: Older New England homes were architectural assets built to trap winter warmth, but they frequently lack air conditioning. Because climate change is causing our region to skip spring and jump directly from winter to summer temperatures, our bodies lack the time to acclimate naturally, drastically increasing seasonal health risks.</li> <li>Who is Most Vulnerable? While sudden heat spikes place everyone at risk, key high-risk groups include young children, older adults, the unhoused population, individuals taking specific medications that impair temperature regulation, and anyone working or exercising outdoors.</li> <li>Look at the Heat Index, Not Just the Thermostat: The true "real feel" threat is determined by the Heat Index, which mathematically combines ambient temperature and humidity. High humidity blocks sweat from evaporating, stopping your body's natural cooling mechanism.</li> <li>Combating Post-COVID Social Isolation: Excessive heat is a silent danger made deadlier by social isolation. Just as we routinely check on vulnerable neighbors during severe winter blizzards, we must actively build a culture of checking on our family, friends, and neighbors when severe heat strikes.</li> </ul> <p>Resources & Local Support:</p> <p>Right Here in Brookline</p> <p>-Alert Brookline Emergency Notifications: The primary digital tool used by Brookline to push out immediate text, email, or phone alerts regarding heat emergencies, cooling center locations, power outages, and more. Sign up at <a href="http://www.brooklinema.gov/alert" rel="nofollow">www.brooklinema.gov/alert</a></p> <p>-Air-Conditioned Public Safe Spaces: Residents looking to escape hot residential spaces can seek immediate relief during standard business hours at these local facilities:</p> <p>-The Brookline Senior Center: Open to older adults. Info at <a href="https://www.brooklineseniorcenter.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.brooklineseniorcenter.org/</a></p> <p>-The Public Libraries of Brookline: All three local branches (Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham) feature full air conditioning and public programming. Info at <a href="http://www.brooklinelibrary.org" rel="nofollow">www.brooklinelibrary.org</a>.</p> <p>-The Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center: Brookline’s public indoor pool offers a sun-free, fully climate-controlled environment to cool down. Info at <a href="https://www.brooklinerec.com/150/Aquatics-Center" rel="nofollow">https://www.brooklinerec.com/150/Aquatics-Center</a></p> <p>-Local Splash Pads: Free interactive water play areas located within Brookline parks. Standard park splash pads operate daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Info at <a href="https://www.brooklinerec.com/31/Facilities" rel="nofollow">https://www.brooklinerec.com/31/Facilities</a></p> <p>-Summer Eats Program: Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 years old and younger at 575 Brookline Ave (Lynch Rec Center) throughout the summer while school is out of session. </p> <p>Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.</p>

7 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is Inside Brookline Health?: Inside Brookline Health is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical, and science-based guidance tailored specifically for our Brookline community.

Hosted by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, and Pat Maher, MS, RNP, this series is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Public Health, in partnership with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Brookline Interactive Group (BIG).

Our Mission: Public health can sometimes feel complex or overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Our goal is to make health information accessible, understandable, and actionable. We believe that when you have credible, evidence-based information at your fingertips, you are empowered to make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

What to Expect: In each short episode, we sit down with trusted experts to dive into the current topics affecting our collective wellbeing. We focus on: Empowering Individuals: Giving you the tools to navigate health challenges with confidence. Inspiring Healthier Living: Sharing tangible tips you can use in your daily life. Building Equity: Fostering a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable Brookline for everyone. Join us as we translate the science into conversation and build a healthier community together—one episode at a time.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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