It’s Giving Health

About It’s Giving Health

Advance Community Health presents ’It’s Giving Health,’ a monthly podcast hosted by Donnae Ward. We’re building a space where your health matters. Every third Thursday, we’ll explore vital health topics relevant to our community. ’Where health gets real’ – join the conversation.

Publisher

Advance Community Health

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Mar 2025

Latest episode

17 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Jun 2026

   GLP-1s and the Summer Bod

   Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro… GLP-1 medications are everywhere. Your social feeds are flooded with transformation stories, celebrities are open about using them, and with summer approaching, the pressure to achieve that "perfect beach body" is at an all-time high. But what's actually true about these weight loss medications? In this episode of It's Giving Health, Hot Seat Edition, host Donnae Ward puts Aries Hamlet, PA-C, a Physician Assistant at Advance Community Health, in the hot seat to get real answers about GLP-1s, weight management, and the toxic culture around "summer bodies." Through rapid-fire Q&A, myth-busting games, and straight talk, this episode cuts through the noise to give you science-backed facts without the judgment. 0:54 – Meet Aries Hamlet, PA-C 1:15 – Hot Seat 1:33 – What are GLP-1s & how do they work?2:05 – Who qualifies? Can anyone just get Ozempic/Wegovy?3:02 – Common & serious side effects of GLP-1s3:34 – Do you gain all the weight back after stopping?3:56 – Myth-busting Game 7:02 – Wellness Toolbox: Healthy snacks & hydration7:51 – Why these snacks matter, especially on GLP-1s8:50 – Giveaway reminder & where to watch/listen

2. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Beyond Six Weeks: Postpartum Recovery and How to Support Her

   The postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable, isolating, and under-supported times in a person's life. In this episode of It's Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with two experts from Advance Community Health's OB/GYN department: Brenda Gartrell, NP, an experienced Nurse Practitioner, and Victoria Johnson, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works exclusively with OB patients. From postpartum depression and anxiety to physical recovery that nobody warns you about, this conversation gets real about what happens after the baby arrives. We're talking about the shame that keeps people from asking for help, the relationship strain that catches couples off guard, the chronic pain that gets dismissed as "normal," and more. Whether you're currently postpartum, planning to have a baby, supporting someone who just gave birth, or working in maternal health, this episode offers validation, practical guidance, and a reminder that struggling doesn't make you a failure, it makes you human. 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 01:16 – Guest Intro 02:21 – Framing the Postpartum Conversation 02:51 – Hot Takes & Community Questions Setup 04:21 – Mental Health Impact of Bounce-Back Pressure 05:21 – Social Media, Unrealistic Bodies, and Self-Compassion 07:26 – The “Superwoman” Pressure 10:17 – Poll Results: How Do You Feel Most Supported Postpartum? 11:08 – “Apple of the Day”: Small Things That Make a Big Difference 13:53 – Audience Mailbag: Supporting a New Mom 16:33 – How to Recognize Postpartum Depression 20:30 – Intimacy, Consent, and Mental Readiness

3. 

   20 May 2026

   Grillz, Veneers, Oil Pulling and other Social Media Trends

   Grillz, veneers, charcoal toothpaste, oil pulling… Social media is full of viral dental trends, but which ones are actually safe for your teeth? In this episode of It's Giving Health, Hot Seat Edition, host Donnae Ward puts Tabitha Richardson, a dental hygienist at Advance Community Health, in the hot seat to separate dental facts from fiction. From rapid-fire questions about the latest TikTok trends to a game of "What's Tea?" where myths get debunked in real time, this episode brings practical oral health advice with fun games. Plus, stick around for a wellness toolbox reveal, practical tips you can use today, and your chance to enter this month's giveaway! About Advance Community Health At Advance Community Health, we believe everyone deserves a healthy smile. Our comprehensive dental services include preventive care, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and oral health education for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine checkup, have a dental emergency, or want to discuss cosmetic options safely, our experienced dental team is here to help. Call us at 919-833-3111 or visit our website for more information. Your smile matters, and we're here to take care of it. Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC 0:25 – Meet Tabitha: Registered Dental Hygienist1:21 – Are Grills Bad for Your Teeth?1:54 – Purple Toothpaste: Does It Really Whiten?2:17 – Oil Pulling: Is It Worth the Hype?2:48 – Veneers in Your 20s: Good Idea or Risky Trend?3:16 – DIY Braces?3:24 – Game Intro: “What’s Tea?” Dental Myths7:10 – Wellness Toolbox: Interdental Brush7:49 – Giveaway Reminder & How to Stay Connected8:20 – Where to Watch/Listen

4. 

   6 May 2026

   Joy as Medicine: Exploring Intentional Joy

   Joy isn't just a nice feeling, it's actual medicine for your mind and body. In this episode of It's Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Melody Washington, Director of Behavioral Health at Advance Community Health, to explore how intentional joy impacts our mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. From breaking down the cultural messages that tell us we have to earn happiness through suffering, to understanding why choosing joy isn't selfish, this conversation gets real about what it means to prioritize joy in a world that often feels heavy. Whether you're burnt out, grieving, dealing with depression, or simply trying to find more lightness in your daily life, this episode offers permission, practical tools, and a reminder that joy is your birthright. About Advance Community Health Advance Community Health offers FREE health insurance enrollment assistance to community members who need help enrolling in Medicaid or marketplace health insurance. Our Financial Navigators are here to walk you through the application process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you obtain a health insurance plan that meets your needs! Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC 00:40 – Introducing “Joy as Medicine” 01:50 – Hot Take #1: “Suffering vs. Joy” (Joy vs. Happiness, Resilience) 05:00 – Hot Take #2: When Your Job/Relationship Steals Your Joy 07:33 – Social Media Poll Results: How Often Do You Prioritize Joy? 08:46 – “Apple of the Day” 09:52 – Let's Check the Mail 14:10 – Closing: Where to Listen, How to Submit Questions & Raffle Winner

5. 

   15 Apr 2026

   Hot Seat Edition: Real Talk on Medicaid with Our CEO

   Medicaid can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Health Equity Coordinator Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, to break down what Medicaid really is, who it serves, and how it connects to the whole-person care we believe in. But this isn’t your typical sit-down interview… It's a Hot Wing Challenge episode. As the questions get spicier, so do the wings! About Advance Community Health Advance Community Health offers FREE health insurance enrollment assistance to community members who need help enrolling in Medicaid or marketplace health insurance. Our Financial Navigators are here to walk you through the application process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you obtain a health insurance plan that meets your needs! Follow us on Social: IG: @advanechc FB: Advance Community Health X: @AdvanceCHC 0:00 – Intro & Hot Seat Setup 0:28 – Meet the CEO in the Hot Seat 1:16 – Q1: “Can Medicaid Patients Just Get a Job? 2:46 – Q2: Biggest Medicaid Myth 3:49 – Q3: What Medicaid Cuts Mean for Patients 5:20 – Q4: Message to State Legislators 6:59 – Q5: “Medicaid Is Just Welfare” 9:34 – Q6: If I Ran the Country for a Day 11:19 – Sponsor Shoutout & Giveaway Details

6. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Official Trailer - Hot Seat Edition: Real Talk on Medicaid with Our CEO

   Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, for a conversation that breaks down the basics of Medicaid in a way that’s easy to understand, with a hot wing challenge!

7. 

   1 Apr 2026

   Official Trailer: Season 2, Episode 1 — “Showing Up: Why Fatherhood Matters”

   Host Donnae Ward interviews Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, and Kerry Mackey, PA-C, about the profound importance of fatherhood.

8. 

   1 Apr 2026

   Showing Up: Why Fatherhood Matters

   Host Donnae Ward interviews Scot McCray and Kerry Mackey PA-C about how engaged fatherhood profoundly impacts children's mental health, physical development, and long-term well-being.

9. 

   20 Nov 2025

   Holiday Special: Healthy Swaps for the Season

   Registered Dietitian Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro MS, RD, LDN, CDCES joins Donnae Ward to share healthy and culturally relevant holiday food swaps, mindful eating strategies, and flavorful recipes that support health goals without sacrificing tradition in this interview.

10. 

    16 Oct 2025

    Grounded: How Yoga Creates Calm and Confidence in Teens

    This episode explores how yoga and mindfulness practices empower young people to regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and cultivate resilience, offering nonpharmacological approaches to mental well-being.

11. 

    19 Sept 2025

    From Diagnosis to Daily Living: Navigating Diabetes

    Ziad El Tannir, PA-C, discusses practical approaches to living with diabetes, including lifestyle changes and dispelling myths, in an interview with Donnae Ward.

12. 

    21 Aug 2025

    "The Talk" Redefined: Reproductive Health at Every Age

    Host Donnae Ward interviews Nurse Practitioner Shalanda Vann, NP, about navigating reproductive health conversations across all life stages.

13. 

    17 Jul 2025

    Are Vaccines Safe? A Pediatrician Sets the Record Straight

    A pediatrician addresses common parental concerns regarding the safety, necessity, and scheduling of childhood vaccinations in this interview episode.

14. 

    19 Jun 2025

    The Silent Burden: Men’s Health, Patriarchy, and Redefining Strength

    Donnae Ward interviews Kerry Macky, PA-C, about the effects of patriarchal norms on men's health, exploring emotional suppression and delayed healthcare visits to redefine strength.

15. 

    15 May 2025

    Why So Anxious?

    In this episode, Donnae Ward speaks with LaDonn Woodson, LCSWA, MSW, Behavioral Health Professional at Advance Community Health, to discuss anxiety. Listen to learn more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, coping strategies and resources available to manage anxiety, and how we can break the stigma! About It's Giving Health: Advance Community Health presents 'It's Giving Health,' a monthly podcast hosted by Donnae Ward. We're building a space where your health matters. Every third Thursday, we'll explore vital health topics relevant to our community. 'Where health gets real' – join the conversation.

16. 

    26 Mar 2025

    (Audio) Dear Mama: Black Maternal Health, Navigating OBGYN Care And Centering Pregnancy

    In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week 2025 (BMHW25), this episode Donnae Ward speaks with Brenda Gartrell, FNP-C, women’s health provider at Advance Community Health, to discuss the challenges Black mothers face, the significance of this year’s Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) theme, and how Advance's new centering pregnancy program is changing the way we navigate maternal health in our community. About It's Giving Health: Advance Community Health presents 'It's Giving Health,' a monthly podcast hosted by Donnae Ward. We're building a space where your health matters. Every third Thursday, we'll explore vital health topics relevant to our community. 'Where health gets real' – join the conversation.

17. 

    25 Mar 2025

    Dear Mama: Black Maternal Health, Navigating OBGYN Care And Centering Pregnancy

    In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week 2025 (BMHW25), this episode Donnae Ward speaks with Brenda Gartrell, FNP-C, women’s health provider at Advance Community Health, to discuss the challenges Black mothers face, the significance of this year’s Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) theme, and how Advance's new centering pregnancy program is changing the way we navigate maternal health in our community. About It's Giving Health: Advance Community Health presents 'It's Giving Health,' a monthly podcast hosted by Donnae Ward. We're building a space where your health matters. Every third Thursday, we'll explore vital health topics relevant to our community. 'Where health gets real' – join the conversation.

Who has been a guest on It’s Giving Health

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Scot McCray
• Kerry Mackey
• Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro
• Ziad El Tannir
• Shalanda Vann NP

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

11

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact It’s Giving Health

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.