The goal of the Strong Minds, Strong Families podcast is to share mental health resources and stories from parents and helpers around the state of Michigan with the goal of decreasing stigma and building connections. The Strong Minds, Strong Families podcast is part of the ITCMI's Increasing Health Literacy project funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. For more information on the Increasing Health Literacy project, please visit itcmi.org/increasinghealthliteracy
Guest: Sam
In this episode of Strong Minds, Strong Families, hosts Josie and Maddy sit down with Sam, a mother and maternal health nurse from the Gun Lake Tribe. Sam opens up about her postpartum mental health journey and the community support that helped her heal. Together, they explore how her experiences shape her work in maternal and child health and the importance of connection, cultural identity, and reducing stigma around mental health in Native communities across Michigan.
To learn more about the Increasing Health Literacy Project, or to access resources visit https://www.itcmi.org/home/departments/maternal-and-early-childhood-services/home-visiting-network/increasing-health-literacy/
3 Dec 2025
We Can Do Hard Things
Guest: Mel
In this episode of Strong Minds, Strong Families, hosts Josie and Maddy sit down with Mel Bailey, a midwife, nurse, and head of Maternal Child Health Services for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Mel shares her experiences supporting Indigenous families from pregnancy through early childhood, as well as her work training healthcare professionals in respectful and trauma-informed care. The conversation highlights holistic approaches to maternal health, cultural connection, and empowering birth workers to serve in low-resource and remote communities.
Resources: Box breath: Box Breathing
Reorienting: Grounding 5-4-3-2-1 Worksheet - General
Podcasts: Feminist Wellness: Podcast - Beatriz Victoria Albina
We Can Do Hard Things: We Can Do Hard Things
To learn more about the Increasing Health Literacy Project, or to access resources visit https://www.itcmi.org/home/departments/maternal-and-early-childhood-services/home-visiting-network/increasing-health-literacy/
3 Dec 2025
All of the Medicine in your Backyard
Guest: Tashina
In this episode, hosts Maddy and Josie speak with Tashina Emery, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Tashina introduces herself in her language, sharing her spirit name, Clearing of the Sky Cloud Woman, and her Turtle Clan identity.
She reflects on her mental health journey through motherhood, describing how her cultural roots, family, and connection to her ancestors have guided and grounded her. The conversation touches on the healing power of community and tradition, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming identity, balance, and self-compassion during major life transitions like becoming a parent.
Throughout the episode, Tashina offers thoughtful insights into what it means to heal generationally and maintain mental wellness through cultural connection and storytelling.
To learn more about the Increasing Health Literacy Project, or to access resources visit https://www.itcmi.org/home/departments/maternal-and-early-childhood-services/home-visiting-network/increasing-health-literacy/
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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