If I Could Change One Thing

In this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, Dr. Brittnie Bloom and podcast team member Alexis Greenfield sit down with Cara Mears, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations at the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM), to explore innovative and compassionate approaches to addressing homelessness. Cara shares her powerful career journey, from decades in sales to answering a personal calling sparked by a life-changing encounter with a man experiencing homelessness. She explains the SDRM's holistic model, which prioritizes rehabilitation, mental health, sobriety, job training, and community connection, resulting in an 85% long-term success rate for graduates of their residential program. Throughout the conversation, Cara challenges stigma, reframes common misconceptions about homelessness, and reminds listeners that sustainable change happens when communities come together with time, talent, and heart. To learn more about the San Diego Rescue Mission, please check out their website here: https://www.sdrescue.org/

If I Could Change One Thing host Dr. Brittnie Bloom and co-host Lesley Lopez welcome Robert Browning and Sheva Carr to the podcast for a conversation on heart intelligence, healing, and human caring. As Co-Directors of Healthcare and Senior Master Trainers at HeartMath, Robert and Sheva bring more than three decades of experience working in healthcare, education, public policy, and global peacebuilding. Their work spans major health systems including Kaiser Permanente, Stanford, and the VA, as well as global initiatives with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. Together, they explore how heart-based practices can strengthen resilience, prevent burnout, support trauma-sensitive care, and cultivate sustainable leadership in times of crisis and change. From healthcare systems to global policy reform, they share how cultivating physiological coherence and heart-centered awareness can transform individual well-being as well as institutions and communities. This conversation covers how emotional regulation, hope, and leadership can reshape healthcare, mental health, and public health systems. Whether you're a student, clinician, policymaker, or even someone who is just seeking steadiness in uncertain times, this episode offers practical tools and insight into caring for ourselves while caring for others. To access resources mentioned in this episode check out the following websites: https://www.heartmath.com/ https://www.heartmath.org/ heartambassadors.com https://www.fyera.org/team/ La presentadora de "If I Could Change One Thing", la Dra. Brittnie Bloom, y la co-presentadora Lesley Lopez, dan la bienvenida a Robert Browning y Sheva Carr al podcast para conversar sobre la inteligencia cardíaca, la sanación y el cuidado humano. Como Co-Directores de Atención Médica e Instructores Principales en HeartMath, Robert y Sheva aportan décadas de experiencia trabajando en la intersección de la atención médica, la educación y la consolidación de la paz global, desde sistemas hospitalarios como Kaiser Permanente, Stanford y el Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos (VA), hasta iniciativas internacionales en las Naciones Unidas. Juntos, comparten cómo las prácticas basadas en el corazón pueden fomentar la resiliencia, la atención sensible al trauma y el liderazgo sostenible en momentos de agotamiento y cambio. Exploramos cómo cuidarnos a nosotros mismos mientras cuidamos a los demás, y cómo cultivar la coherencia interna puede generar relaciones y comunidades más saludables. Escuche el episodio de esta semana para una conversación profunda que vincula la ciencia con el poder transformador del corazón.

If I Could Change One Thing host Dr. Brittnie Bloom and co-host Yucef Bouzina speak with Chrissy Cmorik, Senior Director of Education for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, SDSU Adjunct Professor, and SART Advocate with the Center for Community Solutions, about sexual health, education, and reproductive justice. Chrissy takes us from her start as a SART advocate, sitting with survivors in their most vulnerable hours, to her work creating Planned Parenthood's free online platform Sex Ed To Go. We grapple with how to reach people when politics and stigma get in the way and why "meeting people where they are at" is Chrissy's motto for everything from TikTok videos to trauma-informed care. Listen to this week's episode for a conversation that's equal parts practical, personal, and powerfully hopeful. If you're interested in the resources mentioned in this episode, please check out the Center for Community Solutions (https://www.ccssd.org/) and Planned Parenthood's Sex Ed To Go platform (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-pacific-southwest/campaigns/sex-ed-to-go). CONTENT WARNING: This episode covers content that is focused on sexual and dating violence.

On this episode of the If I Could Change One Thing Podcast, Dr. Brittnie Bloom and student co-host Karsen Caroll welcome Darbi Berry, Director of the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative Nonprofit and Professor at San Diego State University. In this episode, we learn how social structures within our environmental systems can perpetuate climate change and environmental vulnerability. Darbi offers us ways to adapt and create an "equity first" approach to learning how climate change impacts our planet and how we can be mindful about our contributions to climate change. Darbi has worked on a vast number of initiatives that focus on climate adaptation, resilience, and resource management, which include nonprofit initiatives like The San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC) and the Regional Plan Tracker, which both serve as a resource for promoting a more sustainable future in the local San Diego Community. Finally, Darbi reminds us about the importance of community – when we want to go fast - we go alone; when we want to go far - we go together! Wondering how to get involved? You can get involved by following SDRCC on LinkedIn (@sdclimatecollab), attending their events, and exploring volunteer or collaboration opportunities. The Regional Plan Tracker is a great way to learn about local climate plans and find ways to contribute to sustainability efforts in your community.

In this episode of the If I Could Change One Thing podcast, Dr. Brittnie Bloom and her cohost Sophia Valdez speak with scholar, filmmaker, and public health advocate Dr. Megan Ebor to explore her work in the intersection of race, aging, and sexual health. Dr. Ebor shares her own creative journey from her beginnings in the music industry to academia and filmmaking as a tool for advocacy and change. Together, they discuss taboos around sexual health and aging, the power of storytelling, and the importance of leading with compassion and humanity in both research and teaching. En este episodio del podcast If I Could Change One Thing, la Dra. Brittnie Bloom y su co-anfitriona Sophia Valdez conversan con la Dra. Megan Ebor, académica, cineasta y defensora de la salud pública, para explorar su trabajo en la intersección de la raza, el envejecimiento y la salud sexual. La Dra. Ebor comparte su trayectoria creativa, desde la industria musical hasta la academia y el cine como herramienta de defensa y cambio. Juntas, abordan los tabúes relacionados a la salud sexual y el envejecimiento, el poder de la comunidad y la narración, y la importancia de liderar con compasión y humanidad tanto en la investigación como en la docencia.

On this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, host Dr. Brittnie Bloom welcomes Dr. Shunling Tsang—Family Medicine Chair and Deputy Public Health Officer for Riverside County—to explore how upstream, community-driven strategies can power better health. Dr. Tsang shares her winding path from event planning to public health and medicine, and why blending clinical care with prevention matters. We dive into Riverside County's Blue Zones Project—from "Power 9" habits that we all can benefit from to local policies that help make "the healthy choice the easy choice", like increasing walkability, social connection, and access to nutritious food. Data and community members have guided this important Blue Zones work, highlighting mental health, safety, and cardiovascular risk. Dr. Tsang's one big policy wish: sustained funding for prevention—paired with a personal challenge for all of us to choose one small change today. En este episodio de If I Could Change One Thing, la presentadora, la Dra. Brittnie Bloom, da la bienvenida a la Dra. Shunling Tsang—Presidenta de Medicina Familiar y Subdirectora de Salud Pública del Condado de Riverside—para explorar cómo las estrategias comunitarias y preventivas pueden impulsar una mejor salud. La Dra. Tsang comparte su camino poco convencional desde la organización de eventos hasta la salud pública y la medicina, y explica por qué es importante combinar la atención clínica con la prevención. Nos adentramos en el Blue Zones Project del Condado de Riverside: desde los hábitos "Power 9", de los que todos podemos beneficiarnos, hasta las políticas locales que ayudan a hacer que "la opción saludable sea la opción fácil", como aumentar la caminabilidad, la conexión social y el acceso a alimentos nutritivos. Los datos y los miembros de la comunidad han guiado este importante trabajo de Blue Zones, destacando la salud mental, la seguridad y el riesgo cardiovascular. El gran deseo de política pública de la Dra. Tsang: financiamiento sostenible para la prevención—acompañado de un reto personal para todos nosotros: elegir hoy un pequeño cambio.

In this episode, Dr. Brittnie Bloom speaks with Brynn Carrigan, Director of Public Health for Kern County, California. Carrigan, who stepped into the Director role in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has spearheaded community-driven initiatives to address Kern County's most pressing health challenges, which include education attainment, diabetes and other chronic health conditions, and access to care. Tune in to hear how her unique personal and professional experiences have shaped her mission to build a healthier future for all – only on If I Could Change One Thing, San Diego State University's School of Public Health Podcast. La Dra. Brittnie Bloom habla con Brynn Carrigan, Directora de Salud Pública del Condado de Kern, California. Carrigan, quien asumió el cargo de directora en 2021 durante el auge de la pandemia de COVID-19, ha liderado iniciativas impulsadas por la comunidad para abordar los desafíos de salud más apremiantes del Condado de Kern, que incluyen la educación, la diabetes y otras enfermedades crónicas, y el acceso a la atención médica. Sintonice para escuchar cómo sus experiencias personales y profesionales únicas han moldeado su misión de construir un futuro más saludable para todos, solo en 'If I Could Change One Thing', el podcast de la Escuela de Salud Pública de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego.

In this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, our guest speaker Huy Tran is interviewed by Dr. Brittnie Bloom and two members of the SDSU podcast team, Serena Payne and Jaeden Howard. Together, they explore the power of lived experience in shaping public health and policy. Huy shares his personal journey from working in accounting to advocacy, a move that was fueled by the death of his brother and the unmet needs he has seen within the Vietnamese community. Also discussed are the systemic barriers that refugees and immigrants from Vietnam experience, and Huy's work to build a nonprofit that serves this population. Huy offers honest reflections on civic engagement and the everyday ways we can show up for one another. Tune in for a powerful conversation about inclusion and the importance of community-driven change. Of note, this episode includes serious themes related to grief and loss.

On this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, Dr. Michael Grillo joins Dr. Brittnie Bloom and co-host Chris Sanchez to explore HIV prevention, education, policy, and partnerships in the U.S. and abroad. They discuss the value of cultural humility, flexibility in the field, and people-first strategies when addressing deeply personal public health issues like HIV/AIDS. Dr. Grillo shares insights from his research and military service, including progress and challenges in reaching the UNAIDS 2030 95-95-95 goal. Tune in for a compelling conversation on the impact of public health and how one person can help shape a healthier future for generations to come.

In this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, Dr. Kari Sant and Dr. Brittnie Bloom dive into the intersection of environmental justice, public health, and personal responsibility. From the impact of air pollution in Southern California to water quality concerns in scarce regions like the Tijuana River, they discuss how small, everyday changes—like using air purifiers and water filters—can contribute to a healthier environment. Dr. Sant also shares insights from her research on contamination events and advocacy for affected communities, as well as the role of zebrafish in toxicology studies. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on how science, policy, and action come together to shape a healthier future.

In today's episode we welcome our new host, Dr. Brittnie Bloom, who is joined by Matthew Martinez: a powerhouse in public health emergency preparedness and response at the American Red Cross! From managing disaster response across six states to teaching life-saving skills, Matthew shares his journey and insights on how we can all be better prepared for crises - starting with the community in which we live. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation on this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Public Health Podcast of San Diego State University!

Dr. Michael Stein is chair and professor of Health Law, Policy, & Management at Boston University. As a physician, Dr. Stein has worked at the intersection of behavioral medicine and primary care. His research has focused on substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS, sleep and pain, mental health disorders, and the determinants of risk-taking. He is the award-winning author of six novels and eight books of non-fiction, and his writings have been noted in the Best American essay series, and also appeared in many magazines and newspapers. His newest book is called "The Turning Point: Reflections on a Pandemic", which examines our response to the COVID-19 pandemic through a series of short, provocative essays that address the social, economic, environmental, and political forces at work during the pandemic.

In this episode, James Romine speaks with Alzheimer's prevention advocate Dr. Phyllis Ferrell about her work with the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative—a global health organization dedicated to transforming Alzheimer's research, prevention, and care worldwide. Tune-in to hear about why Alzheimer's preparedness is so important and the many connections between Alzheimer's and Public Health policy, on this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Health Policy Podcast of San Diego State University.

Dr. Paula Stigler Granados, environmental health expert and Associate Professor at SDSU's School of Public Health, discusses her research on Chagas disease—an emerging public health threat in the United States that is typically transmitted by blood-sucking insects nicknamed kissing bugs. Additionally, Dr. Granados shares her expertise about the Tijuana River contamination crisis near the Mexico-US border.

In this episode, Jonathan Vasquez Ramirez and Roberto Santana, two recent graduates of the School of Public Health undergraduate program, talk about their current public health fellowships and how SDSU prepared them for success. Jonathan's fellowship is with the California academic health department residency program, placed at the San Diego County Public Health Services Administration; and Roberto's fellowship is with the CDC's CureTB program. Tune in to hear about how they chose their fellowships and how SDSU influenced their exciting career paths.

After serving as a US Army Officer for 14 years and completing 4 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rich has worked as both a defense contractor for Northrop Grumman; as well as an Air Force Federal employee with the US Space Command's Academic Engagement Enterprise. On November 19, 2022, Rich and his family were at the scene of the Club Q mass shooting, where Rich was credited with helping subdue the gunman. For his efforts he's received numerous awards such as the 2023 Congressional Medal of Honor Society's - Citizen Honors Award for Valor; the VFW Life Saving Award for Valor; and the Veteran of the year National Able Network award. Additionally, Rich works with his wife Jessica to operate their own brewery—Atrevida—in Colorado Springs. Atrevida's motto is "Diversity, it's on tap!" and Atrevida strives to demonstrate diversity in everything it does. Atrevida has won multiple awards such as the 2019 Colorado Governor's Minority Small Business of the Year award. Rich has his BA in Education from SDSU and earned his MBA from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in 2021. Above all Rich is committed to serving his family and community. The following conversation includes some discussion of violence and deep personal loss. Please engage with this content in a manner that's safe to you.

Dr. Wendi Gosliner works to improve population health and nutrition by eliminating health disparities and improving federal food programs. How did SNAP and WIC programs change during the COVID-19 pandemic? How do socioeconomic factors impact access to nutritious foods? What are common misperceptions about nutrition policy in the US? Find out, on this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Health Policy Podcast of San Diego State University.

Food insecurity is a major problem in the United States. How do public institutions such as food pantries and federal assistance programs relieve or exacerbate this problem? In what ways do food-insecure individuals experience stigma, and how do political-economic ideologies perpetuate that stigma? We discuss these questions and more with Dr. Rebecca de Souza, expert on the political-economics on food-access, health, and social wellbeing.

While preventing an overdose death is possible if someone present knows how and when to intervene, there is often little knowledge about overdose first-aid, as well as limited access to the overdose-reversal medication called naloxone. Find out where to learn this live-saving skill, in this episode of If I Could Change One Thing, the Health Policy Podcast of the School of Public Health at San Diego State University.