Questions You Didn't Ask

In this season finale, host Niasha Fray, MA, MSPH returns with Dr. Schenita D. Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN and Dr. Ragan Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC — the Nurse Scientists leading the HEEAT Research Lab at Duke University School of Nursing. Together, they explore how Black women, beauty salons, and community-rooted partnerships are transforming nursing science and advancing sexual health equity across North Carolina.⭐ Top 3 Topics We Explore in This Episode1. The Power of Beauty Salons in Community-Centered Nursing ScienceWhy salons remain trusted places for connection, truth-telling, and health conversations — and how the HEEAT Lab partners with stylists without adding burden, extracting labor, or disrupting culture.2. UPDOs Protective Styles: A Culturally Grounded HIV Prevention Model for Black WomenHow this community-informed intervention works, what stylists are already doing as advocates, the role of choice and autonomy, and how eligible NC salons can join the UPDOs study.3. Freedom, Trust & Doing IT for OurselvesA candid conversation about self-protection, sexual health freedom, and why Black women deserve access to tools and information that don’t depend on someone else’s honesty, disclosure, or behavior.🔗 Learn More or Get InvolvedHEEAT Lab https://www.theheeatlab.orgUPDOs Protective Styles Study Now enrolling high-volume, well-established salons in: Cumberland, Wake, Durham, Guilford, Forsyth, and Mecklenburg counties https://www.theheeatlab.org/updos 📧 [email protected]📣 Partner With Us in 2026Season 5 arrives next year — with new guests, new conversations, and opportunities for business owners, organizations, and mission-aligned leaders to sponsor a series or co-create impact.📧 [email protected]

Doing IT for Ourselves: Black Women, Salons & the Science of Health EquityIn Episode 3, host Niasha Fray continues the powerful conversation with Dr. Schenita Randolph and Dr. Ragan Johnson, the Nurse Scientists leading The HEEAT Research Lab (Health Disparities through Equity, Empowerment, Advocacy & Trust) at Duke University School of Nursing.Together, they explore the innovative, community-rooted work that has made The HEEAT Lab a national model for equity-driven nursing science, including:Establishing Safe Cultures in Greensboro — a growing movement to advance safety, trust, and healing through community collaboration.The Science of Soul, a dynamic symposium uplifting Black women, family health, cultural wellness, and the power of story-informed science.UPDOs Protective Styles, their community-designed approach to HIV prevention that engages Black salon owners and stylists as trusted voices, honoring the lived experience and leadership of Black women across North Carolina.This episode highlights what becomes possible when Black women direct the science, shape the research agenda, and build solutions rooted in culture, community wisdom, and collective care.🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Black women’s leadership · community-engaged nursing science · health equity · HIV prevention · culturally grounded research · equity-centered partnerships · salon-based interventions · community advisory councils🌐 Learn more about UPDOs or explore involvement opportunities: theheeatlab.org/updos

Doing IT for Ourselves — Episode 2: Leading the Science of Health Equity, TogetherIn Episode 2 of Doing IT for Ourselves: Black Women, Salons & the Science of Health Equity, we follow the continuing impact of Black women who are shaping the future of community-engaged research, racial equity in science, and culturally grounded health innovation.This conversation builds on the legacy of two powerhouse scholars who are friends of the show and leaders in the field: Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards, featured in Season 4’s No Health, No Wealth, and Dr. Nadine Barrett, featured in Season 2’s Advancing Accurate Representation in Research. Their influential paper — The 5Ws of Racial Equity in Research — continues to guide institutions nationwide in applying a racial equity lens across the entire research process.Episode 2 brings that conversation forward with Dr. Schenita Randolph and Dr. Ragan Johnson of The HEEAT Lab at Duke University School of Nursing, two nurse scientists whose work embodies community trust, translational science, and real-world impact. Together, we explore why community-led research matters, how beauty salons and trusted social spaces serve as anchors of health equity, and what it takes to move research into practice in ways that honor culture, dignity, and lived experience.If you're passionate about health equity, Black women in public health, community-engaged research, HIV prevention for Black women, racial equity in research, translational science, or trusted community partnerships, this episode continues a powerful lineage — and points clearly to where we are headed next.🎧 Listen on RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or directly at NiashaFray.com/podcast

What happens when Black women lead — not just participate in — the science of health equity?In this season’s powerful finale series opener, host Niasha Fray sits down with Dr. Schenita Randolph and Dr. Ragan Johnson, Co-Directors of The HEEAT Lab at Duke University School of Nursing, to explore how beauty salons are becoming trusted spaces for community health, connection, and HIV prevention among Black women in the U.S. South.Dr. Randolph shares:“You know, I'm a PhD-prepared nurse, and there are less than one to two percent who are Black, who have PhDs focused around research and nursing. And so we have co-created Black PhD nurse scientists, where we're trying to bring awareness to the role of the nurse scientist.”Together, these dynamic nurse scientists reveal how culturally grounded research, salon partnerships, and trusted relationships are transforming the landscape of public health — one conversation at a time.✨ In This Episode:The science behind trust and health equityWhy beauty salons are powerful spaces for prevention and advocacyThe story behind Black PhD Nurse ScientistsHow Black women are leading solutions through culture, care, and community🎙️ About the Series: Doing IT for Ourselves is the fifth and final series of Season 4 of Questions You Didn’t Ask — a podcast by Niasha Fray Consulting LLC that uncovers the questions we didn’t ask, breaks silence and isolation, and confronts stigma, fear, and avoidance that often lead to poor health outcomes.💡 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Podcasts | Audible | RSS.com 🔗 niashafray.com/podcast

Leaving a toxic work environment may be good for your mental health—but thriving as an entrepreneur or leader requires more than courage; it demands community, balance, and access to opportunity.In this final episode of the four-part series, No Health, No Wealth — Economic Justice & Health Equity, host Niasha Fray brings the conversation full circle with an honest, solutions-driven discussion about how mental health, economic mobility, and systemic justice intertwine in the lives of Black entrepreneurs and professionals.🎙️ Featuring:Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards — Associate Professor at Duke University, scholar, researcher, author, and nationally recognized voice on race, culture, and health equity. ➤ Learn more at DrBentleyEdwards.com ➤ Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/DrBentleyEdwardsFarad Ali — Economic development leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for minority business advancement whose expertise spans public-private partnerships, capital access, and workforce equity. ➤ Connect on LinkedIn: Farad AliTogether they explore:💭 Why mental health is critical to economic success and sustainability💰 The hidden costs of layoffs, venture bias, and restructuring🧩 How economic mobility and community wealth drive generational stability🩺 What collective action can look like for health equity and economic justice“We want to talk about physical health, but we need to really deal with this mental health. It’s important because that also determines if you can be successful in your economic space.” — Farad Ali💡 Why ListenIf you care about Black entrepreneurship, equitable wealth building, mental health, and systemic change, this conversation connects the dots between policy, practice, and personal resilience—and will leave you inspired to lead with purpose.📨 Next Steps & Bonus Content🔹 Listen to all four episodes of the series at NiashaFray.com/podcast or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube. 🔹 Subscribe to my newsletter at NiashaFray.com or follow me on Substack at substack.com/@niashafray for deeper insights on this series and a sneak peek at the next and final series of the season. 🔹 Follow Niasha Fray Consulting LLC on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and YouTube for future episodes, events, and collaborations.🤝 Series SponsorSpecial thanks to Barron J. Damon, Creator and Host of Giving While Black — A podcast that uplifts, amplifies, and celebrates Black philanthropy.“The impact that philanthropy can have on our health is well researched and documented. I am delighted to sponsor Series 4 of Questions You Didn’t Ask and look forward to additional conversations and collaborations.” — Barron J. Damon

What does it really take for Black entrepreneurs—and especially Black women—to build sustainable businesses and generational wealth? In this episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray sits down with Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards and Farad Ali to unpack the realities of economic justice, health equity, and entrepreneurship in our communities.From the barriers of delayed payments and lack of access to capital, to the myth that “Black people don’t support Black businesses,” this conversation sheds light on the systems and structures that shape success and struggle. Dr. Bentley-Edwards explores why some Black women are leaving toxic workplaces for entrepreneurship, and why mental health, physical health, and economic health must all be part of the equation. Farad Ali breaks down his “3 Ms” of entrepreneurship—money, markets, and management—and what it means to thrive in business without losing yourself.This is the third episode in our No Health, No Wealth series. If you missed Episodes 1 and 2, go back and catch up to hear the foundation of this powerful conversation. And don’t miss what’s ahead—our series finale is coming soon, where we’ll close out this journey with even deeper insights into health equity and economic justice.🎧 Tune in, share with a friend, and join the conversation. Because building wealth, health, and justice isn’t just personal—it’s collective.Series Sponsor Shout-Out This series is sponsored by Barron J. Damon, MM, ACC, CNC, CNE, Managing Partner of The Business of Life CC, LLC and host of the Giving While Black podcast. His work highlights the power of Black philanthropy, legacy building, and justice-centered giving—values that connect directly to the themes of economic justice and health equity explored in this series. Learn more at givingwhileblackpodcast.com.

What if your zip code determined your health, wealth, and life expectancy? In this episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray explores the deep ties between economic justice and health equity with guests Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards (Duke University) and Farad Ali (entrepreneur and community leader).Together, they reveal how manufactured adversity—from overpriced corner stores to disappearing clinics—creates what Dr. Bentley-Edwards calls “health deserts.” They also challenge the myth of resilience, calling for solutions that address both urgent needs and the root causes of inequity.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:Why “convenience taxes” keep Black communities paying more for lessHow health deserts shape maternal health, chronic disease, and survivalThe role of social capital, financial literacy, and generational wealth in thriving communitiesWhy true equity requires both immediate support and long-term systems changeThis episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in community transformation, social justice, and health equity.🎧 Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a review.Sponsored by Barron Damon | Giving While Black PodcastSeries 4 is proudly sponsored by Barron Damon, Professional Certified Philanthropic Coach and host of the Giving While Black Podcast. Discover how strategic philanthropy can fuel growth, engage employees, and create lasting impact.👉 Learn more: GivingWhileBlackPodcast.com | businessoflifecc.com

What happens when where you live determines how long you live? When a full-time paycheck still doesn’t cover the basics? When the cost of being poor—or being Black—comes with hidden fees that erode both health and wealth?In this powerful series opener of Questions You Didn’t Ask Season 4, host Niasha Fray sits down with two changemakers at the intersection of equity, policy, and community impact:Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards — Associate Professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Co-Director of the CTSI Center for Equity in Research, and Associate Director of Research at the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity. Her groundbreaking work examines how structural racism, culture, and gender shape health and education outcomes.Farad Ali — Executive leader, investor, and board member with over 30 years advancing economic mobility and wealth equity. His leadership in finance, higher education, and community development has created access to capital, jobs, and investment in Black and Latino communities nationwide.Together, they unpack:Why “No Health, No Wealth” and “No Wealth, No Health” are more than slogans—they’re realities driving inequities in America.The “Black tax” and “poverty tax,” and how manufactured adversity keeps families and communities in cycles of struggle.How economic stress translates into health stress—and why health equity cannot exist without economic justice.Real-world solutions, from equitable investment and CDFIs to community-led economic development that is transformational, not transactional.What it takes to move beyond survival to true thriving.This episode challenges assumptions, centers lived experiences, and demands a shift from charity to justice. Because health equity means more than access to care—it means ensuring every community has the resources, opportunities, and freedom to live their healthiest lives.✨ If you believe in a future where thriving—not just surviving—is possible for everyone, this conversation is for you.

This finale episode turns ideas into action! Dr. Paul J. Fleming shows how to move from “we should” to “we do” — with concrete steps leaders and everyday people can use to build safer, healthier communities.Why listen? If you care about health equity, safer neighborhoods, and real solutions that last — this episode gives clear, usable steps, not just theory.What you’ll hear:How prevention thinking fixes root causes, not just symptoms.The next steps after the “Get Yo People” model — how to organize for action.Practical ways to shift resources, change systems, and support care-first responses.A direct challenge: imagine the world you want, then take one small step with others.Sponsor shoutout: Thanks to Chanelle R. Walker, M.Ed. and Professional Inspiration for supporting this season and centering teacher wellness. Learn more at professional-inspiration.com.Read more / preorder (support indies): Preorder Dr. Paul J. Fleming’s Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything. Order via Bookshop.org or directly from Johns Hopkins University Press.Listen • Share • Act: If this moved you, please: subscribe, rate us, and share with someone who should hear this. Small actions multiply.Accessibility: Transcript available.

This week on Questions You Didn’t Ask, we go beyond quick fixes to uncover what true prevention-first systems can look like for public health and community wellness.Niasha sits down with Dr. Paul Fleming to explore the deep connections between health equity, social justice, and systemic reform. Together they highlight:✔️ Why prevention—not punishment—is the key to healthier, safer communities. ✔️ Care-first emergency response models that reduce harm and build trust. ✔️ Real-world lessons from Durham, Denver, and Flint. ✔️ Practical tools and frames you can use to advocate for change right now.This isn’t just theory—it’s a roadmap for justice-centered solutions that save lives, restore dignity, and build sustainable impact.🙌🏾 Update For Our Listeners: You’ll notice ads in this episode (and across our full catalog). 🎉 That’s because Questions You Didn’t Ask is now officially monetized on RSS.com’s PAID system! Each ad you hear directly fuels our work to advance health equity. Every play matters. Every partnership builds impact. 🤝🏾📌 Ways to Engage & Take Action:Read: My latest Substack post — Authoritarianism Is Here (and We’re…) — connecting troop deployments in DC, attacks on education, deportations, and harassment of elected leaders with actionable steps for change → https://niashafray.substack.com/p/authoritarianism-is-here-and-wereListen & Share: the series! Organize a “Get Yo People” listening party to binge the series and mobilize your local community of friends family colleagues or freedom fights. Partner: From sponsored podcast segments to equity-focused campaigns, we’re ready to co-create meaningful collaborations → niashafray.com/partnership-opportunitiesSupport: Fuel the mission one ☕️ at a time → buymeacoffee.com/niashafray0💡 Quick Takeaway: When we center prevention, care, and justice—we don’t just heal communities, we transform them. 🚀

"You may be fighting one fight, but all our fights are connected. When we separate them, we lose power."In this episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, Niasha Fray and Dr. Paul J. Fleming explore how solidarity across movements—like immigrant rights and racial justice—is essential in dismantling systemic injustice. They challenge privileged individuals to act beyond awareness and offer tangible frameworks to take meaningful steps forward.What Awaits You:How privilege without action perpetuates inequityPractical strategies: the “Get Your People” modelApplying prevention thinking to address root causesUsing imagination to envision a better, equitable societySponsored by: Chanelle R. Walker, M.Ed., the Teacher Wellness Guru and CEO of Professional Inspiration, whose excellence in educator wellness (including her TEDx talk The Elephant in the Classroom) powers this series. Learn more at www.professional-inspiration.comListen & Engage:Listen now on your favorite podcast platform including YouTube Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/niashafray

In this powerful kickoff to Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity, Niasha Fray sits down with longtime friend and fellow justice-centered public health leader, Dr. Paul J. Fleming – Associate Professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity at the University of Michigan and author of the upcoming book Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything (Hopkins Press – available for pre-order now).From growing up in suburban Illinois, to serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, to challenging the roots of health inequities, Dr. Fleming shares his journey toward “prevention thinking” – a framework that goes beyond quick fixes to address the root causes of injustice. Together, Niasha and Paul unpack:Why prevention-first policies save lives and resourcesHow poverty, politics, and power shape community healthThe role of intersectionality, diversity, equity, and inclusion in public healthHow privilege and identity impact the fight for social and economic justiceWhy centering minoritized communities is key to lasting changeThis episode is more than a conversation – it’s a call to reimagine what’s possible when we lead with imagination, equity, and collective action.🔗 Pre-order Dr. Fleming’s book: pjfleming.com/imaginebetter 🔗 Follow Dr. Fleming: pjfleming.com | LinkedInSupport the Series Sponsor: Special thanks to Chanelle R. Walker, M.Ed. – The Teacher Wellness Guru, CEO of Professional Inspiration, LLC. Learn more at professional-inspiration.com.Join the Conversation & Stay Connected: 💬 Subscribe, rate, and share Questions You Didn’t Ask on your favorite podcast platform. 📩 Sign up for the Niasha Fray Consulting LLC newsletter: niashafray.com/contact Find Niasha Fray Consulting LLC on: 🔗 LinkedIn: Niasha Fray Consulting LLC 🔵 BlueSky: @nfconsultingllc.bsky.social 📰 Substack: @niashafray

FINALÉ — Trippin’: Black Men, Land & Liberation (Ep. 4) “It’s not men. It’s the myth.” In this finale, host Niasha Fray and Charles E. Chambers (The Phat Cat)—Marine Corps veteran, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of Set‑Trippin’ and The Phat Cat Life—dig into toxic masculinity, apathy, capitalism, rites of passage, breathwork, and vulnerability as real strength.Charles shares how community, nature, and mindfulness reshape Black men’s wellness journeys, while Niasha reframes what it means to prepare our children for life vs. just “the world.”Episode 4 is live—stream now, share your favorite quote, and subscribe. Follow @thephatcat_life and search “The Phat Cat Life” to support Charles’ work.#TrippinPodcast #BlackMenHealing #HealthEquity #VulnerabilityIsStrength #QuestionsYouDidntAsk

Welcome back to Questions You Didn’t Ask, the podcast powered by Niasha Fray Consulting LLC, where transformational dialogue meets radical healing.In this episode, host Niasha Fray is joined by Charles E. Chambers—a Marine Corps veteran, creative director, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of Set Trippin Outdoor Adventures, CEC Imaging, and The Phat Cat Life.Charles shares how his personal journey through addiction, recovery, and community-building led him to create powerful platforms for healing and Black-led liberation. Together, Niasha and Charles explore land, legacy, mental health, and what it really means for Black men to reclaim their space.✨ Whether you’re here for the healing, the storytelling, or the strategy—this episode will move you.🔗 Connect with Charles E. Chambers:🌿 Set Trippin Outdoor Adventures: www.set-trippin.com🧠 The Phat Cat Life (resources & social platform): www.thephatcat.app🎨 CEC Imaging (branding & multimedia): www.cecimaging.com/home📲 Social Media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/thephatcat_life Facebook: www.facebook.com/thephatcat LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cec-imaging YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCCsklSu6leUx1elBvc4J_lw🎧 Listen to more episodes: www.niashafray.com/podcast🤝 Partner with Niasha Fray Consulting LLC: www.niashafray.com/partnership-opportunities📺 Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@NiashaFrayConsultingLLC

In this transformative episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray continues her powerful conversation with Charles E. Chambers—wellness entrepreneur, brand developer, and founder of Set Trippin, a bold outdoor adventure company centering Black men and community healing.Also known as The Phat Cat and founder of CEC Imaging, Charles shares personal reflections on sobriety, functional alcoholism, and the real meaning of mindfulness. With honesty and warmth, he breaks down how reconnecting with nature became part of his healing journey—and why that access matters more than ever.Niasha and Charles explore how environmental justice, nature access, and community wellness intersect with mental health, trauma recovery, and liberation for Black communities. They unpack the legacy of redlining, urban development, and air pollution—and the need to reclaim green spaces for restoration and survival.Learn how Set Trippin curates guided outdoor experiences—including camping, hiking, and journaling—with a full team of wellness professionals. From forest treks in the Allegheny Mountains to group breakthroughs around the campfire, this episode spotlights the power of showing up, being present, and healing together.🌱 Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about:How outdoor adventure can support Black men's wellnessThe impact of built environments on health equityThe legacy and future of environmental justiceThe role of mindfulness and community in addiction recoveryHow to join a Set Trippin experience (spoiler: no camping experience required!)🎙️ Want to promote your business to our growing community of 1,000+ listeners passionate about wellness, public health, and transformation? Email Niasha at [email protected] to discuss podcast sponsorship and ad opportunities.☕ Enjoying the show? Support it by buying Niasha a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/niashafray – every cup helps sustain bold conversations like this.

🌿 In this episode, host Niasha Fray talks with Charles E. Chambers—founder of Set Trippin Outdoor Adventures and creator of The PhatCat. They share how Black men can heal by spending time outside, telling their stories, and building new businesses. We learn why nature can help our minds, how history shapes us, and what it takes to break free.🎯 Key Takeaways🔥 How racism, money worries, and social pressure can lead to drinking and drug use in Black communities🌲 Research from the American Psychological Association shows that time outdoors can lower stress, calm anxiety, and sharpen thinking🛖 Stories of Black conservation leaders who have always cared for the land, from the first Black staff at the Smithsonian to today’s outdoor groups🚀 Charles’s journey: quitting alcohol and drugs, hitting the road for six months, and starting outdoor trips that change lives💡 Simple tips for using walking, camping, and sharing your story to boost mental health and stay connected to others🔗 Resources & Links• Charles E. Chambers | Set Trippin Outdoor Adventures https://www.thephatcat.app/home• The PhatCat on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thephatcat_life/• Learn More about Niasha Fray Consulting LLC https://niashafray.com/🔔 Subscribe now and turn on notifications so you’re first to hear each episode of Series 2: Trippin’: Black Men, Land & Liberation”!

In this powerful finale of Sankofa & Solidarity: Uncovering Black and Native Legacies for Health Equity, host Niasha Fray is joined one final time by historian and award-winning author Dr. Alaina E. Roberts for an unflinching conversation about land, identity, memory, and power.From Tulsa to Treaty Law, they trace how freed Black people in Indian Territory acquired land, built communities, and redefined what freedom meant in the West. But they also uncover the backlash—from federal rollbacks to racial violence—and the erasure of Black-Native histories in mainstream education and policy.💬 “What action should everyday people—especially scholars, policymakers, and those early in their journey—take to amplify these hidden histories so we can be better informed to advocate for justice?” – Niasha FrayIn this finale, we reflect on:🏞️ Black land ownership in Oklahoma & beyond🔥 The political erasure of Black-Native histories📚 Frederick Douglass’s controversial Westward migration stance⚖️ The long shadow of Reconstruction-era policies🗳️ What justice looks like when we remember fully—and act collectively🎧 Binge the full series now on your favorite platform or start with Episode 4. 📘 Learn more about Dr. Roberts’ work: alainaeroberts.com/books ☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayo

In this powerful continuation of Sankofa & Solidarity: Uncovering Black and Native Legacies for Health Equity, host Niasha Fray is joined once again by award-winning historian Dr. Elena Roberts for a discussion on land and power after emancipation.This episode unpacks:The story of Black Freedmen—formerly enslaved people held by Native nations—and the land they were granted in Indian Territory How these land allocations helped build thriving Black communities like Tulsa’s Greenwood District The federal policies (like the Homestead Act and Reconstruction-era treaties) that reshaped identity and racial hierarchy Frederick Douglass’s complex support of Black westward migration—and what it reveals about freedom and belonging The violent backlash to Black landownership in the West, including the Tulsa Massacre How the fight over land continues to shape health and justice todayNiasha and Dr. Roberts invite us to consider a deeper truth: land has always been about power and survival.If Episode 2 asked us to sit with hard histories, Episode 3 challenges us to ask what freedom looked like in the aftermath of slavery—and what stood in the way.Learn more about Dr. Alaina E. Roberts and her work: alainaeroberts.com Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayo

We’re continuing Season 4 of Questions You Didn’t Ask with the second episode in our series: Sankofa & Solidarity: Uncovering Black and Native Legacies for Health Equity.In this follow-up conversation, Niasha Fray and historian Dr. Alaina E. Roberts go deeper—confronting the political, cultural, and emotional realities of what it means to be Black and Native in a society shaped by settler colonialism, anti-Blackness, and historical erasure.This episode unpacks:🔍 The truth about Native American slaveholding—especially among the so-called “Five Civilized Tribes” 🧬 The complexities of identity and citizenship for Black descendants in tribal communities 🧠 How systems like the Dawes Act and blood quantum policies still shape who’s considered “Native enough” 🤝 What true solidarity looks like beyond symbolic gestures—and what’s still standing in the way 🎬 Reflections on Killers of the Flower Moon, the violence of erasure, and why Black-Native histories must be made visibleThrough it all, Niasha and Dr. Roberts return to one essential truth: we can’t build justice or equity without reckoning with the past—and making space for the people it tried to erase.🧭 If Episode 1 asked us to look back, Episode 2 challenges us to sit with the hard questions that arise when we do.📘 Learn more about Dr. Alaina E. Roberts and her work: alainaeroberts.com 🎙️ Subscribe and follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Audible, or your favorite platform. 💻 Stream or read the transcript at: niashafray.com/podcast ☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayo

Welcome to Season 4 of Questions You Didn’t Ask! We're opening with a bold and necessary four-part series: Sankofa & Solidarity: Uncovering Black and Native Legacies for Health Equity.In this premiere episode, Niasha Fray sits down with award-winning historian and author Dr. Alaina E. Roberts to explore what it really means to "look back in order to move forward." Drawing on her acclaimed book, I've Been Here All the While: Black Freedom on Native Land, Dr. Roberts challenges the sanitized narratives we were taught in school and reveals how the histories of Black and Native American communities are deeply intertwined—through land, enslavement, survival, and resistance.Together, we unpack:Why Native American slaveholding remains absent from mainstream conversationsHow intergenerational trauma connects to modern-day health disparitiesThe romanticized myth of “having Indian in the family” within Black cultureWhy Native communities often resist acknowledging Black ancestryWhat true solidarity between Black, Native, and other marginalized communities could look like—especially in public health🧠 This is more than a history lesson. It’s a call to truth-telling, reconciliation, and reimagined systems that promote collective healing and justice.📘 Learn more about Dr. Roberts: https://alainaeroberts.com 🎙️ Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Audible, or your favorite platform. 💻 Stream or read the transcript at: https://niashafray.com/podcast ☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayO#QuestionsYouDidntAsk #HealthEquity #BlackAndNative #PublicHealth #DecolonizeHistory #AlainaRoberts #SankofaAndSolidarity #TruthTelling #BlackVoices #IndigenousVoices

As we close out Season 3, host Niasha Fray is joined by Julissa Soto for a powerful discussion that redefines what solidarity means for Black and Latino communities. This episode is a call to action, challenging us to move beyond surface-level connections to build authentic, transformative alliances that tackle the root causes of inequities.💬 Key Discussions:How systemic anti-Blackness and colorism harm progress and how we can actively dismantle them.The shared health and economic challenges Black and Latino communities face—and why addressing them benefits everyone.Real-life stories of advocacy, resilience, and triumph in the fight for equity and inclusion.Strategies for reshaping systems to prioritize community-led solutions.✨ Featuring Julissa’s inspiring journey from an undocumented immigrant to a nationally recognized health equity leader, this episode offers hope and direction for those ready to take bold steps toward justice.💡 Niasha reminds us, “Solidarity is more than standing together—it’s working together to create meaningful change.”🎧 Listen to the finale now and join the movement toward a more equitable future.

In this powerful episode, host Niasha Fray and guest Julissa Soto confront the barriers dividing Black and Latino communities in health equity and beyond. With personal anecdotes, bold strategies, and data-backed insights, they unpack the systemic inequities that persist—and how grassroots efforts can bridge gaps to create lasting change.💬 Key Highlights:The critical role of cultural validation and community-led advocacy in addressing health inequities.How Julissa’s innovative approach vaccinated 40,000 Latinos in Colorado, proving that access, not hesitancy, is the real issue.Solutions for overcoming funding challenges and fostering partnerships that work for both Black and Latino communities.Why meeting people where they are—with dignity and respect—is the foundation of effective outreach.✨ Julissa Soto, an award-winning advocate and health equity trailblazer, shares inspiring stories of resilience and action, from organizing vaccine clinics in unconventional spaces to leading systemic change with compassion and determination.🎧 Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable insights for advancing health equity and building solidarity across communities.👉 Subscribe and listen now on your favorite podcast platform.#QuestionsYouDidntAsk #HealthEquity #BlackAndLatinoUnity #SocialJustice #CommunityAdvocacy #CulturalValidation #PublicHealthSolutions

🎙️ Episode 2: Ready or Not: Real Talk Black and Latino Communities Need In this raw and powerful episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray is joined by Julissa Soto, a trailblazing advocate for Latino health equity, to explore the challenges and untapped potential of solidarity between Black and Latino communities. Together, they delve into:Medical mistrust and systemic inequities that force communities to find creative ways to survive.Racism and colorism within and between communities, and how they perpetuate stereotypes and division.The power of unity: Why collaboration between Black and Latino communities is key to overcoming oppression and building a better future.Julissa shares candid stories, like relying on meat markets for healthcare access, and the painful realities of discrimination both as a Latina and as part of a Black-Latino family. Her message is clear: “If Black and Brown communities unite, we’ll create unstoppable change.”As the holiday season reminds us of connection and reflection, this is the perfect time to tune in and prepare for the work ahead in 2025.💛 Learn more about Julissa Soto: julissasoto.com

In "Ready or Not: Real Talk Black and Latino Communities Need," Niasha Fray is joined by health equity powerhouse Julissa Soto for an honest and impactful conversation. They explore shared struggles between Black and Latino communities, from navigating systemic racism to breaking cultural barriers, all while highlighting actionable paths to solidarity.

What does justice look like when systemic inequities persist? In the finale of Justice or JustUs? How Law, Health, and Equity Collide in America, host Niasha Fray reconnects with Jesse McCoy II, JD, to uncover bold solutions and reflect on the resilience of communities fighting for equity. This episode takes the conversation further, focusing on:How grassroots movements are challenging entrenched power structures and reclaiming rights.The role of legal education and advocacy in equipping marginalized communities to navigate injustice.Why restorative justice, reimagined policies, and coalition-building are key to creating sustainable change.With a mix of candid dialogue and forward-thinking strategies, this episode closes the series with a call to action: reimagine systems, invest in communities, and build a more equitable future.✨ Don’t miss this engaging finale to the Justice or JustUs? series!

In this compelling episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray sits down with Jesse McCoy to explore how systemic inequities in housing, employment, and criminal justice intersect with institutional racism to perpetuate disparities in health and equity. From the exploitative dynamics of immigrant labor to the unintended consequences of expungement laws, they dissect the hidden mechanisms that shape societal injustice. Jesse shares eye-opening insights on the resilience of marginalized communities and the power of coalition-building to drive meaningful change. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on law, health, and the fight for equity in America.

In this thought-provoking episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray, MA, MSPH, and Jesse McCoy, supervising attorney at Duke University Law School, delve into how legal and health inequities collide in America. From affirmative action rollbacks to the school-to-prison pipeline, they expose systems of injustice that, though often overlooked, are deeply entrenched in everyday life. Together, they explore the tangible impacts of these policies on marginalized communities and discuss strategies for empowering change through advocacy and equity-focused reforms.

In the premiere of Justice or JustUs? How Law, Health, and Equity Collide in America, Niasha Fray sits down with Jesse Hamilton McCoy, a seasoned legal advocate and clinical professor at Duke Law. Together, they unpack the legacy of systemic racism in the U.S. justice system, from Black Codes to mass incarceration, and its devastating impact on Black and Hispanic communities today. They explore the social determinants of health—like housing, education, and employment—and how these intersect with legal inequities to perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. This episode lays a crucial foundation for understanding how structural injustice shapes health outcomes and what steps we can take toward equity.

In Episode 4, From Birth to Beyond: Unveiling Challenges of Maternal and Infant Health, Niasha Fray, Melba Perry, and Jessica Burris explore critical health disparities faced by Black mothers and babies in the U.S., from inadequate support systems to workplace challenges and the persistent impact of systemic racism on maternal mental health. Through powerful personal stories, they discuss essential resources, rights, and community-driven solutions aimed at fostering equitable care and empowering women. This episode shines a light on the resilience and advocacy needed to support healthy outcomes for Black mothers and their families.

In this episode of From Birth to Beyond: Unveiling Challenges of Maternal and Infant Health, host Niasha Fray and guests explore the often-overlooked role of family and partners in supporting Black mothers during and after childbirth. With candid discussions on the mental health of fathers, breastfeeding myths, and systemic barriers, this episode reveals how community support, education, and compassionate care can empower families. Tune in for insights on breaking cultural misconceptions and fostering healthier, happier parenting journeys.

In this powerful episode, host Niasha Fray is joined by Melba Perry and Jessica Burris to discuss the often-overlooked challenges of breastfeeding. Niasha shares her personal struggles as a mother, offering insight into the emotional and physical toll of breastfeeding complications. The conversation highlights the role of community-based doulas, the importance of support for breastfeeding mothers, and the benefits of human donor milk. This episode dives into the systemic barriers faced by Black women and the need for more robust resources and support systems.

In this episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, we dive into the challenges Black mothers face in maternal and infant health equity. Host Niasha Fray is joined by Melba Perry, a dedicated doula, and Jessica Burris, a passionate breastfeeding advocate. Together, they explore disparities in healthcare access, the role of doulas in improving outcomes, and the importance of community support in addressing health inequities. Don’t miss this compelling discussion about the real-life impact of systemic barriers on Black maternal and infant health.

In the final episode of Ageless Intimacy: Real Talk for Women 40+, host Niasha Fray wraps up the series with an insightful discussion on survey results highlighting the real health concerns of women over 40. Joined by experts Jennifer Thornton Jones and Dr. Gail Wyatt, they unpack the challenges women face when accessing trusted health information and offer essential resources to navigate this stage of life with confidence. Tune in for expert guidance on finding reputable sources of health information, and leave feeling informed and empowered to take control of your health. Don't miss the culmination of this impactful series—it's one you’ll want to return to again and again.

In this episode of Questions You Didn't Ask, host Niasha Fray is joined by Jennifer Thornton Jones and Dr. Gail Wyatt to discuss intimacy, sexual health, and menopause for women over 40. They dive into how hormonal changes, self-acceptance, and aging impact pleasure, relationships, and overall well-being. Tune in for expert insights and real talk on how to confidently navigate midlife with empowerment and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for women seeking advice on healthy aging, sexual wellness, and body positivity.

In Episode 2 of "Ageless Intimacy: Real Talk for Women 40+," Niasha Fray continues a compelling conversation with guests Jennifer Thornton Jones and Dr. Gail Wyatt. They delve into the evolving sexual health needs of women over 40, exploring how cultural norms, bodily changes, and inadequate education can impact intimacy and overall well-being. Together, they challenge long-held misconceptions and offer insights to help women navigate this often-overlooked aspect of aging with confidence and knowledge. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that promises to empower and inform.

Join us in the debut episode of our new series, Ageless Intimacy: Real Talk for Women 40+, where we delve into the profound changes in sexual and reproductive health that women experience after 40. With expert guests like Jennifer Thornton-Jones and Dr. Gail Elizabeth Wyatt, we explore the challenges and triumphs of menopause, the impact on intimacy, and the power of reclaiming your sexual well-being. This episode is a must-listen for seasoned women ready to embrace this stage of life with confidence and wisdom. Tune in, subscribe, and let’s redefine intimacy together.

In the final episode of "COVID-19 Conversations: Black People with Disabilities," host Niasha Fray concludes the series with a powerful discussion featuring Regina Mays, Dr. Danai Fannin, and Felicia Williams Brown. Together, they explore the critical role of support networks in helping Black families navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those with autism and other disabilities. The episode provides valuable insights into how community-based organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies can better serve these families, offering resources that support mental health, substance use recovery, and developmental disabilities. Don’t miss this impactful conversation that wraps up the series with actionable takeaways and a call for greater advocacy and representation.Subscribe to stay updated on new episodesWatch and share with your network to advance health equitySupport the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayo

In this compelling episode of Questions You Didn’t Ask, host Niasha Fray unpacks the unique challenges Black people with disabilities have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring a diverse panel—including Regina Mays, Dr. Danai Fannin, and Felicia Williams Brown—the discussion offers unfiltered, honest insights into the emotional toll of caregiving, struggles for representation in healthcare, and the anxieties surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations and access to care. The episode also delves into how systemic biases and the lack of culturally responsive care worsen the difficulties encountered by Black people with disabilities, especially in times of crisis. This conversation underscores the urgent need for representation, cultural sensitivity, and relentless advocacy to protect and uplift this community. Tune in for a revealing discussion that sheds light on realities many face but few discuss. Don't forget to show your support for the show at: buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayo

Join host Niasha Fray and her dynamic guests Regina Mays, Dr. Dania Fannin, and Felicia Williams Brown, as they uncover the vital roles of family and community in uplifting Black individuals with disabilities. From personal stories to actionable insights, this episode explores the power of support, inclusion, and cultural competence. Funded by the HealthLit4Wake grant, this series is a must-listen for advocates and anyone passionate about health equity.Don't miss out—tune in now! Like, comment, share, and subscribe to stay connected and make a difference.

Explore the impact of COVID-19 on Black people with disabilities in our insightful new episode. Our guests, Regina Mays, Dr. Dania Fannin, and Felicia Williams Brown, share their personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on unique challenges and triumphs. This conversation uncovers important truths and inspires action.- Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes- Watch and share the episodes with friends, family, and colleagues to help advance health equity - Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/niashafrayo

Welcome to our last episode of the second season of Questions You Didn't Ask. We are closing out with our series on Harvesting Health Equity with your host Niasha Fray and her guests Demetrius Hunter, Dr. Monique Gary, and Camryn Smith. In this episode, we discuss the various leaders and organizations that inspire our work around foodways, black farming, and the transformative power of food as medicine. Dive in now to learn more about some of the most cutting-edge community organizations that are meeting the comprehensive health needs of minoritized communities, developing equitable policy and leadership strategies to realize justice, and places that provide opportunities for our imagination of Health Equity to flourish and become real! Thank you for listening to season 2 of QYDA!! Stay Tuned for Season 3 to kick off with a BANG!

In this episode, your host, Niasha Fray, and her guests Demetrius Hunter, Dr. Monique Gary, and Camryn Smith start to imagine a world with food justice and food sovereignty. Our imagination leads us to analyze the barriers produced by the philanthropy sector and food-related non-profits. Have you thought that "success has been measured by the wrong metrics" as Dr. Monique Gary says when examining ROI and actual community impact? Have you thought about what a healthy food system and food economy could look like?

What is Food Apartheid? What do economic mobility, cost of living, average median income, and zip codes have to do with Food Justice? Have you looked at these things and thought, “These minority health disparities are here by design?” The second episode of the series Harvesting Health Equity: Exploring Foodways, Black Farming, and the Transformative Power of Food as Medicine will begin to travel down this path with you. Your host, Niasha Fray continues the conversation with guests Demetrius Hunter, Dr. Monique Gary, and Camryn Smith.

Did your family or community elders teach you how to heal yourself with food and natural remedies? Have you noticed that most of the healing foods are hard to find in your neighborhood? Does this make you worry about where to find the food you need to stay healthy? Are you asking yourself what can be done to improve access to healing foods? Well, tune in now to the newest series Harvesting Health Equity: Exploring Foodways, Black Farming, and the Transformative Power of Food as Medicine. Your host, Niasha Fray introduces her inspiring guests Demetrius Hunter, Dr. Monique Gary, and Camryn Smith.

This final episode of the series "In the Weeds: Health Equity and the Cannabis Conundrum" ends strong with your host Niasha Fray and Guest Leo Bridgewater Sr. The importance of community engagement in shaping local policies, identifying leaders who reflect the community's interests, and entrepreneurship as key mechanisms for effective Cannabis and Health Equity Advocacy are covered in this episode. You will leave this series informed, empowered, and inspired to Run your Race toward equity, justice, and win!

What does Restorative Justice, White Fragility, Political Accountability, PTSD, Economic Justice, Poverty Pimping, and Gun Laws have to do with Cannabis? Well, you'll have to tune into this power-packed episode of "In the Weeds: Health Equity and the Cannabis Conundrum" to find out. Join your host, Niasha Fray, and guest Leo Bridgewater, Sr. discuss these topics and more on Questions You Didn't Ask.

What are the racial equity implications of mandatory drug testing? How does cannabis decriminalization protect workers? What makes New Jersey's cannabis policies different from other states? What are the vast economic and industrial opportunities for hemp, CBD, and cannabis? In this episode, your host, Niasha Fray continues her conversation with Leo Bridgewater, Sr. uncovering bold, innovative, and transformative social equity policies and mobilization strategies that advance health equity. We also discuss the economic equity implications of this industry for black farmers and landowners.

What's the big deal about legalizing Marijuana? Isn't Cannabis a gateway drug? Who's being impacted by the criminalization of Weed? In this series your host, Niasha Fray is joined by Leo Bridgewater, Sr. to lift the complex intersection of health equity and cannabis, as well as the historical, political, and cultural changes around Cannabis in the U.S.

If your Christian organization is meant to serve the housing needs of veterans and people who are formerly incarcerated how do you make room for their unique spiritual beliefs? What are some current models of quality, affordable, sustainable, long-term housing solutions for veterans and people involved with the justice system? In the final episode of this spirited series, our guests Mr. Eric Hargrave, Mr. Dennis L. Fontelroy, and Dr. Benjamin C. Bell Jr. imparts wisdom to our audience regarding the power of love and shares the spotlight by talking about their national partners working to make a difference in the housing space. We also lament about the fact that rent is not going down and wages are not keeping up. Lean into this episode to learn how you can join in this good struggle to provide housing solutions.

What are the challenges of re-entry into civilian life for veterans and those formerly incarcerated? How do bias, stigma, and prejudice exacerbate the challenges of reentry? In episode three, our guests Mr. Eric Hargrave, Mr. Dennis L. Fontelroy, and Dr. Benjamin C. Bell Jr. shares insights on the harsh reality of the school-to-prison pipeline. This discussion touches on the far-reaching effects of these issues on the person impacted, their interpersonal relationships, the communities they return to, the organizations poised to help, and the policies that impact us all.