Health Hats, the Podcast
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Learning with people on the journey toward best health.
Episodes
- Nurses’ Week, Handel’s Messiah, Oldest Maternity Hospital!
From a 10-bed lying-in hospital to Handel’s Messiah, the Rotunda Maternity Hospital has operated continuously for 281 years. A Nurses’ Week story. Summary Across the street from Danny’s Dublin hotel stood a large white institutional buildi…
- Participatory Governance: Right People Right Question
Participatory governance in healthcare means asking the right people the right questions. Three stories where listening as leadership changed everything. Summary This episode is about listening as leadership — the gap between where knowled…
- Crutches, Caves, and Currents: Tubing in Belize
Health Hats walks & floats through ancient Maya caves in Belize with forearm crutches, teamwork, trust, and shared decision-making every step of the way. Watch this episode on YouTube. Audio is published, but not the same Podcast episode o…
- If You Have a Body, You’re an Athlete: Training for MS
Former Nike exec Mark Hochgesang interviews Danny on Heavy Hitter Sports Podcast about MS & being an adaptive athlete. Just back from Belize! Training works. Summary My friend Mark Hochgesang, former Nike exec and host of Heavy Hitter Spor…
- Retirement Improvisation – Onward: 2025 Holiday Letter
Health Hats Danny celebrates 50 – years with his honey & pounds lost. With gratitude for privilege, & best health thru family, media, music, travel, & advocacy. Summary Think of 2025 as Danny’s Sofrito year—familiar and unexpected ingredie…
- A Third on the Shelf: Rethinking Power in Community Research
Kirk & Lacy on shifting research funding away from federal grants: what happens to community partnerships when the money—and the rules—change? Summary Three Audiences, One Report Lacy Fabian and Kirk Knestis untangle a fundamental confusio…
- Give Me My Damn Data. Then What? Managing Permissions.
Your health data belongs to you—but how can you share it safely? Fabienne Bourgeois, MD, exposes the complex truth about privacy, permissions, and data control. Summary According to Fabienne Bourgeois, MD, patients want control over their…
- Catch-22.0: AI Creates Problems It Solves
Healthcare AI isn’t a tech problem—it’s a mirror reflecting how our health system already fails. Uncomfortable truths from Datapalooza 2025. Summary We’re asking the wrong questions about AI in healthcare. Instead of debating whether it’s…
- Letter: Trust Me, I’m Skeptical
Letters beat emails for trustworthiness. A gullible skeptic reflects on navigating trust in a 50-year marriage, and the energy cost of distrust. Click here to view the printable newsletter with images. More readable than a transcript, whic…
- Listen First, Lead Together: Advocacy and Power Dynamics
Ronda Alexander on strategies to build inclusive health coalitions, manage power dynamics, center marginalized voices, & design sustainable governance. Summary In this episode of Health Hats, host Danny van Leeuwen talks with Ronda Alexand…
- Never leave your shit on someone else’s farm!
Exploring bird flu prevention with farm owner Shannon Hayes. Discover boot washing, flock protection with coyotes, and best practices in biosecurity. Summary 🎯 The Lede: Bird flu cycles have shortened, forcing farmers like Shannon Hayes t…
- First We Listen, Then We Act. Informatics in Decision-Making
MS patient turned healthcare disruptor shares why your biggest “problem users” are actually your most valuable system improvers. Summary 🎯 The Lede: Collaborate with patients, caregivers, and clinician partners to develop tools that truly…
- Pod People, Participatory Governance during COVID
These families created a pandemic pod with clear rules & shared childcare. While adults navigated anxiety, their kids called it “the best time of their lives.” Summary Bevin Croft and David Weintraub talk about their experience forming a “…
- Afro-Cuban Jazz and Helping Hands: Cuba’s Accessible Beat
Who needs Spanish when you’ve got a saxophone? A music-lover proves that disability access is just another improvisation in Havana’s jazz scene. Best viewed as a video https://youtu.be/Qz9Rm89LHD0 Summary Danny, Health Hats, chronicles his…
- Healthcare AI for Humans: Governance, Research, and Rights
Data scientist Emily Hadley on navigating AI in healthcare, offering practical advice for maintaining patient agency amid algorithmic decision-making. Summary This interview with data scientist Emily Hadley examines the intersection of art…
- Navigate Chaos, Adapt Our Voices, Leverage Privilege
A child of Holocaust survivors balances pathological optimism with apocalyptic thinking while seeking meaningful ways to channel advocacy in turbulent times. Summary In this deeply personal episode, a child of Holocaust survivors reflects…
- The Missing Voice: Bridging Research and Real-World Care
Successfully sharing & acting on research findings depends on active partnerships with the implementers – patients, caregivers, & their clinician partners. Summary Claude AI consulted to create this summary The 2024 Academy Health Dissemin…
- From Dick Tracy to AI: Out of Mind to Beyond Mind
Demystify AI’s evolution, from Netflix recommendations to ChatGPT, exploring how neural networks learn & why even AI creators can’t fully explain how it works. Summary Claude AI used in this summary 🎙️ What the Heck is AI, Anyway? I sit d…
- Foreboding and Morbid Curiosity
Reflecting on community & self-care post-election. MS teaches patience. Adjusting media habits, finding strength in family history, music, & trusted connections. Summary Health Hats muses about physical, mental, and spiritual health, commu…
- AI: Neither Artificial nor Intelligent. Useful and Sobering
What kind of Artificial Intelligence does Health Hats, the Podcast, use in production? Understanding types of AI, transparency, and ethical considerations. Summary Perplexity used in this summary AI Tools in Use Various AI-powered software…
- Insight to Impact: Patient Voices in Health Tech & Policy
Effective solutions & ethical guardrails for data-driven decision-making, care, & treatment require patient involvement in policy & technology development. Summary Patient Insights on Health Access, Technology, and Public Policy Data shoul…
- Accessible Off-Road Travel in an All-Terrain Wheelchair
Philip Shadle, CEO, Aimee Copeland Foundation opens outdoor accessibility for disabled individuals with all-terrain wheelchairs. My endorphins flow. Yeehaw! Summary This podcast episode features an interview with Philip Shadle, CEO of the…
- Communication Ninjas: Practice, Trust, Evidence
Aaron Carroll, CEO of Academy Health, discusses his journey to improve health systems & decision making through community engagement & repetitive communication. Summary Aaron Carroll, CEO of Academy Health, shares his journey, from his fru…
- Adieu Mighty Casey, Flow On
Family and friends dispersed Mighty Casey (Mary) Quinlan’s ashes in the Gulfstream, reflecting on her life and sharing outrageous and mundane pics and stories. Summary On May 24, 2024, Mighty Casey Quinlan’s ashes were spread in the Gulfst…
- Exploring Long Covid One Spoonful at a Time
Shana Davidson shares her day-to-day Long Covid challenges using the “spoon theory,” a metaphor for the limited energy reserves people with chronic illness face Summary The episode explores the fascination with prolific enigmatic condition…
- A Forrest Gump Career: Chance, Gifts, Support, and Privilege
Turn-around: Grandson interviews Health Hats about his Zelig-like career path and choices: unpredictable, privileged, mentored, supported, and spiritually healthy. Summary Health Hats is interviewed by his editor, grandson Leon, delving in…
- Camden Coalition. The Jury’s In. Long-term Partnerships Rule
Kathleen Noonan’s quest to build bridges between communities & researchers with long-term relationships & respect for experience & expertise, just like juries. Summary Kathleen Noonan, the CEO, catalyzed the transformation of the Camden Co…
- Coffee Insights: Flavor, Notes, Health, and Justice
Exploring the journey of coffee from farm to cup with expert Jen Stone, delving into flavors, cupping, & the ethics of coffee production. Music & Health, too Full 36-min episode on YouTube Two five-minute clips on YouTube. Click here to vi…
- Rebels in Health – the Enemy is Disease
Susannah Fox’s “Rebel Health” on the power of Seekers, Networkers, Solvers, & Champions in driving patient-led innovation & the communal fight against disease. Full 36-min episode on YouTube Two five-minute clips on YouTube. Click here to…
- Bonus #5: Continuous Learning in My Sandbox
Celebrating my audience. Describing my multimedia journey, stats, ongoing advocacy, future episodes and a musical bonus featuring the host on the Bari Sax. Show Notes at the end. Watch on YouTube None today. Read Newsletter The same conten…
- Fear, Shame, Access, Connection -Privacy in Digital Exchange
Fred Trotter on the balancing privacy & connection, the role of AI in societal judgment, and practical privacy protection strategies with a nod to Mighty Casey Watch two five-minute podcast clips on YouTube. Click here to view or download…
- Reflection on Advantage during the Holidays
Lisa Stewart interviews Health Hats to discuss family, music, & listening to younger activists taking over navigation & reform of healthcare. Watch on YouTube Download the printable newsletter here Contents Episode Proem Boland van Leeuwen…
- Brain Fertilizer, Soul Points, and a Bucket of Pain
Pathways & switches of pain affect well-being & productivity. Amy Baxter, MD. explores recent insights about managing pain and learning coping mechanisms. Watch on YouTube Download the printable newsletter here Contents Episode Proem Buzzy…
- 21 Years Since Son, Mike Died. Superpower: Accepting What Is
My son, Mike, died 21 years ago at age 26. Wasn’t born with a tattoo telling him how long he had to live. Best spiritual health of his life. Left me a sign. Read Newsletter The same content as the podcast but not a verbatim transcript. Cou…
- Balancing Motherhood, Community, Trust, Money, & Sickle Cell
Personal growth living with a chronic illness, sickle cell, the importance of open communication, building a supportive community, & advocating for oneself. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health.…
- Unplugged and Reconnected. A Day of Rest.
Day starts with angst, leading to screen-free day, reservoir walk, visit to farm stand, reading real book. Revived with renewed sense of gratitude & well-being. We respect Listeners, Watchers, and Readers . Show Notes at the end. Watch on…
- #11 View From Medicaid: Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
Newsletter subscribers: Apologies. My Mailchimp feed broke down, and I didn’t notice until yesterday. You’ve missed 10 episodes!! I will repost an episode every other day until we’re caught up. I’m so sorry! Dr Herndon, former Medicaid CMO…
- #15 Cultural Humility: Curiosity Failure Critique Respect Growth
Immersion into cultural humility needs curiosity, addresses power dynamics, embraces failure, meditates on self-critique, & fosters respectful relationships. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health…
- Opa Heaven: Titles, Maglevs, Hats, the Universe, Snarkiness
Danny & Oscar muse about tension between thumbnails & descriptions, superconductors & the environment, health hats origin, life & bad habits, like snarkiness. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best healt…
- PATIENTS Program: Building Community Research Partnerships
Rodney Elliott discusses the PATIENTS Program, a community-research partnership for health equity. The podcast explores authenticity, engagement, & growth. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health.…
- PATIENTS Program: Building Community Research Partnerships
Rodney Elliott discusses the PATIENTS Program, a community-research partnership for health equity. The podcast explores authenticity, engagement, & growth. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health.…
- Bonus Episode 2: Apps, Beehives, and Bobbleheads
Journey in adlibbed speaking, video editing, business growth strategies, & the ups/downs of personal life, including music & health challenges. Bobbleheads, too About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best hea…
- Health Economics: #14 Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
Dive into the intricate web of conflicting healthcare incentives. Dr. Wang explains how health economics guides resource allocation for better outcomes. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health. I a…
- PCORI Research Funding: #13 Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
PCORI’s Dr. Chue brings to light the complexities & challenges of conducting research, engaging stakeholders, and implementing findings in real-world settings. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best heal…
- Research Community Link: #12 Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
Dr. Motley studies emerging black males & females with mental illness compounded by racism & violence. They need support systems & a chance for upward mobility. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best hea…
- Bonus #1: Exploring the World of Podcasting. Insights & Musings
Exploring the world of podcasting and the challenges we face in storytelling, sound editing, & decision-making. We reflect on the evolution of our journeys. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health.…
- #11 View From Medicaid: Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
Dr Herndon, former Medicaid CMO: challenges faced to improve mental health care for emerging adults. Better support systems for their transition to independence About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best hea…
- #10 Best Medical Care for Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
About McLean Hospital. Referrals, COVID impact, capacity, stigma. Still need more resources & shift towards treating mental health on par with physical health. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best heal…
- Serve, Plant, Build, Inspire #9 Emerging Adults w Mental Illness
Exploring Youth Clubhouses, drop-in centers for youth in recovery from/at risk for substance use disorders, focusing on access, partnerships, & peer support. About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health…
- 24/7/365 Access: #8 Emerging Adults with Mental Illness
COAST, a 24/7/365 access program in upstate NY, offers access to med-assisted treatment & wraparound services for substance use & mental health concerns About the Show Welcome to Health Hats, learning on the journey toward best health. I a…