How Hawaii’s Cultural Values Shape Health and Community Equity
We’re excited to announce the release of our newest episode, hosted by Peter Boland, where we explore Hawaiʻi’s statewide initiative for equity and wellness. This isn't just another case study—it’s a deep dive into the challenges, traditions, and community values that shape the future of Hawaii and offer lessons for us all. So grab your headphones or settle in with your favorite tropical drink—this is an episode worth savoring!
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
The Power of Transparency, Trust & Collaboration: Discover why these pillars are vital for achieving equity and building mutual accountability across Hawaii's diverse communities.
Cultural Competency in Healthcare: Learn how respecting cultural traditions builds trust and leads to better outcomes in health institutions.
Community-Driven Change: See how local leaders and anchor institutions can accelerate big changes across islands—and how partnership is the real secret sauce.
The Deep Connection Between Water and Community: Find out why the question “Who owns water?” is key to Hawaii’s sustainability—and how water conservation could shape the islands’ future.
Equity as a Way of Life: Hear how Hawaiian culture weaves equity, stewardship, and compassion into daily life, making health and prosperity truly sustainable.
Fun Fact:
Did you know Hawaii is ranked #1 nationally for access to care and quality of health—but still faces major health challenges? The state’s unique history guaranteed full healthcare coverage when it joined the US, boosting its scores
Lessons We Haven't Learned From Covid and Their Impact on Our Future
We’re back with a brand new episode of the “More Health, Less Healthcare” podcast! This week, Peter Boland brings the heat (and plenty of food for thought) as he digs into the BIG questions left in the wake of COVID-19—and why health equity is the conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
The Real Lessons of COVID: Why we need to talk (and keep talking!) about what went right, what went wrong, and what it means for our choices moving forward.
The Heroes Amidst the Havoc: How frontline healthcare workers and essential service folks truly kept the world spinning—and why they deserve more than just a round of applause.
The Truth About Our Healthcare System: Peter Boland breaks down why our “sickness care” model is stalled out—and how it’s impacting not just today, but the prosperity of future generations.
What Health Equity Really Means: Discover how tackling health disparities isn’t just about being “fair”—it’s about saving billions, boosting community health, and even shoring up national security.
Hope & Real Solutions: Yes, it sounds tough, but there are organizations and communities leading the way with equity-aligned models that work. Get inspired by what’s already possible!
Fun Fact:
Did you know Peter Boland points out that, unlike other countries, the U.S. still hasn’t had a true national conversation about the good, the bad, and the lasting lessons of the pandemic? Talk about an important dinner table topic!
Thanks for tuning in and being part of this important dialogue. This episode isn’t just about what’s broken—it’s about the real steps we can all take to generate more health (and less sickness) for everyone.
How Economic Inequality and Social Policy Shape Pandemic Outcomes with Troy Tassier
We’ve got a truly special episode out today on the More Health, Less healthcare podcast! This time, Peter Boland sits down with economist and author Troy Tassier, whose book The Rich Flee and the Poor Take the Bus has everyone talking—about pandemic fallout, social policy, and our collective future.
Whether you love big ideas about economics or just want to understand what REALLY happened during COVID, this episode is for you.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
How social networks shape health outcomes – Troy Tassier explains the surprising influence of everyday connections on who gets sick and why.
The pandemic wasn’t “the great equalizer” – We break down why COVID impacted communities so differently, and how economics and public health overlap.
Individual choices vs. collective risk – Understand how one person’s actions (or dinner parties) can ripple out and affect the health of an entire society.
Lessons for the next pandemic – Troy Tassier gets real about whether we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes and what it will take to avoid another disaster.
Why social infrastructure matters – Discover why investing in healthcare access and social safety nets could inoculate us—literally and figuratively—against future crises.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the most important people to vaccinate during a hospital outbreak might not be doctors or nurses, but receptionists? According to Troy Tassier’s research, receptionists sit at the center of a hospital’s social network—interacting with everyone from patients to food service staff—making them crucial for stopping the spread. Who knew?
Leading Health Equity and Community Impact: Meritus Health’s Transformative Journey with Dr. Mualik Josie
We’ve just dropped a brand-new episode featuring an inspiring conversation with Dr. Mualik Josie, CEO of Meritus Health, hosted by Peter Boland. Trust us—you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at the real work driving health equity and building healthier communities. Whether you’re in healthcare or just curious about innovative leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom!
Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:
Turning Vision Into Reality: Discover how Dr. Mualik Josie helped launch Maryland’s first new medical school in over 130 years—and why he believes investing upstream in education pays off for community health.
Crisis as Opportunity: Hear how Meritus Health leveraged the COVID-19 pandemic to deepen its commitment to community service, from drive-thru testing to free vaccinations and antibody treatments.
Innovating for Equity: Learn why the Lead Council, health equity dashboards, and stratified data projects are game changers for addressing healthcare disparities.
Social Determinants of Health in Action: Get inspired by practical solutions to loneliness, transportation, and food insecurity—plus hear about the “Care Caller” program, free van rides, and food pharmacies!
Aligning Mission and Margin: Find out how Dr. Josie balances sustainability with bold investments, proving that money can follow when the focus is on quality and access for all.
Fun Fact:
Dr. Mualik Josie personally volunteers in Meritus Health’s “Care Caller” program, making weekly calls to uplift community members who feel lonely. One of his regulars recently turned 100—and he showed up to her birthday party with flowers!
Maulik S. Joshi, DrPH
Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., is the President and CEO of Meritus Health, Inc. Meritus Health, Inc. includes Meritus Medical Center (MMC), the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM), and Brook Lane. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the community by providing the best healthcare, health services, and medical education.
From Data to Dollars: Houston Methodist’s Strategy for ACO Growth and Quality Care
We’re so excited to announce our latest episode on Promote Profit Publish! This time, Peter Boland sits down with the amazing Julie Andrini—an inspiring leader with not just one, but multiple hats at Houston Methodist. If you’re interested in what’s working on the frontlines of healthcare transformation, especially around physician leadership and population health, you’ll love this insightful conversation.
Here are 5 keys you’ll learn in this episode:
The Power of Physician Buy-In
Julie Andrini shares how involving primary care physicians from the very beginning—and giving them a genuine voice—can spark culture change and transform results.Data Transparency & Trust
Discover how unblinded, transparent data (yes, everyone sees everyone’s results!) has built a foundation of trust that helps practices improve year after year.Real Financial Incentives
It’s not all about pride (though that matters too!). Julie Andrini breaks down how their incentive structure rewards top performers and motivates everyone to deliver higher-quality care.Supporting the Whole Patient
Learn how Houston Methodist partners with community organizations—like food banks and even real estate agents—to address social needs that directly impact patient health.Patience, Persistence & Progress
The secret sauce? It’s a long game. Julie Andrini reveals how their best results came after years of steady improvement—and why having leadership’s support from day one is non-negotiable.
Fun fact from the episode:
When Houston Methodist started sharing performance data transparently at practice meetings, the initial reaction from docs was, “The data isn’t right!” But after personally sitting down to review the numbers, what did they find? The data was right—and friendly competition (with trophies and honor rolls!) went through the roof.
Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 3
We’re excited to announce that Part 3 of our podcast series is now live! In this episode, Peter Boland brings us a whirlwind tour of best practices, lessons, and case studies from some of the most forward-thinking healthcare organizations across the country.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
Mission & Values Matter:
Discover why having strong mission and value statements is essential for driving strategy, guiding investments, and sustaining long-term commitment. Peter Boland dives into the importance of figuring out: are you all in, or just testing the waters?Collaboration Is Non-Negotiable:
Unpack how cross-cultural and cross-sector partnerships are absolutely necessary for success. No one comes to the table with a perfect record, but working together is the only way forward.
The Challenge of Power Sharing:
Find out why sharing power between healthcare professionals, executives, and the community isn’t just nice—it’s crucial. Peter Boland gives real-talk on why it’s one of the hardest shifts for any organization.Listening to the Patient & Community Voice:
Learn the art (and importance!) of deep listening—not just checking a box. Systems can only be improved when both patient and community perspectives are truly heard and valued.The Pivotal Role of CHWs & Cultural Health Navigators:
Get inspired by stories of Community Health Workers and Cultural Health Navigators who bridge the gap, build trust, and drive health equity—often standing shoulder to shoulder with doctors and nurses in shaping healthier communities.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that at University Hospital in Kansas City, this whole movement started with just a little card table by the hospital entrance? That’s right! From those humble beginnings, their team of Cultural Health Navigators has grown, becoming an absolutely key asset, especially for serving immigrant and refugee populations.
Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 2
We’ve just dropped Part 2 of our latest video on More Health, Less Healthcare, hosted by Peter Boland—and trust us, this one’s packed with inspiring takeaways from some of the most innovative healthcare organizations across the country!
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, advocate, or just love learning about powerful systems change, this episode is a must-watch. Here’s what you’ll learn:
5 Keys You’ll Discover in This Episode:
Community-Centric Change: Find out how Presbyterian Health in Albuquerque flips the traditional model by making local councils the trusted conveners, and how bottom-up collaboration creates more equitable communities.
Value-Based Care Done Right: Discover Houston Methodist's blueprint for quality improvement, monthly physician meetings, and a $50 million rebate—proving great care really can pay off.
Systems Change at Scale: Dive into CommonSpirit’s mind-blowing Total Health Roadmap, a masterclass in how you flip an entire organization (2,200 facilities!) to drive health outcomes nationwide.
Functional Medicine Innovations: See how Cleveland Clinic uses shared medical appointments for high-need diabetic patients, boosting outcomes and community peer support while cutting costs.
The Hidden Power of Health Literacy: Learn how Vanderbilt’s team tackles the health literacy crisis with a simple screening device—showing how understanding patients’ needs leads to better, safer care.
Fun Fact: Houston Methodist’s value-based care approach not only improved patient outcomes, but in just one year, it generated a $50 million rebate for the organization! Talk about healthy profits.
Delivery Systems: Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways - Part 1
In Part One, Peter Boland unpacks the high points from the first third of the book, focusing on healthcare delivery systems, and spotlights innovative, purpose-driven organizations aiming to generate more health—not just treat sickness.
Here are five keys you’ll learn in this episode:
Why Our System is Stuck (and How to Get Unstuck)
Discover the root causes behind America’s sickness-focused healthcare spending—and the insanity of pouring 97% into treatment and only 3% into prevention.How Boston Medical Center Transformed Patient Care
Learn the inside story of their pioneering food pantry, rooftop gardens, and true “patient first” philosophy (hint: they even teach families to cook healthy meals!).Breaking the Cycle with Nationwide Children’s
Find out how this pediatric hospital in Ohio took on the audacious goal of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty through housing, workforce, education, and economic initiatives.The Power of Zero Defects at Cleveland Hospital
Hear how a creative “fractal management” system demanded everyone—yes, everyone—be accountable for perfect care, slashing errors and saving millions.Why Collaboration is Everything
See how the best hospitals aren’t just treating patients—they’re partnering with local communities to share power and expertise, tailoring programs to real needs.
Fun Fact of the Episode:
Did you know the Boston Medical Center’s food pantry started in one doctor’s desk drawer? Today, it distributes over a million pounds of food per year and features rooftop gardens growing fresh produce for their patients!
Beyond Clinical Data: The Power of Social Determinants in Healthcare
What’s inside this episode?
Here are five key insights you’ll learn:
The Importance of Quantifying Social Risk: Discover how understanding social risk at both community and individual levels can help organizations get ahead of health crises—and save costs!
Analyze First, Act Second: Find out why Brenner Williams’s “analyze first” philosophy is revolutionizing how health plans and employers allocate resources for maximum impact.
How Employers Can Use Social Risk Data: Learn how self-insured employers and health plans are leveraging data to align benefits with real employee needs (think food, transportation, and financial support).
The Role of Socially Determined’s Platform, Socialscape: Get a peek behind the curtain at how this powerful tool aggregates and visualizes social risk with incredible detail.
Why Evidence and Integration Matter: Explore why integrating social risk models into financial reimbursement is the key to making these efforts sustainable for the long term.
Fun fact from the episode:
Did you know Trenor Williams started his entrepreneurial journey during the dot-com bubble in residency—and even ran a failed .com before launching innovative healthcare solutions?! Talk about learning through action!
Dr. Williams is a family physician, entrepreneur, former health system executive and consulting leader, and past founder and CEO of Clinovations, sold to the Advisory Board Company in 2014. In 2017, Dr. Williams co-founded Socially Determined to create an analytics platform that integrates the social determinants of health with clinical and claims data to quantify and visualize social risk and the specific impacts on health and healthcare outcomes. Dr. Williams’ unique perspective is formed at the intersection of healthcare and technology. He has an extensive understanding and knowledge in the implementation of healthcare technology, health plan market growth, and SDOH strategy development for leading healthcare stakeholders. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and received his Medical Doctorate from Marshall University.
The Power of Empathy and Advocacy in Healthcare Navigation
We’re excited to announce our latest episode of More Health, Less Healthcare, featuring an inspiring deep dive into the University Hospital in Kansas City’s groundbreaking initiatives! Hosted by Peter Boland, with special guests Gabriella Gardner, Director of Language Assistance, and Deborah Sisco, Manager of Patient Advocacy and Engagement, this episode is packed with heartwarming stories, practical takeaways, and revolutionary approaches to health equity.
Here are the five keys you’ll learn in this episode:
The Magic of Cultural Health Navigators
Uncover the unique difference between cultural health navigators and community health workers, and see how this hybrid role goes beyond interpreting to offer hands-on support for immigrant, refugee, and limited English proficiency patients.Real-World Impact of Social Determinants of Health
Learn why understanding a patient’s life outside the clinic walls is crucial, and how collecting SDOH info leads to better outcomes.Fail Forward with Plan-Study-Do-Act
Find out how the PDSA methodology fueled innovation and adaptability across multiple clinics, allowing teams to learn, iterate, and succeed—even when things didn’t go as planned.Building Trust in Sensitive Settings
Dive into proven strategies for gathering personal info—whether it’s through paper forms, texts, or friendly conversation—and understand what works best in different communities.Essential Qualities for Health Navigators
Discover the three must-have traits for cultural health navigators: lived experience, cultural humility, and a passion for advocacy—and why empathy and tenacity are crucial in this role.
💡 Fun Fact:
Did you know University Hospital serves patients speaking over 200 different languages each year? Their navigators aren’t just bilingual—they genuinely understand and champion the unique challenges faced by the communities they serve.
How Community Voice is Shaping Presbyterian Healthcare Services' Approach to Behavioral Health and Social Needs in New Mexico
Discover how Presbyterian Health in New Mexico is putting community priorities at the center of its health equity work. In this episode, Leigh Caswell shares practical insights on scaling programs, leveraging partnerships, and tracking real community impact.
The unique “incubator” approach to developing and scaling community health initiatives
How behavioral health became a cornerstone priority based on community data
Defining and measuring “community health” across diverse populations and counties
Funding strategies, sustainability challenges, and lessons learned on managing grants
Looking ahead: plans for scaling, sustaining programs, and deepening community engagement
Tune in for real-world examples and actionable strategies to drive healthier communities beyond hospital walls.
Leigh Caswell serves as Vice President of Community and Health Equity with Presbyterian Healthcare Services (PHS).
Leigh coordinates and directs initiatives, strategy, and operations that support the community health priorities and health equity strategy of the largest non-profit, integrated health system in New Mexico. This work includes systems change initiatives, building programs, convening cross sector partnerships and leveraging grant and private funds for greater collective impact on barriers to health in communities across the state.
Leigh has a B.S. in Environmental Health from Colorado State University and a Masters of Public Health from the University of New Mexico.
Overcoming the Innovator’s Dilemma: Insights on Healthcare Leadership
We’ve got a treat for you this week on the “More Health, Less Healthcare” podcast! Our host Peter Boland sat down with Ann Somers, Director of Health Research at the Christensen Institute, for a thoughtful (and fun!) dive into how real innovation happens in healthcare—and why it sometimes stumbles.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode (and trust us, there are gems you won’t want to miss):
What the Christensen Institute Is All About
Summers explains how this nonpartisan think tank applies Harvard Business School Professor Clay Christensen’s famous business and innovation theories to healthcare, education, and beyond.Why Good Leaders Get Stuck
You’ll hear about the “Innovator’s Dilemma”—and why leaders often struggle to disrupt their own (successful!) business models, even when it’s necessary for future growth.The 4 Crucial Parts of Business Model Theory
Value proposition, resources, processes, and profit formula: Summers breaks down why these pillars can make or break a new healthcare initiative.How to Assess if an Innovation is Really Disruptive
Discover the Christensen Institute’s six-question test to see if an idea is truly disruptive—or just a shiny new thing.Tech Isn’t the Disruptor—Business Models Are
Generative AI alone won’t turn the world upside down! Summers and Peter Boland explore how pairing technology with innovative business models is the real secret sauce.
Fun Fact:
Did you know MinuteClinic started as a “not-as-good” alternative to a primary care visit—but succeeded precisely because it targeted non-consumers and made care more convenient? Sometimes, “good enough” is good enough to change everything!
Why Healthcare Costs Hold Back the American Dream and What Employers Can Do
New Episode: “Rosetta Unedited” featuring Peter Boland and Dave Chase, CEO of Health Rosetta.
About the Conversation: A bold, eye-opening discussion about the true cost of healthcare, system reform, and actionable strategies for organizations ready to make meaningful change.
5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Healthcare Has “Killed the American Dream”: Dave Chase reveals how skyrocketing healthcare costs are hollowing out the middle class—with data to prove it.
The Health Rosetta Dividend—How Big Can It Get?: Learn how companies are cutting healthcare spending by up to 60% and reinvesting the savings into scholarships, daycare, and sustainability projects.
How to Take Action as an Employer: Hear the first steps leaders can take to slash costs and elevate employee benefits, from contract overhauls to advanced primary care models.
Inside the Plan Grader Tool: Discover how the Health Rosetta Plan Grader evaluates healthcare plans and provides actionable insights for improvement.
The Legal Wake-Up Call for Employers: Understand why boards and executives are now personally accountable for fiduciary responsibility in healthcare spending.
Fun Fact: A Bic pen has over 55,000 Amazon reviews, but health plans—representing 20% of the U.S. economy—rarely receive an objective value grade. That gap sparked Health Rosetta’s innovative Plan Grader tool.
Whole Person Care in Action: Inside Nationwide Children’s Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Families Initiative
New Episode Alert: “Housing Is Healthcare” featuring Nick Jones, Vice President of Community Wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, hosted by Peter Boland.
About the Episode: Explore how stable housing and strong community infrastructure are revolutionizing health outcomes in Columbus—and what every healthcare leader can learn from it.
5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Housing Is Healthcare: Understand why affordable housing is a cornerstone of population health and how access to safe homes creates lasting wellness.
The 5-Pronged Approach: Get the inside story on the Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Families initiative—covering housing, economic development, wellness, education, and community enrichment.
How to Build a Capital Stack: Learn how major affordable housing projects come together through creative financing, cross-sector partnerships, and trust.
Whole-Person, Whole-Family Care: Discover how wraparound services and “no wrong door” entrypoints keep families thriving in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
Measuring Real Results: Hear how the program tracks tangible outcomes like improved graduation rates, better kindergarten readiness, and millions reinvested locally.
Fun Fact: Nationwide Children’s Hospital has helped return over $5 million to the local community through its free tax preparation program—proof that caring goes well beyond clinical walls.
Unlocking Community Power: The Role of Pathways Community Health Worker in Holistic Care
Special Guest: Featuring Jan Ruma of the Pathways Community Help Institute, hosted by Peter Boland.
Theme: Discover how community-based innovation can transform health outcomes and reduce dependence on traditional healthcare systems.
5 Keys You’ll Learn:
What the Pathways Community Hub Model Is: Jan Ruma breaks down how this model streamlines access and support for those most in need.
Whole Person Care in Action: Explore how the Hub addresses social and economic factors—like housing, jobs, and transportation—that influence health.
Tracking Real Results: Understand the essential role of community health workers (CHWs), the “pathway” tracking process, and why continuous engagement matters.
How Payment for Outcomes Works: Learn how paying for real results—not just services—leads to both healthier communities and more efficient spending.
Getting Started & Scaling Up: Discover what it takes to fund, launch, and grow a successful Pathways Community Hub, plus the ROI you can expect.
Fun Fact: The average participating family has 6–7 open pathways, each targeting a different modifiable risk factor—creating truly coordinated, lasting change.
Why We Need to Invest More In Health and Less in Healthcare
We’re thrilled to bring you a new episode of the More Health, Less Healthcare podcast with host Peter Boland. This week, Peter sparks a thought-provoking conversation that redefines what we really mean by “healthcare”—and why true health starts long before treatment begins.
Episode Highlights: What You’ll Learn
Health vs. Healthcare: Learn why these terms aren’t interchangeable—and how our system functions more like a “sickness industry.”
Follow the Money: Discover why 97% of healthcare spending goes toward treating illness instead of preventing it.
Global Perspectives: Explore how other countries’ investments in social health create stronger, more resilient populations.
Rethinking the ‘Normal’: Understand why skyrocketing costs and social harm aren’t inevitable or “just the way things are.”
Actionable Hope:
Peter features forward-thinking organizations and the powerful Health Equity Case Studies Handbook, proving that real, scalable solutions already exist.
Health Equity Case Studies
Health Equity
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