Explore every episode of the podcast The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner speaks with Tim Jones of Health Nuts Media about using storytelling, animation, and smarter communication to help people understand healthcare and act on it.

With an undergraduate degree in creative writing, Tim Jones began his career in Hollywood, film, television, and digital media before creating health education content for children and families. A project called Coping with Chemo showed him how animation could make frightening information feel emotionally safe, leading him to launch Health Nuts Media and focus on age-appropriate health literacy for hospitals, pediatric units, veterans, and families.

Seth and Tim also discuss:

☑️ Emotionally Safe Storytelling: Animation can create enough distance for children and families to process difficult topics without feeling overwhelmed. Tim saw this firsthand when a young cancer survivor said the videos gave her the strength to complete chemotherapy.

☑️ Health Literacy 1.0 Has Limits: Pamphlets and basic online information still have a role, but hospitals often don’t treat health literacy as a high enough priority amid tight budgets and competing demands.

☑️ Navigation Is Part of Care: The VA’s challenge wasn’t only explaining treatments. Veterans and families also needed help understanding what would happen next and how to move through a complicated healthcare system.

☑️ Meet People Where They Are: Health education can appear in waiting rooms, patient portals, phones, and even disposable video tablets. Tim shared that 97% of veterans had cell phones and internet access, while tablets helped reach veterans who didn’t.

☑️ Reframing Palliative Care: A short three-minute video focused on reducing the burden on family members. After watching it, 100% of veterans said they were willing to discuss palliative care at their appointment.

☑️ How You Say It Matters: Clinical experts know what needs to be communicated, while creative teams can shape the message so people actually engage with it. A pamphlet alone may end up in the lobby trash can.

☑️ Measure the Cost of Confusion: Boston Children’s faced a 7% failure rate around pre-surgery NPO instructions. A playful Goldilocks-themed video helped turn a serious instruction into something families could remember.

☑️ Align the Incentives: Tim Jones argues that employers, hospitals, and payers need stronger incentives to make health literacy part of standard care. Capitated models, such as the VA’s, have more reason to invest because poor communication can drive avoidable costs.

☑️ Start Earlier: Health literacy shouldn’t begin during a crisis. Tim believes teaching children how to understand and manage health can shape lifetime health, behavior, and even earnings.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Linda Macomber to explore how AI, digital health tools, and stronger health literacy can help people make better decisions and navigate healthcare with greater confidence.

Linda Macomber is a professor and health tech digital consultant who has worked at the intersection of healthcare and technology for more than 25 years. Her experience spans ICU nursing, health IT, academia, graduate education in health informatics, and consulting. She also created Renaissance.Health, a multimedia resource designed to help individuals, professionals, and healthcare organizations understand and use emerging digital health and AI tools.

Seth Serxner and Linda also discuss:

☑️ AI as a Health Partner: AI can translate test results into plain language, help people prepare questions, and support more informed conversations with healthcare professionals 22:08.

☑️ Start with Health Portals: Understanding how to access and connect personal health portals is a foundational step toward using digital health tools effectively 15:24.

☑️ Beyond ChatGPT: Claude, Perplexity, Open Evidence, Gemini, and other platforms may serve different purposes, with some offering stronger healthcare evidence and source links 07:33.

☑️ Evidence Builds Trust: Perplexity’s reference links and the ability to compare multiple AI models can help people evaluate health information more carefully 08:25.

☑️ Personalize the Message: AI can translate health information into different languages and education levels, then turn it into an infographic, video, or podcast summary 09:33.

☑️ Move from Snapshots to a Health Journey: Self-monitoring tools can provide a more continuous view of health, while AI can help identify priorities across large amounts of data 11:09.

☑️ Keep Humans in the Decision Loop: AI may identify possibilities people or professionals have missed, but individuals and healthcare professionals remain responsible for making decisions 13:14.

☑️ Replace One-and-Done Searches with Conversations: Ongoing dialogue can help AI function more like a coach, with better questions, references, and insights developing over time 17:31.

☑️ Build AI Literacy Alongside Health Literacy: The opportunity lies in learning what people can do with AI, not simply cataloging what the technology can do 20:26.

Want to discover how EdLogics empowers organizations to boost health literacy, activate healthier behaviors, and cultivate real engagement across your workforce? Visit the EdLogics website for more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner engages in an insightful conversation with Vincent Catalano, founder of Clear Healthcare Solutions and host of the Clearly Beneficial podcast, delving into the strategies and challenges behind workforce health literacy and employee benefits.

Vincent Catalano brings over two decades of experience in the employee benefits industry, beginning his journey in a local brokerage before navigating the complexities of large firms. Now an independent consultant and thought leader, Vincent focuses on empowering organizations to make proactive, strategic choices about their benefits offerings, rather than getting stuck on the annual “benefits hamster wheel.” Through his advisory work and podcast, he facilitates conversations that shed light on what truly drives successful benefits strategies and employee engagement.

Seth and Vincent discuss:

☑️ Breaking the Benefits Hamster Wheel: Most organizations default to a reactive, year-to-year approach rather than strategic, long-term benefits planning.

☑️ The Strategy Gap in Mid-sized Organizations: Small and mid-market companies often lack the infrastructure for thoughtful benefits decision-making—relying heavily on their advisors.

☑️ Compounding Cost Concerns: Healthcare premiums have escalated dramatically over the last two decades, leaving both employers and employees paying far more than in years past.

☑️ The Five Essentials for Employees: Every employee should understand their premium, deductible, coinsurance, copay, and out-of-pocket max - basic knowledge that is often missing.

☑️ Moving Beyond Passive Open Enrollment: Benefits education should be as robust as other mandatory trainings, ensuring employees (and their families) know how to use plans effectively.

☑️ Incentives Drive Engagement: Participation in wellness programs often hinges on incentives, while newer benefit designs that reduce out-of-pocket costs for high-value care can improve outcomes.

☑️ The Importance of Informed Buyers: HR and benefits teams must be educated, strategic consumers, holding brokers accountable, understanding compensation structures, and prioritizing transparency.

Vincent’s insights reveal that the future of workforce health literacy depends on proactive education, strategic planning, and stronger partnerships across all levels of the benefits ecosystem.

Want to discover how EdLogics empowers organizations to boost health literacy, activate healthier behaviors, and cultivate real engagement across your workforce? Visit the EdLogics website for more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Neal Sofian - public health innovator and behavioral change expert - to examine the future of workforce health literacy and what it takes to truly activate, engage, and empower people on their health journeys.

Neal Sofian is the CEO emeritus of Tuzag and a pioneer in population health. Neal’s passion lies in transforming research into scalable practice, harnessing human storytelling, personalization, and cross-disciplinary insights to drive meaningful change in health and wellbeing at scale.

Seth and Neal also discuss:

• Personalization at Scale: Effective health engagement starts by focusing on the individual’s passions, vulnerabilities, and life circumstances—not just their risk factors or diagnoses.
• Engagement vs. Activation: Engagement is only the first step; real value happens when people are activated—taking concrete actions to improve their health.
• Rethinking ROI: Neal advocates for a blended cost-effectiveness approach—matching the right intervention to the right person and tracking real-world outcomes across programs.
• The Role of Employers: Employers are uniquely positioned to benefit from an engaged, healthy, and productive workforce, but need to think beyond short-term cost containment.
• AI as a Tool, Not a Silver Bullet: AI is well-suited to ask better questions, identify journeys, and support expert systems, but must remain grounded in behavioral models and always point back to person-to-person connection when appropriate.
• Health Literacy as Relevance: Making information truly relevant through story, metaphor, and context unlocks complex understanding—even for sophisticated topics.
• Trust as the Foundation: Building trust, even in small ways, is essential to nudge individuals from passive engagement to active participation in their health.

Neal’s core message: Start with people - see their humanity first, build trust, and everything else, from engagement to activation to measurable outcomes, will follow.

Want to discover how EdLogics empowers organizations to boost health literacy, activate healthier behaviors, and cultivate real engagement across your workforce? Visit the EdLogics website for more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes renowned preventive medicine expert Dr. David Katz for a profound discussion on the root causes of chronic disease, the power of nutrition, and the challenge and importance of true health literacy.

A trailblazer in public health and nutrition, David has spent over 30 years as an academic physician, researcher, and founding director of Yale's Prevention Research Center. Board-certified in both internal and preventive medicine, he’s dedicated his career to translational research - turning what we already know about health into real-world action - and to advancing our understanding of how lifestyle choices, especially diet, account for the vast majority of premature death and chronic disease.

Seth Serxner and Dr. David Katz also discuss:

• Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms: Most chronic diseases can be traced to modifiable behaviors, especially tobacco use, poor diet, and physical inactivity, rather than their presenting medical diagnoses 03:01.
• Diet as a Leading Killer: Today, poor diet has overtaken tobacco as the number one cause of premature death in the U.S., responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually 10:35.
• The Misguided System: Our healthcare model is like lining up ambulances below Humpty Dumpty’s wall—far too reactive, fixing people after the fall rather than preventing the damage in the first place 08:31.
• Making Diet Measurement Easy: Dr. David Katz developed Diet ID, a novel, image-based tool that lets anyone quickly and easily assess their diet quality through pattern recognition, making nutritional assessment scalable and user-friendly 16:27.
• Skill Power Over Willpower: The current food environment works against healthy eating; it’s not just about willpower, but about building the skills to navigate an unhealthy culture 21:27.
• Behavior Change Science: The path to better eating is rooted in proven behavioral strategies, including small, individualized changes and an understanding of emotional and social eating cues 22:08.
• Diet Quality as a Vital Sign: Just as we routinely track blood pressure, diet quality should be an essential health metric, but the right tools are needed to make it happen 14:28.
• Consensus Over Confusion: Through the True Health Initiative, Dr. David Katz brings together leading experts across nutrition philosophies to agree on the core fundamentals: real food, mostly plants, and moderation, cutting through the noise of dietary debate 26:33.
• Health of People and Planet: Individual health cannot be separated from planetary health; the choices we make about food impact not just our own well-being, but the earth itself 31:25.

As misinformation spreads and wellness challenges continue to mount, this episode is a call to action: empowering people with real knowledge, practical tools, and a sense of agency to build healthier lives - and a healthier world.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Brian Oss, Head of Solutioning at Calm, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of workforce health literacy, behavioral health, and digital mental health solutions.

Calm is a leading mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. Our flagship consumer app - ranked #1 in its category with over 180 million downloads and available in seven languages across nearly 190 countries - helps people sleep better, stress less, and live more mindfully through content and tools from experts and beloved celebrity voices.

Since their launch, they’ve expanded their offerings with Calm Sleep, an app providing deeper, personalized sleep support, and Calm Health, an evidence-based digital solution offered through employers, health plans, and providers to expand access, boost benefits engagement, and drive positive health outcomes.

Today, Calm supports more than 3,500 organizations and reaches over 26 million covered lives through Calm Health.

Brian leads solutioning to address some of the toughest challenges in behavioral health.

Brian and Seth discuss:

• Career Paths Are Not Linear: Both Brian and Seth highlight the importance - and inevitability - of nontraditional career journeys in health and wellness leadership.
• Cost and Access as Top Challenges: Controlling costs while increasing access to mental and behavioral health care remains a leading concern for employers and health plans.
• Digital Content as a Scalable Solution: For roughly 75% of a given population, high-quality digital content can be a first line of support, offering tools for episodic needs and keeping people out of higher-acuity care.
• Data-Driven Personalization: Calm Health leverages PHQ and GAD scores to curate programs tailored to each user’s unique needs, including specialized tracks for those with chronic conditions like diabetes.
• Clinical Expertise Meets Engaging Delivery: Calm collaborates with top psychologists to create evidence-based programs, then crafts them into highly engaging audio-visual experiences featuring trusted voices.
• Proof of Outcomes: A recent payer-led study of 70,000 users showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores - demonstrating that digital tools can make a real impact.
• Health Literacy = Access + Navigation: True health literacy goes beyond reading level - it includes providing clear pathways and referrals to the right care, tailored to each user’s situation and acuity.
• Supporting the Full Continuum: Calm Health’s offerings help users at every point in the journey, from “green” users needing only light support to those who require referral to therapy or crisis services.
• Cautious Approach to AI: While Calm Health utilizes AI to help users articulate their goals, they are conservative about using AI for actual clinical care - mindful of both ethical concerns and payer requirements.

Brian closes with a reminder of the human side of mental health - urging listeners to check in, offer a smile, and truly see one another, as small moments of connection can be transformative.

Discover how digital innovation and compassionate leadership are reshaping mental health support in the workplace - one small step, and one smile, at a time.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of the Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Michael Susi, the leader behind LinkedIn’s long-running employee wellness program, for a fascinating conversation about what workplace wellness looks like when it’s built around real human behavior rather than generic corporate initiatives.

Michael shares his unconventional career journey from football coaching and personal training to leading wellness strategy at one of the world’s most recognized companies. Along the way, he discovered something many organizations still overlook: employees often know what they “should” do for their health - but stress, sleep, overwhelm, and everyday life get in the way.

The discussion explores how LinkedIn evolved its wellness philosophy into a practical, accessible, and compassionate program centered around six core tenets:

1. Thoughts
2. Breathing
3. Hydration
4. Nutrition
5. Movement
6. Rest

Rather than focusing narrowly on exercise or weight loss, the program reframes wellness in more approachable ways that encourage participation from everyone - not just already health-conscious employees.

Seth and Michael also discuss:

• Why “movement” works better than “exercise” for employee engagement
• How language and inclusivity shape wellness participation
• The role of gamification, rewards, and social proof in driving engagement
• Why wellness ROI is often best measured through participation and behavior change
• How LinkedIn creates global wellness experiences across very different office cultures
• The hidden impact of stress and sleep deprivation on employee wellbeing
• Why wellness programs should avoid guilt, shame, and perfectionism
• The balance between wearable technology and listening to your own body
• How health literacy empowers employees to make better healthcare decisions

Michael also shares creative examples from LinkedIn’s wellness initiatives, including wellness swag, point systems, hydration campaigns, and engagement strategies designed to create genuine curiosity and peer-driven momentum.

One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is that sustainable wellness is not about intensity or perfection - it’s about helping employees build healthier habits in realistic, compassionate ways.

As Michael explains: “Wellness is not a moment in time - it’s the moments of your life.”

This episode is packed with practical insights for HR leaders, benefits professionals, wellness leaders, healthcare innovators, and anyone interested in creating healthier, more human-centered workplaces.

Listen now to hear how LinkedIn approaches employee wellness, engagement, and health literacy at scale.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Dr. Linda Anegawa, Chief Medical Officer at Calibrate and recognized leader in obesity medicine, to unpack the evolving landscape of obesity care, GLP-1 medications, and the crucial role of comprehensive, behavior-centered support.

Dr. Linda Anegawa brings more than a decade of expertise in internal and obesity medicine, combining her clinical background with leadership roles in digital health. Linda has dedicated her career to bridging the gap in metabolic care, especially for high-risk populations, and to breaking down barriers to access through innovative, personalized programs. Based in Las Vegas, she’s witnessed firsthand how the right support can help patients reclaim metabolic health and transform lives.

Seth and Linda also discuss:

☑️ The Dynamic Obesity Space: Rapid innovation - especially around GLP-1s - requires adaptable care models and forward-thinking programs.

☑️ Calibrate’s Approach: Purpose-built for employer populations, Calibrate integrates real-time coaching and clinical support, tailoring interventions for each member’s journey.

☑️ More Than Just Medication: Obesity care cannot be fully protocolized - effective programs must provide flexibility, wraparound coaching, and individualized support.

☑️ GLP-1s as Long-Term Therapy: For many high-risk individuals, ongoing GLP-1 use is necessary to maintain metabolic improvements - medicine alone isn’t a short-term fix.

☑️ The Role of Behavior Change: Medications set the biological stage, but sustainable outcomes require focus on nutrition, activity, stress management, and sleep.

☑️ Shifting Perspectives & Health Literacy: Patients increasingly recognize the need to change their relationship with food, routines, and wellbeing - effective programs empower them to seek relevant, personalized information. 

☑️ Individualized Coaching: Success comes from understanding each person’s unique motivations and giving them choice - whether tracking sleep, energy, or weight - to foster engagement and self-motivation.

☑️ Tackling Complex Causes: Obesity is influenced by genetics, social determinants, medical therapies, and environment - a comprehensive, non-blaming, holistic approach is essential.

☑️ New Research Frontiers: Four-year data from Calibrate reveals insights on different subpopulations - like those with prior GLP-1 use and various industry profiles - helping refine best practices for diverse groups.

As more tools and support emerge, Dr. Linda Anegawa champions the message that comprehensive, sustained support - not just medication - will ultimately drive lasting health outcomes in the fight against obesity.

Calibrate's 2026 Results Report. For benefits leaders, total rewards teams, brokers, consultants, and health-plan partners need, this report delivers the evidence base to ensure your GLP-1 coverage is driving the outcomes you're paying for.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, show host and author of The Wellbeing Effect, Seth Serxner, sits down with Hamid Ghanadan, CEO and founder of Linus, for a candid conversation about the future of healthcare, the challenges eroding trust, and new approaches to health literacy for both patients and providers.

With over 30 years of leading Linus - a consulting firm helping healthcare organizations develop strategy and conduct research - Hamid Ghanadan brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of science, innovation, and communication. He’s recently spearheaded major studies like Health 2035, collaborating with HSBC Innovation Banking, and has a passion for making complex medical information more accessible and usable for everyone.

Seth and Hamid Ghanadan discuss:

☑️ Shifting the Dialogue: Hamid Ghanadan challenges the common focus on patient health literacy, suggesting that real change comes from understanding natural learning and rethinking how information is delivered.

☑️ The Erosion of Trust: 57% of new physicians foresee declining trust between patients and doctors in the next decade, with trust eroding in both directions—clinician to patient, and vice versa.

☑️ Root Causes of Misinformation: 79% of surveyed physicians point to social media (and emerging AI) as major drivers of health misinformation and distrust.

☑️ From Teaching to Learning: Hamid Ghanadan argues it's time to move from a "teaching" mindset to "learning," leveraging methods that invite genuine engagement and reduce resistance.

☑️ Science’s Usability Problem: Drawing from his own scientific training, Hamid Ghanadan illustrates that the real barrier is not access, but how usable and relatable scientific information is for both professionals and the public.

☑️ The Power of Games & Stories: Core tools for boosting health literacy (and scientific understanding) are storytelling and game-based learning, both of which can engage audiences and break down orthodoxies—even among scientists themselves.

☑️ Hope from the Next Generation: While young clinicians see big challenges, they’re driven by a desire to help humanity, are pro-technology, and want to shift focus toward prevention, wellness, and deeper patient relationships.

☑️ The Human Factor in Adherence: The most effective health interventions are often simple—like doctors taking two minutes for genuine human connection, which can boost treatment adherence enormously.

☑️ Imagining the Future: True cost decline in healthcare may only come with radical realignment of incentives—and possibly through leveraging AI for “access abundance,” freeing doctors to become advisors and coaches rather than bureaucratic operators.

☑️ Empathy First: Hamid Ghanadan closes by emphasizing the transformational role of empathy and curiosity, both for better patient outcomes and more effective professional engagement.

For anyone interested in how healthcare must evolve—through more human connection, smarter communication, and authentic learning—this conversation offers crucial insights and hope for a better future.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes obesity medicine expert Dr. Laure DeMattia to unpack the complexities of obesity treatment, GLP-1 medications, and the evolving landscape of health literacy.

With over two decades of experience in obesity medicine, Laure DeMattia brings both personal and professional insight to the conversation. Having lived with obesity herself, she was drawn to the field early, before it became a board-certified specialty. Her current work spans primary care within the Indian Health System and telehealth for post-bariatric surgery patients. Driven by a passion to improve patient outcomes, she advocates for individualized approaches rooted in medical science, compassion, and practical guidance.

Seth Serxner and Laure DeMattia discuss:

☑️ Understanding GLP-1s: These medications have been transformative for diabetes and obesity but require ongoing medical supervision for safety and efficacy.

☑️ Medication Mindset: Many patients hope for a quick fix, but obesity is a lifelong, relapsing condition—medications like GLP-1s are a long-term commitment, not a temporary solution.

☑️ Safety Concerns: The rise of online, gray market, and over-the-counter sales for GLP-1s poses risks of dosage inaccuracies and non-sterile products, emphasizing the importance of physician-directed treatment.

☑️ Disease vs. Willpower: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease—not simply a matter of willpower. Genetic predisposition plays a large role.

☑️ Beyond BMI: Reliance on BMI for diagnosis is limited; true assessment considers body composition, genetics, and clinical factors.

☑️ Social Determinants & Environment: Where you live and social factors can profoundly impact your ability to manage obesity and overall health.

☑️ Health Literacy & Advocacy: Empowering patients through health literacy, credible resources, and ongoing support helps combat misinformation and stigma.

☑️ Individualized Care: There is no one-size-fits-all. Success means finding sustainable strategies tailored to the patient's genetics, environment, and personal needs.

☑️ Pursuit of Health vs. Thinness: The goal should be strength, wellness, and self-care, not simply weight loss for appearance's sake.

The conversation highlights the need for compassionate, data-driven approaches, whether it's medication, lifestyle modification, or navigating a complex healthcare system.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Dr. Archelle Georgiou – a physician, acclaimed health journalist, and patient empowerment advocate – to unpack the critical role of health literacy in navigating today's complex healthcare ecosystem.

With an impressive background that spans clinical care, health insurance leadership, media, and education, Archelle Georgiou is dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up for their health. As a longtime on-air health expert for ABC’s Minneapolis affiliate and host of her own podcast, "Speak Up for Your Health," she channels decades of experience into demystifying insurance, advocating true patient-centered care, and simplifying the medical decision-making process for everyone.

Seth and Archelle dive into:

☑️ Empowering the Patient Voice: True health outcomes are achieved when clinical expertise and patient self-expertise intersect – and individuals are taught how to actively advocate for themselves.

☑️ Demystifying Health Insurance: Understanding the nuts and bolts – premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copays, and coinsurance – is essential for making smart healthcare decisions.

☑️ Practical, Real-World Examples: Sometimes, paying cash can be less expensive than using insurance. Knowing how to ask the right questions at the pharmacy or clinic can lead to better financial and health outcomes.

☑️ Choosing the Right Plan: The most expensive health insurance option isn’t always the best; it’s about understanding your personal health risks and financial situation.

☑️ HSAs and High Deductible Plans: Health savings accounts offer tax advantages, but only work well when individuals have the means and knowledge to use them effectively.

☑️ Addressing the Skills Gap: We've built tools to help people manage their health, but little investment has gone into actually teaching people how to use them—a critical gap in health literacy.

☑️ Laying Responsibility: Employers and insurance companies must do more than just promote wellness; they need to educate about insurance mechanics, appeals, and navigating denials.

☑️ The Power of Self-Reflection: Defining your values, priorities, and preferences allows for more personalized medical decisions—patients are experts in their own lives and should articulate what matters most.

☑️ Digital Health Tools: Large language models like ChatGPT can help patients formulate questions, aggregate information, and prepare for provider visits—if used wisely.

☑️ Speaking Up as a Skill: Empowerment isn’t intuitive; it can and should be learned and practiced, with support from all sectors of the health system.

Dr. Georgiou ultimately underscores: You’re the authority on your own life and health. Take time to reflect, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up—whether in the doctor’s office or when choosing your health plan.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Eric Zimmerman, Chief Market Solutions Officer at CredibleMind, for a compelling conversation about advancing mental health literacy and proactive behavioral health solutions in the workforce and beyond.

Eric Zimmerman brings decades of experience at the intersection of behavioral science, public health, and health IT, with a passion for population health and empowering individuals to engage with their own well-being. Now at CredibleMind, Eric leads strategies to blend evidence-based resources, personalized self-care, and digital innovation to fill critical gaps in mental and behavioral health care for employers, public agencies, and communities.

Eric shares how his journey from ecology and epidemiology studies to leadership roles in workforce health shaped his belief that true progress comes from meeting people upstream—educating, normalizing, and guiding before acute problems arise. At CredibleMind, he’s focused on building an accessible, evidence-informed platform that not only provides high-quality mental health resources but also helps users find what truly fits their preferences, life circumstances, and unique challenges.

Seth and Eric dive into:

• Preventive Proactive Approach: We can’t “treat our way out” of the mental health crisis. Early education, screening, and risk reduction are essential.
• The Power of Health Literacy: Most people want to start addressing their mental well-being on their own, but need trusted guidance to know what works.
• Evidence-Based, Personalized Resources: CredibleMind curates and rates tens of thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos—helping users navigate the overwhelming digital health landscape.
• Bridging East and West: The platform integrates both Western medical evidence and Eastern traditions of mental and emotional flourishing, recognizing diverse paths to well-being.
• Reducing Stigma & Normalizing Help-Seeking: Making mental health support relatable, accessible, and free from judgment, especially at key life transitions and in underserved populations.
• Technology with Guardrails: CredibleMind leverages AI and machine learning—not to diagnose, but to personalize resource recommendations and conversations while keeping clinical accuracy and safety paramount.
• Community & Organizational Impact: Their coalition model brings together health systems, universities, and public agencies to create wide-reaching, community-branded solutions.
• Stepped Care and Navigation: Empowering users and care providers to take first steps in self-guided therapy, understand treatment options, and navigate complex benefit systems.
• Whole-Person Health: Mental and physical health are inseparable—addressing mental health improves outcomes and lowers costs for every part of the health journey.

As the episode closes, Eric and Seth reaffirm the importance of lighting the path—demystifying mental health, enhancing literacy, and supporting the whole person to build a healthier, more resilient future.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Jesse Gavin, Well-Being Officer at Baylor College of Medicine, to talk about building thriving, prevention-oriented cultures and the critical role of health literacy in organizational well-being strategies.

Dr. Jesse Gavin shares his unique career journey - beginning with aspirations in veterinary medicine, pivoting to health promotion, and ultimately pioneering employee well-being at Baylor College of Medicine.

With over 11 years of leading Baylor’s acclaimed initiatives, Jesse Gavin brings award-winning experience and a passion for practical, people-centered innovation. His background spans roles in academia, major corporations, and third-party wellness organizations, recently culminating in a DrPH focused on the intersection of workplace well-being and public health.

Seth and Jesse also discuss:

• Rooting Well-being in Core Values: Baylor’s “thriving tree” approach ties every branch of well-being to institutional values like teamwork, respect, and integrity.
• Evolving from Siloes to Integration: Merging recognition programs, on-site wellness centers, and year-of-service awards under a unified mission fosters greater alignment and engagement.
• The Power of Personal Recognition: From e-cards to milestone panoramas, creating a culture of thanks builds daily motivation and connection—no job is too small to acknowledge.
• Demonstrating Value Without the ROI Burden: Consistent 2:1 ROI, national awards, and unsolicited stories of lives changed make the case for investing in people - beyond numbers alone.
• Engaging the Full Workforce: Flexibility is key—presentations are recorded, the team attends 4am meetings, and well-being is made accessible for all, from surgeons to support staff.
• Health Literacy as Essential Infrastructure: Education happens year-round, not just at open enrollment; from understanding urgent care vs. ER to navigating self-funded benefits, continual learning is the norm.
• Teaching, Not Just Doing: Beyond concierge services, employees are empowered to learn the why and how of navigating their care—moving from handholding to skill-building.
• Low/No Cost, High Impact: Health literacy and prevention don’t have to break the bank. Simple, targeted presentations and resource sessions fill critical knowledge gaps at scale.
• Reducing Barriers and Building Relationships: Onsite screenings with actionable education, incentives for physician follow-up, and open communication channels drive engagement and long-term well-being.

This episode demonstrates how organizational culture, strategy, and small but consistent actions can move the needle on health literacy and well-being - making lasting change accessible for all.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Maddison Bezdicek, VP of Strategic Vendor Services at Captive Resources, for a deep dive into the evolving challenges - and opportunities - employers face in workforce health literacy, cost control, and benefit strategy.

Maddison brings a decade-plus of experience in health strategy leadership across insurance brokerage, carrier consulting, and now the captive space, where groups of employers join forces to manage healthcare risk and costs together. With a foundation in exercise science and hands-on knowledge from both the vendor and employer sides, Maddison specializes in forging partnerships and guiding organizations through the complexities of benefits, wellness, vendor selection, and data-driven decision-making.

Seth and Maddison explore:

• Unpacking Group Captives: How employer collectives are creating greater purchasing power and shared strategies for better healthcare cost management.
• Managing Rising Health Costs: Why skyrocketing benefits spending is a top pain point—and how employers are seeking stability before focusing on employee wellness interventions.
• Pharmacy as a Cost Driver: Tackling the often-overlooked impact of pharmacy spend (up to 50% of total healthcare costs) through smarter PBM relationships and contracts.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The shift from limited claims data to deeper analytics - enabling tailored interventions and more effective vendor partnerships.
• Point Solution Fatigue: The reality of too many health and wellness programs - and how narrowing focus and improving communication is driving better employee engagement.
• Reframing Engagement Metrics: Moving from utilization rates to targeting the right populations, and the rise of outcome-based (“case unit”) pricing models for vendors.
• Digital Health’s Double-Edged Sword: Opportunities and challenges in leveraging digital platforms for engagement, including the importance of understanding and respecting different employee populations.
• The Health Literacy Imperative: The growing employer interest—if not frustration—around empowering employees to better navigate healthcare, and why education often remains a tough nut to crack at scale.
• Responsible Use of AI: Balancing back-end administrative efficiency with the irreplaceable value of human connection, especially in sensitive health scenarios.

With practical perspectives on everything from vendor evaluation to the human experience behind benefit designs, this episode reminds us that while technology and strategy are vital, it’s the employee’s real-world journey that should remain front and center.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Wolf Kirsten - global health consultant, workplace wellness expert, and co-director of the Global Center for Healthy Workplaces - to discuss the evolving landscape of workforce health and well-being across multinational organizations.

Wolf shares his rich journey from student athlete in the US to renowned health promotion leader bridging global cultures, markets, and strategies. As founder of International Health Consulting and co-director of the Global Center for Healthy Workplaces, he’s spent decades helping multinational corporations craft holistic, culturally relevant employee wellness programs—while also advising world institutions like the World Health Organization.

Based in Germany and working globally, Wolf brings hands-on insights into the unique challenges, growth opportunities, and trends shaping workplace health around the world.

Seth and Wolf also discuss:

• Global vs. Domestic Wellness: Multinationals face unique challenges compared to US-only companies, from culture to regulations and governance.
• Evolving Employer Commitment: Companies have grown more cautious in investing in health, economic uncertainty, and shifting priorities drive more evidence-based approaches.
• Centralization vs. Localization: Attempts to “clone” US programs globally often run into roadblocks; success comes from balancing central strategy with local adaptation.
• Growth Markets: Countries like India, China, and Brazil are investing strongly in employee well-being, with local cultural nuances shaping programs.
• Pull vs. Push Strategies: When local sites ask for programs and recognition, competition and engagement increase - bottom-up enthusiasm drives progress.
• EAP as a Global Starting Point: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are consistently a global entryway for mental health and wellness efforts, sometimes siloed but increasingly integrated.
• Health Literacy’s Role: Health literacy is gaining recognition as foundational, especially as health systems become more complex and individuals take on more responsibility for their care.
• Workplace Environment Matters: Organizational culture, work pressure, supervisor relationships, and meaningful recognition fundamentally impact employee mental and physical health.
• Champion Networks: Occupational health leaders, especially corporate medical directors in places like India, have an outsized influence in driving workplace well-being.

To build a healthier workforce, companies must combine individual health choices with supportive organizational environments - and embrace the power of cultural adaptation, collaboration, and evidence-based leadership.

Wolf Kirsten: www.linkedin.com/in/wolf-kirsten

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com and wolfkirsten.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Ellen Kelsay, President and CEO of the Business Group on Health, for a timely conversation on the findings of the 2026 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey and what they signal for employers heading into the next phase of workforce health strategy.

The survey offers one of the clearest snapshots available of how large employers are responding to accelerating health care costs, mounting pharmacy pressure, and growing concerns about care quality. 

As President and CEO of the Business Group on Health, Ellen Kelsay brings more than 30 years of experience in employer-sponsored health care, including senior leadership roles at Mercer and Aetna. Since 2019, she has led the organization’s strategy, advocacy, and research agenda, working directly with self-funded employers as they confront some of the most consequential health care decisions of the past decade.

Drawing directly on the 2026 survey findings, Seth and Ellen explore:

• Health care costs at a critical inflection point: Employers reported a 9% increase in health care costs, the highest level in more than a decade, underscoring why cost containment alone is no longer a viable long-term strategy.
• A forced reset in health care strategy: The survey shows employers actively reassessing benefit designs and vendor ecosystems, with a growing focus on integration, transparency, and coordination as levers to improve both cost control and care quality.
• Shifting from reaction to prevention: Findings point to renewed employer attention on primary care, prevention, and healthy behaviors, alongside careful experimentation with supply-side innovations such as value-based care and alternative health plan models.
• Engagement as a make-or-break factor: Survey insights reinforce that even well-designed programs fail without sustained engagement, prompting employers to simplify offerings, improve communications, and clarify shared accountability for outcomes.
• Employers as trusted guides: The survey highlights an expanding role for employers as credible sources of health information, particularly as employees navigate misinformation, complex benefits, and rapidly changing care options.
• Wellbeing investments under scrutiny, not retreat: Contrary to expectations, the findings show continued and in some cases growing investment in wellbeing initiatives, reflecting their perceived role in addressing downstream cost and productivity challenges.
• Health literacy moving to the center of strategy: While not always named explicitly, the survey reinforces the importance of equipping employees to understand benefits, evaluate care options, and make informed decisions, especially as AI accelerates access to health information.
• Preparing for longer working lives: The findings also point to the need for employers to adapt health and wellbeing strategies to support an aging workforce with evolving needs across longer career spans.

Ellen and Seth discuss why the 2026 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey is becoming a practical guide for employers navigating rising costs, limited options, and growing complexity.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner welcomes Janis Davis-Street—nutritionist, educator, public health leader, and global wellness strategist—to unpack the complexities of workforce health literacy and share lessons from her impressive career.

Janis brings a unique blend of frontline experience and academic depth to the conversation, with roots in nutrition and health education, a doctorate, and advanced certifications in organizational leadership and informatics.

Her career journey spans pivotal roles at NASA, where she contributed to space nutrition science and youth outreach, and nearly two decades at Chevron, championing global cardiovascular health initiatives and adapting wellbeing programs for diverse, multinational workforces.

Seth and Janis also discuss:

• Translating science into action, highlighting the art of turning complex nutrition and health research into practical, accessible information for astronauts, students, and employees alike.
• The importance of tailored communication, noting that effective health messaging requires local context and lessons from customizing outreach for global populations to ensure representation and relevance in every region.
• Visual inclusivity, emphasizing that imagery in wellness campaigns matters and participants must see themselves reflected to feel engaged and respected.
• Cultural sensitivity, stressing that partnering with local teams—through language, context, and community stories—helps overcome barriers and drive trust.
• Peer Health Educators (PHE), describing how Chevron’s model empowers trained employees to provide basic health education, advocate for prevention, and refer peers to expert resources, expanding workforce engagement.
• Data-driven impact, explaining that participation and outcomes are tracked, with Chevron’s Enterprise Health Index creating organizational accountability and keeping leaders invested in health culture.
• The power of collaboration, highlighting that health, HR, and benefits teams must break silos and jointly nurture a culture of health for real impact.
• The growing urgency of health literacy, noting that misinformation—especially during the pandemic and now the AI era—affects everyone, making addressing it and increasing equitable access a priority.
• Responsible use of AI, emphasizing that new digital tools present both promise and risk, requiring critical thinking, source verification, and prompt engineering to combat misinformation in health.

For anyone invested in workforce wellbeing, global health, or effective communication, this conversation underscores that impactful health initiatives are not one-size-fits-all—they require empathy, inclusivity, and practical translation of knowledge into action.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website.

Links:

Janis Davis-Street: www.linkedin.com/in/janis-davis-street-26232315/

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner welcomes Blair Durham, co-founder and CEO of Black BRAND, to discuss the intersection of workforce health literacy, economic empowerment, and community development, with a special focus on narrowing the racial wealth gap in Hampton Roads.

Blair Durham is a dynamic leader who has spent the past decade building Black BRAND - Hampton Roads’ Regional Black Chamber of Commerce - into a powerhouse for business and professional development. With a background in psychology and sociology, and a keen passion for social equity, Blair is leading transformative initiatives in entrepreneurship, workforce preparation, access to capital, and financial sustainability that aim to strengthen and expand Black-owned businesses while fostering regional economic growth.

Seth and Blair explore the strategies and outcomes of Black BRAND’s work, touching on the vital importance of health literacy in personal and collective economic success. Their conversation offers powerful insights for anyone interested in building healthier, more resilient, and inclusive communities.

Key takeaways from their conversation:

☑️ Black BRAND is committed to addressing gaps in business development, professional advancement, and entrepreneurship for the Black community - while simultaneously promoting regional economic growth.

☑️ Black BRAND has facilitated millions of dollars in grants and loan access, and is now working to build its own financial institution to better serve graduates and local businesses.

☑️ With over 700 entrepreneurs supported since COVID and targeted initiatives for women in workforce development, Black BRAND meticulously tracks outcomes to demonstrate real impact to funders and the community.

☑️ Blair emphasizes that Black BRAND’s focus on workforce readiness and inclusive economic development transcends political winds, serving a broad business case that benefits all.

☑️ Recognizing that health literacy is the single greatest determinant of health outcomes, Black BRAND integrates wellness initiatives - from educational forums to healthy workplace practices - into its broader economic mission.

☑️ The organization is pioneering efforts to raise awareness among business owners about the critical connection between their personal well-being and professional success.

Blair’s optimism and clear-eyed vision highlight the power of community-rooted partnerships and targeted action to advance both health and economic well-being.

Links:

Blair Durham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-durham-15528a17a/

Black Brand: https://www.blackbrand.biz

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit EdLogics.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs. Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs. 

The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast is produced by the HR podcast production agency.

Employer healthcare cost inflation in the US is accelerating - yet Americans live nearly five years less than people in other developed nations. Many families now face out-of-pocket expenses that exceed their available cash, even with employer-sponsored coverage.

Garner Health analyzes roughly 75% of all claims nationwide, allowing it to evaluate virtually every doctor in the country. Their data shows that low-performing physicians can have four times the complication rates and are five times more likely to deliver unnecessary care. 

Seth Serxner recently spoke with Kirk Czonstka, SVP of Strategic Alliances at Garner Health, about how the company uses claims and analytics to identify top doctors and help people get better care while spending less.

Seth and Kirk also discuss:

☑️ The Rising Cost and Declining Quality of U.S. Healthcare: Despite increased spending, life expectancy lags, and cost inflation for employers is unsustainable.

☑️ Complexity Doesn’t Equal Engagement: Adding more vendors and solutions hasn’t translated into meaningful employee action, with less than 5% using traditional tools.

☑️ The Doctor Makes the Difference: Analysis shows that individual physician performance, not just the right network or hospital, has the greatest impact on cost and outcomes. Guiding patients to high-performing providers achieves an average of 27% savings per episode of care, without compromising quality.

☑️ High Variation in Care Quality: Data reveals alarming differences even within the same facility; low-performing doctors can drive up to four times the complications, and five times more unnecessary care.

☑️ Overcoming Provider Pushback: While no doctor likes tough feedback, transparent, evidence-based performance metrics help both employers and providers identify improvement opportunities.

☑️ Driving Change in Provider Behavior: Health systems and large physician groups are leveraging Garner’s analytics to inform referrals and internal practice transformation for better performance.

☑️ Making Quality Data Consumer-Friendly: Recognizing the average employee isn’t a data analyst, Garner simplifies choices and incentivizes use by reimbursing out-of-pocket costs when recommended providers are chosen.

☑️ The Role of Health Literacy: With barely 1 in 10 Americans considered health literate, empowering people to understand and act on trusted data is as critical as the data itself, and financial incentives can be an effective catalyst.

☑️ Addressing Disparities in Care: While still aspirational, Kirk’s team is working to leverage demographic information to further personalize recommendations and address differential care by ethnicity and gender.

☑️ And much more.

If you care about cutting healthcare costs and making smarter choices, you won’t want to miss this episode.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

Improving health literacy - the ability to understand and act on health information - is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

Visit the podcast home page here: www.edlogics.com/podcast.

About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com

In this special episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner swaps seats with Tom Chamberlain for an engaging exploration of the intersection between health literacy, wellbeing, and practical daily habits - guided by Seth's new book, “The Wellbeing Effect: Bite-Sized Practices for Busy People to Lead Happier, Healthier Lives”.

Seth Serxner, Chief Health Officer at EdLogics, is a nationally recognized expert in health promotion and workplace wellbeing. With advanced degrees in psychology, public health, and health promotion from leading California universities, Seth has spent decades translating behavioral science into actionable strategies - in academia, the private sector, and as an author and thought leader.

His personal journey, shaped by both academic rigor and a life-changing injury, has fueled his dedication to making health concepts accessible and empowering for everyday individuals and organizations.

Tom and Seth also discuss:

☑️ The Wellbeing Effect: His new book was inspired by a desire to reach employees directly, offering practical, evidence-based tips after seeing the impact of his wellbeing webinars during COVID.

☑️ Personal Adversity as Teacher: A serious ski accident gave Seth firsthand insight into navigating the healthcare system and deepened his appreciation for foundational wellbeing practices.

☑️ Mastering Behavior Change: Lasting change requires more than inspiration: Seth breaks down behavior change into awareness, skill-building, and maintenance, all anchored by personal purpose.

☑️ From Wellness to Wellbeing: Traditional “wellness” targets risk factors, while “wellbeing” focuses on living longer, happier lives. Seth outlines three domains: foundational, emotional, and holistic wellbeing.

☑️ Health Literacy as Foundation: Health literacy is a powerful determinant of health, even more than income or education. Understanding and navigating the healthcare system is core to personal and community wellbeing.

☑️ The Power of Purpose, Awe, and Social Connections: Seth highlights the science behind purpose, awe, gratitude, humor, and meaningful social connections as often-overlooked but critical elements of wellbeing and resilience.

☑️ Addressing Loneliness and Caregiving: Tackling loneliness—often called a new epidemic—and supporting caregivers are essential for improving health outcomes across all generations.

☑️ Community and Workforce Impact: Employers and communities are recognizing that boosting health literacy and wellbeing drives better health outcomes, lifts whole populations, and fosters healthier, happier workplaces.

This episode is a compelling reminder that small, intentional steps, grounded in science, purpose, and connection, can generate outsized impacts on our personal and collective health.

Buy the book: sethserxner.com/book-2/

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner sits down with Nia Pommerenke, Founder of SeaBright Culture Solutions, to talk about what it really takes to build a workplace culture that champions health, wellbeing, and lasting success.

Nia shares how clear values, strong leadership, and an engaged environment drive not only retention and productivity but also health literacy and trust. The big takeaway? Defining and living your culture from the top down isn’t optional - it's the smartest investment you can make in your people and your company's future.

Nia has spent over 25 years immersed in the world of HR, always gravitating towards the elements that shape people’s experience at work: culture, engagement, and leadership. Nearly a decade ago, she launched her own consulting business, initially offering a broad range of HR services.

However, Nia soon discovered her passion for workplace culture and has since made it the core of her work. Today, she is dedicated to helping organizations strengthen culture as a key driver of both well-being and performance.

Seth and Nia also discuss:

☑️ The criticality of culture assessments before making changes.

☑️ Distinguishing between stated values and lived values in the workplace.

☑️ Why organizations often misdiagnose problems, overlooking culture as the root cause.

☑️ The implications of leaders seeing culture as a "leadership imperative."

☑️ The vital role of psychological safety for wellbeing and performance.

☑️ Strategies to stop the spread of disengagement.

☑️ Concrete actions senior leaders can take to model the desired culture.

Building a healthier workplace isn’t about surface-level programs or slogans - it’s about embedding core values, fostering psychological safety, and supporting leaders to sustain change.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com/solutions-for-employers 

Links:

Website: www.seabrighthr.com

LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/nia-pommerenke

Visit EdLogics.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs. Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs. 

The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast is produced by the business podcast agency.

Success, as traditionally defined through wealth, titles, accolades, and the perfect life, is often seen as the pinnacle. But what happens when you get there and feel suffocated instead of fulfilled?

For Joe Gagnon, CEO of RaYnmaker, entrepreneur, adventurer, and author, that moment came at age 39. Despite a career packed with highlights - partner at Ernst & Young, IPOs, acquisition by IBM, and leading a billion-dollar division, he found himself in what he called “the greatest rut of my life.”

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Joe shares that his shift wasn’t sparked by a single epiphany, but by a growing awareness that his path no longer aligned with his deeper purpose.

He pivoted from corporate leadership to the startup world - but more importantly, he began a personal transformation: embracing movement, reflection, nutrition, and above all, service to others as the foundation of a fulfilling life.

In this episode on the concept of 'life literacy', Seth and Joe also discuss:

☑️ Defining Your Why: Purpose fuels persistence. When you know why, the how gets easier.

☑️ Service as Motivation: Serving others can spark growth, but watch for burnout.

☑️Consistency vs. Spontaneity: Routines build progress, but spontaneity keeps it alive. Structure with room to breathe.

☑️The Five Pillars: Nutrition, exercise, mindset, community, sleep.

☑️ Agency and Control: Small wins rebuild a sense of control. Empowerment starts with choice and autonomy.

☑️ Overcoming the Comfort Zone: Discomfort is a growth signal. Lean in - confidence lives on the other side.

☑️ Life Literacy vs. Health Literacy: Life literacy = emotional agility, resilience, wise choices.

☑️ Making Time for Yourself: Start with 15 minutes a day. You deserve space to grow - no guilt required.

Listen to the full episode for actionable insights and motivational stories. Find your why. Forge your habits. Serve others by showing up as your best self.

Website: www.thehighperformancelife.net

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joegagnon

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

To learn more, visit EdLogics at www.edlogics.com.

Many fully insured employers are seeing sharp increases in healthcare premiums - some reporting hikes of 15%, 20%, even 30%. A major driver behind these rising costs? Overpriced and specialty medications continue to strain benefit budgets and impact long-term sustainability.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Doug Roehm, President and Lead Strategic Consultant at Strategic Services Group, shares strategies to address this challenge. He highlights innovative ways to engage employees, from gamification to virtual care, and offers fresh insights on managing cost inflation while improving health literacy.

Seth and Doug also discuss:

☑️ Strategies used to engage Native American tribes and unions in health and wellness programs, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and trust-building.

☑️ The current challenges employers face in managing rising healthcare costs, especially concerning pharmacy benefits and high-cost specialty medications.

☑️ Medicare reference-based pricing as a cost-control strategy, and how employers can apply it to negotiate better healthcare rates.

☑️ Techniques for increasing employee engagement in health literacy efforts, including simplified communication, relatable content, and incentives.

☑️The role of gamification - using tools like Edlogics - to make health education interactive and appealing, boosting participation and knowledge retention.

☑️ Integrating EAP (Employee Assistance Program) with behavioral health services to create a more cohesive, accessible support system for employees.

☑️ The use of health care navigation services to relieve HR teams and empower employees with clearer benefit guidance and smarter healthcare decisions.

☑️ And much more.

Tune in to discover how engagement can transform your organization's health outcomes and make informed choices.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Michael Perlmutter, Senior Director at WTW, for an insightful discussion on the evolution of workforce health literacy and the challenges employers face in integrating emerging health solutions.

Michael shares how virtual and digital healthcare solutions are reshaping patient navigation, integrating care experiences, and leveraging AI and predictive analytics to manage costs.

Seth and Michael also discuss:

☑️ Point solution Fatigue: The fragmentation of healthcare into multiple vendor-driven solutions - are they truly benefiting employers?

☑️ Diabetes Management Challenges: A surplus of solutions, but are they driving real cost savings?

☑️ Virtual Medicine’s Role: The shift toward integrated virtual primary & specialty care.

☑️ Health Literacy Matters: With only 1 in 10 Americans possessing strong health literacy skills, education is critical for better health outcomes.

☑️ Future of Healthcare: A vision for clinician-led, integrated health solutions that simplify patient journeys.

☑️ And much more.

Tune in to explore how AI, predictive analytics, and advanced care models are shaping the future of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Paul Fronstin, Director of Health Benefits Research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), to discuss how employers can enhance health benefit strategies and workforce health literacy.

Health literacy is essential for enabling employees to navigate their health plans with confidence and ease. Clear communication and accessible resources from employers are crucial in simplifying health benefits, as a lack of understanding can result in underutilized services. To address this, many organizations are enhancing health literacy by promoting knowledge-sharing and offering educational opportunities. By focusing on strategies that boost consumer engagement and satisfaction, the evolution of health benefits can drive a healthier and more informed workforce.

Paul highlights employers' pivotal role in fostering health literacy by offering essential resources to help employees understand their health plans.

In an insightful conversation with Seth Serxner, they examine how insufficient communication contributes to low enrollment in health savings accounts and explore how improved numeracy and clearer messaging can increase the utilization of vital services, such as cancer screenings.

Seth and Paul also discuss:

☑️ Strategies for employers to effectively communicate Health Savings Account (HSA) benefits for better enrollment and understanding.

☑️ How employer collaboration can enhance health benefit strategies and workforce health literacy.

☑️ The impact of data advancements in studying links between financial wellness programs and healthcare usage.

☑️ Insights on how social determinants, especially financial factors, influence health outcomes and what wage-based data reveals.

☑️ Implications of Paul Fronstin’s research on medication adherence for employer-sponsored health plans.

☑️ Identifying improvement opportunities in health benefits despite high satisfaction survey scores.

☑️ Adapting to pandemic-era constraints on conference participation through alternative information-sharing methods.

☑️ Effective incentives for driving engagement in wellness and preventive health programs.

☑️ And much more!

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Laura Putnam, CEO and founder of Motion Infusion, talk about how mental health can be championed within the workplace through strategic leadership and innovative well-being programs.

Laura Putnam, MA, is a global well-being leader, author of the bestselling book “Workplace Wellness That Works”, and the CEO and founder of Motion Infusion, a prominent well-being consultancy. Renowned for her dynamic keynote presentations, Laura has collaborated with a diverse array of organizations—from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies, universities, and nonprofits. Her work centers on empowering over 40,000 managers and leaders to embed well-being into workplace culture, helping them champion wellness from both an individual and organizational perspective.

Laura challenges the common view that poor health outcomes are purely a matter of personal responsibility, highlighting evidence that our environments and culture play a substantial role. She advocates for creating supportive spaces that enable everyone to thrive, much like fish depend on clean water to flourish.

Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, and on FOX, ABC, and MSNBC. Laura has been honored with the American Heart Association's “Impact” award and the National Wellness Institute’s “Circle of Leadership” award. Laura is a graduate of Brown University and Stanford University.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Laura discuss:

☑️ Encouraging leaders to assess their influence on team morale and workplace culture.

☑️ Addressing underlying workplace factors that impact employees' mental health and performance.

☑️ Facilitating team-based activities to foster psychological safety and collective well-being.

☑️ Equipping leaders to handle essential mental health conversations confidently with team members.

☑️ Promoting policies that address mental health needs and support a positive work environment.

☑️ Training managers to leverage their roles in positively influencing team mental well-being.

☑️ Establishing team norms that encourage open communication and a shared commitment to mental health.

☑️ And much more!

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Brian Hughes to talk about integrating spiritual care within healthcare settings, particularly for clinicians facing burnout and moral distress.

Brian Hughes is a board-certified chaplain with 22 years of experience in acute care across various states. 

Brian initially worked on a pilot program to screen Medicaid recipients for spiritual distress, leading to the development of a telephonic chaplaincy service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he expanded his role to support healthcare staff, focusing on clinician support, living wills, and end-of-life discussions.

His professional journey is influenced by personal insights from his wife, a breast cancer surgeon. Brian is dedicated to redefining chaplaincy beyond religious contexts, emphasizing spiritual care including values, meaning, purpose, community, and belonging. His work also focuses on addressing burnout and moral distress among healthcare staff.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Brian and Seth discuss:

☑️ Chaplains are pivotal in supporting healthcare providers, particularly those grappling with burnout and moral distress.

☑️ Research indicates that systemic issues, rather than individual resilience, account for 80-90% of clinician burnout.

☑️Even non-religious individuals benefit from spiritual care, as it addresses fundamental human needs like purpose, connection, and meaning.

☑️ Healthcare organizations should align systemic changes with business objectives.

☑️ Including values like compassion in performance reviews and organizational strategies promotes a supportive and humane work environment.

☑️ Expanding chaplaincy services across healthcare systems can enhance clinician well-being.

☑️ High health literacy is essential for patients and families to make informed decisions.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.

The interplay between our genetics, environment, and lifestyle is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in shaping our health outcomes. Understanding how these elements interact can pave the way for a transformative shift in healthcare practices.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner and Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California School of Medicine (UCSF) in San Francisco, talk about how our environment and lifestyle choices significantly influence our genetic makeup and overall health.

Dr. Kenneth Pelletier also holds positions in the Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco. He serves as the Director of the Corporate Health Improvement Program (CHIP), a collaborative research initiative that partners with fifteen Fortune 500 companies, including Ford, Oracle, Prudential, Dow, Lockheed Martin, NASA, PepsiCo, IBM, Cummins, Steelcase, and the Mayo Clinic.

Seth and Dr. Pelletier discuss:

☑️ Epigenetics, which reveals that our genes don’t solely determine our health; environmental and lifestyle factors significantly influence health outcomes.

☑️ How the fee-for-service model creates inefficiencies in healthcare by incentivizing unnecessary treatments.

☑️ Insights from “blue zones”, demonstrating that longevity and quality of life are largely shaped by lifestyle choices and strong social connections.

☑️ The greater impact of environmental factors and lifestyle choices on health outcomes compared to genetics.

☑️ The various challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system, including entrenched financial incentives and resistance from medical lobbies.

☑️ The importance of increasing healthcare literacy to improve health outcomes.

☑️ The necessity of incorporating integrative and lifestyle medicine into traditional medical education to enhance overall healthcare results.

☑️ The need for innovative strategies to promote the adoption of integrative healthcare approaches.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Shubhi Rao, founder and CEO of Uplevyl, a platform dedicated to using AI and technology to support and uplift women in the workforce while also supporting holistic health and wellness.

Shubhi Rao is a distinguished executive who began her career as an engineer, holding dual degrees in Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering. After five years in engineering, she transitioned into leadership roles at companies like Alphabet/Google, Tesco, PwC, Tyco, and Ford, becoming the first woman and person of color to serve as Treasurer at both Alphabet/Google and Tesco. Shubhi is currently a Board Member at Open Lending Corp and the founder of Uplevyl, an AI platform aimed at closing the gender gap in organizations. She holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Uplevyl is a generative AI platform powered by women's insights, offering personalized development tools to equip organizations for future challenges while fostering women leaders and enhancing their overall well-being. The platform provides resources not just for personal, financial, and professional growth, but also for health and wellness, recognizing that personal and professional success are deeply interconnected.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Shubhi and Seth discuss:

☑️ How Uplevyl utilizes AI and technology to democratize leadership resources for women and support their well-being.

☑️ The challenges women face in male-dominated industries and the impact on their mental and physical well-being.

☑️ The importance of personalized content that promotes both professional and personal growth.

☑️ Shubhi’s unique approach to curating high-quality, applicable resources that include insights on health and wellness, finance, career development, and more.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Dr. Ari Hoffman, SVP Product at Collective Health, a workforce benefits platform that integrates various benefit levers to deliver streamlined and holistic benefits administration.

Their in-depth discussion covers a range of critical topics affecting the healthcare landscape today—from health literacy and value-based care to digital health solutions and AI’s potential role in transforming healthcare.

Dr. Ari Hoffman is an accomplished graduate of Stanford University and UCSF Medical School. Before joining Collective Health, he held various clinical and academic leadership roles at UCSF, including his most recent position as Value Improvement Director for Hospital Medicine. His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, such as the 2012 Quality & Safety Innovation Challenge and the 2010 Innovative Teaching Award. With a robust background in health policy, Dr. Hoffman has been mentored by notable figures like Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, a healthcare adviser during the Obama administration, and Dr. Steve Pearson, founder and President of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Though he has spent years on the UCSF faculty teaching health policy and value, this focus evolved over time.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Ari and Seth discuss:

☑️ The crucial role of data in helping members make informed healthcare decisions.

☑️ The significance of health literacy in guiding members through benefit selection and plan design to avoid financial pitfalls.

☑️ Measuring and agreeing on parameters for value-based care and contracting.

☑️ The need for clear and transparent tools for navigating healthcare structures, focusing on health literacy, simplicity, transparency, and intuitiveness

☑️ The importance of data-driven and evidence-based approaches in healthcare, chronic disease management, and the role of delivery systems in providing appropriate and cost-effective care.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Marleece Estella, Chief Medical Officer at BP, to explore the complexities of workforce health literacy, the impact of the physical environment on employee well-being, and the critical role of civility and media consumption.

Marleece Estella is the Chief Medical Officer at BP, leading a global team dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of over 60,000 employees. With over 20 years of experience in clinical, strategic, and operational roles across industries like defense, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy, she is a recognized leader in health and productivity management. Marleece is committed to making health and well-being a strategic priority at BP, advising the C-suite on health-related risks, and developing initiatives that enhance employee performance and job satisfaction.

Before joining BP, Marleece held senior positions at Lockheed Martin, John Deere, and Shell Oil Company, where she managed large-scale health programs. A sought-after speaker on topics such as stress management and work-life balance, she holds an MD from the University of Rochester and a Master of Healthcare Management from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Marleece and Seth discuss:

☑️ The transition from traditional occupational health to a holistic approach.

☑️ Strategies for maintaining employee health both inside and outside the workplace.

☑️ Improvements in workplace ergonomics to reduce strain and injuries.

☑️ Using the social-ecological model to understand health influences.

☑️ How leadership roles impact organizational health and mental wellness.

☑️ Collaborating to design health-promoting workplace environments.

☑️ The importance of civility in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website.

Links:

bp: www.bp.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marleece-estella-99963060

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Meghan Oliver, CEO & Founder of SIR, a pioneering company focused on boosting the physical and mental well-being of older men, to talk about the challenges men face in engaging with healthcare and how SIR is using a unique strategy, blending physical and digital experiences to create a fun and non-threatening approach to men's health.

Meghan Oliver is an experienced Health Tech Executive and pragmatic strategist with extensive expertise in product and business development across corporate and startup environments. With 14 years in the healthcare industry, Meghan has a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare system's intricacies, having worked in both care delivery and health plans. She began her career at Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, before transitioning to the startup scene at Bright Health and Curai. As the former SVP of Bright Health, Meghan led new business development and early-stage product efforts, contributing to the company's expansion and scaling of innovative offerings. Her focus on product development and digital engagement has seen her collaborate with development and operations teams to build impactful healthcare solutions.

SIR is a membership experience designed specifically for aging men, celebrating their contributions and providing them with respect, appreciation, and consideration. What began as a thoughtful idea for a better Father’s Day gift has evolved into rethinking and reimagining post-retirement life for all men. SIR offers a hyper-personalized experience that starts with fun, adventure, and camaraderie, expanding into social connection and health. By combining hands-on creative activities with personalized digital experiences powered by AI, SIR reaches men who are often overlooked.

SIR aims to support men in their legacy stage, providing a way for family, friends, community organizations, and businesses to show care and appreciation.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Meghan and Seth discuss:

☑️ Meghan's trust-building and light-hearted methods to engage older men in health and wellness.

☑️ Cognitive health and confidence maintenance as key objectives of SIR for older men.

☑️ SIR's approach to health literacy, enhancing men's wellness knowledge and skills.

☑️ Challenges and benefits of SIR's membership and partnership model versus traditional models.

☑️ Meghan's vision for SIR beyond the beta launch in the healthcare landscape.

☑️ SIR as a catalyst for addressing older men's unique health needs and influencing men's health discussions.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website.

Links:

SIR: www.thesirlife.com

Blog: https://medium.com/@mkd.oliver/introducing-sir-a-membership-experience-for-aging-men-5e4a61e995d0

Video: https://discover.thesirlife.com/#intro

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-oliver

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by RJ Kedziora, Co-Founder of Estenda Solutions, to talk about the role of AI in behavioral change, digital therapeutics, and the emerging trends in health literacy.

With over 25 years of experience in technology, RJ Kedziora is a results-driven professional specializing in leadership, process improvement, project and product management, software development, and governance. His award-winning work with clients has earned a HIMSS Davies Award and several patents.

Passionate about using data to create innovative solutions for improving patient care and outcomes, RJ Kedziora believes Estenda’s efforts help people live longer, healthier lives.

Estenda is a healthcare and medical custom software development, data analytics, and consulting company with 20 years of experience in digital health. The company collaborates with innovative organizations of all sizes, whether commercial or research-focused, to invent, design, develop, implement, and research solutions that enhance health and well-being.

In a wide-ranging conversation, RJ and Seth discuss:

☑️ Key considerations in developing solutions for healthcare.
☑️ Challenges and opportunities of using Gen AI and wearable technology in healthcare.
☑️ Pursuing potential projects and innovations in digital health, particularly in the area of chronic condition management.
☑️ Developing health applications using behavior change theory and digital therapeutics.
☑️ Using AI technologies to enhance health literacy and communication in the healthcare industry.
☑️ The potential of AI and augmented intelligence to support healthcare practitioners.
☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the main EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Links:

Estenda: www.estenda.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rjkedziora/

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Lauren Redfern, the Executive Director of Hormonally.org, a company dedicated to providing evidence-based information on women's hormonal health. The insightful discussion shed light on the challenges faced by women in managing hormonal health, the impact of hormone levels on various aspects of life, and the crucial role of workplace support.

Lauren Redfern's work at Hormonally involves developing guides and resources to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients. The focus is on providing trustworthy and evidence-based information for patients to gain a deeper understanding of their conditions. This emphasis on reliable information is essential in empowering women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Lauren was affiliated with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine while she was working on her PhD in Medical Anthropology. Her doctoral research examined the use of testosterone, investigating how social and biomedical factors interact to shape our perceptions and understandings of the body and its processes.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Lauren and Seth discuss:

☑️ Involving pharmacists, therapists, and teachers in providing holistic support.
☑️ Therapists' crucial role in addressing the impact on intimacy.
☑️ Emphasizing continuous education and professional collaboration.
☑️ Empowering women to share their personal health stories.
☑️ Understanding the intricate connection between hormones and mental health.
☑️ Workplace accommodations for women's health needs: Creating supportive and inclusive environments.
☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com

Links:

Hormonally: www.hormonally.org

Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-redfern-04052213b/

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Philip Swayze, MS, CWPD, Vice President & East Region Practice Leader, Health & Performance at HUB International, to talk about workforce well-being initiatives that drive engagement and boost productivity.

In his role, Philip provides strategic well-being consulting support from Maine to Maryland. He collaborates with the HUB Employee Benefits Team and other consultants on client program design and implementation.

Philip is actively involved with the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) and the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts, contributing to various workgroups and committees. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Golden Gate University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Vermont.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Philip and Seth discuss:

☑️ Integrating mental health into well-being strategies for holistic growth and prosperity across all aspects of life.

☑️ Establishing trust through effective and genuine communication to foster adoption of offered programs and benefits.

☑️ Matching incentives with behaviors for enhanced well-being, including lifestyle spending accounts to boost intrinsic motivation among employees.

☑️ Incorporating behavioral science and personalization to enhance engagement and outcomes in wellness and health literacy.

☑️ Using ZIP code level data, salary data, and persona analyses to make impactful recommendations for population health and well-being.

☑️ Positioning mental health as a critical aspect of total well-being and integrating it into chronic condition management and family services.

☑️ And much more.

From the discussion:

• The Wellness Effect: Energize Your Workforce with Wellbeing Initiatives That Drive Engagement and Boost Productivity - https://www.hubinternational.com/blog/2024/06/wellness-program-and-initiatives-webinar/.
• HERO Mental Health Work committee publications - https://hero-health.org/resources/committee-publications/
• HERO Scorecard https://hero-health.org/hero-scorecard/

Links:

• HUB International: www.hubinternational.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/philip-swayze-ms-cwpd-6b16972
• HERO Scorecard: www.hero-health.org/hero-scorecard
• HERO Website: www.hero-health.org

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Renya Spak, Chief Growth Officer at Well, to talk about the importance of workforce health literacy, engagement, and the potential of artificial intelligence in personalizing health solutions.

Renya Spak is a highly skilled professional with two decades of expertise in employer-sponsored healthcare. As a growth leader at a late-stage digital health startup, Renya has focused on leveraging consumer-grade techniques to engage members in their health, recognizing that employer-driven healthcare innovation depends on such strategies. Renya is passionate about continuing this work by integrating the latest advances in consumer science and behavioral economics into the healthcare market through the Well platform.

Renya holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Well is the first engagement platform to deliver a personalized, daily whole health partner at scale. It offers tech-enabled concierge health services for all, providing a convenient and friendly partner suited to modern life. Recognizing that everyone’s health journey is different, Well adapts to each individual's context, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Renya and Seth discuss:

☑️ Well's approach to addressing health equity and disparities includes community engagement, tailored interventions, and leveraging technology, leading to successful engagement and utilization, especially among traditionally underserved populations.

☑️ Insights gathered through Well's platform reveal unique patterns in patient behavior and preferences not found in traditional claims reports or vendor reports, driving actionable interventions.

☑️ Traditional incentive systems have limitations, necessitating a more dynamic and personalized approach to drive relevant behavioral change.

☑️ Incorporating context, social determinants, and social needs into the incentivization model is important, as personalized rewards and group challenges can impact behavioral change.

☑️ And much more.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website.

Links:

Well: www.well.co and Well demo.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/renyaspak

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Jennifer Fann (Senior Vice President, Atlanta Health Solutions Practice Leader at Aon) to talk about the importance of workforce health and well-being in business strategy.

Aon provides Health, Wealth, Human Capital and Risk consulting services with approximately 500 offices worldwide, serving 120 countries with 50,000 employees.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Jennifer and Seth discuss:

☑️ The workforce health and well-being landscape in business strategy over the last years.

☑️ Challenges of workforce health and well-being initiatives in organizations due to multigenerational workforces.

☑️ Engaging the workforce in health and well-being initiatives and the role of culture and leadership.

☑️ Key components of health literacy and its role in promoting prevention, risk reduction, and treatment.

☑️ Leveraging technology to personalize health education and improve health literacy for individuals with diverse health needs and conditions.

☑️ The importance of health literacy and its role in reducing healthcare costs and improving overall health outcomes for the workforce.

☑️ The impact of low health literacy on healthcare utilization and costs, and how organizations can address this issue.

☑️ Creating a psychologically safe environment to encourage employees to seek help and support in managing their health.

☑️ The role of personalization, simplicity, and personalized health education in improving health literacy and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being.

☑️ And much more.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics - Health Literacy Platform.

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website. 

Links:
Aon: www.aon.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fann-tucker

Visit EdLogics.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs. Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs. 

The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast is produced by the HR podcast agency.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner shares an interview that Tom Chamberlain (CEO of EdLogics) recently did on an HR industry podcast.

In the interview, Tom talked about how EdLogics helps employers and HR teams and covered topics such as:

☑️ How to boost employee engagement for health benefits.

☑️ How EdLogics makes health education fun, engaging, and rewarding.

☑️ Boosting engagement and utilization rates of healthcare and wellness programs with EdLogics.

☑️ The ease of implementation for clients using the platform.

☑️ EdLogics provides personalized content based on age, gender, and subject matter interests.

☑️ How data can be gathered in a compliant and secure environment.

☑️ And much more.

It was an excellent explanation of how the EdLogics platform helps employers and HR teams.

Thanks to Ben Geoghegan, host of the A Better HR Business podcast, for having Tom on the show.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics - Health Literacy Platform.

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the main EdLogics website. 

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Reed Davis, a Double Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Certified Nutritional Therapist (CNT), and a popular expert in functional lab testing and holistic lifestyle medicine.

Reed is the Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN) and the FDN Certification Course with over 4000 graduates in 50 countries.

With an illustrious tenure as Health Director at a premier Wellness Center in Southern California spanning over a decade, Reed has personally attended to more than 10,000 clients, solidifying his reputation as one of the most experienced practitioners in the field. Additionally, Reed lends his expertise as an advisor to the Board of American Natural Wellness Coaches and the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches.

Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) is home to a committed team of pioneers, educators, and wellness advocates who come together with a shared mission: to educate and inspire individuals to attain optimal health through natural means.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Reed discuss:

☑️ Challenges people face when seeking effective healthcare solutions.

☑️ The importance of empowering patients to take control of their health.

☑️ Core components of Reed's health building program.

☑️ Why is scientific literacy important in the field of functional diagnostic nutrition?

☑️ The challenges of maintaining scientific rigor in an era of abundant, often conflicting health information.

☑️ Principles and practices that can be applied to promote better workplace health literacy and wellness programs.

☑️ And much more.

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics Podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics - Health Literacy Platform.

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website. http://EdLogics.com . http://EdLogics.com

Links:

FDN website - www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com

Reed Davis - www.linkedin.com/in/reeddavis

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Nico Pronk, President and Institutional Official of HealthPartners Institute and Chief Science Officer at HealthPartners to talk about the impact of cultural change, health literacy, and building trust in the workplace.

The HealthPartners organization is a health plan and a health system comprised of several hospitals and clinics in the Twin Cities area.

Dr. Pronk is a prominent figure in public health research, with a focus on bridging evidence-based practices with real-world applications to enhance population health and well-being.

As a Senior Research Investigator at the HealthPartners Institute and an Affiliate Full Professor at the University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, he is dedicated to developing and implementing programs, policies, and systems that demonstrably improve public health outcomes. Dr. Pronk's expertise extends across various settings, including workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities, where he pioneers innovative models to address health challenges at research, practice, and policy levels.

Recognized for his leadership and expertise, Dr. Pronk has held influential positions such as co-chair of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for Healthy People 2030. He also serves on the Food and Nutrition Board, chairs the Roundtable on Obesity Solutions at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and contributes to several other boards and organizations dedicated to advancing health research and policy.

Dr. Pronk's contributions are both scholarly and practical, as evidenced by his extensive publications and international speaking engagements on population health and well-being. He earned his doctorate in exercise physiology from Texas A&M University and completed post-doctoral studies in behavioral medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, solidifying his interdisciplinary approach to tackling public health challenges.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Nico and Seth discuss:

☑️ Addressing cultural change and health literacy in the workplace.

☑️ Successful initiatives implemented by organizations to promote anti-racism within work teams.

☑️ Main challenges in integrating new staff and maintaining collegialism in the changing workforce landscape.

☑️ How employers can encourage greater participation in health and well-being initiatives among their workforce.

☑️ Societal forces influencing the health and well-being of individuals in the workplace.

☑️ Integrating health literacy into overall well-being strategies for the workforce.

☑️ And much more.

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics Podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website. 

Links:

HealthPartners Institute - www.healthpartners.com

Dr. Nico Pronk - linkedin.com/in/nico-pronk-b2450768

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Sanya Rajpal, the CEO and Co-Founder of AdagioVR, a scientifically based, self-led, and scalable solution for well-being delivered through virtual reality, to talk about the potential impact of virtual reality on mental health, behavioral change, and trauma-focused approaches.

Sanya Rajpal is a lawyer holding a Master's in Education and International Development from UCL and an MBA from the University of Oxford.

AdagioVR provides mental well-being products that use Virtual Reality as a platform to deliver video programs based on techniques of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for at-home management of a variety of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, and mild trauma.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Sanya discuss:

☑️ A unique approach to interventions in mental health and well-being using virtual reality (VR) technology.

☑️ Barriers to widespread adoption of VR in the healthcare space.

☑️ Making VR interventions more accessible to communities with limited resources.

☑️ The importance of offering tangible, meaningful mental health and well-being interventions.

☑️ Using VR technology to educate and engage individuals in understanding their own health journey, including mental, behavioral, and physical aspects.

☑️ And much more.

About the Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

Learn about EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit the main EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Links:

Sanya Rajpal’s LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/sanya-rajpal-90298512a

Adagio VR: www.adagiovr.com

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Tom Chamberlain (CEO of EdLogics), Sushant Gupta (Co-Founder & CEO of Meomind), and Eric Zimmerman (Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Commercialization Officer at Kumanu) to talk about the role of digital platforms in educating and guiding individuals through transitions, particularly in the healthcare and mental health landscape.

The episode delves into how these digital platforms address health literacy, engage users in mental health support, and leverage technology to drive impact and engagement.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Tom, Sushant, Eric, and Seth discuss:

☑️ Key strategies and technologies used to engage individuals in on-demand mental health support and address health literacy.

☑️ Providing real-time information and adapting to current events and trends to deliver personalized and relevant content to users.

☑️ Insights into intrinsic motivation and its relationship with engagement with health platforms.

☑️ Challenges and opportunities in integrating digital health solutions into everyday life.

☑️ The role of gamification and game-based learning in engaging individuals and improving health literacy.

☑️ And much more.

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics Podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com. 

Links:

Sushant Gupta: www.linkedin.com/in/sushantgupta1

Meomind: www.meomind.com

Eric Zimmerman: www.linkedin.com/in/ericzimmerman

Kumanu: www.kumanu.com

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by David Schweppe, SVP and Chief Analytics Officer at MedeAnalytics, to discuss the importance of leveraging data to provide value-based care, focusing on health equity and social determinants of health.

In his role at MedeAnalytics, David is dedicated to helping customers identify and implement top-tier analytical strategies, emphasizing the value of informed, data-driven decision-making for enhancing patient care.

With a Master of Public Health degree from California State University at San Jose and a Bachelor of Science degree in genetics from the University of California at Davis, David brings a well-rounded academic foundation to his leadership. Additionally, he holds the designation of Certified Professional in Health Information Management Systems (CPHIMS) from the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

In this episode, David underscores the pivotal role of data-driven, patient-centric care. He highlights the role of advanced analytics and data science in closing gaps in care and providing more tailored and holistic treatment for patients.

David advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates mental health and social determinants, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in enhancing health literacy and communication.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and David discuss:

☑️ Tools developed by MedeAnalytics to make data actionable for non-analysts.

☑️ Using data to identify patient care gaps and provide tailored and holistic treatment.

☑️ The importance of understanding patients' lifestyles and social determinants of health in delivering effective care.

☑️ How telehealth, home-based, and community-based care contribute to a holistic view of patient care.

☑️ Protecting personal and health information in the context of AI and healthcare analytics.

☑️ And much more.

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? 

Visit the EdLogics website. www.edlogics.com

Links:

David Schweppe’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-schweppe

MedeAnalytics: www.medeanalytics.com

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by John Toomey from Wide Awake Wellness to talk about the crucial topic of health literacy and its impact on individuals in the blue-collar workforce.

John Toomey shares valuable insights on educating blue-collar workforces in industries like construction, mining, and oil and gas, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and empowerment in taking charge of one's health and well-being.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and John discuss:

☑️ Challenges and opportunities in promoting health literacy and well-being education in blue-collar industries.

☑️ The concept of personal responsibility and empowerment in taking charge of one's health and well-being.

☑️ How employers can create a caring working environment that supports employees' mental health.

☑️ Barriers for individuals in low-paying jobs to prioritize their health and well-being, and how can workplace well-being education effectively reach and support these individuals.

☑️ And much more.

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics Podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.com.

Links:

John Toomey on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johntoomey-thoughtleader
Wide Awake Wellness: www.wideawakewellness.com.au

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by David Ballard, Senior Scientist for the Mental Health at Work Index, to talk about the complexities of workforce health literacy and delve into the Mental Health at Work Index™, a powerful tool designed to help organizations measure and improve their efforts in supporting workforce mental health.

Dr. David Ballard, a psychologist and organizational consultant with over 15 years of non-profit executive experience, specializes in organizational effectiveness, occupational health promotion, workplace mental health, program design and evaluation, and systems-level workplace interventions. He currently serves on the boards of The Health Project and Sound Mind.

In addition, David chairs the Society for Occupational Health Psychology’s Practitioner Committee, co-chairs the Advisory Committee for The Carolyn C. Mattingly Award for Mental Health in the Workplace, and contributes to NIOSH’s Cross-Sector Council on Healthy Work Design and Well-being. He is a member of the External Advisory Board for the Johns Hopkins P.O.E. Total Worker Health Center in Mental Health. Dr. Ballard holds a doctorate in psychology and an MBA in health services administration from Widener University.

The Mental Health at Work Index is a pioneering comprehensive analysis to measure and improve workplace mental health strategies and compare results against other employers. The Mental Health at Work Index provides a data-driven assessment and generates strategic guidance for improvement in 10 key organizational categories that are foundational and closely linked to workforce mental health.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and David discuss:

☑️ Key components of the Mental Health at Work Index, and how can organizations benefit from participating.

☑️ The three P's approach (protect, promote, and provide) and its contribution to creating a comprehensive strategy for workplace mental health.

☑️ The challenges organizations face in measuring and improving their efforts to support workforce mental health.

☑️ The importance of health literacy in improving outcomes and experiences in both physical and mental health.

☑️ Creating work environments that are conducive to promoting mental health and encouraging employees to utilize resources effectively.

☑️ And much more.

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics Podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.com.

Links:

David Ballard LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidballard

Mental Health at Work Index - www.mentalhealthindex.org

GhostNote Consulting:  https://ghostnoteconsulting.com/

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Krystal Sexton, Health Analytics Manager at Shell, to talk about how to measure the impact of health initiatives on various metrics such as safety, productivity, and retention. This evidence-based approach gave Krystal and her team the the credibility and support needed to drive positive change within the organization.

Krystal Sexton is an epidemiologist and biostatistician with 11 years of experience at Shell. Krystal holds a PhD in cancer epidemiology and previously worked in breast cancer research. While initially focused on traditional occupational health, Krystal's perspective on health expanded to include mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Over the past 7 or 8 years, she played a key role in building a business case for restructuring and establishing a dedicated team focused on holistic health at Shell.

Krystal provides valuable perspectives on the data required to make a business case for investing in a holistic approach to employee wellness. She emphasizes the significance of measures such as employee engagement and safety incidents in driving positive outcomes. Through her expertise in analytics, she demonstrates how a 10-point increase in employee engagement can lead to a remarkable 40% decrease in safety incidents, showcasing the powerful connection between employee well-being and business success.

Furthermore, Krystal highlights the importance of leadership support in implementing such initiatives. She shares how the ability to translate the positive results into tangible savings and potential gains made an undeniable impact on the support received from the C-suite. It is truly inspiring to hear how Shell's leadership embraced the holistic health approach once the strong business case was presented.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Krystal discuss:

☑️ The importance of a holistic approach to health, prioritizing mental, emotional, social, and financial wellbeing too.

☑️ How an increase in employee engagement leads to a decrease in safety incidents.

☑️ How productivity, budget, retention, and attrition are tied to holistic health initiatives.

☑️ The need for a robust mental health program aimed at addressing the specific needs of teams within Shell, while emphasizing the importance of social connection to combat social isolation.

☑️ And much more.

Thanks, Krystal!

For show notes and resources, visit www.edlogics/podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit www.edlogics.com. 

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by David Hoke, Head of Consumer Experience and Well-Being at RightMove, the only nationwide virtual triage and physical therapy platform.

David brings over 25 years of expertise in corporate health and well-being, having spearheaded strategic health initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart. Focused on authentic engagement and documented outcomes for diverse populations globally, David is dedicated to enhancing the health of RightMove's clientele.

David is a sought-after speaker on well-being, the future of work, and technology, and has sponsored successful start-ups in Fintech, mHealth, and value-based design. He holds a degree from Dickinson College and a Masters from New York University with an emphasis on kinesiology and therapeutic exercise.

In this episode, Seth and David dive deep into the pivotal role of health literacy in the context of workforce well-being. They discuss their experiences and insights, sharing thought-provoking ideas on how to create a humanistic view of health care, emphasizing that we are more alike than different and striving for a universal solution to the challenges of health literacy.

David sheds light on his new venture at RightMove and his mission to address musculoskeletal health in a holistic and meaningful way. He shares compelling insights on creating emotional connections and using pain and discomfort as a powerful anchor to initiate habit formation and overall well-being. They also touch upon the importance of peer-to-peer influence and creating movements toward better health.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and David discuss:

☑️ The importance of understanding that people's healthcare experiences are emotional rather than transactional.

☑️ Creating more accessible and engaging health literacy resources for diverse audiences.

☑️ The importance of peer-to-peer influence and creating a sense of community in promoting better health.

☑️ Helping individuals make informed and emotionally resonant decisions about their health, especially during vulnerable moments.

☑️ The challenges of health literacy and the need for a more engaging approach

☑️ And much more.

Thanks, David!

For show notes and resources, visit www.edlogics/podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit www.edlogics.com. 

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Howard Kraft, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at XO Health, a health plan designed by and for self-insured employers, aiming to deliver a more unified health experience for everyone – from those who receive care, to those who deliver it, to those who pay for it.

Howard Kraft is an accomplished professional with a diverse and extensive background in health management, strategy, and innovation. Serving as the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at XO Health Inc., he leads initiatives across clinical, product, outcomes, and market engagement for this innovative health plan designed by employers.

Howard's expertise encompasses integrated health and human capital solutions, benefits communication, and the design and implementation of comprehensive health management programs. Howard's career is marked by a commitment to optimizing business success through innovative health strategies and a deep understanding of the impact of health on organizations.

In this insightful conversation, Howard and Seth discuss the importance of addressing health disparities and inequities in healthcare. Howard emphasizes the need for a fully integrated approach that focuses on the needs of individuals and provides timely, accessible, and affordable care.

Highlighting the significance of health literacy 2.0, Howard underscores the importance of personalization, behavioral science, and gamification in empowering individuals to take control of their health.

The conversation also delves into the need for accountable care and transparent accountability for results, as well as the commitment to challenging the status quo and driving fundamental change in the healthcare industry.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Howard discuss:

☑️ The importance of personalized, simplified health information to empower individuals in navigating their health journeys.

☑️ A call to action for all individuals, practitioners, and leaders to challenge the current state of health care and work towards impactful change.

☑️ XO Health's approach to health equity focuses on diverse social and health needs, aiming to drive fundamental change and improve care for all individuals.

☑️ Building momentum with independent providers to align payment models, reduce administrative burden, and support the delivery of quality care.

☑️ And much more.

Thanks, Howard!

For show notes and resources, visit www.edlogics/podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit www.edlogics.com. 

On the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner is joined by Pamela Rich, Vice President at the Business Group on Health, a non-profit membership organization based in Washington DC, dedicated to representing large employers on health and benefits policy. The organization has approximately 450 members, consisting of large employers and their health industry partners.

Pamela's role primarily involves working with HR and benefits leaders at these large employer companies, addressing their most pressing health and well-being challenges. Pamela helps them convene with one another, benchmark, and provides them with learnings and best practices.

Pamela also leads the Well-being and Workforce Strategy Institute, a group of members who gather regularly to discuss workforce well-being and initiatives for their workforces. It is a collaborative community where both the members and the organization learn from each other, with a strong focus on multidimensional well-being. Pamela also manages the Leadership Forum on Employee Experience and Podcast.

In this episode, Seth and Pamela delve into the fascinating world of health literacy and the impact it has on employee well-being. Employers have recognized the importance of preventive care and screenings, particularly in light of the pandemic.

Social connections and social connectedness are also gaining attention in employee well-being strategies, with creative initiatives such as mystery coffees and physical activity challenges. Pamela shares how expressing gratitude and facilitating opportunities for employees to connect with loved ones play a vital role in fostering social connectedness within the workplace.

As the leader of the Well-being and Workforce Strategy Institute at the Business Group on Health, Pamela Rich offers valuable insights into the multidimensional nature of well-being, encompassing physical health, mental health, financial security, job satisfaction, community, and social connectedness.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Pamela discuss:

☑️ Evidence-based strategies for addressing obesity and weight management in the workplace.

☑️ How can employers integrate holistic care approaches that address nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and mental health.

☑️ Creative initiatives employers implement to promote social connections and social connectedness in the workplace.

☑️ How has well-being evolved from wellness to encompass non-physical dimensions of health.

☑️ Main focus of well-being strategies in terms of physical and mental health.

☑️ And much more.

Thanks, Pamela!

For show notes and resources, visit www.edlogics/podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit www.edlogics.com. 

On the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, Seth Serxner welcomes Mel Goodrich, SVP, Chief People Officer at Sentara Health, one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, ranking among the top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems nationwide. With over 30,000 employees, 12 hospitals in Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and the Sentara Health Plans division serving over 1.2 million members in Virginia and Florida, Sentara Health is a prominent leader in the industry.

Mel's leadership style centers around fostering accountability and delivering results through the pillars of talent, transparency, and collaboration. Her oversight extends to human resource operations across all Sentara hospitals, Sentara Medical Group, Sentara Enterprises, as well as the Sentara corporate departments responsible for finance and community outreach. In her role, Mel serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, aligning the Human Resources Business Partner function with the broader strategic goals of both the Human Resources department and the organization as a whole.

Discover how Sentara Health, a leading healthcare provider, prioritizes the well-being of its almost 32,000 employees. Mel highlights the various strategies and initiatives they have implemented to create a safe and supportive workplace environment.

Moreover, Mel discusses the role of health literacy in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. She shares how Sentara Health is partnering with organizations like EdLogics to provide their employees with access to a powerful health literacy platform. With over 337,000 health literacy games played and 650,000 activities completed, Sentara Health is leading the way in educating and supporting its workforce.

The commitment to health literacy doesn't end there...

Sentara Health is also actively involved in the community through the Healthier757 initiative. By providing trusted health information and resources, they aim to create a healthier, health literate community, promoting health equity and well-being for all.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Seth and Mel discuss:

☑️ The strategies Sentara Health employs to support the well-being and productivity of its workforce.

☑️ The impact of the EdLogics platform on employee engagement and health literacy.

☑️ The significance of creating a safe space for employees to voice their needs, ideas, and concerns in the workplace.

☑️ How does an engaged and listening culture contribute to employee trust and overall well-being?

☑️ And much more.

Thanks, Mel!

For show notes and resources, visit EdLogics Podcast.

About The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast from EdLogics

Improving health literacy — the ability to understand and act on health information — is key to improving health outcomes and lowering costs.

Together with business and community leaders, we'll explore effective, behavior-changing solutions that can improve health literacy — and drive engagement in corporate and public health and wellness programs.

For show notes and resources, visit www.edlogics.com/podcast.

☑️ Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives? Visit EdLogics.com