In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Maria Smilios, Author of the The Black Angels to uncover the untold story of the Black nurses at Seaview Hospital and their courageous fight against tuberculosis in the 1920s and 1930s. Together, they explore how these nurses stepped into dangerous roles abandoned by others, seizing rare professional opportunities despite facing broken promises and lower pay. The conversation dives into the erasure of their contributions from public memory, revealing how media coverage focused on doctors while the nurses’ vital work went largely unrecognized. Drawing powerful parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode highlights persistent disparities in healthcare and the ongoing impact of racial bias.

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In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP, FAAN, to shed light on the hidden realities of human trafficking and the critical role healthcare professionals play in recognizing and responding to victims. The conversation reveals how easily signs of trafficking can be missed, even in well-resourced hospitals, and challenges stereotypes by highlighting that boys, men, and victims of familial trafficking are also affected. Listeners will learn that trafficking takes many forms beyond sex trafficking, including labor, organ trafficking, and forced criminality, often leaving survivors with complex legal and emotional hurdles. The episode explores innovative ways discreet resources like QR codes and shoe cards are helping victims access support, especially when they can't safely use a phone or don't realize they're being exploited. Cara and Francine discuss the urgent need for better education, sharing that most nursing students receive little to no training on trafficking and feel unprepared to help.

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In this week’s episode, Cara is joined by a nurse comedian, Joscel James RN, CPR LOL HYFR, to explore the healing power of laughter in healthcare. They dive into fascinating research showing that just 15 minutes of comedy can melt away stress and even give your immune system a boost—proving that laughter really is medicine. The conversation highlights how nurse comedians skillfully use self-deprecating humor and “punching up” jokes to create a safe, supportive space for their colleagues, never at the expense of patients. You’ll hear how nurses navigate the delicate balance of humor in clinical settings, sometimes leaving themselves reminders to ensure laughter uplifts rather than hurts. The episode also peels back the curtain on the creative process, revealing how fleeting ideas are captured and shaped into powerful, relatable comedy.

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