Imagine choosing public health as your career path… only to be told it’s not a “real” profession. 😳

In this powerful episode of the RTs Share Tea Podcast, host Linda "Thee Asthma Lady" sits down with Dr. Anthony Santella, a nationally recognized public health expert and academic, to unpack a major policy shift that could reshape the future of public health education and the workforce.

This episode was a must for me to cover — because I would not be where I am today as Thee Asthma Lady without my Master of Public Health layered on top of my Respiratory Therapist skills, and without Dr. Santella pulling me deeper into the public health space early in my career. This conversation is both professional and personal.

Dr. Santella breaks down — in plain language — the Federal Department of Education’s reclassification of public health as a non-professional degree, why this decision matters, and how it could impact:

✔️ Public health students

✔️ Higher education programs

✔️ Workforce pipelines

✔️ Community and population health outcomes

We also dive into what inspired Dr. Santella to enter public health, his journey into academia, and what he believes lies ahead for the field if this policy stands. This episode blends expertise, lived experience, and real talk about why public health deserves recognition, protection, and investment — now more than ever.

☕ The tea is hot, the conversation is necessary, and the implications are real.

👇 Join the conversation in the comments and let us know:

How do YOU think this policy could impact the future of public health?

#PublicHealthEducation, #MPHDegree, #DepartmentofEducationPolicy, #PublicHealthWorkforce, #AnthonySantella, #TheeAsthmaLady, #RespiratoryTherapist, #PublicHealthCareers, #Rts #HigherEducationPolicy, #HealthEquity, #CommunityHealth, #teaspills, #asthma,

In this vlog-style episode of RTs Share Tea, I’m taking you with me behind the scenes at AARC Congress 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona — and let me tell you, this conference shifted something in me.

From early-morning sessions to hallway conversations that fed my soul, this year’s AARC experience reminded me why we, as Respiratory Therapists, have to keep investing in ourselves, keep learning, and keep betting on our future selves.

I’m sharing:
✨ How networking at AARC 2025 expanded my vision for my career
✨ What lifelong learning really looks like outside the classroom
✨ Why your professional growth matters just as much as the care you give

This episode is for any Respiratory Therapist who’s ever felt stuck, overlooked, tired, under-inspired, or unsure of what’s next. If you need a sign to keep going, keep growing, and keep showing up — this is it.

Pull up, sip some tea, and let’s talk about how AARC Congress 2025 truly changed the way I see my future as an RT.

#AARCCongress2025 #respiratorytherapists #Respiratorytherapycareergrowth #lifelonglearning #Networking #Respiratorycare #healthcarejobsbesidesnursing #Respiratorytherapyschool

In this episode of the RTs Share Tea Podcast, we’re diving deep into the powerful impact of Community Health Workers (CHWs) with special guest co-host Traci Hardin, MPH, AE-C — a nationally respected asthma educator, CHW ally, and public health champion.

Join us as we share the TEA on how CHWs bridge gaps in care, build trust in underserved communities, and bring asthma education to life in ways that truly change outcomes.

We discuss:

💨 Why CHWs are essential partners in asthma self-management

💨 How education, empathy, and lived experience make CHWs effective

💨 The training and support CHWs need to thrive

💨 Real stories from the field — wins, challenges, and lessons learned

And for all the future asthma educators out there: Traci shares heartfelt advice for CHWs who want to take the Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) exam but feel intimidated. (Spoiler: She’s your biggest cheerleader!)

If you care about community health, health equity, asthma education, or empowering frontline workers, this episode is your must-listen.

Grab your tea — we’re talking community, compassion, and the kind of care that starts where people live, learn, and breathe. 🍵💙

#RTsShareTeaPodcast #AsthmaEducation #CommunityHealthWorkers #HealthEquity #CHWStrong #TheeAsthmaLady #WHEEZER #AsthmaAwareness #ImpactfulHealthCommunicator

From scrubs to slacks — I had to learn quick! 😅

In this episode of the RTs Share Tea Podcast, host Linda “Thee Asthma Lady” opens up about her transition from night-shift Respiratory Therapist to day-shift healthcare leader and the things she had to learn quickly to adjust.

If you’ve ever made the leap from bedside to the boardroom (or dream of it), this one’s for you. Linda spills the real tea on what it takes to grow into an administrative role — from adjusting your wardrobe and mindset to mastering emotional intelligence, hosting meetings with confidence, and finding your authentic leadership style.

💡 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

✅️ The culture shock of moving from night shift to administration

✅️ How to “dress for the part” and command presence in leadership spaces

✅️ Emotional intelligence, body language, and conflict management tips

✅️ Coaching vs. managing — and how to lead with empathy

✅️ Why delegation and communication are your new superpowers

Whether you’re an RT ready to level up, a new healthcare leader finding your footing, or someone simply curious about what happens beyond the bedside — this episode will give you encouragement, laughs, and lessons learned along the way.

🫶🏾 As always, I’m just here sharing the TEA — because growth, like leadership, starts with showing up.

#RTsShareTeaPodcast #RespiratoryTherapist #HealthcareLeadership #CareerGrowth #TheeAsthmaLady #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipJourney #WHEEZER

What if food was the missing piece in asthma control? 🍎

Let’s talk about how nutrition can transform asthma care in children — especially in communities where access and awareness are often limited.

In this episode of the RTs Share Tea Podcast, host Linda “Thee Asthma Lady” takes a closer look at a conversation we don’t have enough — the powerful role of nutrition in asthma control.

We’re talking directly to parents, caretakers, and community leaders about how food choices, inflammation, and access to healthy meals impact asthma — especially in children.

💨 You’ll learn:

✅️The difference between Type 2 and Non-Type 2 Asthma (and why it matters).

✅️How childhood obesity and inflammation affect asthma control.

✅️Why nutrition and lifestyle changes are key interventions for non–Type 2 asthma.

✅️The benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet for better lung health.

✅️How to overcome food insecurity that creates barriers to timely asthma management.

🚨 Important:

Everyone with asthma should take their prescribed asthma medication as per their treatment plan — regardless of the type of asthma.

Before making major diet or lifestyle changes, always consult your healthcare team.

This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

As always, I’m just here sharing the TEA 🍵 — because asthma control starts with awareness, action, and access.

💛 If this message resonated with you, support the mission at buymeacoffee.com/TheeAsthmaLady — your digital tip jar to keep the advocacy flowing.

You can also show your support by following us on your favorite podcast streaming platforms. Appreciate you in advance!

#AsthmaEducation #AsthmaAwareness #AsthmaDiet #ChildhoodAsthma #NutritionAndAsthma #NonType2Asthma #RespiratoryTherapist #AsthmaControl #HealthEquity #FoodInsecurity #WHEEZER #AsthmaDisparities #TheeAsthmaLady #ImpactfulHealthCommunicator

In this special 4th year anniversary episode of the Rts Share Tea Podcast, host Linda “Thee Asthma Lady” reflects on the true power of showing up with intention — especially as a Respiratory Therapist, asthma educator, or healthcare communicator. Linda shares practical, real-world strategies to help you stay consistent, build credibility, and create meaningful impact — whether you're at the bedside, leading in the community, or stepping into content creation to educate and empower others. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your voice strong, stay motivated when no one is clapping yet, or continue showing up as a trusted RT leader — this episode gives you the mindset + momentum to do just that.

Perfect for:Respiratory Therapists • Asthma Educators • RT students • Aspiring RT podcasters & content creators. Let’s celebrate Respiratory Care Week — and 4 years of intentional impact — by recommitting to the power of consistency, credibility, and shared purpose.

We always sharing the tea... If you ever learned anything, felt inspired, or informed by the Rts Share Tea podcast you can now support our mission on the continuous fight against asthma disparities by our digital tip jar at buymeacoffee.com/theeasthmalady. Appreciate you in advance!

For more content like this follow us on IG @theeasthmaladyrt

#RespiratoryTherapist #AsthmaEducation #RespiratoryCareWeek #HealthcarePodcast #RTLeadership #Consistency #Credibility #TheeAsthmaLady #RtsShareTea #WHEEZERS

On RTs Share Tea, we know the difference between sharing the tea and just plain old spilling it! ☕

In this episode, we’re going behind "The SHIFT" with two current Respiratory Therapy students, Brandon Macak and Keven S., as they share the tea on their experiences in this fresh new edutainment reality series all about the Respiratory Therapy profession — created by Joe Lewis, a.k.a. Respiratory Coach.

Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like balancing clinicals, camera time, and authentic storytelling that shines a spotlight on the future of respiratory care.

"The SHIFT" premieres October 16, just in time for Respiratory Care Week, exclusively on the Respiratory Coach YouTube channel — and trust us, this is one show you don’t want to miss!

So grab your favorite cup, tune in, and let’s share the tea… RT-style. 💙

For more content like this follow us on:

IG @theeasthmaladyrt

LinkedIn - Linda Nozart "Thee Asthma Lady"

YouTube - Thee Asthma Lady

TikTok - @theeasthmaladyrt

Episode Description:
What happens when a Respiratory Therapist takes the leap into entrepreneurship?

In this episode of RTs Share Tea Podcast, we explore where Respiratory Therapy meets entrepreneurship with special guest co-host Quincy Futrell. From the spark that led him to start his own RT staffing agency to the challenges and triumphs along the way, Quincy shares how passion, standards, and community have shaped his journey.

We talk about the power of networking, the importance of holding yourself to a higher standard, and the blessing of being able to hire friends and former students as part of the solution to staffing challenges.

This episode is a reminder that respiratory therapists are not only clinicians but also innovators and leaders creating new opportunities for the field.

#WorldNeedsMoreRTs #RTsShareTea #Entrepreneurship #RespiratoryTherapy #Podcast