Épisodes

  • Episode #14: The Mind Behind the Mission: A Conversation with a Black Male Therapist
    Nov 26 2025

    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast


    Episode #14: The Mind Behind the Mission: A Conversation with a Black Male Therapist


    Chris Ward, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator, and community advocate with over 13 years of experience serving individuals and families across Lake County, Indiana, and Cook County, Illinois. He provides compassionate mental health services as the Lead Behavioral Therapist, supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris is also an Adjunct Professor at Ivy Tech Community College, where he teaches courses in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, and Communication. He earned his bachelors and masters degrees in social work from Governors State University and an Associate of Arts degree from Prairie State College. Guided by empathy and commitment to service, Chris is dedicated to empowering students and strengthening communities through education and mental health advocacy.


    Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement!


    The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.

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    34 min
  • Episode #13: Healing from the Inside Out: Gut Health, Wellness, and Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
    Nov 12 2025
    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast Episode #13: Healing from the Inside Out: Gut Health, Wellness, and Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders Join host Dr. Angel White as she interviews Dr. Ashley Whitlatch, an accomplished advanced practice provider with more than 18 years of experience in healthcare. As the founder and CEO of A.K. Hybrid Health, a nurse practitioner-led telehealth clinic, Dr. Whitlatch is redefining patient care with a strong emphasis on gut health, weight management, and holistic wellness. Holding both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, she seamlessly integrates clinical excellence with business innovation. A dedicated leader and advocate, Dr. Whitlatch currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the American Nurses Association of Illinois, and has previously contributed her expertise as a member of the Peoria Board of Health and Chair of the American Heart Associations Executive Leadership Team. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including Americas Top NP (two-time recipient), the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award, the Peoria Woman of Impact Award, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Whitlatch is also a childrens author, proud mother, and global traveler, passionately committed to mentorship, diversity, and inspiring others through both her career and personal journey. Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement! The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.
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    36 min
  • Episode #12: Excellence in Training: A Resident’s Journey in Dental Surgery
    Oct 29 2025

    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast


    Episode #12: Excellence in Training: A Residents Journey in Dental Surgery


    Join host Dr. Angel White as she interviews Dr. Eugene Bestman, DDS, a fourth-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Bestman has been accepted into an AACS-accredited Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship, beginning in July 2026. His clinical and academic interests include maxillofacial trauma, orthognathic surgery, implant reconstruction, and advanced facial aesthetics. Deeply passionate about scholarly work, mentorship, and healthcare equity, Dr. Bestman is dedicated to advancing surgical education and improving access to quality care for all.


    Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement!


    The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.

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    38 min
  • Episode #11: A Black Woman’s Mission to Empower Children with Autism
    Oct 15 2025

    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast


    Episode #11: A Black Womans Mission to Empower Children with Autism: Building Autism Clinics with Passion & Purpose


    Join host Dr. Angel White as she sits down with Jocelyn Robinson, co-owner of Strive ABA Consultantsa leading Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy company providing both in-home and clinic-based services for children and adolescents throughout the Chicagoland and Indiana areas.


    Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement!

    The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.

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    42 min
  • Episode #10: Beyond the Prescription: A NP’s Journey into Functional Medicine
    Oct 1 2025
    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast Episode #10: Beyond the Prescription: A NPs Journey into Functional Medicine Join host Dr. Angel White as she interviews special guest Dr. Phylicia Harris, DNP, FNP-C, FMACP, who is a board-certified nurse practitioner and the founder of Functionally Balanced Health, a telemedicine practice helping Black women with autoimmune symptoms find answers, get relief, and get back to the life they love. With nearly 15 years of experience in healthcare, both as a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner, Dr. Phylicia Harris has seen firsthand how conventional medicine often falls short in addressing the root causes of chronic illness. Certified in functional medicine and an AlP Certified Coach, she takes a holistic approach, uncovering the imbalances that drive autoimmune symptoms. She focuses on gut health, inflammation, nutrition, and lifestyle to create lasting change. She knows autoimmune conditions don't just affect health-they disrupt daily life. Dr. Phylicia Harris is committed to giving women the knowledge, support, and tools to take back control of their health-because autoimmune disease may be part of your life, but it doesn't have to define it. Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement! The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.
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    28 min
  • Episode #9: Redefining Care: An NPs Path in Primary Care, Women’s Health, & Aesthetics
    Sep 17 2025

    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast


    Episode #9: Redefining Care: An NPs Path in Primary Care, Womens Health, & Aesthetics


    Join host Dr. Angel White as she sits down with Tysharra Belfon, Nurse Practitioner and CEO of South Florida Primary Healthcare, a pioneering private practice dedicated to offering comprehensive primary care services, and the founder of Belfon Health and Aesthetics, a wellness clinic focused on transforming the medical aesthetics industry into a more accessible and inclusive experience for her community. With over 12 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and 5 years as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner, Tysharra remains committed to revolutionizing healthcare, ensuring it is an empowering and impactful experience for every patient.

    Raised by a single mother, who instilled in her humility and hard work, Tysharra was inspired to become the first Healthcare Provider in her family. Her mission is to uplift women and youth, encouraging them to advocate fiercely for their rights and bodies, and to create lives of their design. When her doors opened in 2021, the purpose of her medspa was to make beauty and wellness accessible to all, recognizing a deeper need for healthcare providers who educate, listen, and empower.

    Tysharra possesses a profound passion for women's health, recognizing the unique challenges women face in balancing their roles. She is devoted to guiding young girls toward body autonomy, equipping them with the knowledge to make empowered decisions throughout their lives. As President of Healthcare for Humanity, her nonprofit organization, Tysharra tirelessly champions equal, affordable, and accessible healthcare, offering education, resources, and quality care to those most in need.

    Across all facets of Tysharra Belfons endeavors, her mission remains clear and steadfast: to create a medical environment where patients are truly heard, not hurried.


    Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement!


    The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.

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    39 min
  • Episode #8: Power, Purpose, & Policy: A Doctoral NP’s Rise to Leadership & Legacy
    Sep 3 2025
    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast Episode #8: Power, Purpose, & Policy: A Doctoral NPs Rise to Leadership & Legacy Join host Dr. Angel White as she sits down with Dr. April J. Odom, DNP, FNP, APRN-FPA, a nationally recognized nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and leadership mentor who is redefining whats possible in healthcare. As the first Black president of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN), she is a fierce advocate for APRNs and a champion for visibility, equity, and leadership in the profession. Dr. Odom is the founder and CEO of Physicals Plus, a comprehensive health and wellness clinic. Through her work, she empowers NPs to own their expertise, lead boldly, and build sustainable practices that center both impact and income. Whether shes behind the podium, mentoring the next generation, or breaking barriers in healthcare, Dr. Odom is driven by one mission: to ignite leadership in others and create spaces where nurses don't just participate but lead. Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement! The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.
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    41 min
  • Episode #7: Beyond the Smile: The Journey of a Trailblazing Dentist in Healthcare
    Aug 20 2025
    Black Excellence in Healthcare: White Coats & Real Talk Podcast Episode #7: Beyond the Smile: The Journey of a Trailblazing Dentist in Healthcare Join host Dr. Angel White as she sits down with Dr. Silvia Bautista, a Doctor of Dental Surgery born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, who was raised in a close-knit family of Dominican immigrants who instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Today, she proudly owns an Aspen Dental practice in Brookfield, WI, where she delivers exceptional care while mentoring future dental professionals. Committed to improving oral health and uplifting her community, she blends skill with compassion in every patient interaction. With a heart full of gratitude, Dr. Bautista inspires others to chase their dreams while making a positive impact on those around her. Its more than just a podcast its a celebration of Black Excellence, one powerful conversation at a time. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the movement! The views and opinions expressed during this episode are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their current, past, or future employers. This conversation is meant for educational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any personal or clinical decisions.
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    26 min