AMEN Podcasts

Episode 61: June 28, 2023 – African American Quality of Life Initiative – Where are we Today?

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Reverend Dr. Daryl Horton, a native Austinite and Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

Episode 60: June 14, 2023 – Educating, Strengthening, and Supporting Men Towards Responsible Manhood and Fatherhood

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Isaac Rowe, a designer at Sargent & Lundy, a global design firm with expertise in power and energy.

Episode 59: May 24, 2023 – Growing Mind, Body, & Spirit Together at St. John Faith Garden

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Reverend Ray Hendricks, Pastor at Rehoboth Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

Episode 58: May 10, 2023 – Leading the Fight to End Systemic Racism in Texas

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Joyce James, a Licensed Master Social Worker Advanced Practitioner and CEO of Joyce James Consulting.

Episode 57: April 26, 2023 – The Black Men’s Health Clinic: A Place to Get Care You Can Trust

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr., Founder and Executive Director for the Black Men’s Health Clinic.

Episode 56: April 12, 2023 – The Austin Branch of NAACP: Paving the Way to Racial Equity

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Nelson Linder, President of the Austin Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, better known as the NAACP.

Episode 55: March 22, 2023 – Helping At-Risk Youth and Adults Flourish and Reach Their Potential

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Michael Lofton, the Founder and CEO of the African American Youth Harvest Foundation and Youth Resource Center.

Episode 54: March 8, 2023 – Feeding Our Soul Through a Community Garden

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Reverend Ray Hendricks, a pastor at Rehoboth Baptist Church and Angela Bigham, a Certified Community Health Worker, Leader of the Health and Wellness Ministry at Rehoboth Baptist Church.

Episode 53: February 22, 2023 – Dollar For: Advocating for Patients to Eliminate Medical Debt

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Scott Spivey-Provencio, a Community Organizer for Dollar For. He is also in his 3rd-year of medical school at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School with plans to become a primary care physician for underserved communities.

Episode 52: February 8, 2023 – Disparities in Infectious and Chronic Diseases, including Mental Health

Moderators Shannon Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Heather Cooks-Sinclair, an Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit Manager at Austin Public Health that services the City of Austin and Travis County.

Episodes 50 & 51: January 11 and 25, 2023 – Central Texas African American Family Support Conference

January 11:

January 25:

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Kimberly Holiday and Dr. Calvin Kelly. Kimberly Holiday is a philanthropist, author, motivational speaker, KAZI Radio Personality Lady Joy, and Marketing and Outreach Chair for the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference. Ms. Holiday is also a Pflugerville City Council Member, Place 3. Dr. Calvin Kelly is a certified clinical trauma professional and owner at Dr. Calvin Kelly & Associates.

Episode 49: December 14, 2022 – The Healing Power of Music; a Way to Sooth the Mind, Body and Soul

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht recognize that holidays are often thought of as a time of celebration with family and friends. For others, especially those who have experienced significant loss, the holidays can trigger feelings of loneliness and grief. For many, it’s a bit of both. In this episode, Jacki Hecht and Shannon Jones discuss the often unspoken or hidden feelings around grief and loneliness to make this holiday season a bit sweeter.

Episode 47: November 9, 2022 - The Black Men’s Health Clinic: A Place to Get Care You Can Trust

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr. and Tara Trower. Larry Wallace Sr. is the Founder and Executive Director for the Black Men’s Health Clinic. Mr. Wallace is an accomplished Health Care Executive with over 35 years’ experience in developing strategies to improve access to healthcare to underserved populations. Tara Trower is the Chief Strategy Officer at CommUnityCare, who is helping to build strong relationships with community partners, with the mission of increasing health equity within the medically underserved communities of Austin and surrounding counties. CommUnityCare has partnered with the Black Men’s Health Clinic to provide direct primary care services.

Episode 46: October 26, 2022 - Texas Outdoor Family Makes Texas Parks More Accessible to Diverse Communities

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Nicole Renfro, who is a dedicated volunteer for causes that preserve natural resources. Through her volunteer efforts with Texas Outdoor Family, she spends her free time educating and inspiring under-served populations to get out and discover the benefits of nature.

Episode 45: October 12, 2022 - Community Coalition for Health: Inform, Empower, Inspire

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Mia Greer and Dr. Charles A. Moody Jr. Ms. Greer is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Community Coalition for Health (C2H) and the Chief of Staff at the ROCK ATX. Dr. Moody serves as the Pastor for ROCK ATX, is co-founder of C2H, and founded the Alpha Prep School and Moody Housing organizations that change lives by promoting health, primary education, and community housing.

Episode 44: September 28, 2022 - Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health by Raising Cultural Awareness

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Theresa Libios - a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and a mental health specialist with a local school district. Ms. Libios has dedicated her career to decreasing mental health barriers and increasing cultural awareness.

Episode 43: September 14, 2022 – Creating Healthy Communities in East Austin

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht share several new initiatives to improve health in East Austin. Jacki Hecht recognizes how the pandemic has impacted people of all ages in many ways. Jacki describes the mission of The AMEN program that strives to help individuals focus on wellness and ways to thrive during difficult times. Additionally, Ms. Hecht reminds listeners that the Black Men’s Health Clinic is open and available for primary care and mental health services at no cost, regardless of health insurance. The clinic has partnered with CommUnityCare to offer primary care services on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. The Black Men’s Health Clinic is located at 6633 E Highway 290 Suite 100 Austin, TX 78723.

Episode 42: August 24, 2022 – Preparing the Next Generation of Health Professionals with Tools to Enhance Health Fairness

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Dr. Danica Sumpter – a Clinical Associate Professor at the UT Austin School of Nursing and Macy Faculty Scholar who is developing a Toolkit for Anti-Racist Teaching (T-ART). The T-ART aims to equip faculty with resources and education to promote best practices for teaching about the enduring nature of systemic racism as a significant “pre-existing condition” underlying numerous health inequities. Read Dr. Danica Sumpter's article on "Fostering a Welcoming and Engaging Climate Within the Classroom."

Episode 41: August 10, 2022 – Sharing the Voices and Experiences of Black Students through Art and Storytelling

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Velta Brenya – a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a passion for reducing the stigma around mental health. Velta describes herself as a Black, neurodiverse student, who understands first-hand, the importance of building support systems and destigmatizing conversations around seeking mental health care. She created the Double Diversity Digital Art Gallery to highlight the experiences of Black, neurodiverse college students by using one of her own support systems, creative art.

Episode 40: July 13, 2022 – Supporting Brain Health and Mental Wellness in Faith Communities

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Toniya Parker, the Program Manager at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Texas. Ms. Parker oversees the organization’s support programs for family members and loved ones of individuals with mental health issues. She also leads outreach and programs specifically for communities of color, justice involved individuals, and people who associate with the LGBTQI community.

Episode 39: June 22, 2022 – Supporting Older Adults in the Community

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Rob Faubion, Angela Bigham and Pastor Nathan Robertson. Mr. Faubion serves as the Chief Community Engagement Officer at the non-profit AGE of Central Texas. Ms. Bigham is a certified community health worker with the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing and People’s Community Clinic. Ms. Bigham also leads the Wellness Ministry at Rehoboth Baptist Church and runs the St. John Faith Community Garden. Pastor Robertson is the Executive Pastor at St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B.W. McClendon. Pastor Robertson also has the honor of serving as Chaplain for the Austin Fire Department.

Episode 38: June 8, 2022 – Promoting a Safe and Clean Community

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Barbara Scott, the President of the Colony Park Neighborhood Association and longtime resident of Colony Park.

Episode 37: May 18, 2022 – Holistic Care for Individuals, Families and Communities

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Linda Thomas Wade, the President & CEO of the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation. The Sickle Cell Association serves hundreds of families affected by sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait and other chronic conditions. They provide support, education, and effective programming to improve the quality of life for families affected, while raising awareness to find a universal cure. Linda and the Sickle Cell Association of Texas Marc Thomas Foundation were honored to receive an exclusive invitation to meet with President Barack Obama in his first 100 days in the Oval Office. They were the only sickle cell community-based organization in the country bestowed with this honor.

Episode 36: May 4, 2022 – Exploring Grief and Loss through a Men’s Faith Ministry

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Rev. Jon Batiste, the Associate Minister and Men's Ministry Servant Leader at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. Daryl L. Horton is Pastor. Rev. Jon is also a Family Advocate for Child Inc. Head Start. His personal goal and aspiration is “to be used as a conduit to impact the lives of all people for the betterment of the total person, with great attention given to men of all ages.”

Episode 35: April 27, 2022 – What’s inside your medicine cabinet?

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Dr. Ashley Garling, a clinically experienced pharmacy professor at the UT Austin School of Pharmacy. Dr. Garling has expertise in healthcare communications, patient engagement, and advanced patient-centric care. In her leadership role, Dr. Garling strives to encourage social activation, diverse and inclusive education.

Episode 34: April 13, 2022 – The American Heart Association: Championing Health Equity for All

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Catalina Berry - the Community Impact Director of the American Heart Association in Central Texas. Her role is to partner and collaborate with other local organizations, such as the AMEN program and Black Men’s Health Clinic to create policy, systems, and environmental changes to promote health equity.

Episode 33: March 30, 2022 – Launch of the Black Men’s Health Clinic

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr., an accomplished Health Care Executive with over 35 years’ experience in developing strategies to improve healthcare access for underserved populations and Tyra Clark, the Chief Financial Officer at Texas Christian Recovery and Other Support Services (TXCROSS).

Episode 32: March 9, 2022 – Helping Older Adults in Austin Thrive

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Tabitha Taylor – City of Austin’s Age-Friendly Program Coordinator who oversees the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan to create a supportive, welcoming, and vibrant environment for older adults.

Episode 31: February 9, 2022 – APD & Community Engagement: A Path Towards Racial Equity

February 9:

Jacki Hecht interviewed Joyce James, CEO of Joyce James Consulting, Joseph Chacon, Austin Police Department’s (APD) Chief of Police, and Robin Henderson, APD’s Chief of Staff, to discuss APD’s goal to reimagine public safety.

Episode 29 & 30: January 12 and 26, 2022 – Central Texas African American Family Support Conference

January 12:

January 26:

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Kimberly Holiday - Philanthropist, Author, Motivational Speaker, and KAZI Radio Personality Lady Joy to discuss the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference (CTAAFSC). The discussion continued on January 26th as Jacki Hecht and Shannon Jones spoke with Kimberly Holiday and Dr. Calvin Kelly, a certified clinical trauma professional, to discuss the upcoming Yes2Best Youth Summit.

Episode 27 & 28: December 15 and 22, 2021 – Lessons Learned while Promoting Community Wellness

December 15:

December 22:

Co-moderator Shannon W. Jones interviewed Jacki Hecht, Managing Director of the AMEN program at UT Austin School of Nursing to share updates on the AMEN program, which is in its 3rd year of funding through Austin Public Health. In December 22 show, Jacki and Shannon talked about ways to create meaning and joy through the holidays.

Episode 25 & 26: November 10 and 24, 2021 – Addressing Health Disparities among Males of Color

November 10:

November 24:

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr., an accomplished Health Care Executive with over 35 years’ experience in developing strategies to improve access to healthcare to underserved populations. Mr. Wallace is the former Chief Operating Officer of Central Health and a member of several prominent healthcare associations.

Episode 23 & 24: October 13 and 27, 2021 – Raising Awareness and Bridging the Gaps of Mental Health

October 13:

October 27:

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Fabian Wood Sr., founder and CEO of the D. Wood Foundation on October 13th, 2021. Their discussion focused on raising awareness about suicide, and what can be done to support those in need and save lives. The discussion continued on October 27th as Jacki Hecht and Shannon Jones spoke with Dr. Quevarra Moten, Deputy Executive Director at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Central Texas.

Episode 21 & 22: September 8 and 22, 2021 – Public Health & Discussing the Effects of COVID-19

September 8:

September 22:

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Dr. Desmar Walkes, the health authority for Austin and Travis County and Medical Director for Austin Public Health as well as Adrienne Sturrup, Interim Austin Public Health Director and Assistant Director for Community Engagement on September 8th, 2021. Their conversation focused on the impact of COVID-19 on chronic disease and mental health within the African American community during the pandemic. This discussion continued on September 22nd as Jacki Hecht spoke with Shannon Jones about the best strategies for prevention.

Episode 20: June 2, 2021 – Healing and Building Mental Wellness

Moderator, Jacki Hecht, interviewed Elliott Niblack, the Chief Education and Equity Officer and Internship Director at The D. Wood Foundation. He has an extensive background as an educator and trainer and has developed an Educated Empathy curriculum for families to strengthen communication, social and emotional learning, and cultural awareness for creating spaces that support youth through the trauma of racial bias. Additionally, Jacki Hecht interviewed Meredith Stacy Jones, a Behavioral Health Trainer, Group Facilitator, Transformation Coach, Motivational Speaker, who has worked as an offender education instructor, Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

Episode 19: May 5, 2021 – How Police Officers Provide Mental Health Support in the Community

Moderator, Jacki Hecht, interviewed Corporal Michael Rhone, who has been with the Austin Police Department for 18.5 years and is the President of the Texas Peace Officers Association Austin along with Officer Alexandria Parker who has been with the Austin Police Department for 2 years and is the secretary of the Texas Peace Officers Association Austin.

Episode 18: April 7, 2021 – Levels of Mental Health Care

Moderator, Jacki Hecht, interviewed Jhana Rice, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-Intern, Counselor in Behavioral Health and Resource Navigation at Ascension Seton and Tenisha Hunter, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Resource Navigator and Behavioral Health Counselor at Ascension Seton.

Episode 17: March 3, 2021 – Healing the Health Disparities Within the African American Population

Moderator, Jacki Hecht, interviewed Larry Wallace, Sr., who holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Amberton University in Dallas and is an accomplished Health Care Executive with over 35 years’ experience in developing strategies to improve access to healthcare to underserved populations. Mr. Wallace is also a member of several prominent healthcare associations.

Episode 16: February 3, 2021 – A Stronger Heart for a Healthier Life

Moderator Jacki Hecht, interviewed Judy M. Garner, BA. MA, MS, retired Air Force Officer and current Board Member of the American Heart Association (AHA). Ms. Garner’s father died of congestive heart failure and she has become passionate about the importance of eating healthy and exercise.

Episode 15: January 6, 2021 – Sparking Important Conversations to Improve Mental Health

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht, interviewed Kimberly Holiday - Philanthropist, Author, Motivational Speaker, Marketing VP Education Foundation and Radio Personality as Lady Joy on KAZI and Dr. Calvin Kelly - A certified clinical trauma professional.

Episode 14: December 2, 2020 – Investing in Health by Building Personal Fitness

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht, interviewed Kiounis Williams, a Certified Master Personal Trainer with VisionBody Texas, a Health and Wellness Coach, and a Lay Community Health worker for the UT AMEN program and Mt. Zion Baptist Church Health Ministry.

Episode 13: November 4, 2020 – Thriving Through the Holidays During this COVID Pandemic

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Theresa Libios, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, who provides person-centered Christian counseling at the Timothy Center.

Episode 12: October 7, 2020 – How To Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones During This Flu Season

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht, interviewed Ms. Raisa Charles-Willock, certified educator with Austin Public Health Immunization Program. They discussed what influenza (flu) is, who it affects, its impact on the African American community, the flu vaccine, and why it's important to get a flu shot.

Episode 11: September 2, 2020 – A Shared Approach to Holistic Health: Community Gardens

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht, interviewed Pastor Ray Hendricks, Rehoboth Baptist Church, Ms. Angela Bigham, Health Ministry Leader at Rehoboth Baptist Church and Ms. Deborah Duncan (LMSW), Program Coordinator with the City of Austin/Austin Public Health Department’s Health Equity and Community Engagement Unit and the sponsor of KAZI’s “Health Talk”.

Episode 10: August 5, 2020 – Fostering Mental Wellness for Kids Heading Back to School

In typical circumstances this would be an exciting time for kids and families, as they return to school to meet their teachers and see their friends again. Yet, our current circumstances are anything but typical -- as kids prepare to return to school in the midst of this continuing pandemic.

We spoke to our guests about ways to foster mental wellness for parents and kids as they prepare to go back to school during these unusual times.

Episode 9: July 1, 2020 - Discussing A Better Me Wellness Program

A Better Me Health and Wellness Program was started in 2016 to help African American community members who wanted to make a lifestyle change to reduce risk factors for developing chronic diseases or better manage chronic diseases they were already experiencing. The program would also provide individual and group educational support and accountability coaching.

Episode 8: June 3, 2020 – The Healing Power of Music; a Way to Sooth the Mind, Body and Soul

We are bombarded with challenges right now. Not only are we wrestling with a global pandemic that is ravaging communities of color at an accelerated rate, we are also responding to the tragic murder of another black man, George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, MN. Now, more than ever, we seek a place of refuge and a spirit of hope.

Episode 7: May 6, 2020 – AMEN & School of Nursing Engage the Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We do not have a recorded podcast for the month of May. The article below highlights the conversation covered during Episode 7.

As we celebrated National Nurses Day on May 6th, 2020, Ana Todd, PhD, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor and Shalonda Horton, PhD, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor, at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing joined Jacki Hecht to discuss how the AMEN Team and The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing are engaging the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Todd and Dr. Horton are co-investigators and community liaisons on the AMEN team.

Episode 6: April 1, 2020 – AMEN Program Responds to Wellness Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

On April 1st, Jacki Hecht was joined by Becky Morales, LCSW-S, therapist with Colors of Austin Counseling, to share insights into current stressors during COVID-19, how to navigate through this uncertain time and community resources that people can access.

Episode 5: March 4, 2020 - Improving the Lives of All Persons Impacted by Mental Illness

The March podcast was led by Jacki Hecht, RN, MSN, Managing Director of the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing and featured Karen Ranus, the first Executive Director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Texas. NAMI Central Texas, formerly NAMI Austin, was founded in 1984 and is a member of the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Through innovative education, support and advocacy programs, NAMI Central Austin is changing the way our community addresses mental health.

Episode 4: February 5, 2020 - Enhance Awareness for Suicide Prevention

The February podcast highlighted our AMEN partner, the D. Wood Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance awareness for suicide prevention and advocate the importance of mental health. Jacki Hecht, RN, MSN, Managing Director of the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing was joined by Fabian Wood, CEO and founder of the D. Wood Foundation Inc.

Episode 3: January 8, 2020 – Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma around Mental Health Issues

The January podcast focused on AMEN partners that provide programs and events to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. Jacki Hecht, RN, MSN, Managing Director of the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing was joined by Christina Smith, LCSW, Social Worker at Integral Care and Kimberly Holiday, “Lady Joy”, Marketing Outreach Chair for the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference.

Episode 2: December 4, 2019 – Managing Stress through the Holidays

In this episode, Jacki Hecht, RN, MSN, Managing Director of the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing talks about the unique stressors that arise around the holidays. Tara Hutson, Family Nurse Practitioner and PhD student at the School of Nursing shares how stress impacts both physical and mental health, and offers tips for managing these stressors during the holidays. Reverend Daryl Horton from Mt. Zion Baptist church describes how AMEN and Mt. Zion are working together to help congregants become more mindful and engage in activities that reduce stress.

Episode 1: November 6, 2019 – Introducing the AMEN Program

Jacki Hecht, RN, MSN, Managing Director of the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing describes the mission and goals of the AMEN program while Pastor Ray Hendricks and Angela Bigham, health ministry leader and AMEN health worker from Rehoboth Baptist Church describe the needs within their church and how together, the AMEN program can help address these gaps. This show describes how researchers and clinicians from the School of Nursing are working with leaders from partnering churches to design and deliver a mental health and wellness program that is tailored to their needs.