Osage Health Watch

Next-Gen Elder Care: Osage Wisdom to Aging Well

Join hosts Michael Quinata, Brandy Lemon, and Michael Bristow, along with elder care services director David James, as they present a powerful and deeply personal episode dedicated to elder care within the Osage Nation. The discussion highlights how the Nation is reshaping aging by building a new, home-like assisted living facility. This campus will connect with existing elder housing, creating seamless senior services for the community.
Learn about the Pathways program, which focuses on small, relationship-driven environments that support elders with dignity and personalized care. Hear the panel share stories of resilience, community, and overcoming isolation. They discuss the effects of generational trauma, the healing of intergenerational connections, and the importance of food sovereignty, wellness access, and language preservation.
Discover how the Osage Nation sets a new standard for Indigenous elder care—combining creativity and compassion to meet community needs.
Vision for elder care and wellness in the Osage Nation
Details on assisted living, Pathways support, and campus expansion
Real stories from Osage leaders, plus resources for engagement
Perfect for fans of Indigenous health, family care, and community innovation
Don’t miss this episode—find out what “aging in place” means in the Osage tradition and join the conversation on building a future where every elder is valued and connected.

Next Generation Care Today: New Osage Clinic Opens

Step into a new era of health and wellness as Osage Health Watch spotlights the grand opening of the Osage Nation’s state-of-the-art health clinic in Pawhuska. In this special episode, host Mike Quinata sits down with Osage Nation Health System (ONHS) CEO Mark Rogers, Chief Strategy Officer Lindsay King, and ONHS Board of Directors’ Michael Bristow to discuss how visionary leadership, cultural respect, and technological innovation have transformed health care for the Osage Nation and surrounding communities.
Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories about:
A Generational Leap in Care: Discover how the new clinic replaces the decades-old IHS facility, expanding vital services like dental, optometry, behavioral health, physical therapy, and even a diabetic teaching kitchen.
Modern Healing Spaces: Learn how architecture, natural light, and walking trails create an environment designed for both physical and mental well-being, reflecting Osage values and community pride.
Digital Health Innovations: Explore the power of the Epic electronic health record system and patient-friendly MyChart access, making care more seamless and connected than ever before.
A Vision for the Future: Hear the leadership team share their journey—overcoming obstacles, strategic planning, and the enduring drive to make Osage Nation a “provider of choice” for tribal and local families.
Whether you’re Osage, a supporter of Indigenous health, or simply intrigued by groundbreaking community care, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a front-row seat to a milestone moment in tribal self-determination and wellness.
Experience the future of Native health care—click play, and see how the Osage Nation is reimagining care for today and the generations to come.

Osage Spirit, Osage Mind - Community Healing and Tradition

What does it take to break the cycle of generational trauma and build a culture of mental wellness in Indigenous communities? In this powerful episode of Osage Health Watch, join host Mike Quinata, Congresswoman and RN Brandy Lemon, speech-language pathologist Michael Bristow, and special guest Dr. Moira Redcorn—a psychiatrist at Oklahoma City Indian Clinic—for an honest, engaging conversation marking Mental Health Awareness Month. Discover how the legacy of boarding schools, forced relocation, and cultural loss has shaped the mental health of Native peoples—and how resilience, community, and tradition are lighting the path forward. 
The real impact of historical trauma and how it manifests today
Breaking the stigma around mental health in Native communities
The unique pressures of living in two worlds—balancing tradition and modern life
The role of shame, judgment, and family expectations in well-being
How community, ceremony, and food foster healing and connection
Practical solutions, from boundary-setting to telehealth, that are making a difference
Hear personal stories, cultural insights, and expert advice on everything from substance abuse to grief, and learn why the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety—it’s community. Whether you’re Osage, Indigenous, or simply care about mental health and healing, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a call to action: break the cycle, build community, and be proud of your journey.
Click play to join a conversation that’s as heartfelt as it is transformative—and find out why listeners say Osage Health Watch is a must-hear for anyone seeking understanding and inspiration.
 

Keeping Care Local: Tribal Health and Medicaid

How do you bridge modern health care with Indigenous tradition? 🌾🏥 Meet Ashley Johnson, Tribal Relations Director for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, as she shares the powerful, often untold story of Medicaid’s impact in Indian Country—and why cultural identity is key to health leadership. 🌍✨
Discover how Ashley and her small-but-mighty team are transforming tribal health care: advocating for sovereignty, building trust, and ensuring Native communities receive the support they deserve. 💪🏽🤝 Hear the truth about Medicaid (it’s not “welfare”!), how it uplifts working families, and why every word in your Native language is an act of sovereignty and healing. 🗣️❤️ From reclaiming heritage to practical tips for maximizing health resources, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and actionable insights for everyone—Native and non-Native alike. 🌟
Ready to rethink what health care can mean for your community? Tap to listen and join the movement for empowered, culturally-rooted care! 🎧🌱
#OsageHealthWatch #TribalHealth #MedicaidMatters #NativeVoices #CommunityCare #HealthEquity #Sovereignty #IndigenousLeadership #KeepCareLocal #ListenNow

Indigenous Foodways for a Healthier Future: Beyond Frybread

🌽✨ Recorded at the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium spring conference in Shawnee, OK - dive into the roots of Osage and tribal wellness! In this episode of Osage Health Watch, join hosts Michael Bristow and Lindsay King as they sit down with Veronica Pipestem - seed steward, cultural advocate, and food sovereignty leader-to explore the revival of ancestral foods and their power to heal Native communities. Discover the hidden history of Osage corn, the challenges and triumphs of seed rematriation, and how traditional foodways offer hope in the fight against diabetes. From heartfelt stories to practical tips for growing and sourcing heirloom foods, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about health, heritage, and the future of Native nations. 🌱🪶👩‍🌾
🎧 Click to listen and be inspired to reclaim your roots and your health!

Choose Resilience: Navigating Uncertainty and Building Strength

The latest episode of *Osage Health Watch* dives into the theme of resilience in uncertain times, offering a heartfelt and insightful discussion on mental health, community, and personal growth. Hosts Producer Mike, Brandy Lemon, Michael Bristow, and guest Meredith Drent explore how challenges like federal policy changes and societal pressures uniquely impact Indigenous communities. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies to navigate these difficulties, emphasizing the importance of small habits, community connections, and cultural traditions in fostering resilience. From reflections on the healing power of storms to the significance of reaching out to loved ones, this episode is a celebration of strength and togetherness.
Listeners will also hear an inspiring dialogue on mental health awareness, with a focus on combating feelings of hopelessness through meaningful actions and support networks. The hosts candidly discuss struggles such as suicide rates among Native populations while highlighting the power of empathy, habit-building, and cultural grounding as tools for healing. Whether it’s through walking at dawn, lifting others with small acts of kindness, or reconnecting with traditions like community dances, this episode reminds us all to choose resilience and embrace the beauty of life’s small victories.

Resilience and Innovation: Osage Nation's Path to Better Health Care

Dive into the latest episode of Osage Health Watch, where hosts Brandy Lemon and Michael Bristow explore the resilience of the Osage Nation amidst federal funding challenges and highlight exciting advancements in tribal health care, including the upcoming state-of-the-art clinic opening in June 2025. Learn about expanded services such as specialty clinics, same-day appointments, and cutting-edge technology like the Epic electronic health record system, all designed to enhance patient care1. Plus, discover how community programs like "Prairie to Plate" and public health initiatives are empowering wellness across Osage County.
email - mike@grayhawkenterprise.com
IG @osagehealthwatch
 

Beat the Winter Blues: Dopamine, Vitamin D, and Osage Traditions

Feeling the winter blues? Get ready for a mood-boosting adventure with the Osage Health Watch crew! Join Producer Mike, Michael Bristow, Brandy Lemon & Coach Kinsley as they serve up a sizzling blend of science, style, and side-splitting humor to combat those chilly days. From Michael's GQ-worthy winter wardrobe to Brandy's surprising summer heat obsession, this episode proves that staying healthy isn't just about vitamins – it's about embracing your quirks and cultural roots. 
But prepare for some seriously eye-opening insights on beating seasonal affective disorder, boosting your dopamine naturally, and staying connected to your community. Whether you're a winter warrior or a summer enthusiast, this episode offers a fresh, funny take on health that'll leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer the cold. Don't miss out on the Osage Health Watch's unique blend of wellness wisdom, cultural celebration, and contagious energy. Click play now and transform your winter from drab to fab! #OsageHealthWatch#WinterWellness#SeasonalMoodBoost#IndigenousHealth#DopamineAndVitaminD

Unwrapping Self Care for the Holidays

🌟 Join hosts Michael Bristow, Brandy Lemon, and Producer Mike as they share personal traditions, from Christmas cookies to prime rib dinners 🍪🥩, and explore ways to stay connected with family and community. This festive episode of *Osage Health Watch* is packed with heartwarming stories and practical tips to help you embrace the holiday season with balance and joy. 🎅 Navigating holiday indulgence guilt-free  🎄 Balancing old traditions with new ones  🧘‍♀️ Prioritizing self-care during a busy season  🤝 The importance of asking for—and accepting—help  
With touching anecdotes, like Michael escorting Brandy’s mom to a Christmas party, this episode reminds us of the power of flexibility, connection, and embracing the true spirit of the season. ✨ Tune in for inspiration to make your holidays meaningful and memorable! 🎶
 

Self-Care, Elder Care, We Care

This episode of Osage Health Watch explores the importance of quality of life for elders in indigenous communities, focusing on practical fitness tips, nutrition, and elder care resources. The hosts discuss feedback from listeners and delve into topics such as functional exercises for older adults, the significance of nutrition and hydration, and elder care meal programs. They emphasize the projected growth of the aging Native American population and its implications for healthcare services. The conversation touches on culturally appropriate elder care, caregiver challenges, and the need for improved nutrition in elder care programs. Throughout the episode, the hosts provide practical advice on maintaining health and quality of life as people age, highlighting the concept of "habit stacking" to improve overall well-being and the importance of socialization for elders.