Osage Health Watch

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.

Lindsay King, Elder Care Possibilities and Caregiver Awareness

Join hosts Brandy Lemon, Michael Bristow, and Mike Quinata as they dive deep into the intersection of Indigenous health practices and Western medicine. This episode, recorded live at the Osage Casino and Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, features an engaging interview with Lindsay King, a former federal Indian Health Service leader, now bringing her talents to work for the Osage Nation.  Lindsay shares her journey from the Cherokee Nation to the Indian Health Service, highlighting her extensive experience in healthcare and her dedication to serving Native communities. The discussion touches on the future of elder care in Indian Country, emphasizing the importance of mental health support for caregivers and the challenges faced in providing sustainable assisted living facilities for Native elders.
 

Nutrition, Colonialism and Diabetes: Moving forward for indigenous wellness

Join hosts, Brandy Lemon, Michael Bristow and Coach Kinsley as they delve into Indigenous health issues, exploring the intersection of Western medicine and traditional practices, and connect you with resources available from the Osage Nation.  Coach Kinsley from the Fitness Fix podcast shares practical fitness and nutrition tips to promote well-being in the Osage Nation and beyond. We discuss the importance of physical exercise, the impact of food choices on health and wellness, and the critical role of hydration.
We also explore modern approaches to addressing obesity and diabetes, including the benefits and potential drawbacks of weight loss surgeries and medications like Ozempic. Whether you're looking for fitness routines, nutritional guidance, or understanding the latest health interventions, this episode has something for everyone.
Join us as we take steps towards better health, one habit at a time. Don't forget to visit osahealthwatch.com for more resources and easy workout routines from Coach Kinsley.

Nutrition, Colonialism and Diabetes: Reclaiming Osage & Indigenous Health

Join us as hosts Brandy Lemon, Michael T. Bristow, and Coach Kinsley explore the intricate connections between nutrition, colonialism, and diabetes in Osage and indigenous communities with Producer Mike. They discuss how historical changes have impacted health, examine the effects of the Western diet on Osage and indigenous well-being, and share practical solutions for a healthier future. Featuring insights from Coach Kinsley of the Fitness Fix podcast, this episode begins to explore strategies for balancing traditional practices with modern health approaches.