Best NASTAD Podcasts (2025)

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A Strong Cup of Communi-tea 46:12

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1+ y ago46:12

46:12

On the series finale of Southern Steep: Brewing Stronger Community, current and former cohosts go down memory lane, sharing reflections on previous season clips, the rich conversations had with guests, and the podcast overall. The hosts share what they have loved and learned throughout this journey as well as their continued hopes for the South. Ul…

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Compassionate Love and Care 43:03

1+ y ago43:03

43:03

In this episode of Southern Steep: Brewing Stronger Community, co-hosts Shanice Bailey and Nicole Elinoff are joined by Raymond Velazquez, Director of Prevention for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project and Alison Gaye, a Senior Manager on NASTAD's Drug User Health Team. Ray and Alison discuss the paths that led them to doing essential harm redu…

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Reducing Harm Through Education 39:02

1+ y ago39:02

39:02

In this episode of Southern Steep, co-hosts Rodderick and Jacobi learn about Corey Haskett's path towards becoming the Harm Reduction Program Coordinator at US helping US, People Into Living. Corey talks about the importance of syringe services programs, mental health, and providing proper sex education to priority populations.…

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Southern CBO Summit 2024 43:58

2y ago43:58

43:58

On this special episode of Southern Steep: Brewing Stronger Community, Nicole, and Jacobi speak with attendees of NASTAD's second-annual Southern CBO Summit, which took place in San Antonio, Texas, January 17-19, 2024. This dynamic episode features Noah Baker (Delaware HIV Consortium), Dexter Davis (Urban League of Hampton Roads), Yvonne Arizpe (Le…

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Learning and Growing 36:08

2y ago36:08

36:08

In this episode, co-hosts Jacobi and Rodderick share space with the wonderful Kyanna Parsons and learn about her professional journey into the field of HIV. Kyanna talks about having to unlearn biases and stigma surrounding HIV and how she’s made it her mission to address misconceptions to underserved communities.…

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Bowing Out and Building Capacity 53:39

2y ago53:39

53:39

In this episode, recorded on World AIDS Day, co-hosts Justin and Shanice are joined by Leisha McKinley-Beach, Founder and CEO of the Black Public Health Academy. Now, on the brink of retirement, McKinley-Beach discusses her lifelong commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S., and her new venture that aims to forge intergenerational partnersh…

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Advocating Through Theater 48:12

2y ago48:12

48:12

In this episode, co-hosts Rodderick and Shanice join forces to converse with the talented AJ King. AJ is based out of Washington DC and is the Director of Intercultural Affairs at Howard University, as well as the Director of Street Outreach at Sasha Bruce Youthwork. Conversations center around AJ’s passion for theatre and the arts, and how they’ve…

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Driving the Train of Change 56:50

2y ago56:50

56:50

Justin and Nicole are back, and joined by the Queen Bee of Let's BEEHIVE, Inc., Dr. Andrea Dunn. Dr. Dunn is buzzing all around Central Florida: creating impactful partnerships, engaging in research, educating Black women about PrEP through the "She is PrEPalicious!®" campaign, and bridging the gap between pharmacists and HIV prevention work. The c…

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Creating New Norms 35:24

2y ago35:24

35:24

Southern Steep is back for Season 4, kicking it off with an amazing guest, Joelle Espeut, Director of Programming of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc., a Houston based organization centering Black, queer plus persons to overcome barriers, end stigma and problematic narratives to actualize a new normal. Nicole is joined by a new co-host, Justin, a…

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Prevention that Supports Desire 1:01:34

2+ y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

In Season three’s season finale, co-hosts Rodderick and Nicole have the delight of speaking with two guests, Mahelet Kebede (NASTAD) and Kelly Ross-Davis (1917 Clinic). Conversations go from defining trauma, trauma-informed approaches (TIA), and healing centered engagement, to how trauma impacts folks living with and impacted by HIV in the South, t…

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Storytelling Meets Advocacy 53:43

2+ y ago53:43

53:43

On this episode of Southern Seep, Rodderick and Jacobi take a dive into the intersection of art, healing, health education, and advocacy with the founder and director of Brave Soul Collective(BSC), Monte J. Wolfe. BSC is a DC-based multi-disciplinary arts, education, and HIV/AIDS outreach organization working to illuminate the lives of LGBTQIA+ peo…

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He, Him, and His Equity 54:11

2+ y ago54:11

54:11

Southern Steeper’s Jacobi Hunter-Wright and Necole Elinoff come together to talk prevention, equity, access, and how trans-masculine identified communities are operationalizing leadership not only in the South, but across the landscape. Ty and Lee explore how the intersections of their personal and professional endeavors impact how they approach th…

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Reflections from the 2023 Southern CBO Summit 55:23

2+ y ago55:23

55:23

In this special episode of Southern Steep: Brewing Stronger Community, Nicole and Isaiah speak with attendees of NASTAD's first ever Southern CBO Summit, which took place in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in January. This dynamic episode features Dexter Davis (LGBT Life Center), E. Lee Dyer IV (BONDS), Dean Edwards (PALSS), & Malcolm Reid (THRIVESS), sum…

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Putting Gender-Affirming Care into Practice 37:53

2+ y ago37:53

37:53

This episode starts with Southern Steep host Isaiah calling Rodderick out on channeling Barbara Walters with his check-in question. Together they interviewed special guest Dietz on patient navigation and gender-affirming care. Dietz (any pronoun used with respect) is a transgender health educator, trainer and consultant who has specialized in the f…

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Community Engagement, Reimagined 41:04

2+ y ago41:04

41:04

As part of its CDC-funded Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) project, NASTAD released Re-envisioning Community Engagement: A Practical Toolkit to Empower HIV Prevention Efforts with Marginalized Communities, in the summer of 2022. The toolkit was the culmination of a yearlong project aimed at enhancing community engagement efforts in the southern U…

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The Children Are Our Future 45:25

3y ago45:25

45:25

On this episode of Southern Steep, Bianca, and our newest host, Rodderick, interview the Assistant Director of Health Services at JASMYN, Christina Woodhouse. JASMYN is an organization that works with LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults to provide HIV/STI testing, PrEP, housing support, and mental health services in Jacksonville, Florida. This episode …

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Invest in the Girls 43:54

3y ago43:54

43:54

On this episode of Southern Steep, Nicole and previous hostess with the mostess, Justine, speaks to Mulan Montrese Williams. This episode covers a wide range of topics, including: pageantry, sex work, housing, and ultimately the importance of investing in other Black, Trans Women and Black, Trans led organizations. Mulan shares more about her work …

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She, Her, and Equity (the real pronouns) 42:49

3y ago42:49

42:49

Southern Steepers Jacobi Hunter-Wright and Bianca Ward come together to talk prevention, equity, housing, and how women are operationalizing leadership in the South. A true Florida gal, D’Metris explores her humble beginnings in the work as she explores her experiences in the South fighting for health equity and accessible housing.This episode's So…

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A Louisiana Special 46:14

3y ago46:14

46:14

In this episode, Isaiah and Nicole speak with S. Mandisa Moore-O'Neal, Executive Director of the Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP), a national research and advocacy organization. Mandisa shares more about her background and what brought her to this work, her and CHLPs investment in the South, and provides an overview of the state of HIV criminal…

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2023 Welcomes Season 3 38:09

3y ago38:09

38:09

The Southern Steep team reunites for a third season, bringing back some familiar voices and welcoming a new host! The team share their wishes for season 3, their why for doing this work, and what listeners can expect for this season. The team also learns more about Rodderick's potato salad. We hope you enjoy season 3. This episode's Southern Charm …

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Stop the Silos 52:28

4y ago52:28

52:28

Nicole and Jacobi finally co-host together! In this episode, the dynamic duo speaks with Samantha Daley, Development Coordinator for BYP100, a member-based organization of Black youth activists creating justice and freedom for all Black people. Samantha shares her passion for movement organizing, her love for reproductive justice, and her work with…

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Lifeline 50:08

4y ago50:08

50:08

In this episode, co-hosts Bianca and Nicole have a heartfelt and powerful conversation with Alex Bradley, Outreach and Community Education Manager at Honoring Individual Power and Strength (HIPS). Alex shares the wealth of services and support that HIPS have been providing to the community for decades and the essential work of faithful volunteers. …

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From Law to Leadership 50:28

4y ago50:28

50:28

In this episode, co-hosts Bianca and Isaiah speak with Dafina Ward, JD, Executive Director of Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC), to discuss her leadership journey as a Black woman in the South, the care and support she has offered her staff throughout the pandemic, and the role and impact that SAC plays in the South as a convener of critical conversati…

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Passion in the Panhandle 48:24

4y ago48:24

48:24

In this episode, co-hosts Nicole and Vrushabh speak with Jermaine Daniels and Derrick Robinson from BASIC NWFL. Located in the Florida Panhandle, Jermaine and Derrick discuss the charms and challenges of being in a rural setting, including transportation barriers and the telehealth opportunities brought by the pandemic. This episode's Southern Char…

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A Retrospective on NASTAD's Community Ties 36:53

4y ago36:53

36:53

In commemoration of NASTAD’s 30th anniversary, Deputy Executive Director Natalie Cramer joins podcast co-hosts Nicole and Isaiah to discuss the organization’s long-running ties to community and the grassroots. As NASTAD’s longest-tenured staffer, Natalie recounts how the organization has evolved over time, and how it has refined its technical assis…

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Curating The Future 46:14

4y ago46:14

46:14

In this special episode, Season One's host, Torrian, attends the National African American MSM Leadership Conference on Health Disparities and Social Justice hosted by NAESM, Incorporated in Los Angeles, California. During this episode, Torrian speaks to Malcolm Reid of the Silver Lining Project—a program birthed out of THRIVE SS— and Dr. Alvan Qua…

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Advocacy Within Our DNA 47:35

4y ago47:35

47:35

In this episode, Bianca and Justine give well-deserved flowers and appreciation to Ms. Gina Brown, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement, at Southern AIDS Coalition. As the daughter of a Black Panther, she was born into advocacy. Gina speaks candidly about how she’s opening the doors for other women living with HIV, keys to su…

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A Seat at the Table 55:45

4y ago55:45

55:45

In this episode, Jacobi, along with co-host Bianca Ward, speaks with Human Rights Campaign's Tori Cooper on the personal experiences that have influenced her professional mission. Tori discusses the past, the present, and the future, and her work in health equity, advocacy within the Presidental Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS (PACHA) and HRC, tra…

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Being Called to the Tent 54:40

4y ago54:40

54:40

In this episode, co-hosts Nicole and Isaiah speak with NASTAD's very own, Lillie Armstrong and Rev. Michelle Mathis on harm reduction in North Carolina. Michelle speaks to how she was spiritually called to the tent leading her to quit her full-time job, establish Olive Branch Ministry, and focus on harm reduction work that "extend hope and extend l…

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We Bought the Block 54:54

4y ago54:54

54:54

In this episode, Justine and Nicole learn more about Kayla Gore, Co-Founder/Director of Programs at My Sistah's House, and her journey from a local Memphis Trans-led nonprofit leader to purchasing land trusts to facilitate homeownership for Black Trans Women experiencing homelessness in Memphis, Tennessee, The Tiny House Project.…

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The Spirit of Acadiana 58:34

4y ago58:34

58:34

After decades of working in the HIV/AIDS field, Claude Martin, chief executive officer of Acadiana Cares in Lafayette, Louisiana, reflects on the evolution of the continuum of care. Martin recalls how he initially began this work – when hotlines were routed to homes, and car trunks constituted offices. He talks about how rural communities like his …

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We're Back 47:48

4y ago47:48

47:48

The Southern Steep team is back for Season 2, and the hosts have a lot in store for you! In this episode, we welcome our new hosts to the pod, share what to expect this season, and discuss the South's resiliency. We hope you enjoy this new season.By Nicole Elinoff, Bianca Ward, Isaiah Webster III, Justine Ingram, Jacobi Hunter-Wright, Vrushabh Shah

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A Look Back 48:58

4+ y ago48:58

48:58

In the finale of season 1, Bianca, Isaiah, Nicole, and Torrian share their favorite moments from the first 13 episodes. Bianca recalls Erin Snowden’s steely determination from Episode 12. Isaiah revealed how his blooper during Episode 7 led to his favorite moment of the season. Nicole was moved by Justine Ingram’s devotion to community service from…

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Empowered Women, Empower Women 57:35

4+ y ago57:35

57:35

Dedra Spears-Johnson and Shawnte’ Spriggs of Heart to Hand, Inc are fierce, phenomenal women with a vision for Maryland (yes, Maryland is in the South). The synergistic duo joins hosts Bianca and Nicole for a conversation on transformational leadership, the value of advocacy, and their beginnings in the HIV movement.Southern Charm: Sisters Together…

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Born For This 56:04

4+ y ago56:04

56:04

Director of Data and Analytics at Mamatoto Village, Erin Snowden, shares her authentic and powerful journey in maternal health and the definition of “heart work.” Erin speaks passionately with hosts Bianca and Nicole about the impact of perinatal community birth workers on the lives of Black women and children and the power of data to tell true sto…

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Keeping the Faith with MBK 44:56

4+ y ago44:56

44:56

Mauda Monger, Ph.D., MPHChief Operating Officer, My Brother’s Keeper, Inc. In a wide-ranging conversation, Mauda Monger of My Brother’s Keeper, Inc. joins Nicole and Isaiah to discuss lessons learned from providing technical assistance in the South, and the importance of community voices in advocating for the COVID-19 vaccine. The episode also disc…

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Justine for Mayor! 57:10

4+ y ago57:10

57:10

A powerful woman with a vision, while wearing many hats, Justine Ingram is making an impact in the South. Justine joins hosts Torrian and Nicole for a conversation on housing, the importance of investing in Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) communities, future plans, and her recent big news! Southern Charm: My Sistah’s House My Sistah’s Ho…

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Driven By Mercy 1:02:04

4+ y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Activist. Educator. Entrepreneur. Khadijah Abdullah, founder of Reaching All HIV+ Muslims in America (RAHMA) and the National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, shares how her belief in mercy and compassion has been the driving force behind her work and advocacy. Khadijah talks to hosts Bianca and Isaiah about how she has been using her voice to uplift …

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Speaking Truth to Power 41:27

5y ago41:27

41:27

In a much-needed, refreshing conversation, co-hosts Bianca and Nicole spend time with social justice warrior, Rose Hornedo. Rose speaks truth to power on mental health, harm reduction, advocacy, and the many incredible programs Metro Inclusive Health has to offer.By Nicole Elinoff, Rose Hornedo, Bianca Ward

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Mobilizing Communities, Bridging Gaps 49:40

5y ago49:40

49:40

Activist. Advocate. Virgo. Executive Director, Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative, Incorporated. DaShawn Usher joins Torrian and Isaiah to give insight into his journey working with Black and Latinx LGBTQ communities, how MOBI came to be, and the innovative MOBI approach to mobilizing communities of color and bridging gaps to improve the health out…

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Joining Hands with The Commission 1:01:24

5y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Co-hosts Isaiah and Nicole sit down with co-collaborators in the South, the Latino Commission on AIDS, to discuss two of their programs: Hands United and Latinos in the South. The most guests on the podcast yet, conversations center on language justice, collaborations in the South, capacity building, and their respective journeys in the work.Guest:…

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Meet the Co-Hosts 1:02:46

5y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

For the very first time, all four co-hosts: Bianca (Capricorn/Leo), Nicole (Scorpio/Aquarius), Torrian (Virgo/Virgo), and Isaiah (Aries/Scorpio) join the same podcast to discuss how it all came together and why. The quartet discusses their hosting styles, their Southern charms, and the many NASTAD resources available to community-based organization…

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Steeped in Manifestation 1:05:00

5y ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Richard Hutchinson, Co-founder and Executive Director of He Is Valuable Incorporated, joins Bianca and Torrian to discuss how He Is Valuable's many programs address the ever-present challenges in the South, the concept of "radical visibility" to empower Black gay men, and the power of declarations when manifesting the world around you.…

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The Pride of Alabama 52:03

5y ago52:03

52:03

Veteran; public health advocate; public servant. Neil Rafferty, director of Birmingham Comprehensive High Impact Prevention (B-CHIP) for Birmingham AIDS Outreach, wears many hats. Neil talks to hosts Nicole and Isaiah about why he continues to devote his public service efforts to Alabama, and what led to his decision to seek (and win!) a seat in th…

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CommuniTEA Investment 47:28

5y ago47:28

47:28

On this episode of Southern Steep, podcast hosts Nicole and Torrian talk with Daniel J. Downer, Founder and Executive Director of the Bros in Convo Initiative, on being a Black queer man leading a community-based organization in the South, the importance of investing in the community, and how the Bros in Convo Initiative is intentionally investing …

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The Inaugural Brew 38:52

5y ago38:52

38:52

On this inaugural episode of Southern Steep, podcast hosts Bianca and Isaiah talk with Ashley Tarrant of Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO) on her work as Chief Operating Officer and how she discovered her "calling" as a doula in the Montgomery, AL community.By Isaiah Webster III, Bianca Ward, Ashley Tarrant