Episodes

Affordability isn't just about medical bills—it's about addressing what drives health in the first place. When people have stable housing, access to healthy food and support for mental health, they use the health care system less and live healthier lives. In this episode we explore how health care affordability starts far upstream—from food security and housing stability to behavioral health and chronic disease prevention. This episode will spotlight community-based partnerships that Blue Cross ...

Uninsured individuals often rely on hospitals for emergency care, the most expensive part of the health system. That cost doesn’t disappear—it shows up in everyone’s insurance premiums. This episode helps reframe affordability by examining how charity care, Medicaid, and federal subsidies work together to manage that cost upstream. In this episode, we explore the hidden costs of uncompensated care, how hospitals and insurers work together to support vulnerable populations, and the impact of fede...

Health care affordability isn't just a consumer problem—it's a system accountability issue. Consolidated health systems promised lower costs. Insurers and employers are demanding more value. This episode brings together health systems, insurers and business leaders to explore how each player in the health care system can do more—collectively—to lower the cost of coverage. From legacy partnerships to forward-looking value-based models, what does meaningful collaboration look like? Guests: •Tric...

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four-part series. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore the science behind nutrient timing. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What is nutrient timing? How intermittent fasting can have benefits like reducing calorie intake and stabilizing insulin levels, but prolonged f...

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four-part series. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore how the nutritional value of food plays a bigger role than just calorie count. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are high in vitamins, minerals,...

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four part series. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore how to optimize food choices to fuel our body. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How different types of food affect energy levels and metabolism Nutrient-rich foods that can help boost energy throughout the day If...

From aging to genetics, we’re exploring the balance between nutrition and metabolism in this four part series. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Registered Dietitian for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Shanthi Appelö. Together, they explore the truth about metabolism. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What exactly is metabolism? How much of our metabolism is determined by genetics. Common myths about speeding up our metabolism. Ways to optimize our ...

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. James Grant. Together, they explore how small changes to our lifestyle can positively impact longevity. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: The most impactful healthy habits people can adopt to reduce the risk of chronic di...

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Raymond Hobbs. Together, they explore how to embrace the natural aging process while focusing on the areas of our health we can actively maintain. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco c...

In this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they explore the role of genetics and family history in our health. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How genes provide a blueprint for how the body functions, and genetic mutations can increase the risk of certain d...

in this series, we’re exploring the balance between what you can and can’t control when it comes to your health. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Care Management Physician of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Angela Seabright. Together, they explore how small changes to our lifestyle now can make a big difference for our health long-term. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How there are many factors that impact health, including lifestyle choices, ag...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Josh McCullough. Together, they explore how we can better manage stress and set boundaries this holiday season. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How the holidays can be a source of stress for many due to factors like social obligations, gift-giving, family dynamics, and personal expectations. Practical tips including setting boundaries and expectations ear...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by VP of Clinical Partnerships & Associate CMO for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Amy Milewski. Together, they explore how practicing gratitude can bring us better health and positive relationships. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How practicing gratitude for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks can improve mental wellbeing. How gratitude can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lessen anxiety and depres...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Josh McCullough. Together, they explore ways to build resilience through stress, develop better strategies to cope and not let the cycle repeat itself. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Practical steps individuals can take to improve their stress resilience Early warning signs that stress is impacting both mental and physical health How someone can effecti...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Jessica Chester, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and University Counselor of the Counseling and Psychological Services Department for Wayne State University. Together, they discuss what is doomscrolling and how to stop it. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How doomscrolling can lead to feelings of anxiety and being unable to disconnect from the constant stream of information. Factors contributing to doomscrolling Warning ...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Ann Marie Wakula, certified personal trainer and macro nutrition coach. Together, they discuss how we can navigate colder months to keep our bodies active when all one might feel like doing is sitting on the couch. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Setting small, realistic goals to maintain an active routine and healthy habits Finding ways to incorporate movement throughout the day, even in small amounts Trying new winter...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Josh McCullough. Together, they explore how to spot signs that work has become your identity. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore the importance of seeking balance, setting boundaries, and getting input from trusted support networks to prevent work from overshadowing other meaningful aspects of life.

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Susanna Rickman, Suicide Prevention Manager for Gryphon Place. Together, they discuss ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How talking openly about mental health issues, without shame or stigma, can be an important step to break down barriers. How listening for potential warning signs and being willing to have difficult conversations can help connect people to support. How...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Angela Seabright, Care Management Physician of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss our biological age, or the age your body functions, and what we can do to improve it. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: How biological age can be improved throughDiet Exercise Sleep Stress management

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Sydney Lipsey, Manager of Behavioral Health Strategy and Planning for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss ways to overcome perfectionism. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Signs of perfectionism Effects of perfectionism on mental health and wellbeing Ways to overcome perfectionism

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Nick Nerbonne, Media, Digital and Industry Relations Director for Travel Michigan. Together, they discuss Michigan destinations to check out this fall. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What makes Michigan a great destination for fall travel Michigan fall destinations to add to your bucket list Best places for leaf-peeping and enjoying fall foliage

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Senior Health Care Analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Josh McCullough. Together, they discuss what it means to be in a funk and ways to get out of one. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What it means to be in a funk and how it's different from clinical depression Common signs of being in a funk Effective ways to rest and recharge while in a funk How engaging in creative activities might help one feel better

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Medical Director of Behavioral Health for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Kristyn Gregory. Together, they discuss how taking adult timeouts can be beneficial to our wellbeing. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: What are adult timeouts How these timeouts help reassesses priorities and manage energy efficiently Strategies to employ during timeouts to promote relaxation Practical steps to incorporate adult timeouts i...

On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. David Baird, dermatologist. Together, they discuss skincare products to be mindful of and how to approach skincare this summer. In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore: Why it's important to be cautious of certain skincare products in the summer Steps to take to protect your skin from sun sensitivity while using certain skincare products How to tell if a certain products causes sun sensitivity Alternatives you can use to re...