Family holidays are supposed to be joyful — but for many of us, they’re complicated, emotional, and sometimes exhausting.

In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson sits down with her cousins for a deeply honest conversation about what family gatherings are really like behind the scenes. From generational differences and unspoken tensions to traditions, boundaries, and unconditional love, this episode explores why family dynamics can be so challenging — and why they still matter.

Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, dreading uncomfortable conversations, or trying to protect your peace while staying connected, this episode offers real-life insight, practical wisdom, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

This conversation covers:
Why family holidays feel emotionally heavy


How generations clash around values, boundaries, and traditions


Navigating conflict without walking away forever


What “chosen family” really means

 

Don’t forgive to follow and subscribe.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Why family holidays feel harder than they look

02:30 – The reality behind “perfect” family gatherings

06:45 – Generational traditions and where they come from

10:20 – Family conflict: words that hurt and how people heal

14:30 – How family prepares you for the real world

17:00 – When blood family isn’t your safe place

19:00 – Chosen family and expanding the definition of home

22:00 – Generational clashes: alcohol, boundaries, and change

25:10 – Loving people without agreeing with them

28:30 – Respecting elders while honoring who you are

32:45 – Teaching the next generation respect and connection

36:10 – How to keep family traditions alive

41:00 – Social media, distance, and staying connected

45:45 – Favorite family memories and legacy

53:20 – Final reflections: showing up imperfectly still matters

 

#FamilyDynamics #HolidayStress #FamilyHealing #GenerationalTrauma #ChosenFamily #HolidayBoundaries #FamilyTraditions #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyRelationships #PrescribingAHealthierFuture

Family holidays are supposed to be joyful &mdash; but for many of us, they&rsquo;re complicated, emotional, and sometimes exhausting.
In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson sits down with her cousins for a deeply honest conversation about what family gatherings are really like behind the scenes. From generational differences and unspoken tensions to traditions, boundaries, and unconditional love, this episode explores why family dynamics can be so challenging &mdash; and why they still matter.
Whether you&rsquo;re navigating holiday stress, dreading uncomfortable conversations, or trying to protect your peace while staying connected, this episode offers real-life insight, practical wisdom, and reassurance that you&rsquo;re not alone.
This conversation covers:
<ul>
<li>Why family holidays feel emotionally heavy </li>
<li>How generations clash around values, boundaries, and traditions </li>
<li>Navigating conflict without walking away forever </li>
<li>What &ldquo;chosen family&rdquo; really means</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t forgive to follow and subscribe.
Some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Why family holidays feel harder than they look
02:30 &ndash; The reality behind &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; family gatherings
06:45 &ndash; Generational traditions and where they come from
10:20 &ndash; Family conflict: words that hurt and how people heal
14:30 &ndash; How family prepares you for the real world
17:00 &ndash; When blood family isn&rsquo;t your safe place
19:00 &ndash; Chosen family and expanding the definition of home
22:00 &ndash; Generational clashes: alcohol, boundaries, and change
25:10 &ndash; Loving people without agreeing with them
28:30 &ndash; Respecting elders while honoring who you are
32:45 &ndash; Teaching the next generation respect and connection
36:10 &ndash; How to keep family traditions alive
41:00 &ndash; Social media, distance, and staying connected
45:45 &ndash; Favorite family memories and legacy
53:20 &ndash; Final reflections: showing up imperfectly still matters
&nbsp;
#FamilyDynamics #HolidayStress #FamilyHealing #GenerationalTrauma #ChosenFamily #HolidayBoundaries #FamilyTraditions #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyRelationships #PrescribingAHealthierFuture

Having a Healthy Holiday With Family 

What does it really mean to walk onto a college campus where you’re not the minority — where your professors, your classmates, your leaders look like you? In this powerful episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Weber Pearson sits down with Dr. Kelly Elmore to explore the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — not just on students, but on entire communities.

You’ll hear the untold truth about how one small HBCU in New Orleans sends more Black students to medical school than Harvard, Yale, or any Ivy League university. You’ll also learn how HBCUs shape confidence, leadership, cultural identity, and the healthcare workforce that underserved communities depend on.

But this conversation goes beyond celebration — it exposes the ongoing threats HBCUs face:

💣 racially motivated bomb threats

💸 billions in chronic underfunding

🏛️ political targeting and resource inequity

Dr. Weber Pearson and Dr. Elmore share personal stories from Xavier University, the life-changing support they received, and how HBCUs continue to produce doctors, nurses, lawyers, educators, and leaders who go back home and literally save lives.

If you believe in health equity, representation in medicine, and the power of community-rooted education, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

👇 Support HBCUs:

✔ Contact your elected officials

✔ Support UNCF & scholarship organizations

✔ Recruit from HBCUs

✔ Send your kids to HBCUs

✔ Donate to strengthen their endowments

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on building healthier, more equitable communities.

Here are some notable moments from this episode:

00:05 – The HBCU That Outperforms Harvard

01:10 – When Black Excellence Is the Norm, Not the Exception

04:45 – Choosing Xavier: Cosby, Church, and Childhood Dreams

09:55 – “I Am Home”: Finally Belonging on an HBCU Campus

16:05 – Rocky First Years and Why Parents Shouldn’t Pull Kids Out

23:50 – Med School Hostility and HBCU-Built Resilience

29:10 – Do We Still Need HBCUs? The Data Says Yes

34:35 – Bomb Threats, Safety, and Unshakeable HBCU Communities

38:40 – The $13 Billion Funding Gap and What We’ve Lost

42:35 – How HBCUs Build Healthy Adults and Healthier Communities

 

What does it really mean to walk onto a college campus where you&rsquo;re not the minority &mdash; where your professors, your classmates, your leaders look like you? In this powerful episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Weber Pearson sits down with Dr. Kelly Elmore to explore the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) &mdash; not just on students, but on entire communities.
You&rsquo;ll hear the untold truth about how one small HBCU in New Orleans sends more Black students to medical school than Harvard, Yale, or any Ivy League university. You&rsquo;ll also learn how HBCUs shape confidence, leadership, cultural identity, and the healthcare workforce that underserved communities depend on.
But this conversation goes beyond celebration &mdash; it exposes the ongoing threats HBCUs face:
💣 racially motivated bomb threats
💸 billions in chronic underfunding
🏛️ political targeting and resource inequity
Dr. Weber Pearson and Dr. Elmore share personal stories from Xavier University, the life-changing support they received, and how HBCUs continue to produce doctors, nurses, lawyers, educators, and leaders who go back home and literally save lives.
If you believe in health equity, representation in medicine, and the power of community-rooted education, this is an episode you don&rsquo;t want to miss.
👇 Support HBCUs:
✔ Contact your elected officials
✔ Support UNCF &amp; scholarship organizations
✔ Recruit from HBCUs
✔ Send your kids to HBCUs
✔ Donate to strengthen their endowments
📌 Subscribe for more conversations on building healthier, more equitable communities.
Here are some notable moments from this episode:
00:05 &ndash; The HBCU That Outperforms Harvard
01:10 &ndash; When Black Excellence Is the Norm, Not the Exception
04:45 &ndash; Choosing Xavier: Cosby, Church, and Childhood Dreams
09:55 &ndash; &ldquo;I Am Home&rdquo;: Finally Belonging on an HBCU Campus
16:05 &ndash; Rocky First Years and Why Parents Shouldn&rsquo;t Pull Kids Out
23:50 &ndash; Med School Hostility and HBCU-Built Resilience
29:10 &ndash; Do We Still Need HBCUs? The Data Says Yes
34:35 &ndash; Bomb Threats, Safety, and Unshakeable HBCU Communities
38:40 &ndash; The $13 Billion Funding Gap and What We&rsquo;ve Lost
42:35 &ndash; How HBCUs Build Healthy Adults and Healthier Communities
&nbsp;

The Truth About HBCUs: Underfunded, Targeted… and Still Winning

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson sits down with her mother, Dr. Shirley Weber — California’s Secretary of State, educator, and trailblazer.

Together, they discuss:
How parenting has evolved across generations
Raising children in the digital age
The importance of community and education
Why the health of our families is tied to the health of our democracy

This conversation blends family, purpose, and civic responsibility — reminding us that raising strong kids means protecting the future they’ll inherit.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to join the movement toward a healthier, more informed, and compassionate world.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Opening: Bullying in the digital age

01:00 – Introducing guest: Dr. Shirley Weber – educator, mother, and Secretary of State

03:30 – Raising children then vs. now

06:00 – Lessons from growing up in community and faith

10:00 – Parenting in the era of social media & technology

13:00 – Building real connection in a digital world

17:00 – Family traditions and staying close across generations

19:00 – Talking about bullying, resilience, and self-worth

26:00 – “It takes a village” – how to build community support

34:00 – Education, equity, and closing the achievement gap

49:00 – Democracy, family, and why our freedoms are linked

01:00:00 – Hope, action, and legacy

HASHTAGS:

#PrescribingAHealthierFuture #DrAkilahWeberPierson #DrShirleyWeber #ParentingPodcast #WomenInLeadership #BlackMothers #EducationMatters #FamilyAndDemocracy #CaliforniaPolitics #RaisingKidsInADigitalWorld #CivicEngagement #HealthyFamiliesHealthyDemocracy #MotherDaughterConversation

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson sits down with her mother, Dr. Shirley Weber &mdash; California&rsquo;s Secretary of State, educator, and trailblazer.
Together, they discuss:
<ul>
<li>How parenting has evolved across generations</li>
<li>Raising children in the digital age</li>
<li>The importance of community and education</li>
<li>Why the health of our families is tied to the health of our democracy</li>
</ul>
This conversation blends family, purpose, and civic responsibility &mdash; reminding us that raising strong kids means protecting the future they&rsquo;ll inherit.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to join the movement toward a healthier, more informed, and compassionate world.
Some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Opening: Bullying in the digital age
01:00 &ndash; Introducing guest: Dr. Shirley Weber &ndash; educator, mother, and Secretary of State
03:30 &ndash; Raising children then vs. now
06:00 &ndash; Lessons from growing up in community and faith
10:00 &ndash; Parenting in the era of social media &amp; technology
13:00 &ndash; Building real connection in a digital world
17:00 &ndash; Family traditions and staying close across generations
19:00 &ndash; Talking about bullying, resilience, and self-worth
26:00 &ndash; &ldquo;It takes a village&rdquo; &ndash; how to build community support
34:00 &ndash; Education, equity, and closing the achievement gap
49:00 &ndash; Democracy, family, and why our freedoms are linked
01:00:00 &ndash; Hope, action, and legacy
HASHTAGS:
#PrescribingAHealthierFuture #DrAkilahWeberPierson #DrShirleyWeber #ParentingPodcast #WomenInLeadership #BlackMothers #EducationMatters #FamilyAndDemocracy #CaliforniaPolitics #RaisingKidsInADigitalWorld #CivicEngagement #HealthyFamiliesHealthyDemocracy #MotherDaughterConversation

Mother, Mentor, and Democracy Defender: Dr. Shirley Weber on Raising Kids & Protecting Our Future

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/4ebca366-8623-496e-8477-b393001f262c/transcript

What if your doctor’s prescription for better health had nothing to do with medicine—and everything to do with where you live?

In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Weber Pearson, physician and California State Senator, sits down with Dr. Rodney Hood, a nationally recognized leader in health equity, to explore how the social determinants of health—like housing, food access, transportation, education, and even racism—shape our well-being far more than what happens in the doctor’s office.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why your ZIP code can determine your lifespan more than your genetic code
How food deserts, redlining, and housing instability create health disparities
The real impact of chronic stress and racism on physical health
How community-based solutions like health workers, local gardens, and housing first models are transforming outcomes

👉 Subscribe to Prescribing a Healthier Future for more powerful conversations about the intersection of health, policy, and community.
 🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Intro – The Prescription You Can’t Write

01:05 – What Are the Social Determinants of Health?

02:20 – Your ZIP Code vs. Your Genetic Code

04:25 – Food Deserts and Nutrition Inequality

07:20 – Community Solutions: Gardens and Farmers Markets

09:57 – Housing Instability and Health Outcomes

13:00 – Transportation Barriers to Care

17:04 – Historical Roots: Redlining and Health Inequity

23:10 – Education, Wealth, and Lifespan

24:07 – Racism, Chronic Stress, and Health Disparities

30:20 – Community Health Workers: The Secret Sauce

35:50 – The Housing First Model: Investing in Health

38:00 – The Economics of Health Equity

40:00 – Final Takeaway – Health Starts in Our Communities

41:30 – Outro – Join the Movement

 

HASHTAGS:

#HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #PublicHealth #CommunityWellness #AkilahWeber #RodneyHood #FoodAsMedicine #HousingFirst #HealthPolicy #CaliforniaHealth

 

What if your doctor&rsquo;s prescription for better health had nothing to do with medicine&mdash;and everything to do with where you live?
In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Weber Pearson, physician and California State Senator, sits down with Dr. Rodney Hood, a nationally recognized leader in health equity, to explore how the social determinants of health&mdash;like housing, food access, transportation, education, and even racism&mdash;shape our well-being far more than what happens in the doctor&rsquo;s office.
In this conversation, you&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul>
<li>Why your ZIP code can determine your lifespan more than your genetic code</li>
<li>How food deserts, redlining, and housing instability create health disparities</li>
<li>The real impact of chronic stress and racism on physical health</li>
<li>How community-based solutions like health workers, local gardens, and housing first models are transforming outcomes</li>
</ul>
👉 Subscribe to Prescribing a Healthier Future for more powerful conversations about the intersection of health, policy, and community. &nbsp;🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Some notable moments from this episode:
00:00 &ndash; Intro &ndash; The Prescription You Can&rsquo;t Write
01:05 &ndash; What Are the Social Determinants of Health?
02:20 &ndash; Your ZIP Code vs. Your Genetic Code
04:25 &ndash; Food Deserts and Nutrition Inequality
07:20 &ndash; Community Solutions: Gardens and Farmers Markets
09:57 &ndash; Housing Instability and Health Outcomes
13:00 &ndash; Transportation Barriers to Care
17:04 &ndash; Historical Roots: Redlining and Health Inequity
23:10 &ndash; Education, Wealth, and Lifespan
24:07 &ndash; Racism, Chronic Stress, and Health Disparities
30:20 &ndash; Community Health Workers: The Secret Sauce
35:50 &ndash; The Housing First Model: Investing in Health
38:00 &ndash; The Economics of Health Equity
40:00 &ndash; Final Takeaway &ndash; Health Starts in Our Communities
41:30 &ndash; Outro &ndash; Join the Movement
&nbsp;
HASHTAGS:
#HealthEquity #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #PublicHealth #CommunityWellness #AkilahWeber #RodneyHood #FoodAsMedicine #HousingFirst #HealthPolicy #CaliforniaHealth
&nbsp;

How Social Determinants Shape Our Health

What happens when the rules of democracy are rewritten in the middle of the game? In this urgent first episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, California State Senator and physician Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson exposes a national power grab threatening not just our democracy, but the very programs that keep families healthy, fed, and housed.

Joined by Wil Rodriguez-Kennedy, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Dr. Weber Pierson unpacks how mid-decade redistricting in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia could upend fair representation—and why California’s Prop 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, may be the only safeguard left to check presidential power.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe at www.youtube.com/@Dr.AkilahWeberPierson

Some of the notable moments from this episode are: 

00:00 – The Threat to Democracy

02:21 – Texas’ Power Grab Explained

04:08 – Changing the Rules Mid-Game

07:15 – California’s Fight Fire with Fire Strategy

10:42 – What’s Really at Stake for Voters

15:30 – The Cost of Losing Healthcare

20:26 – Hospitals on the Brink

23:50 – Why Congress Won’t Save Us

25:27 – The Answer: Proposition 50

28:10 – What You Can Do Now

#HealthierFuture #StateSenator #California #ProtectDemocracy #VotingRights #DemocracyOnTheLine #YourVoteMatters #FightForOurFuture #PowerGrab #BreakingPolitics #PoliticalNews #MustWatch #StayInformed #FightBack

What happens when the rules of democracy are rewritten in the middle of the game? In this urgent first episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, California State Senator and physician Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson exposes a national power grab threatening not just our democracy, but the very programs that keep families healthy, fed, and housed.
Joined by Wil Rodriguez-Kennedy, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Dr. Weber Pierson unpacks how mid-decade redistricting in states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia could upend fair representation&mdash;and why California&rsquo;s Prop 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, may be the only safeguard left to check presidential power.
Don&rsquo;t forget to follow and subscribe at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AkilahWeberPierson">www.youtube.com/@Dr.AkilahWeberPierson</a>
Some of the notable moments from this episode are:&nbsp;
00:00 &ndash; The Threat to Democracy
02:21 &ndash; Texas&rsquo; Power Grab Explained
04:08 &ndash; Changing the Rules Mid-Game
07:15 &ndash; California&rsquo;s Fight Fire with Fire Strategy
10:42 &ndash; What&rsquo;s Really at Stake for Voters
15:30 &ndash; The Cost of Losing Healthcare
20:26 &ndash; Hospitals on the Brink
23:50 &ndash; Why Congress Won&rsquo;t Save Us
25:27 &ndash; The Answer: Proposition 50
28:10 &ndash; What You Can Do Now
#HealthierFuture #StateSenator #California #ProtectDemocracy #VotingRights #DemocracyOnTheLine #YourVoteMatters #FightForOurFuture #PowerGrab #BreakingPolitics #PoliticalNews #MustWatch #StayInformed #FightBack

Why California Is Fighting Back

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/d57f2f8a-7bab-4064-9571-ae7c0139f8ec/clips/e888cc59-103f-4c19-a80e-b36a015a3e65/transcript

Hosted by California State Senator and board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Akilah Weber, Prescribing a Healthier Future explores the powerful connection between policy and public health. Each episode examines the social determinants of health—like neighborhood safety, school quality, environmental justice, and economic opportunity—through conversations with healthcare heroes, community leaders, policymakers, and everyday Californians. Together, we’ll uncover how smarter policies and stronger communities can shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Hosted by California State Senator and board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Akilah Weber, Prescribing a Healthier Future explores the powerful connection between policy and public health. Each episode examines the social determinants of health&mdash;like neighborhood safety, school quality, environmental justice, and economic opportunity&mdash;through conversations with healthcare heroes, community leaders, policymakers, and everyday Californians. Together, we&rsquo;ll uncover how smarter policies and stronger communities can shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Prescribing A Healthier Future with Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson

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