The GROklahoma Podcast Show

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Nursing the Heart of Oklahoma – From Practice to Purpose: How HRSA Grants Are Powering APRNs and the Next Generation of Change-Makers: Episode 19 (2025)

In this powerful episode, we explore how a federally funded initiative is shaping the future of healthcare across rural Oklahoma. Joining us are Dr. Susan Dresser, Regents Professor and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, OUHS, and three exceptional DNP students: Cody Bynum, Meagan Wright, and Debra Hawkins—each a recipient of the Oklahoma Workforce Innovations in Nursing grant, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The grant, awarded in 2023, is a $2.5 million initiative designed to increase access to quality healthcare by preparing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to serve rural, tribal, and medically underserved communities. The grant supports tuition, clinical placements, interprofessional education, and training rooted in cultural humility and healthcare access.
 
Together, our guests share:
Their deeply personal journeys into nursing—from military service and rural ICU caregiving to a lifelong dream reignited after raising families.
The barriers to healthcare in Oklahoma, including provider shortages, chronic disease, and poverty.
How Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) bring evidence-based practice to the bedside and improve care at the systems level.
The impact of immersive clinical training experiences in correctional health, homeless shelters, and Native communities.
Why telehealth, policy change, and interprofessional collaboration are essential for expanding care in hard-to-reach places.
This conversation offers an honest, inspiring look into how Oklahoma nurses are meeting patients where they are—and how the HRSA grant is helping build a workforce ready to lead, serve, and innovate across the state.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Hope is More Than a Word: The Fight for Cancer Advocacy in Oklahoma and Beyond – The One with Ms. Michelle Fair Episode 18 (2025)

Hope isn’t just a word—it’s action. It’s advocacy. It’s ensuring that no one has to choose between paying for cancer treatment and keeping a roof over their head. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Michelle Fair, a dynamic leader in corporate philanthropy at the American Cancer Society (ACS), who has spent her career turning hope into tangible support for cancer patients.
As Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Philanthropy, Michelle manages major donor and corporate partnerships across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Arizona. Her journey is anything but conventional—starting in molecular biology, she pivoted to international finance and nonprofit leadership, raising over $25 million for cancer programs, including leading the $16.5 million capital campaign that brought the ACS Chad Richison Hope Lodge to life in Oklahoma City.
In this episode, Michelle opens up about the challenges and triumphs of fundraising for major cancer support initiatives, how she builds strong donor relationships, and what it takes to lead high-impact projects in a constantly evolving nonprofit landscape. She also shares how her grandmother’s legacy of generosity shaped her career and how she balances the demands of leadership, family, and personal growth.
Whether you’re in the nonprofit world, considering a career shift, or just looking for an inspiring story about resilience and impact, this conversation is packed with wisdom, heart, and so many gems. Outside of her work, Michelle is an avid reader, traveler, and advocate for women in leadership, passionate about mentoring the next generation of fundraisers and changemakers. Boldness and persistence can truly transform lives—and Michelle’s story proves it.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Bridging Borders from Iran to the USA – The One with Dr. Parisa Ghasemi: Episode 17 (2025) (2025) (2025)

The US, especially Oklahoma, is home to immigrants who play a vital role in shaping the healthcare landscape. Dr. Parisa Ghasemi is one such immigrant, making significant contributions to healthcare research. In this first episode of The GROklahoma Podcast for the year, we speak with Dr. Ghasemi, a physician, researcher, and lab administrator for The MORE Lab at the Health Promotion and Research Center (HPRC), where she focuses on cancer and lupus outcomes.
Dr. Ghasemi shares her personal and professional journey—from her upbringing in Iran and the support of her family in pursuing medicine, to adapting to a new culture and navigating the challenges of starting over in the US. She discusses her transition from clinical practice to research, the struggles of being an immigrant professional, and the importance of adaptability and resilience.
As a physician, Dr. Ghasemi reflects on the emotional challenge of shifting from patient care to research, noting that “the satisfaction that you feel right after helping a patient in clinical work isn't present in research.” Yet, her passion for making a broader impact through research continues to drive her forward.
In this special episode, we also reflect on the GROklahoma Podcast itself, exploring how it has fostered connections, amplified voices, and highlighted the incredible work being done in Oklahoma’s healthcare and research sectors. Dr. Ghasemi offers her feedback on the podcast and shares valuable advice for those considering similar career transitions.
Tune in to hear how Dr. Ghasemi’s inspiring journey can resonate with anyone facing similar challenges. This episode marks a fitting start to our podcast for the year, celebrating the resilience, growth, and hope that define the immigrant experience in healthcare. Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a year filled with growth and collaboration!

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Together in Life & Research – The One with Drs. Darla Kendzor and Michael Businelle: Episode 16 (2024)

Today, we're honored to host not one, but two powerhouse leaders in health promotion and cancer research: Dr. Darla Kendzor and Dr. Michael Businelle, the dynamic duo behind the TSET Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Not only are they co-directors dedicated to advancing research and reducing health disparities, but they’re also partners in life, bringing a unique synergy to their groundbreaking work.
In this episode, Darla and Michael open up about their journey to Oklahoma, initially drawn by the opportunity to build something big. They reveal how they were “blown away” by the resources available in Oklahoma—a rare chance to make a transformative impact. From expanding their research focus beyond tobacco to addressing issues like obesity, rural health disparities, and cancer prevention, the couple has cultivated substantial growth in HPRC's influence and reach.
Listen in as they discuss the challenges they’ve faced, such as adapting their work for rural communities and overcoming barriers in research funding, and the resilience that’s driven them to continue growing. Darla shares personal insights from her smoking cessation journey and her drive to empower those facing similar struggles. Michael talks about his path, from nursing and engineering to psychology and mobile health, showing how adaptability has been essential in his career.
Their story goes beyond professional highlights—they share how collaboration in research and marriage has shaped their lives, offering a rare glimpse into the balance of personal and professional partnership. For anyone passionate about health promotion, research, or simply finding inspiration to drive change in underserved communities, this episode is a must-listen!

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Bridging Law and Public Health – The One with Dr. Karla Finnell: Episode 15 (2024)

In this episode of the GROklahoma Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Karla Finnell, an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health. Dr. Finnell shared her inspiring journey from growing up in Comanche, Oklahoma, where her father worked in the oil fields and served as a rodeo judge, to her transformative experience in education when a professor’s small act of kindness—a full tuition scholarship—changed her life. Her path led her from practicing agricultural bankruptcy law to advocating for healthcare access in underserved communities and ultimately to championing health equity.
We discussed her passion for research on disparities and the need to redesign systems to promote equity. Dr. Finnell shared her insights on how inclusive systems can be built through community engagement, fostering trust, and rethinking privileges. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, especially for first-generation students, and encourages collaboration across disciplines in research. She left us with a powerful question: "How do we create and foster more multidisciplinary research?" Join us for an insightful conversation on public health, social justice, and the transformative impact of education. It was an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation, and we are grateful to Dr. Finnell for sharing her journey and wisdom with us.
 
Tune in for a deep dive into public health, social justice, and the transformative power of education. If you would like to be a part of the podcast, please send us an email at groklahomapodcast@ouhsc.edu

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Small Acts, Big Impact - On Eliminating Health Disparities via Community Engagement – The One with Dr. Adam Alexander: Episode 14 (2024)

Welcome (back) to the GROklahoma Podcast, we are honored to feature Dr. Adam Alexander, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Faculty at the TSET Health Promotion Research Center. Dr. Alexander brings his unique blend of empathy, cultural competence, and cutting-edge research to the table. A native of Memphis, he has dedicated his career to eliminating cancer-related health disparities, particularly among African Americans and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. His work spans developing mobile health apps that make cancer screening more accessible to building deep, trust-based relationships with faith-based communities.
Dr. Alexander shares how his success lies in listening to the communities he serves: “If I'm speaking more than listening, I'm doing something wrong.” From respecting the nuances of faith-based communities to balancing the rigor of research with real-world flexibility, Dr. Alexander emphasizes that true progress happens when people feel seen and respected.
This episode dives into the small but powerful actions that make a big impact—like sending a thank-you email after community events or answering calls after 5 p.m., Dr. Alexander also discusses the challenges of working with populations experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness, where human connection is key to ensuring interventions succeed. Tune in to discover how empathy, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration drive healthcare innovations—and how small actions can change lives.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | From Bedside to Classroom - On Nursing Education and Leadership – The One with Darbi Crist: Episode 13 (2024)

This episode of the GROklahoma Podcast features Darbi Crist, a dedicated nurse educator and Oklahoma native with a rich background in postpartum care. Darbi shares her inspiring journey from aspiring sports trainer to becoming a third-generation nurse, reflecting on how her Guyanese roots have shaped her global perspectives and commitment to personal growth. She also talks about the fulfillment she finds in nursing, particularly in simulation, and how she is preparing the next generation of nurses through hands-on, technology-driven training.
Darbi’s teaching approach is rooted in open communication and a genuine interest in her students’ diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in the classroom. As a mother of two, she candidly discusses the joys and challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, highlighting the importance of being present for her children and setting boundaries to prioritize family time.
Throughout the conversation, Darbi emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary research and the power of belief in driving change. Her reflections on embracing Black identity in academia and navigating neurodiversity add profound depth to the discussion.  This episode is a rich exploration of personal and professional growth and a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. Give it a listen!
 

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | From Student to Dean - Leadership & Health Equity in Medicine – The One with Dr. Natasha Bray: Episode 12 (2024)

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Natasha Bray, the Campus Dean at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK. Dr. Bray shares her journey from medical student to dean, her passion for health equity, and her leadership in medical education. She discusses her early life in Oklahoma and how her father’s medical practice influenced her commitment to healthcare and community service. Her educational path took her from Montessori school to the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, and later to the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Bray talks about the challenges she faced in her career, including transitioning from surgery to internal medicine and overcoming gender biases. She emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in medical education and shares strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Bray highlights her initiatives in health equity research and community health, underscoring the need for systemic changes to support these efforts.
Mentorship and professional development are central to Dr. Bray’s approach. She offers insights on building effective mentoring relationships and encourages young professionals to embrace challenges and opportunities. Dr. Bray also addresses the future of medical education, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and the importance of adapting to different learning styles. Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded of the value of embracing the messiness of mentorship and personal growth - you don’t want to miss it!
 
Many thanks to Dr. Mark Doescher for recommending this guest.
Wanna feature on the podcast? Email us on groklahomapodcast@ouhsc.edu or click here to begin: https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ENgRC4uewSZetg 

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | The Obesity Pandemic & Other Stories – The One with Dr. Sarah Borengasser: Episode 11 (2024)

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Borengasser, an Associate Professor specializing in endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Borengasser shared her journey from being adopted from Korea and growing up in Mason City to becoming a distinguished researcher in obesity, nutrition, and exercise science, driven by her passion for running and exercise. Her research, supported by consistent NIH funding, employs advanced multiomics techniques to identify molecular biomarkers affected by environmental exposures, particularly in epigenetics. Dr. Borengasser explained her research in accessible terms, emphasizing her mission to promote public health through improved nutrition and physical activity. She discussed combating the global obesity pandemic with personalized lifestyle approaches and we explored topics such as GLP-1 agonists and epigenetic age acceleration, considering how diet and exercise can potentially reverse aging processes. She also highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in obesity research, emphasizing the fusion of biological and behavioral sciences.
On a personal note, Dr. Borengasser discussed her family's transition to Oklahoma and the strategies they've adopted to balance her professional and personal life effectively. Her dedication to mentoring emerged as she reflected on the rewarding experiences of guiding young scientists and shared strategies for maintaining resilience in her career. Beyond research, Dr. Borengasser contributes to enhancing communication among researchers through a TED-like talk series, advocating for effective scientific communication.
In conclusion, Dr. Borengasser envisioned precision lifestyle research as transformative for public health, showcasing her groundbreaking contributions to clinical and translational research. We thank Dr. Borengasser for sharing her expertise and look forward to future conversations with her and other inspiring researchers and those who support them.

The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Putting People First – The One with Ms. Margaret Robinson: Episode 10 (2024)

In this episode of the GROklahoma podcast, we're thrilled to have Margaret Robinson, the Senior Associate Director for the OUHSC Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, as our guest. Margaret's journey from rural Los Angeles, CA to Oklahoma is extraordinary, and she brings a wealth of expertise in fostering interdisciplinary learning experiences and facilitating faculty development. With a keen focus on student engagement and community partnerships, she tirelessly works to break down barriers to healthcare access for Oklahoma's medically underserved populations. Holding a Master of Education in adult education, Margaret is a beacon for diversity and collaboration, advocating strongly for the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Margaret's journey is not only marked by professional accomplishments but also by her resilience in handling life's unexpected twists and turns. From pivoting her career path to accommodate caregiving responsibilities to navigating the challenges of pursuing education in different fields, Margaret's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance
During our conversation, Margaret also shared her deep appreciation for Oklahoma, highlighting its beauty, diverse culture, and warm-hearted people. In her leisure time, she enjoys road trips with her family and exploring Oklahoma's state parks.
Join us as we explore Margaret's insights on interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and her remarkable journey through life's pivots.