Talk! With Audrey

Dr. Lance Okeke is an infectious disease specialist and COVID-19 site principal investigator for the ACTIV-2 clinical trial at Duke University. We talk about the historical mistrust of clinical trials among Black communities, the clinical trial and who’s eligible to participate in the study.   In April, 2020 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) public-private partnership to develop a coordinated research strategy for prioritizing and speeding development of the most promising treatments and vaccines. You’ve no doubt heard about the vaccine to help prevent covid 19 infections,  but there is also a need to find effective treatments for people with Covid 19. In this series you'll hear first hand from an infectious disease specialist, a community advisor and a clinical trial participant about the need to diversify the study to help save lives.

Small businesses are the heart of our country and they have been hit especially hard during the Coronavirus pandemic. Christina Tosi, a James Beard award-winning pastry chef and  founder of Milk Bar, has information about the Made for More Small Business Fund, a new initiative from Ball Canning to celebrate and honor small businesses and provide monetary funds to help them grow.

It’s no surprise that the kitchen is the heart of the home.  And, while this holiday season may look a little different for many, there are still ways to stay connected through food and technology. Food and Lifestyle Expert Whitney Bond joins me now with ways to optimise your time in order to connect with loved ones over the holidays in new and creative ways.

As friends and family consider what their holiday plans may look like, the American Medical Association (AMA) wants to remind Americans that there are precautions we can take to ensure a healthy Holiday Season in 2020, with tips to help you celebrate the holiday’s safely, Dr. Susan Bailey, President of the American Medical Association.

As this difficult year draws to a close, many Americans are taking stock of their economic situation and financial habits, with the goal of starting 2021 on sound footing. Setting yourself up for financial success requires an ongoing commitment. Lorrie Asker, Regional President of Idaho and Eastern Washington for First Interstate Bank joins me with a four step plan to help you reach financial success.

Sharon Miller, Head of Small Business at Bank of America, joins me now to discuss the impact of the pandemic on small business owners and the results of the 2020 Bank of America Small Business Owner Report, a study exploring the concerns, aspirations and perspectives of more than 1,000 small business owners across the country.

Lifestyle Expert Carmen Ordoñez  has some great last-minute shopping tips, picking out unique stocking stuffers, which tech items are trending and more.

Many people living with diabetes struggle to afford their insulin. In response to this problem, Lilly has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign called Insulin Affordability:Learn. Act. Share. Beginning Jan. 2021, people enrolled in participating Medicare Part D plans, those with commercial insurance or uninsured, can access Lilly insulin for $35 per monthly prescription. Wade Neucks, Director of the Patient Affordability Solutions Team at Lilly Diabetes is my guest.

In a typical year, there are over 17 million surgeries in the U.S. – all resulting in surgical incision wounds. As elective surgeries continue to resume, it’s critical that surgical incision wounds heal properly. November is Healthy Skin Month and joining me,  renowned dermatologist, Dr. Jeanine Downie, with more on this important topic.

Nearly 65 million Americans experience bladder leaks in one form or another, the lack of conversation often inhibits people from taking the necessary steps to help manage incontinence. In honor of Men’s Heath Awareness Month, the Depend brand is partnering with Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Mark Teixeira and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) for the Stand Strong for Men’s Health campaign, an initiative to destigmatize male incontinence.

For 14 years, the Coors Light Líderes program has recognized, highlighted and honored the achievements of emerging Latino leaders through an online public voting competition, a national campaign, and robust community outreach. Richard Montez, the Director of Member Services at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities was named the 2020 Coors Light Líder of the Year.

According to a recent study, black founders of companies receive less than 1% of all venture capital funding, which in the U.S. alone, totaled approximately $130 billion. A Kauffman Foundation analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data found that 28% of Black entrepreneurs’ profits were limited by lack of access to capital. Accenture has launched the Black Founders Development Program, and the Black Founders Development Fund. Kathryn Ross, Open Innovation Global Lead and Black Founders Development Program Lead at Accenture is my guest.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority registered countless voters for this year's election. The organization celebrated its Founders’ Day, this month, marking 98 years of dedication to sisterhood, scholarship and service. Chapters across the globe celebrated  to commemorate the organization’s recent achievements, outline its goals for the future and its illustrious legacy. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, International Grand Basileus, Rasheeda S. Liberty joins me to talk about the 98 year anniversary of the Sorority and how it was instrumental in mobilizing women in this year’s election.

As an undoubtedly stressful year winds down, there is no better time for you to take a break and relax with easy techniques that can be done at home that will help beat stress, reduce anxiety and relax muscle tension. Joining me now with her favorite - and sometimes unexpected - ways for people to maintain their overall wellness from the inside out. Health and Wellness Expert, & Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Founder of The Breath Zone and Water for Wellness Council Member Rebecca Kordecki.

According to the Salvation Army, Before the pandemic, one in six Americans were already living in poverty, and more than 70% of Americans were living paycheck to paycheck. While everyone has been impacted by the current outbreak, people living in poverty are feeling the effects quicker and more significantly. With more people facing hardship this year, the need to serve those most vulnerable is greater than ever. Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander, The Salvation Army joins me to talk about what they are doing to help serve those in need this holiday season and beyond.

Every October, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their health benefits during Medicare’s Annual Enrolment Period (AEP). Seniors 65 and older concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 still have ways to shop during AEP without leaving their homes. Shannon Adams, Medicare Advantage expert; head of customer experience at Cigna has tips to help you navigate the Medicare Annual Election Period during the pandemic and getting the most out of your plan.

Are you struggling when it comes to understanding and saving money? 2020 has been a year unlike any other in recent memory. For many, it has placed a renewed emphasis on the importance of smart financial planning and money management. As we look forward to 2021, Cetera Financial’s David Treece, has some tips to help you manage your money in uncertain times.

Preparing for back-to-school during an unprecedented time has certainly been challenging for parents and caregivers. For those who have been overwhelmed at the prospect of what their kids will need for the new school landscape, Lifestyle Journalist and Mom Julie Loffredi, has tips for any situation that can make your everyday routine a bit easier.

The need to rethink how the world creates, consumes and disposes of materials has never been more clear -- from storing energy more efficiently, to removing CO2 from the atmosphere and growing food more sustainably. Solomon Assefa, VP of IBM Research, Africa and Emerging Market Solutions joins me to talk about IBM’s annual 5 in 5.

As the fall season approaches, many families are readying their homes for routine safety checks and home maintenance. Lifestyle expert Martin Amado joins me with some simple precautions to keep in mind that will help you and your family enjoy the new season!