In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Brian Oss, Head of Solutioning at Calm, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of workforce health literacy, behavioral health, and digital mental health solutions.

Calm is a leading mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. Our flagship consumer app - ranked #1 in its category with over 180 million downloads and available in seven languages across nearly 190 countries - helps people sleep better, stress less, and live more mindfully through content and tools from experts and beloved celebrity voices.

Since their launch, they’ve expanded their offerings with Calm Sleep, an app providing deeper, personalized sleep support, and Calm Health, an evidence-based digital solution offered through employers, health plans, and providers to expand access, boost benefits engagement, and drive positive health outcomes.

Today, Calm supports more than 3,500 organizations and reaches over 26 million covered lives through Calm Health.

Brian leads solutioning to address some of the toughest challenges in behavioral health.

Brian and Seth discuss:

• Career Paths Are Not Linear: Both Brian and Seth highlight the importance - and inevitability - of nontraditional career journeys in health and wellness leadership.
• Cost and Access as Top Challenges: Controlling costs while increasing access to mental and behavioral health care remains a leading concern for employers and health plans.
• Digital Content as a Scalable Solution: For roughly 75% of a given population, high-quality digital content can be a first line of support, offering tools for episodic needs and keeping people out of higher-acuity care.
• Data-Driven Personalization: Calm Health leverages PHQ and GAD scores to curate programs tailored to each user’s unique needs, including specialized tracks for those with chronic conditions like diabetes.
• Clinical Expertise Meets Engaging Delivery: Calm collaborates with top psychologists to create evidence-based programs, then crafts them into highly engaging audio-visual experiences featuring trusted voices.
• Proof of Outcomes: A recent payer-led study of 70,000 users showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores - demonstrating that digital tools can make a real impact.
• Health Literacy = Access + Navigation: True health literacy goes beyond reading level - it includes providing clear pathways and referrals to the right care, tailored to each user’s situation and acuity.
• Supporting the Full Continuum: Calm Health’s offerings help users at every point in the journey, from “green” users needing only light support to those who require referral to therapy or crisis services.
• Cautious Approach to AI: While Calm Health utilizes AI to help users articulate their goals, they are conservative about using AI for actual clinical care - mindful of both ethical concerns and payer requirements.

Brian closes with a reminder of the human side of mental health - urging listeners to check in, offer a smile, and truly see one another, as small moments of connection can be transformative.

Discover how digital innovation and compassionate leadership are reshaping mental health support in the workplace - one small step, and one smile, at a time.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of the Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Michael Susi, the leader behind LinkedIn’s long-running employee wellness program, for a fascinating conversation about what workplace wellness looks like when it’s built around real human behavior rather than generic corporate initiatives.

Michael shares his unconventional career journey from football coaching and personal training to leading wellness strategy at one of the world’s most recognized companies. Along the way, he discovered something many organizations still overlook: employees often know what they “should” do for their health - but stress, sleep, overwhelm, and everyday life get in the way.

The discussion explores how LinkedIn evolved its wellness philosophy into a practical, accessible, and compassionate program centered around six core tenets:

1. Thoughts
2. Breathing
3. Hydration
4. Nutrition
5. Movement
6. Rest

Rather than focusing narrowly on exercise or weight loss, the program reframes wellness in more approachable ways that encourage participation from everyone - not just already health-conscious employees.

Seth and Michael also discuss:

• Why “movement” works better than “exercise” for employee engagement
• How language and inclusivity shape wellness participation
• The role of gamification, rewards, and social proof in driving engagement
• Why wellness ROI is often best measured through participation and behavior change
• How LinkedIn creates global wellness experiences across very different office cultures
• The hidden impact of stress and sleep deprivation on employee wellbeing
• Why wellness programs should avoid guilt, shame, and perfectionism
• The balance between wearable technology and listening to your own body
• How health literacy empowers employees to make better healthcare decisions

Michael also shares creative examples from LinkedIn’s wellness initiatives, including wellness swag, point systems, hydration campaigns, and engagement strategies designed to create genuine curiosity and peer-driven momentum.

One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is that sustainable wellness is not about intensity or perfection - it’s about helping employees build healthier habits in realistic, compassionate ways.

As Michael explains: “Wellness is not a moment in time - it’s the moments of your life.”

This episode is packed with practical insights for HR leaders, benefits professionals, wellness leaders, healthcare innovators, and anyone interested in creating healthier, more human-centered workplaces.

Listen now to hear how LinkedIn approaches employee wellness, engagement, and health literacy at scale.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Dr. Linda Anegawa, Chief Medical Officer at Calibrate and recognized leader in obesity medicine, to unpack the evolving landscape of obesity care, GLP-1 medications, and the crucial role of comprehensive, behavior-centered support.

Dr. Linda Anegawa brings more than a decade of expertise in internal and obesity medicine, combining her clinical background with leadership roles in digital health. Linda has dedicated her career to bridging the gap in metabolic care, especially for high-risk populations, and to breaking down barriers to access through innovative, personalized programs. Based in Las Vegas, she’s witnessed firsthand how the right support can help patients reclaim metabolic health and transform lives.

Seth and Linda also discuss:

☑️ The Dynamic Obesity Space: Rapid innovation - especially around GLP-1s - requires adaptable care models and forward-thinking programs.

☑️ Calibrate’s Approach: Purpose-built for employer populations, Calibrate integrates real-time coaching and clinical support, tailoring interventions for each member’s journey.

☑️ More Than Just Medication: Obesity care cannot be fully protocolized - effective programs must provide flexibility, wraparound coaching, and individualized support.

☑️ GLP-1s as Long-Term Therapy: For many high-risk individuals, ongoing GLP-1 use is necessary to maintain metabolic improvements - medicine alone isn’t a short-term fix.

☑️ The Role of Behavior Change: Medications set the biological stage, but sustainable outcomes require focus on nutrition, activity, stress management, and sleep.

☑️ Shifting Perspectives & Health Literacy: Patients increasingly recognize the need to change their relationship with food, routines, and wellbeing - effective programs empower them to seek relevant, personalized information.

☑️ Individualized Coaching: Success comes from understanding each person’s unique motivations and giving them choice - whether tracking sleep, energy, or weight - to foster engagement and self-motivation.

☑️ Tackling Complex Causes: Obesity is influenced by genetics, social determinants, medical therapies, and environment - a comprehensive, non-blaming, holistic approach is essential.

☑️ New Research Frontiers: Four-year data from Calibrate reveals insights on different subpopulations - like those with prior GLP-1 use and various industry profiles - helping refine best practices for diverse groups.

As more tools and support emerge, Dr. Linda Anegawa champions the message that comprehensive, sustained support - not just medication - will ultimately drive lasting health outcomes in the fight against obesity.

Calibrate's 2026 Results Report. For benefits leaders, total rewards teams, brokers, consultants, and health-plan partners need, this report delivers the evidence base to ensure your GLP-1 coverage is driving the outcomes you're paying for.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, show host and author of The Wellbeing Effect, Seth Serxner, sits down with Hamid Ghanadan, CEO and founder of Linus, for a candid conversation about the future of healthcare, the challenges eroding trust, and new approaches to health literacy for both patients and providers.

With over 30 years of leading Linus - a consulting firm helping healthcare organizations develop strategy and conduct research - Hamid Ghanadan brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of science, innovation, and communication. He’s recently spearheaded major studies like Health 2035, collaborating with HSBC Innovation Banking, and has a passion for making complex medical information more accessible and usable for everyone.

Seth and Hamid Ghanadan discuss:

☑️ Shifting the Dialogue: Hamid Ghanadan challenges the common focus on patient health literacy, suggesting that real change comes from understanding natural learning and rethinking how information is delivered.

☑️ The Erosion of Trust: 57% of new physicians foresee declining trust between patients and doctors in the next decade, with trust eroding in both directions—clinician to patient, and vice versa.

☑️ Root Causes of Misinformation: 79% of surveyed physicians point to social media (and emerging AI) as major drivers of health misinformation and distrust.

☑️ From Teaching to Learning: Hamid Ghanadan argues it's time to move from a "teaching" mindset to "learning," leveraging methods that invite genuine engagement and reduce resistance.

☑️ Science’s Usability Problem: Drawing from his own scientific training, Hamid Ghanadan illustrates that the real barrier is not access, but how usable and relatable scientific information is for both professionals and the public.

☑️ The Power of Games & Stories: Core tools for boosting health literacy (and scientific understanding) are storytelling and game-based learning, both of which can engage audiences and break down orthodoxies—even among scientists themselves.

☑️ Hope from the Next Generation: While young clinicians see big challenges, they’re driven by a desire to help humanity, are pro-technology, and want to shift focus toward prevention, wellness, and deeper patient relationships.

☑️ The Human Factor in Adherence: The most effective health interventions are often simple—like doctors taking two minutes for genuine human connection, which can boost treatment adherence enormously.

☑️ Imagining the Future: True cost decline in healthcare may only come with radical realignment of incentives—and possibly through leveraging AI for “access abundance,” freeing doctors to become advisors and coaches rather than bureaucratic operators.

☑️ Empathy First: Hamid Ghanadan closes by emphasizing the transformational role of empathy and curiosity, both for better patient outcomes and more effective professional engagement.

For anyone interested in how healthcare must evolve—through more human connection, smarter communication, and authentic learning—this conversation offers crucial insights and hope for a better future.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes obesity medicine expert Dr. Laure DeMattia to unpack the complexities of obesity treatment, GLP-1 medications, and the evolving landscape of health literacy.

With over two decades of experience in obesity medicine, Laure DeMattia brings both personal and professional insight to the conversation. Having lived with obesity herself, she was drawn to the field early, before it became a board-certified specialty. Her current work spans primary care within the Indian Health System and telehealth for post-bariatric surgery patients. Driven by a passion to improve patient outcomes, she advocates for individualized approaches rooted in medical science, compassion, and practical guidance.

Seth Serxner and Laure DeMattia discuss:

☑️ Understanding GLP-1s: These medications have been transformative for diabetes and obesity but require ongoing medical supervision for safety and efficacy.

☑️ Medication Mindset: Many patients hope for a quick fix, but obesity is a lifelong, relapsing condition—medications like GLP-1s are a long-term commitment, not a temporary solution.

☑️ Safety Concerns: The rise of online, gray market, and over-the-counter sales for GLP-1s poses risks of dosage inaccuracies and non-sterile products, emphasizing the importance of physician-directed treatment.

☑️ Disease vs. Willpower: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease—not simply a matter of willpower. Genetic predisposition plays a large role.

☑️ Beyond BMI: Reliance on BMI for diagnosis is limited; true assessment considers body composition, genetics, and clinical factors.

☑️ Social Determinants & Environment: Where you live and social factors can profoundly impact your ability to manage obesity and overall health.

☑️ Health Literacy & Advocacy: Empowering patients through health literacy, credible resources, and ongoing support helps combat misinformation and stigma.

☑️ Individualized Care: There is no one-size-fits-all. Success means finding sustainable strategies tailored to the patient's genetics, environment, and personal needs.

☑️ Pursuit of Health vs. Thinness: The goal should be strength, wellness, and self-care, not simply weight loss for appearance's sake.

The conversation highlights the need for compassionate, data-driven approaches, whether it's medication, lifestyle modification, or navigating a complex healthcare system.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Dr. Archelle Georgiou – a physician, acclaimed health journalist, and patient empowerment advocate – to unpack the critical role of health literacy in navigating today's complex healthcare ecosystem.

With an impressive background that spans clinical care, health insurance leadership, media, and education, Archelle Georgiou is dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up for their health. As a longtime on-air health expert for ABC’s Minneapolis affiliate and host of her own podcast, "Speak Up for Your Health," she channels decades of experience into demystifying insurance, advocating true patient-centered care, and simplifying the medical decision-making process for everyone.

Seth and Archelle dive into:

☑️ Empowering the Patient Voice: True health outcomes are achieved when clinical expertise and patient self-expertise intersect – and individuals are taught how to actively advocate for themselves.

☑️ Demystifying Health Insurance: Understanding the nuts and bolts – premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copays, and coinsurance – is essential for making smart healthcare decisions.

☑️ Practical, Real-World Examples: Sometimes, paying cash can be less expensive than using insurance. Knowing how to ask the right questions at the pharmacy or clinic can lead to better financial and health outcomes.

☑️ Choosing the Right Plan: The most expensive health insurance option isn’t always the best; it’s about understanding your personal health risks and financial situation.

☑️ HSAs and High Deductible Plans: Health savings accounts offer tax advantages, but only work well when individuals have the means and knowledge to use them effectively.

☑️ Addressing the Skills Gap: We've built tools to help people manage their health, but little investment has gone into actually teaching people how to use them—a critical gap in health literacy.

☑️ Laying Responsibility: Employers and insurance companies must do more than just promote wellness; they need to educate about insurance mechanics, appeals, and navigating denials.

☑️ The Power of Self-Reflection: Defining your values, priorities, and preferences allows for more personalized medical decisions—patients are experts in their own lives and should articulate what matters most.

☑️ Digital Health Tools: Large language models like ChatGPT can help patients formulate questions, aggregate information, and prepare for provider visits—if used wisely.

☑️ Speaking Up as a Skill: Empowerment isn’t intuitive; it can and should be learned and practiced, with support from all sectors of the health system.

Dr. Georgiou ultimately underscores: You’re the authority on your own life and health. Take time to reflect, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up—whether in the doctor’s office or when choosing your health plan.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Eric Zimmerman, Chief Market Solutions Officer at CredibleMind, for a compelling conversation about advancing mental health literacy and proactive behavioral health solutions in the workforce and beyond.

Eric Zimmerman brings decades of experience at the intersection of behavioral science, public health, and health IT, with a passion for population health and empowering individuals to engage with their own well-being. Now at CredibleMind, Eric leads strategies to blend evidence-based resources, personalized self-care, and digital innovation to fill critical gaps in mental and behavioral health care for employers, public agencies, and communities.

Eric shares how his journey from ecology and epidemiology studies to leadership roles in workforce health shaped his belief that true progress comes from meeting people upstream—educating, normalizing, and guiding before acute problems arise. At CredibleMind, he’s focused on building an accessible, evidence-informed platform that not only provides high-quality mental health resources but also helps users find what truly fits their preferences, life circumstances, and unique challenges.

Seth and Eric dive into:

• Preventive Proactive Approach: We can’t “treat our way out” of the mental health crisis. Early education, screening, and risk reduction are essential.
• The Power of Health Literacy: Most people want to start addressing their mental well-being on their own, but need trusted guidance to know what works.
• Evidence-Based, Personalized Resources: CredibleMind curates and rates tens of thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos—helping users navigate the overwhelming digital health landscape.
• Bridging East and West: The platform integrates both Western medical evidence and Eastern traditions of mental and emotional flourishing, recognizing diverse paths to well-being.
• Reducing Stigma & Normalizing Help-Seeking: Making mental health support relatable, accessible, and free from judgment, especially at key life transitions and in underserved populations.
• Technology with Guardrails: CredibleMind leverages AI and machine learning—not to diagnose, but to personalize resource recommendations and conversations while keeping clinical accuracy and safety paramount.
• Community & Organizational Impact: Their coalition model brings together health systems, universities, and public agencies to create wide-reaching, community-branded solutions.
• Stepped Care and Navigation: Empowering users and care providers to take first steps in self-guided therapy, understand treatment options, and navigate complex benefit systems.
• Whole-Person Health: Mental and physical health are inseparable—addressing mental health improves outcomes and lowers costs for every part of the health journey.

As the episode closes, Eric and Seth reaffirm the importance of lighting the path—demystifying mental health, enhancing literacy, and supporting the whole person to build a healthier, more resilient future.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Jesse Gavin, Well-Being Officer at Baylor College of Medicine, to talk about building thriving, prevention-oriented cultures and the critical role of health literacy in organizational well-being strategies.

Dr. Jesse Gavin shares his unique career journey - beginning with aspirations in veterinary medicine, pivoting to health promotion, and ultimately pioneering employee well-being at Baylor College of Medicine.

With over 11 years of leading Baylor’s acclaimed initiatives, Jesse Gavin brings award-winning experience and a passion for practical, people-centered innovation. His background spans roles in academia, major corporations, and third-party wellness organizations, recently culminating in a DrPH focused on the intersection of workplace well-being and public health.

Seth and Jesse also discuss:

• Rooting Well-being in Core Values: Baylor’s “thriving tree” approach ties every branch of well-being to institutional values like teamwork, respect, and integrity.
• Evolving from Siloes to Integration: Merging recognition programs, on-site wellness centers, and year-of-service awards under a unified mission fosters greater alignment and engagement.
• The Power of Personal Recognition: From e-cards to milestone panoramas, creating a culture of thanks builds daily motivation and connection—no job is too small to acknowledge.
• Demonstrating Value Without the ROI Burden: Consistent 2:1 ROI, national awards, and unsolicited stories of lives changed make the case for investing in people - beyond numbers alone.
• Engaging the Full Workforce: Flexibility is key—presentations are recorded, the team attends 4am meetings, and well-being is made accessible for all, from surgeons to support staff.
• Health Literacy as Essential Infrastructure: Education happens year-round, not just at open enrollment; from understanding urgent care vs. ER to navigating self-funded benefits, continual learning is the norm.
• Teaching, Not Just Doing: Beyond concierge services, employees are empowered to learn the why and how of navigating their care—moving from handholding to skill-building.
• Low/No Cost, High Impact: Health literacy and prevention don’t have to break the bank. Simple, targeted presentations and resource sessions fill critical knowledge gaps at scale.
• Reducing Barriers and Building Relationships: Onsite screenings with actionable education, incentives for physician follow-up, and open communication channels drive engagement and long-term well-being.

This episode demonstrates how organizational culture, strategy, and small but consistent actions can move the needle on health literacy and well-being - making lasting change accessible for all.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.