Episode 9: More Than Metrics - Storytelling, Equity, and the Power of Trust

In this episode of Route Notes, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Forde—public health leader, equity strategist, and master storyteller—for a conversation about what really drives change in health and healthcare. From his current work in health equity to his experience at the NIH during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Forde shares what he's learned about trust, empathy, and the stories that stay with us.

We explore how storytelling isn't just a tool—it's a core skill for public health, strategic planning, and systems change. This conversation moves from personal experience to national policy, from implicit bias in healthcare settings to the hopeful power of cultural humility and connection. If you've ever felt the gap between the data and the humans behind it, this one's for you.