Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast

A true humanitarian gives from LOVE.

For nearly two decades, Matt Paneitz has lived and worked alongside the community of Comalapa, Guatemala—proving that the most powerful solutions are built with people, not for them. In this episode, we explore what community-led, dignity-centered humanitarian work truly looks like.

In this conversation, Matt reflects on:

1. Community-first work
How local leadership in Guatemala sha...

This powerful conversation features Shanise Pearce, Founder & CEO of The Advocate’s Table—a patient advocacy organization advancing equitable access to early detection, genetic screening, and survivor support for communities impacted by hereditary cancers.

As a triple-negative breast cancer survivor living with Lynch Syndrome and carrying PMS2 and BRCA2 gene mutations, Shanise transforms lived experience into action...

Host Nia Imani sits down with Denise Sears, President & CEO of SOS International—a powerhouse leader transforming global health through innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven service.

Denise leads a nonprofit that repurposes surplus medical supplies and equipment to save lives across the U.S. and around the world. Under her leadership, SOS has expanded its impact—responding to disasters, strengthening unders...

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re dropping a powerful new episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast:

EPISODE 57 | Too Young? Beyond the Mammogram
Featuring Jeannine Canino Bieda

At just 32, Jeannine discovered she had dense breast tissue (DBT)—a fact that made mammograms alone unreliable. She fought for additional screenings, even when told she was “too young.”

At 36, that persistence saved h...

Samar Khan is a trailblazing South Asian Pakistani-American, civil servant, and fierce advocate for equity, education, and women’s empowerment! 

From Philadelphia to global stages, Samar’s work bridges communities and cultures. With over a decade in banking, higher education, and strategy, she now leads initiatives at @LewisKatzSOM while pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Policy to advance equity and women’s rights.  

Her st...

The Moment That Changed Everything:  

A chance meeting with a Stage 4 cancer survivor on a hiking trail exposed the broken system: he survived only because of a distant connection to a clinical trial. Danielle realized: Healthcare shouldn’t be a game of luck.  

IN THIS EPISODE:  

•  The birth of Ancora.ai – an AI-powered platform tearing down walls to clinical trials.  
•  Why equity in healthcare is non-negotiable.  
•  How...

Meet Alim Howell — Community Activist, Advocate, and force for justice! From the Race for Peace Committee to Urban Navigation and Men of Action Brothers of Faith, Alim’s work is rooted in:  

• Tackling political inequities  
•  Fighting to end community violence  
•  Bridging trust between police and neighborhoods  
• How do we turn activism into lasting impact?  

Tune in as Alim shares his journey of grassroots advocacy, mobi...

We’re thrilled to welcome Nicolle D. Surratte, an inspirational speaker, author, and holistic health advocate, to our latest podcast episode! As the founder of A Health Coach for Me, Nicolle is dedicated to empowering women to transform their health and well-being—one step at a time. 

In this episode, Nicolle shares her personal journey as a breast cancer thriver and discusses the impact of stress on women’s health, whi...

Tune in to hear Curry’s powerful journey from growing up in "The Bottom" to creating opportunities for marginalized communities. As a father, grandfather, and advocate, he’s dedicated to:  

• Uplifting youth through school safety and mentorship  
•  Breaking barriers in vocational rehabilitation  
•  Building legacies that empower ALL voices  

 Why listen?  

From his work with @ByrdCancerFoundation to fostering safe spaces f...

WHY TUNE IN?  

• Family & Legacy: Jarrod—husband to Dr. Mercedes Gutierrez-Hill, dad to Quinn and Jade—shares how family ignites his drive to build a lasting impact.  
•  Beyond the Bin: Discover how 4 Hills isn’t just clearing clutter, but cultivating healthier communities and sustainable living.  
•  From Loss to Legacy: Fueled by the loss of his Nana to cancer, Jarrod transformed grief into a mission for financial freedo...

This week on the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani sits down with Mike Cook, a Pitt grad whose journey from the basketball court to the boardroom is nothing short of inspiring!  

From Pro Hoops to Higher Ed:  

After shining in the NBA D League and FIBA, Mike traded slam dunks for student success, dedicating 10+ years to admissions and athletics. Now, he’s the Founder & CEO of Cook Expert Consulting, wher...

Join us for a compelling conversation with Earnest Key, a seasoned real estate professional with over 15 years of experience! In this episode, we’ll explore:

• His journey from real estate investor to founding his own brokerage.
• Insights into market trends and how to spot profitable opportunities.
• The importance of educating the community and clients about real estate.
• How being raised by his grandmother shaped his values an...

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Jerome Percy Lewis, a seasoned technical leader and entrepreneur with 17 years of experience in the technology sector. Holding an MBA in Project Management and pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership, Jerome has led teams in federal agencies to enhance government technology initiatives.

He is the founder of Innovative Concepts, a consulting firm, and ...

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Jasmine Souers, a young breast cancer survivor and advocate dedicated to promoting hope and healing. Utilizing her personal experience and marketing skills, Jasmine has spearheaded national initiatives to educate and empower women of color impacted by breast cancer. 

As the founding President and CEO of The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance...

Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Shannon Amos, Founder of Sumanah and a passionate advocate for the healing power of plant medicine! In this episode, we’ll delve into:

• The transformative journey of plant medicine and its impact on well-being.
• The importance of inclusivity in healing spaces, especially for women, BIPOC, and marginalized communities.
• How Shannon collaborates with Indigenous communities to ensur...

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Alexandra Janelli, a globally recognized leader in hypnosis and certified hypnotherapist. Alexandra helps individuals unlock their potential by addressing limiting beliefs and emotional blockages. 

She founded burble, an innovative app providing personalized, science-backed hypnosis sessions, and is the co-visionary behind Burble Wellness Act...

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Jessi M. Sheridan, a leader and coach with over 16 years of experience. As the Founder of Habituelle, a platform empowering women leaders in Philadelphia, Jessi is dedicated to fostering women’s leadership development.

Believing in the power of female solidarity, Jessi helps women define their purpose and embrace their potential. Join Nia and...

Join us on the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast as host Nia Imani sits down with the talented Imani Nia Robinson! 

In this inspiring episode, Imani shares her journey from a young performer to an accomplished actress and producer. With a BFA in Theater from the California Institute of the Arts, she has graced both stage and screen, including iconic HBO series like The Wire and The Deuce. Imani opens up about her experienc...

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Onika, a wellness coach dedicated to building inclusive fitness communities worldwide. With over a decade of experience, she uses a holistic approach that combines mindfulness, breath work, strength training, yoga, mobility, and nutrition to guide individuals through physical and internal transformations.

A certified yoga teacher, personal tr...