250: From Broadcast Journalism to Suicide Prevention Leader with Dr. Walker Tisdale III

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Dr. Walker Tisdale III.

In this episode, Dr. Walker Tisdale III—nationally recognized leader in suicide prevention and Director of Outreach at Johns Hopkins University—shares his powerful journey from broadcast journalism to public health leadership.

We dive into the evolving field of suicide prevention, the role of diversity and equity in mental health, and why community support and education are essential for saving lives. Dr. Tisdale also opens up about the importance of self-care for professionals, breaks down common misconceptions around suicide prevention, and offers practical advice for students and early-career public health professionals.

If you’re exploring a career in public health—or simply want to better understand how we can address mental health through public health frameworks—this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction to Dr. Walker Tisdale III
@5:07 Journey into Suicide Prevention
@7:52 The Importance of Diversity in Suicide Prevention
@10:39 Understanding Suicide Prevention Techniques
@13:48 Current State of Suicide Prevention in the US
@16:41 Misconceptions About Suicide Prevention
@19:21 The Role of Public Health in Suicide Prevention
@22:09 Dr. Tisdale's Academic Journey
@25:01 Experiences During the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
@47:31 The Impact of Policy on Public Health
@49:11 Innovative Approaches in Public Health Interventions
@50:49 Navigating Public Health During the COVID Era
@52:57 The Value of Ground-Level Expertise
@58:06 Building a Statewide Suicide Prevention Strategy
@1:02:37 Pursuing Advanced Education in Health Professions
@1:08:42 Current Role and Responsibilities at Johns Hopkins
@1:14:49 Creating a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Framework
@1:19:02 Self-Care and Motivation in Public Health Work
@1:21:19 Advice for Aspiring Public Health Professionals

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