In this episode we are talking with Marline Edmond founder of Plug Communications, LLC about how she is developing culturally competent health communication strategies in "Plain Language U Get" to promote equitable health information targeting the Black diaspora. Marline is a public health communications strategist, a third-year postgraduate student at Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications, and a self-proclaimed optimist who also goes by the moniker Munchy da Plug. In her research, she focuses on the history of health campaign propaganda, media framing of Haitians during public health crises, and the health communication practices to address the Black maternal health crisis in America. She joins us to discuss her mission and her varied experiences helping BIPOC people to navigate the US healthcare system. We touch on the gift we share as Black women to navigate different spaces, what it means to understand the political powers at play in the healthcare system, and harness the power of language. Language is evolving and we are called to respond to our changing world. Today’s conversation provides a practical starting point to empower others as we do exactly that! Thanks for tuning in.  Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Marline Edmonds, also known as Munchy da Plug, to the Public Health Joy Podcast. [0:00] Her mission to connect others to public health resources and where her nickname comes from. [01:42] Munchy’s experiences helping her Haitian parents to navigate the English healthcare system. [03:35] Navigating different spaces as a Black woman and communicating beyond words to protect your community. [05:37] Allocating appropriate blame to institutions rather than individuals in the healthcare system. [08:06] The power of language in directing research and communication. [11:33] Why learning is beautiful and what happens when you ask folks to repeat themselves. [17:13] The danger of accepting the spiral of silence. [18:32] Responding to a changing world with evolving language. [21:33] Why it is so important to identify and speak to your specific audience. [26:27] What brings Marline joy in her work as a public health communications professional. [28:42] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review!  For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/