Good Health, Better World
Stronger communities begin with good health — for everyone.
The “Good Health, Better World” podcast series brings experts together to discuss some of health care’s most important (and often challenging) topics.
You’ll hear independent viewpoints from community and government stakeholders, as well as the expertise of UPMC Health Plan clinicians and subject matter experts.
“Good Health, Better World” is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Listen on:
Season 4
In this season of “Good Health, Better World,” we’re exploring the joys, challenges, and opportunities associated with healthy aging. We’ll talk about what it means to age well; how to care for body, mind, and spirit as we get older; and the tools and programs available to ensure a good life, throughout life.
.jpg?h=4480&iar=0&w=6720&hash=C9088FB16B9AA4A958E992C3372E4DF9)
Season 3
Women have a way of prioritizing others’ health ahead of their own. They successfully balance many important roles in families, communities, and society but don’t always have access to the care and information they need. And when they do, systemic challenges often stand in the way of progress.
In Season 3 of “Good Health, Better World,” we talk about supporting women’s health—body and mind—across generations, populations, and stages of life.
.jpg?h=4480&iar=0&w=6720&hash=CAC84DA6CA9B6FE5DD40DF3D901AA40B)
Season 2
Behavioral health focuses on the relationships between emotions, habits, and physical health.
Although behavioral health plays a critical role at every age and stage of life, there is still a stigma around it. For some, accessing resources that help people handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices can be challenging. This audio series aims to help overcome these issues through education and openness. Experienced behavioral health experts will discuss behavioral health disorders and ways to work toward good health for our bodies—and minds.
Season 1
Some people are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, simply because of where they live, their economic status, their level of education, and even access to grocery stores. These factors — and underlying inequities — influence the decisions people can make which may lead to life-altering consequences regarding their health. Experts recognize this set of factors with a name: social determinants of health.
Meet the host
Ellen Beckjord, PhD, MPH
Vice President, Population Health and Clinical Optimization
UPMC Health Plan
Dr. Ellen Beckjord, MPH, is host of the “Good Health, Better World” podcast.
Ellen is a behavioral scientist, epidemiologist, and licensed clinical psychologist working at the intersection of population and digital health.
Her work focuses on promoting health, wellness, and health behavior change. She is vice president of population health and clinical optimization for UPMC Health Plan based in Pittsburgh.
Ellen trained at the University of Vermont, where she worked with cancer survivors and their families, at Vanderbilt University, and at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
She completed post-doctoral research at the National Cancer Institute in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch within the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. She spent nearly five years in academic medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Hillman Cancer Center.
Ellen also is the co-author of “Porchtraits” in which she interviewed people in Pittsburgh during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic about what they were learning, missing, enjoying, what surprised them, and what they felt hopeful about. A long-time member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Ellen currently serves on the Board of Directors as President-Elect.
Ellen’s guiding principle: “Lead with love.”