In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, show host and author of The Wellbeing Effect, Seth Serxner, sits down with Hamid Ghanadan, CEO and founder of Linus, for a candid conversation about the future of healthcare, the challenges eroding trust, and new approaches to health literacy for both patients and providers.

With over 30 years of leading Linus - a consulting firm helping healthcare organizations develop strategy and conduct research - Hamid Ghanadan brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of science, innovation, and communication. He’s recently spearheaded major studies like Health 2035, collaborating with HSBC Innovation Banking, and has a passion for making complex medical information more accessible and usable for everyone.

Seth and Hamid Ghanadan discuss:

☑️ Shifting the Dialogue: Hamid Ghanadan challenges the common focus on patient health literacy, suggesting that real change comes from understanding natural learning and rethinking how information is delivered.

☑️ The Erosion of Trust: 57% of new physicians foresee declining trust between patients and doctors in the next decade, with trust eroding in both directions—clinician to patient, and vice versa.

☑️ Root Causes of Misinformation: 79% of surveyed physicians point to social media (and emerging AI) as major drivers of health misinformation and distrust.

☑️ From Teaching to Learning: Hamid Ghanadan argues it's time to move from a "teaching" mindset to "learning," leveraging methods that invite genuine engagement and reduce resistance.

☑️ Science’s Usability Problem: Drawing from his own scientific training, Hamid Ghanadan illustrates that the real barrier is not access, but how usable and relatable scientific information is for both professionals and the public.

☑️ The Power of Games & Stories: Core tools for boosting health literacy (and scientific understanding) are storytelling and game-based learning, both of which can engage audiences and break down orthodoxies—even among scientists themselves.

☑️ Hope from the Next Generation: While young clinicians see big challenges, they’re driven by a desire to help humanity, are pro-technology, and want to shift focus toward prevention, wellness, and deeper patient relationships.

☑️ The Human Factor in Adherence: The most effective health interventions are often simple—like doctors taking two minutes for genuine human connection, which can boost treatment adherence enormously.

☑️ Imagining the Future: True cost decline in healthcare may only come with radical realignment of incentives—and possibly through leveraging AI for “access abundance,” freeing doctors to become advisors and coaches rather than bureaucratic operators.

☑️ Empathy First: Hamid Ghanadan closes by emphasizing the transformational role of empathy and curiosity, both for better patient outcomes and more effective professional engagement.

For anyone interested in how healthcare must evolve—through more human connection, smarter communication, and authentic learning—this conversation offers crucial insights and hope for a better future.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

Get Seth's Book

Check out The Wellbeing Effect by Seth Serxner.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes obesity medicine expert Dr. Laure DeMattia to unpack the complexities of obesity treatment, GLP-1 medications, and the evolving landscape of health literacy.

With over two decades of experience in obesity medicine, Laure DeMattia brings both personal and professional insight to the conversation. Having lived with obesity herself, she was drawn to the field early, before it became a board-certified specialty. Her current work spans primary care within the Indian Health System and telehealth for post-bariatric surgery patients. Driven by a passion to improve patient outcomes, she advocates for individualized approaches rooted in medical science, compassion, and practical guidance.

Seth Serxner and Laure DeMattia discuss:

☑️ Understanding GLP-1s: These medications have been transformative for diabetes and obesity but require ongoing medical supervision for safety and efficacy.

☑️ Medication Mindset: Many patients hope for a quick fix, but obesity is a lifelong, relapsing condition—medications like GLP-1s are a long-term commitment, not a temporary solution.

☑️ Safety Concerns: The rise of online, gray market, and over-the-counter sales for GLP-1s poses risks of dosage inaccuracies and non-sterile products, emphasizing the importance of physician-directed treatment.

☑️ Disease vs. Willpower: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial disease—not simply a matter of willpower. Genetic predisposition plays a large role.

☑️ Beyond BMI: Reliance on BMI for diagnosis is limited; true assessment considers body composition, genetics, and clinical factors.

☑️ Social Determinants & Environment: Where you live and social factors can profoundly impact your ability to manage obesity and overall health.

☑️ Health Literacy & Advocacy: Empowering patients through health literacy, credible resources, and ongoing support helps combat misinformation and stigma.

☑️ Individualized Care: There is no one-size-fits-all. Success means finding sustainable strategies tailored to the patient's genetics, environment, and personal needs.

☑️ Pursuit of Health vs. Thinness: The goal should be strength, wellness, and self-care, not simply weight loss for appearance's sake.

The conversation highlights the need for compassionate, data-driven approaches, whether it's medication, lifestyle modification, or navigating a complex healthcare system.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

In this episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Dr. Archelle Georgiou – a physician, acclaimed health journalist, and patient empowerment advocate – to unpack the critical role of health literacy in navigating today's complex healthcare ecosystem.

With an impressive background that spans clinical care, health insurance leadership, media, and education, Archelle Georgiou is dedicated to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up for their health. As a longtime on-air health expert for ABC’s Minneapolis affiliate and host of her own podcast, "Speak Up for Your Health," she channels decades of experience into demystifying insurance, advocating true patient-centered care, and simplifying the medical decision-making process for everyone.

Seth and Archelle dive into:

☑️ Empowering the Patient Voice: True health outcomes are achieved when clinical expertise and patient self-expertise intersect – and individuals are taught how to actively advocate for themselves.

☑️ Demystifying Health Insurance: Understanding the nuts and bolts – premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copays, and coinsurance – is essential for making smart healthcare decisions.

☑️ Practical, Real-World Examples: Sometimes, paying cash can be less expensive than using insurance. Knowing how to ask the right questions at the pharmacy or clinic can lead to better financial and health outcomes.

☑️ Choosing the Right Plan: The most expensive health insurance option isn’t always the best; it’s about understanding your personal health risks and financial situation.

☑️ HSAs and High Deductible Plans: Health savings accounts offer tax advantages, but only work well when individuals have the means and knowledge to use them effectively.

☑️ Addressing the Skills Gap: We've built tools to help people manage their health, but little investment has gone into actually teaching people how to use them—a critical gap in health literacy.

☑️ Laying Responsibility: Employers and insurance companies must do more than just promote wellness; they need to educate about insurance mechanics, appeals, and navigating denials.

☑️ The Power of Self-Reflection: Defining your values, priorities, and preferences allows for more personalized medical decisions—patients are experts in their own lives and should articulate what matters most.

☑️ Digital Health Tools: Large language models like ChatGPT can help patients formulate questions, aggregate information, and prepare for provider visits—if used wisely.

☑️ Speaking Up as a Skill: Empowerment isn’t intuitive; it can and should be learned and practiced, with support from all sectors of the health system.

Dr. Georgiou ultimately underscores: You’re the authority on your own life and health. Take time to reflect, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up—whether in the doctor’s office or when choosing your health plan.

Learn About EdLogics

Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.