Podcast appearances and mentions of audrey russo

Are you drowning in negative energy and feeling like work challenges are crushing your spirit?  In this episode, discover a powerful Native American wisdom that can transform how you handle professional setbacks and maintain your inner strength, no matter how tough things get. For this episode, we welcome Audrey Russo, President and CEO, of the Pittsburgh Technology Council to tell you one little sentence that has changed her life.  Listen and: Learn a simple mental technique to prevent negative situations from controlling your emotional state Understand how to redirect your energy from challenges to personal growth Gain insight into maintaining resilience and positivity in high-stress work environments Hit PLAY now to unlock the secret of protecting your spirit and turning workplace obstacles into opportunities for success. ThePittsburgh Technology Council produces this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Are you an entrepreneur burning through cash without a clear financial roadmap? Most startup founders struggle to secure the right amount of funding, often sabotaging their own success by either asking for too little or overvaluing their company. This episode reveals the critical strategies for navigating startup financing that can make or break your business.  In this episode, we welcome Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, so tech entreprenerus like you can: Learn how to create realistic financial models that attract serious investors Understand the emotional pitfalls that cloud financial decision-making Discover how to build a support network that guides your funding strategy Hit the super-fancy PLAY button now to unlock the financial wisdom that could save your startup thousands and position you for sustainable growth. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Are you risking your startup's future by chasing dollars without understanding the true cost of investor relationships? Many entrepreneurs get excited about securing funding, but few realize that taking the wrong investment can derail their vision, control, and company trajectory.  For this episode of 10 Minute Tech Talks, we welcome Pittsburgh Technology Council President and CEO Audrey Russo to help tech entrepreneurs like you: Learn how to identify investors who bring strategic value beyond money Discover techniques to protect your startup's autonomy during fundraising Understand the critical questions to ask before accepting investment capital Hit "PLAY" now to save yourself from potential investor nightmares and set your startup on the path to sustainable success. You don't have to fail whil funding your startup Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Are you a tech entrepreneur struggling to stay competitive in an increasingly automated world? This episode explores how AI is transforming business operations and the key strategies you need to avoid being left behind.  Jonathan Kersting from the Pittsburgh Technology Council discusses the importance of AI in business to avoid failure as he highlights a recent TEQ magazine article by Birinder Singh of Auxiliobits arguing that AI is revolutionizing industries by automating tasks, enhancing efficiency, and requiring businesses to adapt quickly. Key takeaways for tech entrepreneurs include adopting AI early, focusing on AI-augmented workflows, and prioritizing continuous learning and re-skilling. He emphasizes that companies must integrate AI to stay competitive, as those who do will gain a market edge. Next week, Kersting will host Audrey Russo, CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, to discuss raising money for tech startups. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Join me as I speak with Pittsburgh Tech council President & CEO, Audrey Russo, about transitioning from corporate leadership roles into running the Pittsburgh Tech Council, Pittsburgh's rising tides, how nonprofits work, and more. If you want to help Pittsburgh tech companies suceed, please consider getting involved with Pittsburgh Technology Council. If you enjoyed this episode and want to see / hear more like it please subscribe to Collaborative With Spencer Krause today. You'll get notified every time a new episode releases and it's the best way to support the channel! Companies looking to outsource difficult robotics engineering problems should consider SKA Robotics. They sponsor this podcast and solve some of the most difficult robotics engineering problems in the world.

Join me as I speak with Pittsburgh Tech council President & CEO, Audrey Russo, about transitioning from corporate leadership roles into running the Pittsburgh Tech Council, Pittsburgh's rising tides, how nonprofits work, and more. If you want to help Pittsburgh tech companies suceed, please consider getting involved with Pittsburgh Technology Council. If you enjoyed this episode and want to see / hear more like it please subscribe to Collaborative With Spencer Krause today. You'll get notified every time a new episode releases and it's the best way to support the channel! Companies looking to outsource difficult robotics engineering problems should consider SKA Robotics. They sponsor this podcast and solve some of the most difficult robotics engineering problems in the world.

In this episode of Healthcare Reinvented, Jonathan Kersting and Audrey Russo from the Pittsburgh Technology Council discuss Highmark Health's strategies to address the mental health crisis. Guests Dr. Anil Singh and Dr. Doug Henry explain how Highmark has increased access to mental health services by 40% through partnerships like that with Spring Health. The conversation focuses on the importance of a whole-person model of care, addressing health disparities, and ensuring equitable outcomes. They highlight the significant increase in mental health service demand post-COVID and emphasize the vital role of telemedicine. The discussion also covers Highmark's goals for 2025, including enhancing access, reducing stigma, expanding service offerings, and closing health disparities. The speakers stress the importance of early intervention, particularly for children, and the potential of digital solutions to improve mental health care.

Have you ever wondered why raising money for your tech startup feels like stepping into the ring of a high-stakes competition? In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, securing funding is a monumental challenge that stands between many entrepreneurs and their dreams. This episode, featuring Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, dives deep into the world of fundraising, shedding light on common pitfalls and empowering strategies for emerging tech entrepreneurs. Learn the art of effectively asking for investment, understanding what investors are truly looking for. Discover how to articulate your vision and the use of funds in a way that excites prospects and closes the deal. Gain insight into common fundraising pitfalls and how to sidestep them, ensuring your venture doesn't fall at the first financial hurdle. Listen to this essential episode now and arm yourself with the knowledge to turn your fundraising efforts from a battle into a victory. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

Why do so many promising tech startups stumble when it comes to raising capital? For new tech founders, securing funding is often the difference between success and failure. In this episode, Audrey Russo of the Pittsburgh Technology Council shares insights from her years in tech, revealing the key mistakes entrepreneurs make when seeking investment—and how to avoid them. Learn why bootstrapping can help you better understand your customer and strengthen your business. Discover why understanding investor risk tolerance is essential before accepting funding. Hear Audrey's advice on the importance of financial transparency with potential investors. Listen to gain invaluable insights as you're ready to raise capital. Produced by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, this is a podcast for tech and manufacturing  entrepreneurs exploring the tech ecosystem, from cyber security and AI to SaaS, robotics, and life sciences, featuring insights to satisfy the tech curious.

When Sheetz officially opened its Pittsburgh headquarters in Bakery Square two weeks ago, Pittsburgh Technology Council President and CEO Audrey Russo had a fireside chat with Sheetz CEO Travis Sheetz. Tune in to TechVibe Radio this Sunday for insights into what is driving Sheetz's growth, how many new stores it plans to open across several states and how it stays ahead of the technology curve to serve its customers. Grab your front-row seat with one of our region's most dynamic businesses! 

On this episode of Highmark's Health Care Reinvented, learn how Highmark uses massive data sets to improve patient experience and outcomes while simultaneously managing data bias and the utmost security. We welcome Ian Blunt, VP of Advanced Analytics at Highmark Health, where his group form a center of expertise for all things data science and sophisticated analytical techniques. Leading a team of 100-plus data scientists, researchers and engineers, Blunt and his team are at the forefront of developing new capabilities for novel use cases, building predictive analytics and machine learning models, next best action selection, behavioral engineering, evaluation of interventions, analytics enablement, natural language processing, coordinating Highmark's analytic product portfolio and transitioning analytics to the cloud. At the end of the day, Blunt says all of the work comes down to directly improving the patient experience and proving health outcomes. Listen and learn how the human experience is expressed through the data! Transcription: All right, Audrey, we're gonna get just a little geeky today on healthcare reinvented because we have someone who is no stranger to the healthcare reinvented podcast rodeo, we have Ian Blunt hanging out with us today. Very excited because this guy, when it comes to all things, analytics, we want to talk to you. Because he always I think last time we talked to moderate our brains were like, ooh, like this. And now it's great to do a deep dive. So we're really excited. So do you want to? So Ian, why don't you just tell people a little bit about your background, and why you're such an expert on the topic that we're going to be talking about? Sure. I'm very excited to be here talking to you guys about it. So my name is Ian Blunt. I'm Vice President of advanced analytics for Highmark Health. So we form a center of expertise for all things data science and sophisticated analytic techniques within the organization, Highmark Health integrated health care organization. So we've got a health insurance arm, we've got a provider arm in the form of Allegheny Health Network, and we've got a few diversified businesses as well and my team kind of sit at the parent company and help each of the business units with the various use cases they've got to apply. And that's that I think techniques that every now and again, we did get to this really interesting thing, or blended health, where we're using information from both sides in a regulated way to improve the experience for all of our members and patients make it sound so simple, but healthcare is really complicated. That's one of the things that I think makes it such a rich territory for analytics. It's also been an industry that's kind of slow to adopt some of the analytic techniques, often for good reason, because of the magnitude of the decisions being made and security concerns around the data privacy, and what have you. But I think when you look at how high marks really trying to transform healthcare, it all comes down to I live in health strategy, which really is about making healthcare simple, making it personalized, and making it more proactive. And there's advanced analytics applications throughout that kind of mission statement. So what are the big things that you're working on? So like, what keeps you up at night, so that, you know, sort of set the table for us so we can understand because sometimes people are listening to this? And they're like, huh, how does that, you know, how does that really translate into meaningful experience and meaningful outcomes? There's so much going on. It's really exciting, again, kind of a factor of healthcare having been traditionally slow to adopt these techniques, and also the huge range of use cases that Highmark Health covers. So some really good examples, I think about how we can improve the efficiency but certain services work with so got a really nice technique that's operational within chemotherapy infusion facilities with within Allegheny Health Network. So traditionally, if you have cancer, new on chemotherapy drugs, you'll go to the infusion center, you'll sit in an infusion chair for variable length of time. And you'll do that several times over the course of your treatment. And traditionally about was just booked based on where the local administrators thought they could see a slot, what we are able to do is, first of all, build a model that predicts how long each infusion is actually going to take. So personalize it around the patient and the treatment that they're having. And then apply some optimization techniques. So we can optimize for schedule. That means we can fit each potential appointment in where there's a good slot for it. And one of the things we found is we were able to increase the utilization of each chair from about 55% of its time being occupied to bet 90% of its time being occupied, which is great, because these are saving for the provider, which means we can lower the cost of health care overall. And also, these are really valuable resources, potentially life saving. So we want to maximize the access to it as much as we can. There's also other fringe benefits. So when you're not, don't have that schedule optimized, some sessions over run, they just take longer than expected, which means the next patient, you know, getting frustrated there, whoever's, you know, often people using the service need a ride, so whoever's come to pick them up, is now hanging around, no need to be there and no idea what's going on. And also, when the whole system kind of comes a regular, you put a lot of pressure on your pharmacy that mix in these chemotherapy drugs, which of course, if they're under pressure, that increases the likelihood someone could make a mistake. So there's some potentially very serious outcomes there. So by smoothing that all out with providing a much more efficient use of the service which is lower cost with providing better outcomes, better experience for patients and providers, as well. So it's it's a real win for that kind of application of advanced analytic techniques. That's an interesting use case and thinking. I mean, it seems like so niche, you look at all the things that goes into healthcare, but how important is that, I mean, the idea that you can get more people into the chairs, so that way, they're able to get the treatment in a faster way. And then the ripple effects, not like the safety of like a pharmacist mixing something and not being rushed to mix up things so that you're making sure they're getting the right, the right treatments. That to me is is amazing having problems come to you to say we need to solve this, obviously, there were some issues around that. So they came to your team. And they're like, Wow, we need to solve this. How can we do it? So how does that process work? Yeah, so I'd say it's about 7030, the business coming to us with things they'd like to do, and 30% of us heading out with ideas solved. So I think also, the cool thing about the way we've implemented that chemotherapy infusion example is even though chemotherapy infusions niche, and we're going to scale to all of the infusion centers, and then that's kind of a limit there, you see that pattern repeated many times. So for example, operating rooms, again, variable length, important resource problems, if it was schedules, that's the sort of clog up and then dialysis appointments, even MRI. So there's lots of places where those same basic principles can be repeated, to achieve similar even better outcomes. And then, of course, the challenge we've got is well, how do we manage it all, there's far more demand for these services for analytic techniques than we can meet. So it's about a process of running backlogs of requests, prioritizing them based on value. Again, one of the things I really enjoy about working in healthcare is we talked about value in terms of stakeholder quintuple aim. So it's not just dollars and cents, although lowering costs is an important part of the going to play. But you've got how can we bet get better outcomes for the population, and you've got the clinical and patient experience very important factors. And just recently, the IHI who defined quintuple aim added increase in health equity to that as well. So that kind of changes nicely with a lot of the sort of community based organizations that Highmark works about works with, and how we think about equity and social needs alongside traditional healthcare needs. What about the issues like around security? Right? Like, can you talk about that, there's so much data, people get so worried and intimidated. And yet they really don't have all the facts in terms of, of how that data lives and how that data is protected? Yeah. Healthcare data, medical industry data is I think, most fiercely protected by the public. I've seen literature out there where people do surveys, and they are more interested in protecting privacy around health care than they are, for example, criminal records, or their tax records. So critically, critically important that we treat those data securely. And with respect, it's a huge privilege to get to work with this information. And part of executing on that privilege really is concepts within healthcare industry, we call minimum necessary. So we should only be sharing the minimum necessary data that we need to go and execute. And in my line of work, that typically means we don't need to see names and addresses, we need to see some of the demographic factors, we need to see the health history, but I don't need to know who that piece of information is associated with, I can do my job just as well, without knowing that. So that's another way that we keep it secure. And then the other challenge we've got is thinking about exchanging information within healthcare. So it's actually relatively a security people shout at me, it's relatively simple to create a completely walled garden where just nothing can get in, nothing can get out. And one of the things we need to do as a modern healthcare companies share information. So share with provider partners share with vendors provide healthcare solutions shared with all sorts of people. So it really is about being able to have those systems that facilitate rapid ability to move information to where it needs to be but also keep everything secure, to make sure that that information isn't going to go anywhere that it shouldn't be going and we've got a well matured data governance infrastructure that supports us in doing that and it comes all the more important is interoperability. Rose is a trend within the healthcare industry. We're not Talk in file transfers anymore. Now we've got people accessing through API's and other means we need to be able to adapt quickly, as needed. But also make sure we're doing it in a very measured, controlled and secure way. I was really curious to talk more about like how you're able to eliminate bias. And this as well, too, that's a lot that I've been hearing is obviously keeping it secure. But then, as you're gathering this data to make sure that you're not getting bias out of this, you can actually make decisions and things based upon real clean data, I guess, for lack of a better term.  Yeah. So that's a fascinating subject. And I think one that in general, is going to come into the sort of AI and analytics industry, it's already come in. So if we think about data security is what we can and can't do. There's a lot of law there. And then there's also the question of what we should and shouldn't do. And that's where I think data ethics really comes into play. Highmark really wants to establish itself as a thought leader on within the industry, it's very important to us personally, that the Insight we're generating is being used in an ethical way. And that covers lots of different applications, particularly around model bias, which has been a very hot topic for the last couple of years. And we've put a number of systems and processes in place to help guide our thinking around that, and also working with a number of partners as well to inform what we do. So to be very kind of like, high level on it, when we're ever we're considering sort of an AI based use case. The first thing we do is we think about the use case itself. So what before we do any modeling tall, even thinking about the data? What are the business asking us to do? You know, how might the data or how might that action, introduce some sort of bias? Is that even the right thing to be doing, and we can drive a conversation within the business on that? Then the next one, once we've accepted the use case, and we're working on it typically involves some level of predictive model. Within a predictive model, you can find a list of influential features, basically, what data elements drive in the model outputs? And depending on which algorithm you're using, sometimes you have to use simple explainers to get at that, but it gives us a really good sense of what's going on there. And then we check that back with our business colleagues. So we literally go down the list, is there anything problematic in that, that we're worried about? Is there anything that's proxy and something that might be problematic, and then the next step is really important. So it's not the sense that if it's in there, and problematic, we automatically take it out, we need to think about the impact it's having. There are some times when actually it's really important. For example, prevalence of diabetes is different depending on people's ethnicity. So there's a really good argument for having ethnicity based information within a diabetes model. And again, it's about the actual output, what happens differently in the real world because of what the models say. And so we think through those various use cases, take information out rebuild the model if we feel we need to. And then we do a series before it's elevated to production, we do assess what's called back tests. So essentially, we look at model performance over a range of different categories and get a good sense of, you know, is it performing particularly well on one category, but particularly poorly on another, and we use scores in that as well. So it's kind of typical check on what the model is performing. And then the last thing we do is we monitor the model's performance over time. So we're checking for drift so we can understand and be alerted to if anything, when we launched it production was unbiased, has now seems to become biased, for whatever reason, and we can dig in to that. So that's, that's our system, we go through that. We're very proud of it. I've got to say, we've not had too many cases where anyone's had to raise their hand and say, I think something's not quite right here, which is great. But I think it's important that we're always vigilant and always developing around some of this stuff as well. And I think one of the important things come in, just in general, like the trends in the latest legislation around AI ethics, and what have you, I think are going in a really good direction. We used to train people used to try to regulate specific use cases. And I think AI is going to become so pervasive, that doesn't really make any sense. What we need to think about is harms. So what's the harm of something being biased if I'm Netflix recommending a movie, versus what's the harm of saying biased if I'm offering a health care solution, but it is going to have a demonstrable impact on people's lives and the degree of scrutiny that you're applying to each application needs to flex based on Basically the risks that you're incurring by operating in that space. I know what I'm thinking. I'm wondering, what advice would you give to people who are in college or thinking about trying to have an impact, right? A lot of everyone's looking for? How do they have an impact? How do they make a difference? And, you know, people might not understand that, that this is another opportunity right there in terms of the work that you're doing, what guidance, what advice would you give people if they want to follow that kind of trajectory of career opportunities and in analytics. Oh, I would definitely say pick something you're passionate about. Because that, that kind of gives you that whole side. So I was talking a little bit about the data ethics piece, I mean, a lot of being able to spot what what might be problematic in the use case, or in inferential variable comes from having data scientists that are really engaged in healthcare. They're interested in the policy, their strategy, as well as the technical solutions. And there's kind of two models in general of doing data science. So one is, you kind of keep all your data scientists locked up in a dark room somewhere. And you've got this analytic consultant figure that goes between them and the business gathering requirements. It's fine, it's very transactional. But what we think is one that's not very satisfying for the data scientists. And two, it doesn't really give the optimal solution. So the data scientist will excellently solve the problem that set them, but we really miss them being in the room, around the table with the business, so they can actually help the business iterate on what the real problem we're trying to solve here is, and at Highmark, we definitely practice that partnership model, seeing our data scientists at the table, understanding the strategy helps the business understand the data in the analytics as well. So they trust it more. And ultimately, I think gets us much better solutions. And, I think, really phenomenal implementation rates. So one thing you see quoted quite a lot is data science projects, only like 30 to 40% of them make it to production. At Highmark, that number is much closer to 80, or 90. So we're really getting value out of this stuff. And to me, it's all about that partnership model. Now, that does create some challenges for us, because now we're looking out for not only data scientists with top notch technical skills, but we also need people that are interested in healthcare and strategy and can do the communication piece as well. But I'm proud to say like we've hired that throughout. And we've got a really fantastic team here, data scientists and research that physicians and analysts and data engineers and software engineers, strategy analysts, and product owners, who can all operate in that way. And I think that's one of the reasons we're so successful in just bringing this huge number of use cases to bear to transform healthcare. How many are in the team? Seems like you kind of quite the cruel obviously, that makes this happen. It's kind of exciting to lead a team like this. Yeah, we do. So we sit within the larger enterprise and data organized hate enterprise and data analytics organization. We specialize, as I say, in the sort of advanced analytics enter the market. So your data science sophisticated techniques, there's about 100 of us within the advanced analytics group. And that covers everything from big data analytics, machine learning and AI and natural language processing, but also out into what we in healthcare called core ideas, more commonly in industry, next best action, basically working out what someone's needs are, and then what the best way to meet that need is and then pushing that message into a workflow system so it can be actioned straightaway. We also do think about how we package that call to action as well. So using nudge techniques, a be testing to make sure when that call to action is out there for the next best action, it's more likely to be acted upon. And then we also do analytic evaluation analytics. So one of the things really important to us, is once we've triggered an action, we understand the benefit that both Highmark and the member and patient got out of that interaction. And we create this learning system so that the idea is tracked, does more of what we know works, and less of what doesn't. And we can also use our evaluation techniques to understand well, how might we improve our interventions to so we can get the results that we need or continuously improve the successful one. And on top of that, we're also managing kind of holding the ring for all of our analytics partners with transition from on prem technology into Google Cloud. What about Ian Blunt the man what is in do for fun? And what do you think about living on this side of the pond? Oh, so that's been a great big adventure. We moved over here in 2015. My wife grew up in Pittsburgh, which is how I landed here. Pittsburgh has always come back. That seems to be the rule. And it's been wonderful. We, even before we have kids, we agreed that we wanted them to both grow up spending time in both sides of the Atlantic. So it's been wonderful. Pittsburgh's a great city. It really is so much here to do so much. So easy to get around the Yeah, obviously, America is going through some interesting times. And I'm glad to be here. And part of seeing those changes go. I tell you what it's for so glad that you're here in Pittsburgh doing what you're doing, because this is the type of work that's really setting Pittsburgh apart. And to have that coming through. Highmark Health is just amazing. And every time we talk to you, Adrienne, I was like, Oh, my God, man, he gets to have a lot of fun, but he's got some serious responsibility on his shoulders. Oh, it's an awesome job. But to your point, like, the install of the states is watching Pittsburgh and healthcare. There's a lots of thoughts, but obviously, the US healthcare system has a fair amount of challenges. And the solution, one of the places it's likely to be born is in Pittsburgh. So Pittsburgh really has a national focus within the healthcare industry on what's going on here right now. So it's a super exciting place to be. We couldn't agree more, that's for sure. Yeah, it's so much fun talking to you. We're gonna have to have you back. Again, because we want it to be continually changes. There's always something new to update us with and so we really appreciate your time. Anytime glad to thank you. I love having these conversations because I get to hang out with you and for half an hour and learn about these things anyplace else. So too much fun. This has been Jonathan Kersting and this is Audrey Russo. Thank you so much. We're from the Pittsburgh tech Council. We love bringing you healthcare reinvented with iMovie Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Did you know that connecting to your doctor is literally just a text away? On this episode of the Highmark Health Care Reinvented Podcast Series, Benjamin Edelshain, MD , Vice President, Clinical Engagement & Digital Innovation at Highmark Health, gives us the whole story on how a secure mobile text messaging platform is building better patient-doctor connections for healthier outcomes.  The platform was deployed at the height of COVID-19, immediately proving its effectiveness in a world where people could not easily meet with health care providers. Ben shares some encouraging and surprising stats on how many patients are using the platform and how text messaging has improved customer engagement. Discover how a simple text message is part of an ever-growing ecosystem of engagement tools to ensure access to care.  Transcription: Welcome to Healthcare reinvented, exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology brought to you by Highmark, here are your hosts, the Pittsburgh technology Council's Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting. This is Jonathan Kersting. With the Pittsburgh Technology Council. This is the next episode of healthcare Reinvented, where we explore the intersections of technology and healthcare. Today's interview will be a lot of fun. It's a follow up from our previous season and today we are going to be talking to Dr. Ben Edelshain, and he's with Highmark Health. And I love the fact that that Highmark is finding ways for its patients and doctors to better connect and using technology where it makes sense. And in our first interview that we had was, I can't believe it's, I think, more than 18 months ago, and I'm so excited to follow up on this. It's all about just using the simple concept of using texting to talk back and forth with your doctor. And it sounds easier than you think, especially in the medical setting.  So I'm excited to learn a the progress of it and some new things they might be working on and get some numbers around this as well, too, just to see how effective it's been. So Ben, welcome to the show today. We're so glad to have you. And it's great to reconnect.   Yeah, Jonathan, thank you very much for having me. I'm honestly super excited to share some updates. And it's always great talking to you. And just coming back again, is a privilege and an honor. very humbled. Yeah. Looking forward to sharing some exciting stuff. And you know, following up from where we left off,. A year and a half ago, just flown by and you had a child. Congratulations.    Thank you so much. Yes, we we had our second little Clara, and she's turning one soon. So very cool. Very cool. You got to be stoked about that. Absolutely. Very cool. So before we get things kids, I'm just refreshing our listeners, maybe are they forgotten or there's the first time listening, could you give us your background and what you do with Highmark Health. Very happy to do so. So I am Ben Edelshain. I've been with Highmark, for about four years now, I'm a vice president in our enterprise clinical organization. I'm originally from the UK, hence the accent and used to be a national health service doctor back in London, but been stateside for about 10 years. And so my responsibilities at Highmark Health include kind of trying to push us to be more tech driven, more consumer focused. And then operationally I run a department to telephonic nurses who support our customers, as well as care navigate navigation as well, helping members find the best possible care. That is interesting, that's gonna be a very rewarding job, because you're actually seeing the work that you do improves the quality of patients lives. It just, I think that's going to be so much fun. I say this without any sort of sarcasm, and I love working. And I see a lot of similar missions to, you know, socialized care where I came from our country, slightly different by country and in the US. And but I think in Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh, we're doing something special to try and change the paradigm. And I'm very excited to be part of that journey. So that's why I love having these conversations, because I think you said the right word. I think Highmark is doing so much to change the paradigm. I mean, the idea is using technology to empower people. And it's not just about the technology, because there's technology all over the place. But how you can apply it in a way that people can actually use it, and use it to actually make the experience better make their health better. That's why I thought it was so much fun when we first talked to you know, just detailing how using something as simple as text messaging, as a really effective way of being able to keep that connection going between doctor and patient, which is just so vital. Tell us more about how that kind of started up. And then really how this has been now it's up and running for more than a year and a half now. Yeah, so just if we rewind the clock, you know, even beyond, gosh, that year and a half ago, and you know, when COVID first broke out, right, and patients were rightly scared to go and see their doctors to engage in person with that health care. You know, what we discussed last time was we we challenged ourselves and said, Hey, look, we have this texting capability that traditionally use, you know, primarily for marketing purposes, right? We have adoption, why don't we try to juice it up and and use that one way messaging system and flip it to two way and then as people respond to us at Highmark, you know, let's have a nurse on the other end who's part of the benefit structure that I have or receives, and let's enable that nurse who's on the Highmark side, but to also be kind of that augmentative support for the doctor's practice. And, you know, for us that's, you know, really supporting our colleagues a lot to get Allegheny Health Network. But it's not it's not just a job.  So that's, that's like I didn't think about is the whole point that this is actually a way to kind of help the doctor out as well too. Because if you have a nurse that's helping out, they're able to, you know, it frees up their time to put it where it's more important, and being able to then you but still give the care to the patient at the same time. So that to me, I think is really interesting. So the docs are probably saying, Okay, this is great, it's like a little relief valve that we can talk, we can learn about something going on before it becomes a serious problem that would require someone to come in to the doctor or something like that.   I agree. And I think part of the strategy moving forward is, you know, as a former physician myself, I empathize with, you know, those still in practice where they're forced to have really short consultation time. Right, right. I'm sure as patients, we experienced that, where it feels like, you know, you have 15 minutes, and that's it. And so, you know, perhaps this evolves into what those other topics that you maybe can't fit into 15 minutes, and then, you know, take it offline, or actually take it online, right, and have it in a more digitally enabled manner, and at the convenience of the customer, right at the convenience when they want to talk about it. And so, I mean, we've so a year and a half has passed, we have had, you know, specific to these, what I would call like health conversations or clinical conversations, say, a nurse or other kind of professional, like a pharmacist or behavioral health specialist. Since going live, we've had 30,000 interactions.   Wow. Yeah, that's, that's a lot. That's awesome. Wow. You know, and to put that into context, that's just one year that was lost. And, you know, we use texting for other purposes, primarily, one way, we send about 4 million texts. You know, it's starting to become a decent chunk of Yeah. So, you know, again, changing the paradigm so that the conversation you have with your healthcare insurer, but you know, really, we're an integrated system, but the conversation you're having is more about your health and wellness, and less about your benefits and your right cetera. Exactly. Just the fact that it just keeps you in closer touch with your caregivers, I think is just so important. And you can do it in a way that's not eating into the system and just wasting people's time. But it's like, no, this is a great way that you know, something's not right, you're concerned about something you're able to easily address it before becomes that bigger problem. It just makes me sick, more convenient. And it just, I'm curious, I think this is going to keep growing. Because I mean, the first year, I mean, 30,000 interactions. That's, that's pretty amazing. To me, I'm thinking this is gonna continue to keep building, and you'll probably find more use cases for it as well.    I hope so. And we certainly have plans. And you know what? I like the elegance of the simplicity. Yeah, definitely. Text is essentially free. Right? And, you know, maybe your conversation starts with a text then goes into a secure channel where you're drinking bidirectionally. And maybe you decide, hey, I do want to talk to you, and then you set up a mutually convenient time. Exactly. My dream, my aspiration by the end of next year, is to eliminate any cold calling, that's not expected. That comes from a nurse for my health plan to okay, just like there is no reason why we can't achieve that. So, you know, part of where we're headed is okay. We think texting works. Well, we know texting works, right? I'll throw you out of fun facts. So you're familiar, obviously, as a technologist, kind of the click through rate terminology, right? industry average for texting, click throughs, about 15%, one, five. But when you start due to doing two way and having a healthcare professional on the other side, and picking the moments that matter to the customer, we're at about 30% click rate. Wow, you're doubling that. That's impressive. I mean, yeah, he's looking at a 30% engagement rate like that, click and through that you're having real conversations that I mean, this is something that people are in there. And the cool thing is when they have this good experience with it, they're gonna continue to rely on it, they're gonna see it as something that they can they can use. And I just think it builds a better relationship with your caregiver and makes you sometimes like less afraid. There's always that little bit that fear factor, the more you kind of start talking about something and the more you have to get the back and forth. I know for me, like just personally, I remember like, I've never liked going to the doctor, I remember being like, oh, I can do my virtual visits. And as I started virtual visits, I wasn't so free to actually go in and see the doctor. So I think it's it's a great way to kind of step things up as well to to get those of us who maybe have a little bit of the white coat phobia, I guess. You need an actual person that professional and, you know, maybe that comes into the a little nudge that says, you should really go see your doc. And, you know, the other added beauty over time is that, you know, with the customer, the patient's consent, like maybe we can prep the doctor right for the visit. So we know what's going to be top of mind. And what's the point? Yeah, that makes so much sense. Because like, yeah, if you're working with a nurse, and you had a, say, like a couple days of back and forth, and like, hey, why don't you come in next week, then that nurse can then provide that conversation, there's probably some detail in there that the Doc can look into, and really informs what he or she is able to, you know, do when it comes to treat the patient, and they're gonna, you're gonna get all that better care, when you're there seeing the doctor have a better experience? Well, and then, you know, as a blue plan that has a hospital system, right? So that interaction with the nurse can be transitioned into, okay. Why can't I just book you in right now? Because I have access to a very cool, true one call resolution, right? True, nice. This is all based on a very simple technology, which I think is just so awesome. Like, it's something that we're all very familiar with at this point. So Ben, tell me more about the engagement rate on this. I mean, especially across different age groups. I'm wondering, is there a difference between like younger people and older people using texting to talk with their doctors and nurses? Jonathan, that's a great question. You might actually be surprised on this. I think, you know, in our society, we have this somewhat unfair perspective, sometimes that older folks don't use technology. And what we found actually, is that when you have a healthcare professional on the other end of the phone, and you're doing two way texting, the highest engagement rate we're seeing is amongst the senior population. Interesting. I'm so happy to hear that. I think that we shouldn't underestimate kind of smartphone adoption amongst those 65 and older. And look, if you make the tech simple. And it works, and it drives again, drives value to the customer, we're seeing that senior, customers are engaging nearly double the rates that from folks who are under 65. Well, that is just fascinating. I'm curious, are there any extra security concerns around this being being that there's probably HIPAA stuff at some point, depending upon what the conversation is? Yeah, that's an excellent question, Jonathan. And I do want to make sure that it is clear to your listeners. So for us the text message, what you would see in like, iOS is the initial primer. And so it says, hey, you've got a message waiting for you. This is why it's also elegant, no download needed, it just opens up a secure browser. Gotcha. Which is like all sort of safe for the patient or the member opts in to say, Yep, I'm happy to keep going. And then, you know, we have very little security concerns at that point.   Very cool. And he had the idea that like, yeah, you're not downloading something, or it's like, I can't do that right now. It just opens up the secure browser. And there you go, and you know that everything is safe. And there's there's nothing to worry about. Very cool. I mean, makes it sound simple. I'm sure it's very hard to implement. But obviously, the user experience is easy. And that's what it's all about using technology to make things easy, not complicated.   We have a great partner, the company we work with is called Relay, and they have made our life very easy. I mean, I might have mentioned this before, but we went from one way texting to fully implementing two way and 12 weeks, which for any kind of tech project is like a backup. That's just 12 weeks. Oh, my goodness. Yeah, that's, that's very cool. Very cool. And also some added benefits. I think that, you know, we I think about a lot, maybe consumers don't is, you know, the amount of satisfaction this brings to the health care professionals as well, that are being more efficient with their time, it's more meaningful, you know, they can have, you know, multiple chats open, if that's the way they want to work, and then, but then kind of, again, not be cold calling necessarily and actively engaging folks, and just the scale at which you can help people kind of grows exponentially in a very low fidelity manner. I did. I didn't want to share one interesting thing with you. We did. This is a exclusive for your podcast. I like exclusive that's what it's all about. Come on, man. Lay it on me.   So once we had the sort of texting apparatus if he would. We started thinking a bit about like, the words we use in that initial text, and we how we approach our customers, as well. Actually in in a world where unfortunately, you know people who scam innocent customers yes are doing more texting right and phishing, etc. So we decided it was it was after we last spoke it was kind of in the works, but we decided just after we spoke last time to partner with CMU, CMU. Sorry, Carnegie Mellon University. Absolutely, yeah. In our backyard. We partnered with Professor George Lowenstein, as well as Samantha Hall and Sammy, who's a PhD candidate. And they are both world renowned experts in behavioral economics. So as applied to healthcare, so the field being, you know, what are the words? What are what are the words, what are the kind of nudge tactics that you can use in a healthcare setting, to really empower an individual to be more engaged in their self care? Okay, you know, nudge tactics, for example, being kind of things like loss aversion, like, you know, you're missing out on benefits that are at no cost to you, people like you are taking advantage of this, why not engage with us? So we partnered on a project to start kind of seeing how we could tailor the words in our messages. And in two months, we increased our initial phone pickup rate by 16%. Just yeah, just by saying, hey, the nurse is going to call this customer this member, patient. Let's send a text an hour ahead of time, saying hello. says Hi, Mark. I'm calling from your healthcare team. I'm going to call you in an hour. Very interesting, huh? Okay. Alone, the telephonic pick up rate by 16%. That makes perfect sense. You're giving that little bit that warning. So And plus if you feel like you know that someone's caring for you, right, yeah, I mean, you know, that, like you're, you're being looked after, and then you got the warning that like there will be a call coming. And it's a legit call. It's not gonna it's not a telemarketer trying to like, upgrade you on something, and it's just never heard of. Yeah, that's awesome. So we've, I mean, again, like you send the text set an hour ahead of time, maybe the person that's the beauty of a two way system is they text back saying, Hey, I'm busy in an hour. Can you do 6pm This evening and say, Yeah, sure. But we're very excited about this collaboration with CMU. We're sort of working on some other plans. And with a view to publish in the academic literature. We think this is a joint partnership between Highmark and CMU. And we think, you know, again, it makes me sound silly to say groundbreaking and texting in the same sentence. But I think we might be onto something.  No, I would call it groundbreaking because you're using a very simple and established and safe technology and using it to empower people to better take care of themselves. That's awesome. To me, I think that's something that the team should be super proud of. And that's why it's so much fun having these conversations, because, you know, over the years, we've been doing these with Highmark, looking at how Highmark works with the Carnegie Mellon with outside vendors that are taught that their games, taking that technology, and focusing it down to where it actually helps the patient. That's just tremendous. And that's why it's so much fun to explore these conversations. That's why I'm so glad I got to have an update with you, Ben about what you guys are up to because it's like, wow, you're getting people there actually 30,000 people using this, your great open rates, click through rates and people picking up the phone because they got a text message an hour before the call was going to help it.   Let me leave you with three kinds of additional teasers. Definitely. You know, one is we're working, in fact, the technology is live, we're just piloting that, to take it one step further, which is kind of the texting, that leads to a conversation that leads to a scheduling module, schedule the time just like you would with a doctor, just like with Open Table, right, like, but with your nurse. Right. So that's going live this year. The second is, you know, this, we're seeing good kind of engagement with employers, right people who provide health insurance and sort of, you know, they see the value, they see the values, encouraging their employees to update their contact information to consent to interactions of this nature with their health plan, because there is value here. And then the third part is just is about kind of value in general, I think. I think small wins like this forced us in the healthcare industry to continue to evolve into a b2c industry. And you can only become b2c if you deliver value to your customers. And that starts with trust. And I think this technology have a simple it is is an enabler towards building a more trust acknowledge the customer, the member and their health insurance provider, which is traditionally not the case, right. But at least by sort of driving home, the fact that we're giving value to our customers really, I think gives a new spin on the term value based care.   Absolutely. I think you summed it up perfectly. It's so much fun talking with you to tape and because this just goes to show you technology can really improve people's lives and watching Highmark use it in a thoughtful way. It's pretty amazing stuff. And we just love being able to tell these stories. Very, very cool. Dr. Ben Edelshain, you're the best. Get back to work. I know you're having a good time. I'll let you go. Always a pleasure to spend time with you.   Absolutely. Just remind everybody This has been Jonathan Kersting with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and of course tech vibe radio, having awesome conversations like this each and every day. Thanks for listening to healthcare reinvented, exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology brought to you by Highmark. Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Did you know that connecting to your doctor is literally just a text away? On this episode of the Highmark Health Care Reinvented Podcast Series, Benjamin Edelshain, MD , Vice President, Clinical Engagement & Digital Innovation at Highmark Health, gives us the whole story on how a secure mobile text messaging platform is building better patient-doctor connections for healthier outcomes.  The platform was deployed at the height of COVID-19, immediately proving its effectiveness in a world where people could not easily meet with health care providers. Ben shares some encouraging and surprising stats on how many patients are using the platform and how text messaging has improved customer engagement. Discover how a simple text message is part of an ever-growing ecosystem of engagement tools to ensure access to care.  Transcription: Welcome to Healthcare reinvented, exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology brought to you by Highmark, here are your hosts, the Pittsburgh technology Council's Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting. This is Jonathan Kersting. With the Pittsburgh Technology Council. This is the next episode of healthcare Reinvented, where we explore the intersections of technology and healthcare. Today's interview will be a lot of fun. It's a follow up from our previous season and today we are going to be talking to Dr. Ben Edelshain, and he's with Highmark Health. And I love the fact that that Highmark is finding ways for its patients and doctors to better connect and using technology where it makes sense. And in our first interview that we had was, I can't believe it's, I think, more than 18 months ago, and I'm so excited to follow up on this. It's all about just using the simple concept of using texting to talk back and forth with your doctor. And it sounds easier than you think, especially in the medical setting.  So I'm excited to learn a the progress of it and some new things they might be working on and get some numbers around this as well, too, just to see how effective it's been. So Ben, welcome to the show today. We're so glad to have you. And it's great to reconnect.   Yeah, Jonathan, thank you very much for having me. I'm honestly super excited to share some updates. And it's always great talking to you. And just coming back again, is a privilege and an honor. very humbled. Yeah. Looking forward to sharing some exciting stuff. And you know, following up from where we left off,. A year and a half ago, just flown by and you had a child. Congratulations.    Thank you so much. Yes, we we had our second little Clara, and she's turning one soon. So very cool. Very cool. You got to be stoked about that. Absolutely. Very cool. So before we get things kids, I'm just refreshing our listeners, maybe are they forgotten or there's the first time listening, could you give us your background and what you do with Highmark Health. Very happy to do so. So I am Ben Edelshain. I've been with Highmark, for about four years now, I'm a vice president in our enterprise clinical organization. I'm originally from the UK, hence the accent and used to be a national health service doctor back in London, but been stateside for about 10 years. And so my responsibilities at Highmark Health include kind of trying to push us to be more tech driven, more consumer focused. And then operationally I run a department to telephonic nurses who support our customers, as well as care navigate navigation as well, helping members find the best possible care. That is interesting, that's gonna be a very rewarding job, because you're actually seeing the work that you do improves the quality of patients lives. It just, I think that's going to be so much fun. I say this without any sort of sarcasm, and I love working. And I see a lot of similar missions to, you know, socialized care where I came from our country, slightly different by country and in the US. And but I think in Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh, we're doing something special to try and change the paradigm. And I'm very excited to be part of that journey. So that's why I love having these conversations, because I think you said the right word. I think Highmark is doing so much to change the paradigm. I mean, the idea is using technology to empower people. And it's not just about the technology, because there's technology all over the place. But how you can apply it in a way that people can actually use it, and use it to actually make the experience better make their health better. That's why I thought it was so much fun when we first talked to you know, just detailing how using something as simple as text messaging, as a really effective way of being able to keep that connection going between doctor and patient, which is just so vital. Tell us more about how that kind of started up. And then really how this has been now it's up and running for more than a year and a half now. Yeah, so just if we rewind the clock, you know, even beyond, gosh, that year and a half ago, and you know, when COVID first broke out, right, and patients were rightly scared to go and see their doctors to engage in person with that health care. You know, what we discussed last time was we we challenged ourselves and said, Hey, look, we have this texting capability that traditionally use, you know, primarily for marketing purposes, right? We have adoption, why don't we try to juice it up and and use that one way messaging system and flip it to two way and then as people respond to us at Highmark, you know, let's have a nurse on the other end who's part of the benefit structure that I have or receives, and let's enable that nurse who's on the Highmark side, but to also be kind of that augmentative support for the doctor's practice. And, you know, for us that's, you know, really supporting our colleagues a lot to get Allegheny Health Network. But it's not it's not just a job.  So that's, that's like I didn't think about is the whole point that this is actually a way to kind of help the doctor out as well too. Because if you have a nurse that's helping out, they're able to, you know, it frees up their time to put it where it's more important, and being able to then you but still give the care to the patient at the same time. So that to me, I think is really interesting. So the docs are probably saying, Okay, this is great, it's like a little relief valve that we can talk, we can learn about something going on before it becomes a serious problem that would require someone to come in to the doctor or something like that.   I agree. And I think part of the strategy moving forward is, you know, as a former physician myself, I empathize with, you know, those still in practice where they're forced to have really short consultation time. Right, right. I'm sure as patients, we experienced that, where it feels like, you know, you have 15 minutes, and that's it. And so, you know, perhaps this evolves into what those other topics that you maybe can't fit into 15 minutes, and then, you know, take it offline, or actually take it online, right, and have it in a more digitally enabled manner, and at the convenience of the customer, right at the convenience when they want to talk about it. And so, I mean, we've so a year and a half has passed, we have had, you know, specific to these, what I would call like health conversations or clinical conversations, say, a nurse or other kind of professional, like a pharmacist or behavioral health specialist. Since going live, we've had 30,000 interactions.   Wow. Yeah, that's, that's a lot. That's awesome. Wow. You know, and to put that into context, that's just one year that was lost. And, you know, we use texting for other purposes, primarily, one way, we send about 4 million texts. You know, it's starting to become a decent chunk of Yeah. So, you know, again, changing the paradigm so that the conversation you have with your healthcare insurer, but you know, really, we're an integrated system, but the conversation you're having is more about your health and wellness, and less about your benefits and your right cetera. Exactly. Just the fact that it just keeps you in closer touch with your caregivers, I think is just so important. And you can do it in a way that's not eating into the system and just wasting people's time. But it's like, no, this is a great way that you know, something's not right, you're concerned about something you're able to easily address it before becomes that bigger problem. It just makes me sick, more convenient. And it just, I'm curious, I think this is going to keep growing. Because I mean, the first year, I mean, 30,000 interactions. That's, that's pretty amazing. To me, I'm thinking this is gonna continue to keep building, and you'll probably find more use cases for it as well.    I hope so. And we certainly have plans. And you know what? I like the elegance of the simplicity. Yeah, definitely. Text is essentially free. Right? And, you know, maybe your conversation starts with a text then goes into a secure channel where you're drinking bidirectionally. And maybe you decide, hey, I do want to talk to you, and then you set up a mutually convenient time. Exactly. My dream, my aspiration by the end of next year, is to eliminate any cold calling, that's not expected. That comes from a nurse for my health plan to okay, just like there is no reason why we can't achieve that. So, you know, part of where we're headed is okay. We think texting works. Well, we know texting works, right? I'll throw you out of fun facts. So you're familiar, obviously, as a technologist, kind of the click through rate terminology, right? industry average for texting, click throughs, about 15%, one, five. But when you start due to doing two way and having a healthcare professional on the other side, and picking the moments that matter to the customer, we're at about 30% click rate. Wow, you're doubling that. That's impressive. I mean, yeah, he's looking at a 30% engagement rate like that, click and through that you're having real conversations that I mean, this is something that people are in there. And the cool thing is when they have this good experience with it, they're gonna continue to rely on it, they're gonna see it as something that they can they can use. And I just think it builds a better relationship with your caregiver and makes you sometimes like less afraid. There's always that little bit that fear factor, the more you kind of start talking about something and the more you have to get the back and forth. I know for me, like just personally, I remember like, I've never liked going to the doctor, I remember being like, oh, I can do my virtual visits. And as I started virtual visits, I wasn't so free to actually go in and see the doctor. So I think it's it's a great way to kind of step things up as well to to get those of us who maybe have a little bit of the white coat phobia, I guess. You need an actual person that professional and, you know, maybe that comes into the a little nudge that says, you should really go see your doc. And, you know, the other added beauty over time is that, you know, with the customer, the patient's consent, like maybe we can prep the doctor right for the visit. So we know what's going to be top of mind. And what's the point? Yeah, that makes so much sense. Because like, yeah, if you're working with a nurse, and you had a, say, like a couple days of back and forth, and like, hey, why don't you come in next week, then that nurse can then provide that conversation, there's probably some detail in there that the Doc can look into, and really informs what he or she is able to, you know, do when it comes to treat the patient, and they're gonna, you're gonna get all that better care, when you're there seeing the doctor have a better experience? Well, and then, you know, as a blue plan that has a hospital system, right? So that interaction with the nurse can be transitioned into, okay. Why can't I just book you in right now? Because I have access to a very cool, true one call resolution, right? True, nice. This is all based on a very simple technology, which I think is just so awesome. Like, it's something that we're all very familiar with at this point. So Ben, tell me more about the engagement rate on this. I mean, especially across different age groups. I'm wondering, is there a difference between like younger people and older people using texting to talk with their doctors and nurses? Jonathan, that's a great question. You might actually be surprised on this. I think, you know, in our society, we have this somewhat unfair perspective, sometimes that older folks don't use technology. And what we found actually, is that when you have a healthcare professional on the other end of the phone, and you're doing two way texting, the highest engagement rate we're seeing is amongst the senior population. Interesting. I'm so happy to hear that. I think that we shouldn't underestimate kind of smartphone adoption amongst those 65 and older. And look, if you make the tech simple. And it works, and it drives again, drives value to the customer, we're seeing that senior, customers are engaging nearly double the rates that from folks who are under 65. Well, that is just fascinating. I'm curious, are there any extra security concerns around this being being that there's probably HIPAA stuff at some point, depending upon what the conversation is? Yeah, that's an excellent question, Jonathan. And I do want to make sure that it is clear to your listeners. So for us the text message, what you would see in like, iOS is the initial primer. And so it says, hey, you've got a message waiting for you. This is why it's also elegant, no download needed, it just opens up a secure browser. Gotcha. Which is like all sort of safe for the patient or the member opts in to say, Yep, I'm happy to keep going. And then, you know, we have very little security concerns at that point.   Very cool. And he had the idea that like, yeah, you're not downloading something, or it's like, I can't do that right now. It just opens up the secure browser. And there you go, and you know that everything is safe. And there's there's nothing to worry about. Very cool. I mean, makes it sound simple. I'm sure it's very hard to implement. But obviously, the user experience is easy. And that's what it's all about using technology to make things easy, not complicated.   We have a great partner, the company we work with is called Relay, and they have made our life very easy. I mean, I might have mentioned this before, but we went from one way texting to fully implementing two way and 12 weeks, which for any kind of tech project is like a backup. That's just 12 weeks. Oh, my goodness. Yeah, that's, that's very cool. Very cool. And also some added benefits. I think that, you know, we I think about a lot, maybe consumers don't is, you know, the amount of satisfaction this brings to the health care professionals as well, that are being more efficient with their time, it's more meaningful, you know, they can have, you know, multiple chats open, if that's the way they want to work, and then, but then kind of, again, not be cold calling necessarily and actively engaging folks, and just the scale at which you can help people kind of grows exponentially in a very low fidelity manner. I did. I didn't want to share one interesting thing with you. We did. This is a exclusive for your podcast. I like exclusive that's what it's all about. Come on, man. Lay it on me.   So once we had the sort of texting apparatus if he would. We started thinking a bit about like, the words we use in that initial text, and we how we approach our customers, as well. Actually in in a world where unfortunately, you know people who scam innocent customers yes are doing more texting right and phishing, etc. So we decided it was it was after we last spoke it was kind of in the works, but we decided just after we spoke last time to partner with CMU, CMU. Sorry, Carnegie Mellon University. Absolutely, yeah. In our backyard. We partnered with Professor George Lowenstein, as well as Samantha Hall and Sammy, who's a PhD candidate. And they are both world renowned experts in behavioral economics. So as applied to healthcare, so the field being, you know, what are the words? What are what are the words, what are the kind of nudge tactics that you can use in a healthcare setting, to really empower an individual to be more engaged in their self care? Okay, you know, nudge tactics, for example, being kind of things like loss aversion, like, you know, you're missing out on benefits that are at no cost to you, people like you are taking advantage of this, why not engage with us? So we partnered on a project to start kind of seeing how we could tailor the words in our messages. And in two months, we increased our initial phone pickup rate by 16%. Just yeah, just by saying, hey, the nurse is going to call this customer this member, patient. Let's send a text an hour ahead of time, saying hello. says Hi, Mark. I'm calling from your healthcare team. I'm going to call you in an hour. Very interesting, huh? Okay. Alone, the telephonic pick up rate by 16%. That makes perfect sense. You're giving that little bit that warning. So And plus if you feel like you know that someone's caring for you, right, yeah, I mean, you know, that, like you're, you're being looked after, and then you got the warning that like there will be a call coming. And it's a legit call. It's not gonna it's not a telemarketer trying to like, upgrade you on something, and it's just never heard of. Yeah, that's awesome. So we've, I mean, again, like you send the text set an hour ahead of time, maybe the person that's the beauty of a two way system is they text back saying, Hey, I'm busy in an hour. Can you do 6pm This evening and say, Yeah, sure. But we're very excited about this collaboration with CMU. We're sort of working on some other plans. And with a view to publish in the academic literature. We think this is a joint partnership between Highmark and CMU. And we think, you know, again, it makes me sound silly to say groundbreaking and texting in the same sentence. But I think we might be onto something.  No, I would call it groundbreaking because you're using a very simple and established and safe technology and using it to empower people to better take care of themselves. That's awesome. To me, I think that's something that the team should be super proud of. And that's why it's so much fun having these conversations, because, you know, over the years, we've been doing these with Highmark, looking at how Highmark works with the Carnegie Mellon with outside vendors that are taught that their games, taking that technology, and focusing it down to where it actually helps the patient. That's just tremendous. And that's why it's so much fun to explore these conversations. That's why I'm so glad I got to have an update with you, Ben about what you guys are up to because it's like, wow, you're getting people there actually 30,000 people using this, your great open rates, click through rates and people picking up the phone because they got a text message an hour before the call was going to help it.   Let me leave you with three kinds of additional teasers. Definitely. You know, one is we're working, in fact, the technology is live, we're just piloting that, to take it one step further, which is kind of the texting, that leads to a conversation that leads to a scheduling module, schedule the time just like you would with a doctor, just like with Open Table, right, like, but with your nurse. Right. So that's going live this year. The second is, you know, this, we're seeing good kind of engagement with employers, right people who provide health insurance and sort of, you know, they see the value, they see the values, encouraging their employees to update their contact information to consent to interactions of this nature with their health plan, because there is value here. And then the third part is just is about kind of value in general, I think. I think small wins like this forced us in the healthcare industry to continue to evolve into a b2c industry. And you can only become b2c if you deliver value to your customers. And that starts with trust. And I think this technology have a simple it is is an enabler towards building a more trust acknowledge the customer, the member and their health insurance provider, which is traditionally not the case, right. But at least by sort of driving home, the fact that we're giving value to our customers really, I think gives a new spin on the term value based care.   Absolutely. I think you summed it up perfectly. It's so much fun talking with you to tape and because this just goes to show you technology can really improve people's lives and watching Highmark use it in a thoughtful way. It's pretty amazing stuff. And we just love being able to tell these stories. Very, very cool. Dr. Ben Edelshain, you're the best. Get back to work. I know you're having a good time. I'll let you go.   Always a pleasure to spend time with you.   Absolutely. Just remind everybody This has been Jonathan Kersting with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and of course tech vibe radio, having awesome conversations like this each and every day. Thanks for listening to healthcare reinvented, exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology brought to you by Highmark. Transcribed by https://otter.ai

With the My Highmark app, Highmark is building a “digital front door” to a holistic customer experience.   The new season of Health Care Reinvented kicks off featuring the key team members that brought My Highmark to life. Hear from:  Mick Malec, CEO, enGen and Enterprise Technology and Operations Officer at Highmark Health;   Tracy Saula, Senior Vice President of Product & Health Experience for Highmark Health; and   Naomi Adams, SVP Customer Strategy & Solution Engineering at League Inc.  With one username and password, My Highmark provides seamless care navigation, shared care plans, virtual/digital health and cost transparency.  Learn how Highmark is being very intentional integrating solutions to achieve a simpler, smarter, more seamless system of health, coverage and care. Plus, get more insight on how Highmark worked hand-in-hand with League to build and deploy the app with future functions and capabilities planned.  Transcription: Welcome to Healthcare reinvented, exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology brought to you by Highmark, here are your hosts, the Pittsburgh technology Council's Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting. Audrey, I'm very excited to the new season of healthcare reinvented has begun. Yes, it does. We have a great cast of people here today and I'm gonna be excited to my am excited to dive in and understand all that they're working on. So there's a lot going on. I mean, we're kicking off the new season with this episode, and we're gonna be exploring how Highmark Health is creating a digital front door for a truly holistic experience. And it's all powered by some really cutting edge technology. We got a great set of guests hanging out with us today we have Mick Malec, who's the CEO of ENGN, and he's awesome, the enterprise technology Operations Officer at Highmark Health, and we have Tracy Saula hanging out with us who is senior vice president of product and health experience. And we have Naomi Adams, who's a senior vice president of customer strategy and Solutions Engineering at League, a partner that Highmark Health is working with in this conversation today. So everyone, welcome to the podcast. We're excited to explore this topic, Adrienne, I love it, when technology and healthcare come right at each other and create cool stuff. And that's what it's all about today. Where should we start? Should maybe Mick you want to just set the stage in terms of, you know, why, what, and start to frame it for us? Sure. The Highmark had a very distinct, crisp vision on how we should utilize our provider assets or plan assets to deliver better health care, more assertive health care, more follow up health care, more directed healthcare, using technology and the digital assets. And, you know, using everything that's in the cloud and the right partner, so it is basically saying, how do we scale our patient care using technology. And it's been an exciting ride so far. So in that, you know, like any big company, Highmark was going after the right partners and the right players, to help us get there as fast as possible. And one of our partners, we went from contracting in May, to live in January. So anybody who's used to working with a big company realize that does take changes time space continuum, yes. That so it's a very tight, tight coupling between business that Tracy represents very well technology, which is, of course, as we all know, landed the geeks, which I'm in charge of, and then our partner for league that Naomi represents as the that technology that puts all those pieces together and representing that experience. For our very valuable members. When I tell the story, you have to kind of go back to 2020 when Highmark first introduced its living health strategy, and at the time that we first introduced living health, it was really with our recognition that health care is broken. And you know, the costs continue to increase, the people are not getting healthier, despite the increases in cost. And the two most important people in the health care equation, people who are trying to care for their health, and the clinicians who serve them, are probably the most disenfranchised in the system. So it just fundamentally is broken. And we set out to fix that that was really our ambitious living health strategy. And it really was grounded in our version of the Quadruple Aim, which is really starting with a better experience for both people and the clinicians, leading to a higher level of engagement, which leads to better outcome health outcomes, which then leads to sustainable cost, right. So it was that that equation. And within experience, it really is three things simple, personalized, and proactive. And like that was sort of the backdrop for our digital strategy. And then the timing of it's kind of interesting, because remember, 2020 here, we were, right in the middle of COVID. And all of a sudden, we got a little bit of help from a crisis, right? Because people that weren't using virtual care, people that maybe weren't engaging digitally, all of a sudden the world had a real curve, right of where both healthcare and just people in general created much more reliance on digital interactions, and at the same time, became much more astute at what they expect from digital experiences. And I would argue that the work that we're intending to do with with our partner League and and Google Cloud as well, is really riding that wave and saying, if we are going to create a better experience more simple Personalized and proactive. It's really through how do we extend the traditional legacy way that we all engage in health where everything's fragmented. You have different payers, providers, vendors, nobody talks to each other data's in all these silos everywhere, to bring it together in a way that, you know, the same way that we all do shopping digitally, we do banking digitally. And it was designed in a way that we like it, and it works for us. How do we bring that same spirit to healthcare, and Naomi can certainly tell this story is that league always says it's a perfect marriage of care, cloud and CX customer experience, and bring that together in the service of better health. And that's really the partnership that we have with like, yeah, Naomi,talk about how that integrated this is fast and furious, right? Yeah. It's fast and furious. And we like fast and furious. I mean, fundamentally, maybe, maybe I can just paint a little bit of a picture of who league is for folks who don't know, yeah, give us the background, the league we need to do. Yeah, so we're an eight year old company. Seriously, we've raised around $200 million. So well, well funded organization, really with a mission to empower people with their health, we've been always focused on that consumer experience in health care. And really what we spend time on these days is building technology that we can partner with major healthcare organizations like Highmark Health, to power experiences for their end users. And we really come at it from the lens of the consumer, our founders come from a sort of consumer background, they previously launched, companies in the ebooks space. So they used to, you know, launching products and technologies for for millions and even billions of individuals actually. So that's really the ethos, we think about the member every single day and the individual every single day, and in the experience that we want them to have that is consumer grade that is like, you know, watching Netflix or banking or whatever else, that you know, healthcare has been a little bit behind the curve. So it's actually fantastic to be able to partner with Highmark bring our technology to bear to what they're trying to accomplish. And the living health model, you know, and see that that vision come come to life is, is really exciting. So yeah, hopefully that helps explain a little bit about it's wonderful to think, and this is to any of you, do you think that COVID just exacerbated this, the need for this. Do you think that that was was the impetus for this change, Naomi, from your perspective on League, as well, as as from Highmark?   I think, you know, I think the change was probably coming. But it definitely accelerated it. There's always that inflection point, my actually prior to working in, in health technology, I worked in financial services, and, you know, kind of came into some of that during the financial crisis and 2000 2008. And, you know, that also kind of pushed, you know, financial services into where it is today. And so, yeah, from my vantage point, absolutely, I think people really understood that there's other ways to manage their health. And actually, that kind of omni channel experience that you can enable, is also really powerful digital has a super important role to play. But it needs to be useful for the individual, you know, there has been a lot of proliferation of point solutions in the market, to help individuals manage their health, but it's always a little bit more siloed in terms of a particular condition area, or solving a particular problem. And, you know, I think what high marks vision, which we've helped to bring to life is, you know, kind of taking that more holistic approach to making sure that, you know, it's easy for an individual to navigate and manage their health digitally. And you know, how that touches into the real world as well. I don't know, Tracy, and Mick, how are you? I mean, I can add, and then Mickey can certainly give your point of view, if you look at the trends, digital and virtual health existed, you know, not many years before the pandemic. But it really wasn't until the pandemic that you saw this surge in usage, right, it was it was, you know, when people's clinicians said, Hey, trust me, we can care for you virtually. And we can, you know, we can do this, it'll work. And, you know, in many ways, even with seniors, you know, when you think about seniors, and digital, you know, seniors actually have more time to engage digitally through the pandemic, you know, many seniors didn't want to leave their houses. So they became much, much more savvy. So it really did take something that was a crisis. And as it relates to digital health allowed us to really accelerate progress in a way that I don't know that we would have been able to accelerate progress. Otherwise, I know that's Mick to weigh in on this because he thinks about it more from the vendor perspective. But because people expect more from their digital experiences, they expect it to be easy. See, they expect it to be something that doesn't make their life harder, if you will, pre pandemic, all these vendors that were providing digital health point solutions, you know, I only care for diabetes, I only care for weight management. If you're trying to manage your health digitally, you might have been talking to 12 different apps, 12 different companies. And they were able to, I don't want to say get away with that. But in a post pandemic, world, people aren't having that. Right. And I think, you know, MIT, the thing that I find interesting is, that means those vendors have to engage with us and transact with us digitally differently so that we can create a consistent experience. And we've seen a shift in how they're willing to work with us, and their enablement of those experiences. So I think maybe you can probably speak to that more than anybody. Yeah, I can say we have made up for lost time. We, you know, the COVID was a catalyst for us to have to deliver differently, communicate differently, as an organization, like any big, long standing health plan, a lot of legacy systems, a lot of legacy data. And it's not an easy path to digitize all that enabled another way. So the best I can say it in supporting the organization, we have quickly become very data oriented in the cloud, very data oriented digitally. Also, there's been some tough lessons with some vendors. You know, as I always say, there's these wonderful brochures that we all get about very handsome men and women with best scopes, and, you know, beautiful little lab coats. And when you start to talk to them, they're like, rubbing two sticks together to make technology fire. So we've gotten a lot of that to that, you know, the vetting process is critical. Because, you know, we all know this, everybody stuff works great in PowerPoint. Oh, it's his executing just fine. And when he get here, it's like, well, I didn't mean right now, right now, like the guy that comes to paint your house. A lot of lessons on solid criteria, solid vendors. And, you know, one thing about high mark is, once we have a good idea, we stick to it. Now, we might have bumps in the road, but sticking to it. If you don't, you'll never have anything in the end. So we stuck to it, and we're better for it. So, you know, to me, it's we've made up for lost time. And we are much more astute on the pieces and parts that make up the cloud. Mick, I love your your brutal honesty on that, because I'm glad you brought that up because it because it goes to show these are not easy things to do that, yes, the surfaces seem like it's, you know, PowerPoint works seamlessly when you see it. But of course, in real life, it takes a lot more to make it happen. I'm just I think Audrey and I have always admired how Highmark has really engaged with technology and use an outside vendors like League and like Google, as you mentioned, just curious more about your thoughts on working with with with League and what's made them such a good partner, in order to get this my Highmark app, you know, I'll take a crack at it and turn it to say, Tracy, that's a great question. That's the best question I've had all day. All right, I'm hitting it now I'm feeling good, that the word I'm going to use is seamless. They are as committed to customer success as Highmark is. So when you're in the thick of battle, and you're putting up two new digital properties from scratch, you know, it's gonna have its moments and so no one cared about the badge, what company do you have a chart center or the dog ate my homework when most of us don't even have a dog. So it was all one team pulling together. So in the middle of it, all we cared about was giving value to the company, and getting that stuff out there for the member. So it was seamless from a delivery standpoint, a business standpoint, and IT support standpoint. And once again, it got down to we as a collective team needed to deliver. That being said, I'll turn it over to my most awesome business partner, Tracy. So clearly, you know, cultural alignment between partners. And I would argue, just we had such we had and have such an aligned point of view of what a good digital experience and health needs to be. And we aren't willing to waver from that. And I think that you know, and I'm very culturally aligned on what that vision is that we're striving for. And what that honestly means is that there are many, many, many players in the healthcare ecosystem. But there's a small group of players who are like minded, like us who want to be part of the kind of thing that we're doing, right? Because it's very integrated. It isn't about any one vendor, it's about the customer. And it's about how all of that how all of that comes together and service of the customer. And I think you know, how we work together. And the fact that we have the shared vision is what enabled us to go very quickly. Together as we've kind of moved towards delivery of our first product. We obviously have a I got more to do on that product as we advanced the ball going forward. But it is a shared commitment to, we aren't willing to settle for something less, because the people that engage in health are only ever going to engage the way that will benefit them in the way that we hope they will if we put them at the center and design around them, not around us and our business interests, or the interests around every partner. And when it comes to when it comes to administrative parts of health, like finding a doctor, or paying a bill, or what does something cost, you know, those are some of the just basic problems, we're trying to solve the plague all of us and health. But when you go to how we deliver health, and you think about this model, that kind of interplays between, I engage sometimes in person and I engage sometimes virtually and digitally. It's really about trying to think about and leveraging all of our clinician advisors and partners in this work, when you go in to see your doctor, and he's your primary care doc, or He's a specialist or she's a specialist, they look at you as the whole person, they don't look at you and say, I'm just looking at your ear because you have an earache, or I'm just looking at your knee because you're you have knee pain, they have your whole health picture. The only way that digital health succeeds, is if we look at a purse at person digitally the same way that we would, which means it isn't just you in the moment that you're a diabetic or you in the moment that you have knee pain, you have all of those things as a human. So digital health done, right starts to think about the person the same way that their clinician does when they're sitting in front of them office. And that's kind of a guiding principle for that the clinical part of what we're working. So Mick in terms of the technology piece, just at the high level, are you leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence in terms of cumulatively working towards individualizing this experience for each person?   I would say yes, you know, as we all know, very soon, data will be the currency of the realm. So yes, we have some study, there are tools from our partners, things called next best action, which is simulate saying, you know, if you cut yourself or you sliced off your foot, we should probably deal with your foot first. So we should probably take care of that. So there, that's one of the engines that we're using along a many others. But to keep that nuclear reactor going, it's going to be data, data data. So there's the excitement about standing up something new in it, but frankly, it is exciting. But to keep it going is more and more data for more and more use cases to do more and more diagnostics. And that's where rom were on the quest for data like that movie back quest for fire. So, you know, it's all about the data and how we can use it in much different ways. So hey, man, can I so one of the things I want to add, so even going live with our very first iteration, and what seven months of this product, it was super important that we bring a level of personalization. So you know, Mick talked about the cloud data, and the advanced analytics, you know, the artificial intelligence and machine learning being more predictive. Even when we went live, we had about 20 different use cases where we were personalizing nudges for people based on their health needs. So you know, kind of understanding that as you're in this digital experience, we understand a health need that you might have, and how do we provide personalized nudges, information, things that, you know, we might want to point you to? Or how do we get you engaged in a certain thing that you don't typically see in a health plan member portal like that is that is kind of novel for a health plan member portal. And I would argue, with a lot of the work we're doing to continue to improve our analytic capabilities. In the future, it won't just be We understand your health needs, your existing and emerging health needs, but we also understand your preferences. And how do we bring together your preferences and your needs to really curate kind of recommendations for you, or journeys for you or suggestions for you that that work? Good for you. So that's a lot of the work that we're doing leveraging our data with advanced analytics. So do you imagine that at some point, I'm just taking it out all the way to the to beyond what you're doing now? Do you imagine that biometric real time information about Jonathan is going to be available in this? Is that part of future? Yeah, already from the lens of like, wearable devices? That's, that's already part of what we're working on. And you know, all of the data that we collect from a member as they interact with the experience is mapped to a fire data record. So that's kind of have aligned to, you know, interoperable healthcare standards. And, you know, can be combined with all of the data that Highmark obviously has already on a member in terms of the claims that they have, which is really where a lot of that kind of ml comes in to have that entire picture of an individual to drive those personalizations and recommendations that then, you know, show up in the experience for an individual. But yeah, you know, devices absolutely important. Already, we have wearables, I think, I'm not sure exactly where, you know, Tracy in the future, but there's, you know, there's the possibility, add in, or to consume that data in real time, and then play back to the individual in real time as well, you know, nudges are important in the moment, right? It's not so you know, it's it's not important if you get it kind of later, and you know, by the time you get a nudge about something to do with your health that that thing has passed, especially if you're thinking about it, like an acute situation, for example. So I don't know, Tracy, I'll make if you'd add anything on there,   I'll just add an example of a use case that we would have right now is, so if somebody has a wearable, and it's tied to a health solution that, you know, we're offering, you know, not only do are we able to say to the person, hey, you're eligible for this digital health solution based on information we know about you. And let's enroll you into that health solution, let's create a single sign on experience. So you can engage in that health solution right through my hierarchy, instead of having to go somewhere else. And then we get the data feedback, right? We can even say, hey, you've got this wearable device, and you haven't paired it for two weeks, we're going to remind you that you should pair the wearable device. So even out of the gate, we're starting to do more of that kind of connecting you see the data kind of going back and forth between the experiences in a way that even our early use cases are leveraging.    And I think that timing is interesting, particularly for those people that have adopted biometrics early as early adopters, that that there. Were waiting for that, right? I mean, we don't know it, but as I listened to you, I say, Oh, I'm really wait, I'm ready for that. Right. That's both predictive and preventative, and infrastructure.    Yeah, for sure. And preventative is like a really important word there, right, you know, knowing and anticipating what does someone need to do to manage their health and kind of getting that in front of them before? You know, it kind of turns into a chronic condition down the line is like, it's just so important. For all of us, you know, when I think it's Yeah, and data's data is extremely helpful to, you know, to support and making sure people understand, you know, what are the things I can be doing for myself, you know, my age, in my situation with my family health, with my specific, you know, biometric data, you know, to prevent, you know, future health issues down the line.   As Mick said, it's all about the data and more data and more data, keep feeding that machine. Are there any customers that are they get worried about the amount of data that's being collected? And obviously, you know, there's such care that's put around maintaining the integrity of the data and keeping it, you know, completely confidential? Can we talk about some of those issues, that'd be I think, kind of fascinating to explore.   So data, so this, this is kind of like Fight Club. The first rule of security is you don't talk about security. That's the way I can put it. So I would say that Highmark, like any responsible organization is very, very attuned to all the compliance. Our major partners are also tuned to itself things like high trust and a sock verifications, we take very seriously. So if anything, Highmark will always err on the side of extreme caution. So you know, we have sandbox environments that don't have any data. We have other environments that have de identified data, then we have the sacrosanct, None shall pass picture of Monty Python, Holy Grail, None shall pass that lockstep production data. So you know, we have all these different areas, and we in all sincerity, no kidding, we obsess around all that. So yeah, there is I would say, there is an acknowledgement from our partners that we have it and they validate that we have the right controls for it, and we do the right things with it.   Yeah, and I would say as a as, you know, a smaller company, but you know, growing quickly in the space, we take it extremely seriously as league as well, because it is like, you know, it could be company ending if there was a, you know, a security incident. It's just like, it is so important. And it's important to ensure that, you know, we're working with, you know, amazing organizations like Highmark Health who do have really high standards. We love that. We love that because it pushes us to make sure that we're you know, operating With the highest level of standards as well, from a security perspective, I mean, there is nothing more important than making sure someone's personal health information is secure. I think it's like critical to, you know, to being in this space, because no one else makes me excited, my mind is just spinning because I'm thinking of all the applications here. And we talked about preventative, predictive, etc. But I think about all the social determinants, right of health and maternal health, and, you know, all the things that really came to light during COVID, you know, in terms of successful interventions and access, etc. That piece is exciting to me as well, because I would imagine that you could really harness some of your tools in a preventative mode, as well as tracking in tandem, to help and understand what those interventions are. part of your strategy. Yes, it most definitely is, you know, one of the things that we're doing, you know, out of the gate is we have a, an a social determinant assessment that Highmark has developed that, you know, obviously, the, the world through looking at zip codes and demographics can infer social determinant needs of a population. But if you want a more precise level of social determinant needs Highmark, a number of years ago developed an assessment, where you know, if a person is engaging with a clinician, or there's a variety of channels through which we can collect this data, and then leverage it to help connect people to the right kinds of support services, solutions, interventions that they may need or find benefit for. And one of the ways that we are using our new, you know, app and web experience, my high mark is as a collection mechanism for that data. So for example, we have a diabetes solution, I was talking about that earlier, as part of that Diabetes Solution, we are running that assessment and collecting that information on the people who are engaging. So it allows us to take that data and use it to help connect those people to the right, the right solutions, the right places, so very much. So that is part of our because we our strategy is very much so that health is physical, and mental and social. And you can't care for a person's physical health without thinking of their mental and their social health. So all of that is very balanced in our model that we continue to evolve.   So this will be push as what as well as pull, right? Okay. And so and this will be MC, this will be on my iPhone, it will be on my Android. It'll be, you know, ubiquitous that way. Yeah, Tracy and Naomi can speak volumes of, you know, understanding what a patient care what it would take care of a patient needs. And having him go do that care is critically different. So, you know, this is all about, hey, we have determined this or you went and got an appointment. And this has been determined. Now we need to guide you, where do you go? What do you ask for? What do you do when he come back? So we got to get you from where you're at back to healthy? And so this is that full engagement model? If you have multiple conditions? Well, let's manage that for you. Let's make sure that you understand. So it really is exciting as heck. I mean, we're all humans. And, you know, unless something really starts to get hurting or bad, we're like, oh, I'll just rub some dirt on it. It'll be fine tomorrow, you know, that doesn't really work with kidney diseases I found out so you know, there's a limit here on how much dirt you can rub. So this is really saying, we're not just here to you know, watch things, we're here to help things and that's a fundamental difference.    On the on the on the data part of this show, if you think about health, right, digital health, and we're spending a lot of time talking about that digital engagement vehicle, but we still have very traditional care management, you know, programs that tend to be very telephonic, you know, programs, who also have people engaging with their clinicians, a lot of the data that we are ingesting and collecting through the My Highmark experience, we are looking at sharing with providers, we are looking at sharing with our care management and our customer service teams so that no matter how a person engages, even if they're not engaging digitally, when they go to their provider, our hope is that we've taken data that was previously siloed we've ingested it through a better mousetrap, generated insights out of it and provided it to people's clinician so that when they show up there, they have a better picture of the person whose health they are trying to care for because people care for their health through a variety of channels. And all of that data, historically wasn't always available to the clinician who was caring for them at the time, as well as care managers. You know that at Highmark or other customer service reps, so there's a lot of work that MC and team are doing on the back end as they if we collect all of this data into the centralized store, and we create insights from it, how does it go to all of these different places, whether it is epic, whether it is our care management platform, you know, and then that's a lot of the back end, Mickey, you certainly can talk about the technical complexities of doing that. But that is also a big part of the work that we're doing.   Yeah, that's, that's a great point. And since we have such a heavy partnership with Allegheny, of course, you know, it's a matter of, you have to be able to place information in the EMR that is useful to the physician, not a distraction, not a commercial. And it because they can get overwhelmed with it, and every physician will tell you, you know, gosh, I'm more time on epic than I am doing what I went to school for. So we have to be very careful that while we are excited, and we talk about data, we have to be very careful in how to orchestrate that data and tour. It's useful. And so Tracy brings a good point, as much it is about digital. Eventually, it all gets to the doctor and the patient having a conversation. So how do we empower that physician to have the best information? They can make sense of it? And so that is an art form? That's not a science yet. Would you not agree Naomi? And Tracy, that's kind of an art. I agree. Yeah, same thing, in terms of the patient, right? Because you're educating me as a patient, to start to think about things very differently so that when I come in, or I have a telehealth appointment, I'm armed better, right I have, I have a better understanding. And if you keep reinforcing that with me, that'll be part of my persona, in terms of how I interact.   And let me give you a great example of how this all connects. I'm going to use diabetes. Again, just because I've been on a roll of diabetes, it's easy to stick with the same example. If you would go back two years, and you would say there's a digital Diabetes Solution that a person is engaging in, chances are it's a standalone app, it might be something that's covered by their plan, but it's a standalone app, the doctor that they might see their primary care physician wouldn't have no idea that that that that person was eligible for that solution, it was part of their insurance benefits, they certainly didn't know how to sign them up for it. And they got no but data back. So you know, what we're doing now. And some of this is still being introduced throughout this calendar year is, you know, for Diabetes Solution, not only do we have that available through our my Highmark experience where the person has a single sign on, but we have built a smart on fire app that goes right into the clinicians workflow in epic, that was designed by clinicians, for clinicians, that at the point of care, says, hey, this person sitting in front of you is eligible for this Diabetes Solution, hit this button, and you have an easy button to enroll them right in their workflow. So they don't have to leave their workflow. They don't have to go somewhere else. It isn't hard from before them, they can hit that. But they hit that button, it all comes back and the person gets enrolled. And then guess what else we do on the back end? Once the person is engaging, we are now building the data feedback loop to those clinicians. So not only did I as a clinician hit that button and enroll my patient, I'm also getting data feedback to say, hey, they're using this solution, here's what they're doing. Here's how their a one C levels look. So creating that closed loop. So in all, it's the heart, it's the my Highmark experience, it's the data. It's the analytics, it's sharing the data back to the clinicians and building those interoperable tools that enable us to do that. So it's, it's a variety of things that all kind of culminate with that experience. But it's all of that technology coming together in a pretty cool way. That breaks down the barriers and the silos. You guys have to be having just a ton of fun. And I mean to simplify, but the idea that you're working on these things that are so powerful, and can do so possibly impact someone's care and their quality of life. And you're using some bleeding edge technology with companies like weed out there to make this happen. It kind of It blows my mind a little bit. I'm just thinking you gotta be having a good time. Am I right? When I say that? Well, I'll start. Yes, we are because up until a couple of weeks ago, I thought smart on fire was a heavy metal band. So I'm learning very quickly here. We're adapting we're growing as individuals. I tried to look it up online and couldn't find it to go take more more technology. We are having fun. I mean, honest to goodness, because this is just so different than anything else we've done culturally for high markets embracing a new way. We're working in Sprint's working very rapidly where a lot of the the paperwork and bureaucracy has been knocked out of the way so it's a difference in how we go We're about delivering these things we're doing that's as exciting as anything else you know any big company of course will have its processes and you know much like some movies badges Jonathan We don't need no stinking badges!  

Audrey Russo from the Pittsburgh Technology Council joins Marty to discuss how Pittsburgh citizens can help support those suffering in Ukraine.

Joyce welcomes Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council to the show. Ms. Russo will be honored as the Epilepsy Association of Central and Western PA (EACWPA) 2022 Mardi Gras King on Fat Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the organization's annual fundraising gala. When it became clear that a gala would not be possible in 2021, Audrey Russo, really stepped up! She and Joyce Bender, EAWCP Board Chair, personally reached out to the Pittsburgh corporate community to urge them to support the 2022 Mardi Gras Campaign, ensuring that the EAWCP would have the funding it needs to support important programs and services. Pittsburgh came through even though there was no party, Joyce and Ms. Russo will discuss this in-depth.

Joyce welcomes Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council to the show. Ms. Russo will be honored as the Epilepsy Association of Central and Western PA (EACWPA) 2022 Mardi Gras King on Fat Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the organization's annual fundraising gala. When it became clear that a gala would not be possible in 2021, Audrey Russo, really stepped up! She and Joyce Bender, EAWCP Board Chair, personally reached out to the Pittsburgh corporate community to urge them to support the 2022 Mardi Gras Campaign, ensuring that the EAWCP would have the funding it needs to support important programs and services. Pittsburgh came through even though there was no party, Joyce and Ms. Russo will discuss this in-depth.

Take a deep dive with Highmark Health's Chief Analytics Officer Richard Clarke on the next episode of Health Care Reinvented. Learn how Richard and his team focus on delivering innovative data and advanced analytic solutions that fulfill Highmark Health's mission of creating a remarkable health experience, freeing people to be their best.   Of note, Richard will go into detail with the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Audrey Russo about the Living Health Platform and the partnership with Google Cloud to build a highly personalized model that puts people and their clinicians at the center of a simpler, better coordinated experience.   While at Highmark, Richard has led several analytics teams as well as Product, Clinical Services, and Human Centered Design. In 2020, he moved into the chief analytics officer role, overseeing all data and analytics for Highmark Health. Wherever data and health care intersect, Richard is there. Learn more about Richard and his fascinating work.

Leading the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh for 27 years, Esther Bush is one of Pittsburgh's most recognizable leaders in the effort to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights for African Americans. As the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Bush has established herself as a voice of reason, a coalition builder and a force for positive change not just in the Pittsburgh community, but across the nation. Bush has transformed the region as an advocate of social and economic equality. Under her leadership, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh has become a top performing affiliate, and she has been instrumental in the development of many programs to benefit African American youth, including the ULPGH Charter School, the African American Achievement Trust and the Black Male Leadership Development Institute. Bush announced her retirement from the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh this spring, and we wanted to learn more about Bush and her journey to make Pittsburgh a better place for everyone. Who better to interview Bush than Pittsburgh Technology Council President and CEO Audrey Russo? Serving as Secretary on the Urban League's Board of Directors, Russo is passionate to create a thriving tech ecosystem that is underpinned by creating opportunity for everyone looking to participate. And don't worry, Bush might be retiring, but she is definitely not going away!

Facial recognition technology continues to make strides, and Audrey Russo, from the Pittsburgh Technology Council, weighs in on Amazon's decision to block police from using their facial recognition technology.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're honored to welcome first time guest, Audrey Russo to the program. We talk all thing current events, attempting to dissect the matrix of insanity.http://audreyrusso.comThe Situation Room:http://ThePatrioticReport.comhttp://CowboyLogic.comDaily Media:http://RSMedia.us

We couldn't be more excited to celebrate one year of Business as Usual with our partner and sponsor Huntington Bank! Join us as Huntington Bank's Susie Shipley, President of the Western Pennsylvania and Ohio Valley Region, turns the tables and interviews Audrey Russo, PTC President, CEO and Business as Usual Host, about the direction of Pittsburgh's tech ecosystem as we move into the future. Plus, GiftYa CEO and PTC Board Chair Jason Wolfe will announce that we are giving away six $100 GiftYas to audience members. These GiftYas can be used at either Big Burrito Group restaurants, Eat'n Park restaurants, Primanti Bros. or Sheetz. The winners get to pick.

Audrey Russo is a familiar face when it comes to doing podcasts and radio shows. As President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the oldest (1983), and the largest technology trade association, Russo serves as the technology business sector for southwestern PA. Listen to hear how the tech community has responded internally with their leadership ideas during this past year.

New York City has been brought low, its streets deserted, its businesses shut, its fine dining completely shuttered -- and it's due to Democrats in leadership who cite the coronavirus as cause to clamp individual rights. Listen as NYC resident Audrey Russo tells of the huge lines at U-Haul, the mask police in the streets, the 24-7 hunkering of citizens in their apartments -- and more. It's unreal. The Big Apple is no more.

Jim Ambrose Interviews Audrey Russo and discusses the work of the Pittsburgh technology Council.

Join the Generation Fempreneur Summit to explore the experience of women in spaces of innovation. In partnership with Liftoff PGH everyday this week, Audrey Russo will interview Pittsburgh women about a different facet of invention, including product design, social barriers, the entrepreneurship ecosystem and local investment pipelines. Today's session: Who are the Women CEOs? With Courtney Williamson We welcome Founder and CEO of AbiliLife Courtney Willamson to discuss her experience as an entrepreneur in Pittsburgh. Williamson invented the Calibrace+, a specialized back brace for patients with neuromuscular diseases. The product has been prescribed by physicians at the Mayo Clinic, Emory, UPMC, and Highmark.

Join the Generation Fempreneur Summit on August 25-28 to explore the experience of women in spaces of innovation. In partnership with Liftoff PGH every day at 12 pm, Audrey Russo will interview Pittsburgh women about a different facet of invention, including product design, social barriers, the entrepreneurship ecosystem and local investment pipelines. Today's session: How do we design for women? With Sonya Borrero, Tamar Krishnamurti & Mehret Birru-Talabi. Our first session explores the FemTech Collaborative at the University of Pittsburgh. Researchers and Pitt Medical Professors Tamar Krishnamurti, Sonya Borrero, and Mehret Birru-Talabi will discuss their novel MyHealthyPregnancy app.

Join the Generation Fempreneur Summit to explore the experience of women in spaces of innovation. In partnership with Liftoff PGH, Audrey Russo will interview Pittsburgh women about a different facet of invention, including product design, social barriers, the entrepreneurship ecosystem and local investment pipelines. Today's session: Where are the women inventors? With Audrey Murrell & Ayana Ledford Next we explore the social and organizational barriers that impact women+ in innovation. Pitt Business Professor and mentorship expert Audrey Murrell and CMU Director of Diversity and Inclusion Ayana Ledford will lead an intersectional dialogue on how organizations can actively cultivate women+ leaders.

TechVibe cohosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting detail the local tech industry's reaction and adaptation to COVID-19

Techvibe Radio hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting kick off the show overviewing the latest happenings in Pittsburgh's tech sector.

TechVibe hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting detail how Pittsburgh's tech industry can stand up to racism and create equality in the local ecosystem.

TechVibe hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting talk about the Pittsburgh Technology Council's upcoming virtual hiring event Hire Up on May 27.

Techvibe cohosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting look back at some highlights of the Business as Usual daily webcast.

TechVibe cohosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting talk about the PTC's new webcast Business as Usual.

TechVibe co-hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting retail some positive stories in PGH's tech scene.

#AlinskyRoleInCrisis Don Jans author speaker writer and expert on Communism and Socialism discusses the role of Saul Alinsky and the Rules for Radicals in this crisis. How does a progressive view what we are going through? What is in the mind of the liberal elitist? How do they see us? Is the virus friend or foe? #PushedTooFar Gregory Carpenter A Father and Grandfather Standing Up for the Country he loves to defend its alues and preserve it for his grandchildren. Gregory attended the rally in Michigan at the Capitol and shares with us what led to the rally. What those who attended hope is conveyed to the Governor. How it was NOT a riot but a peaceful assembly. #AltMediaandEntertainmentDuties Audrey Russo Host of REEL Talk Radio Show and Member of SAG-AFTRA NYC joins us to discuss a range of topics including the role of alt media like ours since MSM is not covering the Presidents Conferences live and is instead putting their spin on what he says, Also what can be done to change the messaging of the entertainment world? #DefendingthePresident (ret) Senator Ted Harvey Chairman of the PAC To Defend the President joins us to discuss the role of doing that job. What are the biggest challenges? How has defending President Trump evolved if at all? MSM is creating its own narrative and its own facts how do you bttle back when their mega phone seems so much bigger?

TechVibe hosts Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting talk about the new Beyond the Laptops campaign to get laptops into the hands of students in need.

How do we continue to be disruptive innovators? How do we push to the future of innovation? Demographics are not likely the first place people look to when trying to understand innovation, but there is theory and discussion that tells us that much can be learned from looking at economics through the lens of demography. Expert Richard Florida believes that geographic proximity and cultural diversity—a place’s openness to different cultures, religions, sexual orientations—also play key roles in economic growth. Richard is a world-renowned writer and journalist, having penned several global best sellers, including the award winning The Rise of the Creative Class and his most recent book, The New Urban Crisis. A 2013 MIT study named him the world’s most influential thought leader and TIME magazine has recognized his Twitter feed as one of the 140 most influential in the world. Richard says, “Every single human being is creative. The biggest challenge of the creative age is to lift the bottom up and encourage a prosperous, vibrant and sustainable community for all.” Richard points to the work of economists Quamrul Ashraf of Williams College and Oded Galor of Brown University as further support of his theories. Their work concludes that the interplay between cultural assimilation and cultural diffusion have played a significant role in giving rise to differential patterns of economic development across the globe." To put it simply: diversity spurs economic development and homogeneity slows it down. So, basically, more people means more ideas. A larger population will produce more ideas to feed technological progress. And, simultaneously, population only increases if there is technological development. Our guest, Audrey Russo, is an impassioned thought leader about technology and demographics being codependent drivers of the Pittsburgh economy and the success of the technologies that are developed here. Since 2007, Audrey Russo has served the technology business sector for southwestern PA as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council the oldest (1983) and largest technology trade association in North America. In her role as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Audrey Russo oversees an organization of 1,400 member companies and 270,000 member employees. She works to position Pittsburgh as one of the nation’s leading centers for technology, health care, advanced materials, life sciences, homeland security and financial services. Ten years ago, Audrey wrote about the importance of demographics and poised a challenge for Pittsburgh to add 5,000 people to the region each year — net positive. While also focusing on an effort to retain 20% of Pittsburgh’s college students here year over year. She asked all Pittsburghers to take a pact to make the region a place where regional citizenship means all students are part of the fabric of all companies. Russo is committed to the complexity of Pittsburgh’s physical, literal and metaphorical terrain, and believes that vital cities are the moral imperative in achieving competitive, diverse and vibrant economies. Let’s talk to her about this innovation and population going hand in hand.

In this episode, you'll hear our interview with Audrey Russo, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. To download the show notes or to see a transcript, go to http://www.l3leadership.org/episode218About Audrey Russo: Since 2007, Audrey Russo has served the technology business sector for southwestern PA as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council (www.pghtech.org), the oldest (1983) and largest technology trade association in North America. In this role, Russo facilitates strong interaction across all sectors of the regional economy, which she believes will only succeed and grow through technology innovation and commercialized disruptions across every platform and experience. With a background in information technology, operations and finance, Russo previously worked for large multi-national Fortune 500 companies (Alcoa, Reynolds Metals), as well as at MAYA Design, and in an adjunct faculty and project role at Virginia Commonwealth University.Russo earned her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. She also has a Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Public Affairs.Russo is committed to the complexity of Pittsburgh’s physical, literal and metaphorical terrain, and believes that vital cities are the moral imperative in achieving competitive, diverse and vibrant economies. She was the Board Chair for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Russo is a serving board member at the following organizations: Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Pittsburgh, CityLab, Highmark Business Advisory Board, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and City of Asylum.Russo also co-hosts TechVibe Radio on KDKA 1020 AM Friday nights at 7 to explore technology companies and entrepreneurial issues.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/l3-leadership-podcast-leadership-entrepreneurship-business/id495751888?mt=2 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3CBHbRL6rJtSXwpKBaamNo?si=8ZllK41EQnaKHcqNkNUj5wListen on Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes495751888/l3-leadership-podcastListen on Tunein: http://tun.in/piVUO Subscribe to our podcast on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/learning-to-lead-podcast Subscribe on Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iehhmsctsgmvmoyvhxsv6yfzoiu Our Vision: L3 Leadership exists to build and develop a community of leaders that grow to their maximum potential, develop the courage to pursue their dreams, and to become great leaders in their families, communities, cities, nations, and their world. If you have an idea for a future podcast you would like to hear or a leader you would like me to interview, e-mail me at dougsmith@l3leadership.org.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/l3leadership)

You gotta check out part One before listening to this one.   In Part Two, Jason discusses his current companies, how he invested in Glen Meakam's company (Forever.com), and how he thinks about giving back to others.   Never miss one of our best episodes by subscribing to the newsletter.   Jason’s Challenge; Give more. Be Kind. Pull someone else up.   Connect with Jason Linkedin Website jason@wolfe.com   If you liked this interview, check out episode 263 with Audrey Russo where we discuss what the Pittsburgh Tech Council does, how Audrey progressed through her career, and some recommended reading.   Also, check out Going Deep Summit 2.0 speaker Gisele Fetterman.

Toni Murphy is a VP at Comcast Business and can teach you a lot about leadership.   At Comcast, Toni leads a team of more than 150 across four states. She is a force in shaping cultural transformation at the company by leading the creation of the Keystone Region’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. She also acts as executive champion for its Black Employee Network.   Prior to Comcast, Toni worked in Investment Banking at UBS and the Gores Group.   Aaron and Toni discuss how she mentors hundreds of people, the impact her mom has had on her work ethic, and how to win inside a corporation.   Never miss one of our best episodes by subscribing to the newsletter.   Toni’s Challenge; Go find one person and say, “I know I don’t know as much as I should know about you, tell me more.”   Connect with Toni Linkedin Website   If you liked this interview, check out episode 263 with Audrey Russo where we discuss the nation’s oldest tech trade association, how careers evolve, and the Pittsburgh tech scene. Underwritten by Piper Creative A digital agency that provides strategy, delivery, and analysis specializing in a few key service offerings. Documentary-as-a-Service (Vlogging 2.0) Instagram Content Production & Account Building Podcast Production, Strategy Consulting, and Guest Acquisition   If you aren’t creating or curating content regularly, your clients and customers might forget you’re open for business. YouTube Instagram Subscribe on iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast | PodBay

Guest: Catherine Edwards Sanders, Author of "Wicca's Charm," and Audrey Russo - how is it that Wicca and wtiches and witchcraft can charm young women and teens today?For one year, crisscrossing the country from Halloween rituals in Salem to anti-globalization protests in New York, Sanders, who interviewed over 100 neo-Pagans and witches detailed in her book about one of the fastest growing 'spiritualities' today, will give insight.

Audrey Russo is the President of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the oldest and largest technology trade association in North America.   She interviewed my on what I learned from my first large event.   Get your tickets for GDS 2019 before prices go up https://www.eventbrite.com/e/going-deep-summit-20-tickets-42614583366 Produced and Edited by Aaron Watson Twitter - https://twitter.com/AaronWatson59 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aaronwatson59/ Snapchat - https://www.snapchat.com/add/aaron_watson Newsletter - http://www.goingdeepwithaaron.com/join.html

Since 2007, Audrey Russo has served the technology business sector for southwestern PA as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the oldest and largest technology trade association in North America.   With a background in information technology, operations and finance, Audrey facilitates interaction across all sectors of the regional economy, which she believes will only succeed and grow through technology innovation and commercialized disruptions across every platform and experience.   She previously worked for large multinational Fortune 500 companies (Alcoa, Reynolds Metals), as well as at MAYA Design.   Russo earned her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. She also has a Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Public Affairs. Russo also co-hosts TechVibe Radio on KDKA 1020 AM Friday nights at 7 to explore technology companies and entrepreneurial issues. Attend my one-day conference January 27th in Pittsburgh. Learn more here.   Audrey’s Challenge; Open the door for someone else to get a customer. Use your contacts, influence, and buying power to make a meaningful difference for someone’s business.   Books Mentioned Nudge by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown Ayn Rand Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne 1984 by George Orwell Remaking Post-Industrial Cities: Lessons from North America and Europe by Donald K. Carter

REPLAY MARCH 31, 2017Ted Koppel is being touted by the leftist faction as a hero for telling Sean Hannity he along with other conservative pundits are "bad for America" because those who listen to such mediums have been falsely led to believe ideology is more important than facts. Audrey Russo from "REELTalk Radio" and and Don Dix from "The Jen and Don Show" joined us in a lengthy discussion as to what exactly Koppel is referring to. We looked briefly at the evolution of the media from their descent from government watch dogs that offered editorial apart from news to today's brand of fabricated stories and opinion that supports the leftist narrative that propagandizes under the protection of the 1st Amendment. We answered Koppel's charges that had Conservative talk not made it to the airways and cyberspace we might have already fulfilled Norman Thomas' 1948 prediction America will become a socialist nation under liberalism without knowing how it happened. Next, The crash and burn of RyanCare is being marked as the first leg of the stool Trump's failing agenda to "make America great again" due to the GOP's "growing pains." We expounded on why this bill failed and why it was pursued by the GOP in the first place.

REPLAY MARCH 31, 2017Ted Koppel is being touted by the leftist faction as a hero for telling Sean Hannity he along with other conservative pundits are "bad for America" because those who listen to such mediums have been falsely led to believe ideology is more important than facts. Audrey Russo from "REELTalk Radio" and and Don Dix from "The Jen and Don Show" joined us in a lengthy discussion as to what exactly Koppel is referring to. We looked briefly at the evolution of the media from their descent from government watch dogs that offered editorial apart from news to today's brand of fabricated stories and opinion that supports the leftist narrative that propagandizes under the protection of the 1st Amendment. We answered Koppel's charges that had Conservative talk not made it to the airways and cyberspace we might have already fulfilled Norman Thomas' 1948 prediction America will become a socialist nation under liberalism without knowing how it happened. Next, The crash and burn of RyanCare is being marked as the first leg of the stool Trump's failing agenda to "make America great again" due to the GOP's "growing pains." We expounded on why this bill failed and why it was pursued by the GOP in the first place.

On today's episode of The Patient Flow Podcast, TeleTracking's Chief Solutions Officer Christopher Johnson was recently a guest on The Pittsburgh Technology Council's Podcast TechVibe Radio. Listen in as Christopher talks with Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kiersting about how TeleTracking leverages technology to enhance the patient flow process.

Hit The Bullseye - Persuasion and 'Pre-suasion': Robert Cialdini is back. Well he never went away…but one of the foremost thinkers on human behavior and author of the 2006 best seller Influence: the Psychology of Persuasion, has a new book updating his thoughts on the 6 principles of influence. Cialdini revisits those concepts and adds even more insights in his new book Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade.Cialdini points out that the peak performing communicators capitalize on privileged moments for change during which people become receptive to a message before they experience it. “Optimal persuasion is achieved through optimal pre-suasion writes Cialdini. To change minds, first change ‘states of minds.'He goes on in the book to update his 6 principles of influence: Reciprocation Liking Social Proof Authority Scarcity ConsistencyLeverage Cialdini's Principles and Hit the Bullseye with your messaging. Interview with Audrey Russo (Part 2)On today's episode I am back with Audrey Russo as we dive deeper into her career history, the different ways she has learned while on the job, and how those learning experiences have helped shape her current work as President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Audrey's passion is helping to grow the Pittsburgh tech community and contribute to something larger than herself. She does this by continuous learning and growth.By starting out in her career as just a “young punk,” Audrey took on large influential roles, many times with criticism and skepticism over her qualifications as a young woman in the position. She confides in me that during her career, she hasn't had many role models and mentors, and has learned more from bad bosses than good ones. Audrey shares with me her big idea for the present and future of the Pittsburgh Tech Council and the role she plays in driving growth for the city. In today's uber-connected world, we can no longer operate in silos. Audrey stresses the fact that we must focus on building meaningful relationships and collaborating with each other to truly make progress. Through humility and learning, Audrey has transformed her outlook on business and how to help others as a result.About Audrey RussoAudrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that's grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.Key Takeaways[4:47] Audrey's mentors and how they have impacted her Learned more from bad bosses than good ones Got inspiration from characters in books Found a lot of passion in her work – wants to make a difference[12:31] Learning Experience in being a bad boss or BS employee Had one employee killed on the job and handled it poorly as a boss Had narrow view and was disrespectful to boss[19:59] Audrey's “Big Idea” at Pittsburgh Tech Council Personally – Leading something larger than myself Drive the region so the tech and innovation business community is thriving Customer's reason for buying is to make sure they have all the tools they need to grow their businesses[25:14] Recent success story Trip to Bay Area for entrepreneurs and founders of tech companies to understand world of journalism How does the world get to know about the innovations of companies[28:25] Tool Audrey can't live without Scrabble online to decompress Subscribe to medium and get alerts on topics to stay inform Tries to read “left and right” politicallyResources MentionedBook: “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” – Robert CialdiniBook: “Pre-suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade” – Robert Cialdini

Cut the BS - Knowers vs. Learners:  Are you a “knower” or a “learner?”Unfortunately, as we gain expertise throughout our careers, we tend to become “knowers” as opposed to early in life—through our early 20's-- when our main “job” is learning. It seems the more we know, the more it gets in the way of learning.Alvin Toffler's book Future Shock includes a powerful quote: “The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write but who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”We benefit from life long learning in so many ways:*Economically—you'll earn more the more you learn.*As a leader—you'll change and adapt to the market and your team.*The Dos Equis Effect—Like the most interesting man in the world, learning makes you more interesting.*You'll be healthier—learning is great for the brain.Fight the natural fear of change and the unknown. Personal and professional growth improves your life and the lives of those around you. Carve out dedicated time to learning and Cut the Bullshit.About Audrey RussoAudrey Russo is president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Since joining the council in 2007, Audrey has built and led a team that's grown the organization to 1,400 member companies with 270,000 member employees from just about every industry.Audrey also serves as  a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Regional Industrial Development Center, and more.Interview with Audrey RussoOn today's episode I sit down with Audrey Russo, the President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and a woman who has become an agent for change in each of her career milestones leading up to her current position. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in social work, Audrey began on her path of continuous learning by working in various internships and diving deep into each ones' respective cultures.Audrey has dealt with many hurdles in her career, from managing a large team of 100+ individuals at a young age, to transitioning companies and cultures when her job at Reynolds Metals was acquired by Alcoa. Audrey speaks with me about the process of merging two deeply rooted company cultures, and how that can have an effect on employees, as well as the relationships between the two IT departments during the acquisition process.Now leading Pittsburgh's technology community, Audrey took many steps as President to revamp the council into what it is today. She comments on her first 100 days with the council, from an unknown player in the Pittsburgh community to becoming a key contributor in helping the city innovate and provide value to tech companies in the area. We also discuss the metrics she has established for her team in order to help the companies in Pittsburgh thrive.Key Takeaways[2:39] Educational Background and career history Bachelor's degree in social work from The Ohio State University Opportunities for applied learning – 6-7 internships during college career Masters degree in public policy from Syracuse University Was interested in operations, systems, and technology Ran IT department at Reynolds Metals before acquired by Alcoa Invited to run Pittsburgh Tech Council for past nine years[9:46] Transition when Alcoa was acquired Companies have deep rooted cultures Alcoa and Reynolds were combined at one point back in the 20s but had to be divested due to monopoly laws IT teams could talk and establish relationship over nine months Alcoa had incredible standards around safety which were ingrained in their culture[15:45] Maya Design job in Pittsburgh Went from 140 thousand people to 115 people At Maya was talking to the customers and what their business problems were Was learning every day, and enjoyed the nimbleness of the company[18:35] First 100 days at Pitts Technology Council Had Tech 50 Event on 3rd day

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - The recent failed Military coup in Turkey had many speculating about Erdogan’s Islamic hold on Turkey and how ‘secular’ Turkey was before he became president. But was that true? Or was Turkey already Islamized? Author Dr. ANDREW BOSTOM will share the shocking facts! PLUS, There are so many issues that are critical to our survival and the survival of Western Civilization…one being the Muslim migrant problem in Europe (that Obama has been importing to the US)…will the West survive? Gen. PAUL VALLELY will be back to share his strategy to deal with ISIS and the Muslim migrant problem! AND, Many people who claimed to love this great nation, sat out the last two Presidential elections…which gave us 8 years of anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Military, anti-Israel administrations we’ve ever experienced. This election is too critical to ignore the issues that have touched and will touch our most precious freedoms. Prominent Dove Award-nominated recording artist, Singer/Songwriter, Pastor/Teacher at the Cross Church, AND Constitutional Conservative, STEVE CAMP will be here to share his assessments of our current situation as the Election approaches! AND, top of the hour, join Audrey & Mr. P as they tackle the DNC and what we're up against as we focus on November! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - So the Islamic terror attacks continue…84 dead, including 10 children, and 200 hundred wounded. A Muslim axe attack in Germany…and so on…is this something that we, as free people, should tolerate? Are our leaders failing us? And are there really 2 two Americas? Or is this a result of Leftist ideology? Author and columnist Col. PATRICK MURRAY will be here to answer these questions. PLUS, We are seeing lawlessness in the free world like never in my lifetime. Anarchist movements, Islamic Jihad attacks, and the slaughter of the last line of defense between freedom and chaos: Our police. Europe appears to be too far gone to turn back now…is it too late for America? Author Judge HAL MOROZ will be here to discuss this and more! AND, direct from the UK, the Dir. of the Discourse Institute, GEORGE IGLER will be here to answer...following the Nice Jihad attack, which killed 84 and wounded 200…what’s in store for the French people and the people of the EU concerning their national security? And with the first step toward a Brexit…will the leadership honor he people’s desire, or will they complicate it to make it as distasteful a process as possible? In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Does the EU have a death wish…with the rampant crime wave by Muslim migrants; are they prepping for another wave of Muslims…and will Europe survive this? The British people have decided to Brexit the EU…will this restore some of their sovereignty…and will they finally get truth about Islam from their leaders? We'll discuss this and more with author & human rights activist PAMELA GELLER! Plus, So, the FBI investigation has concluded. The evidence was clear to many…but the verdict by Dir. Comey has left most Americans confused and angry. Was the verdict just? And, in a free society, security can be difficult. BUT, if our government refuses to even NAME the ideology that is targeting free people…we are far more vulnerable than ever. Author & Columnist ANDREW McCARTHY will clue us in to the facts! AND, The British people have decided, to the chagrin of the elite, that they want to leave the EU…their greatest consideration and lament was the unabated Muslim migration into the UK…which is destroying this once great Christian nation. Will this first step be the road back to autonomy? We'll get answers, direct from South Africa and author Dr. PETER HAMMOND! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - This election is far more serious than most realize…with damage done to our Armed Forces and our national security by this administration…has reached critical mass…former Navy SEAL, CARL HIGBIE will be here to hammer home what the truth is about Benghazi and what condition the nation would be in, if Hillary was at the helm. PLUS, the Viewer's View Hosts, DIAMOND AND SILK will be here to stick it to #CrookedHillary on every national security issue and more! AND, every show we ask that you remember our veterans and Military families…that includes the Veteran-Caregivers in our midst.  These caregivers are critical to the full-circle of protecting our freedoms and our rights. The director of the documentary, The Weight of Honor, Stephanie Seldin-Howard will join us to share how we can be a part of this incredible project. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Well, the Brexit referendum happened and the majority of the British voters decided to exit the EU. Will this decision for autonomy have long-term consequences? Now that the UK has taken its first step of independence from the EU…will there be other EU members planning to make their own exit? Joining us to discuss this, direct from the UK, GEORGE IGLER. Plus, The late Israeli Founder and Prime Minister, Golda Meir once said: "We will have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us." Do those in Palestinian society...hold children to the same standard of value as we do in the West? We'll get the facts from MICHA DANZIG! And, If you’ve been paying attention…and most of our leaders have not…you’ve seen the dictates of Islam toward homosexuals, as they’ve hung them in Iran and ISIS threw them off the roofs of tall buildings in the Middle East. Christianity simply disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle…but does Islam actually kill those who practice it? Joining us direct from Sweden, MONA WALTER, will give us the answers we need to know! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - We now find ourselves not in a simple election cycle, but a literal fight for our lives. The establishment in the GOP…in its lust to hold on the power…is attempting to crush the voice of its very large conservative base. That base being represented and reflected by the presumptive nominee: Donald Trump. Will true conservatism win out? We'll find out the truth with PHYLLIS SCHLAFLY. Plus, The Orlando jihad attack has once again allowed the Left to insist upon further infringement of our 2nd Amendment rights…will they gain more ground?The Saudis were clearly involved in the 9-11 attacks…will Obama ever release the documents that connect the Saudis to bin laden & al Qaeda? Author JED BABBIN will clue us in!! AND, It didn’t take long for the Loons on the Left to start shrieking about gun control, following the Orlando Islamic attack…but is the country buying this false narrative? AG Loretta Lynch, said that we may never know the motivation for the Orlando terrorist attack. That is not only a lie but it aids and abets the enemy...will this be exposed? Former Congressional candidate from NC, KAY DALY will be here to discuss this and more! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Criminals in a society are a given…but when local & national leaders begin to fuel the fires of hate toward those sworn to keep the peace…we have a crisis. This is where we find ourselves today…can it be reversed? And the 2nd Amendment has been under attack since its inception…will it matter if the next POTUS supports our right to bear arms? We'll learn the answer with Milwaukee SHERIFF DAVID CLARKE, 'The People's Sheriff'! Many Never-Trumpers are finally coming around to the presumptive nominee…but there are a few intractable troublemakers who are digging in their heels. Can they actually cause a problem by helping the Dems OR are they just making themselves look like traitorous jesters? And will the imported violent protesters that keep appearing outside Trump rallies end up hurting Hillary? We'll discuss this and more with author DIANA WEST! PLUS, We have socialists running on the Dems side…we see before our very eyes the results of socialism on an economy in South America…will the young hanging on every word of Bernie & Hillary, take note…or go head first into a failed ideology? We'll hit this with comedian ELLEN KARIS! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk -  Obama is tampering in an ill-advised way with our Military. Is this further proof that his intentions are the weakening of our National Security? And Ben Rhodes revelation that the American people were all duped on the Iran Deal…why tell us now and will there be consequences for this egregious propaganda? We'll look at this and more with Heritage Foundation's STEVEN BUCCI! Plus, former Navy SEAL CARL HIGBIE a member of the Navy Seal team that captured the Butcher of Fallujah (Ahmed Hashim Abd Al-Isawi), will share about his struggle within the Military in his new book, Enemies, Foreign & Domestic: A SEAL’s Story! AND, Well, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. And it looks like a shame on me moment for the American people…as the warnings many of us gave about Obama and the Iran deal are now exposed as the truth, about his lies. AND, does Trump comprehend the situation that this administration has left our nation in regarding our relations with other nations…enemy & ally? We'll hit these and more with Col. PATRICK MURRAY!  In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us... 

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk -  Alexis de Tocqueville once said, “America is great because America is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to great.” The clash of cultures has never been so apparent than the conflict we now find our country engaged in, with this administration…and it’s aimed at innocent women & children. HB2 in NC is an effort to preserve the good that de Tocqueville referred to. Have we been misinformed on the facts concerning that law? You bet we have…and we'll be getting the truth straight from North Carolina's Lt Gov DAN FOREST. Plus, Gen. Petraeus believes that the real threat and incitement of terrorism is what he calls anti-Muslim bigotry. Is he correct? Are those on the Left and some on the Right, being duped concerning what they know about Donald Trump, by their own bias against him? We'll get answers from author Dr. ANDREW BOSTOM! And, The UK is about to vote on whether to leave the EU. Considering the disaster of open borders and the crimes brought to Britain via unfettered and unvetted Muslim Migrants…isn’t departure long past due? Has Obama committed another impeachable offense…and did Ben Rhodes spill the beans? We'll discuss this and more with author JED BABBIN! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us... 

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - news flash: Hillary had a sister…but a house dropped on her. I’m here to declare that the house dropped on the wrong one…perhaps the results of this election cycle will throw the cold water solution on this intractable hag…we’ll be talking about the presumptive Democrat nominee: Hillary Clinton, with author KATHLEEN WILLEY! Plus, Are the citizens of the UK fed up with the open borders policy of the EU? After 800 years…has the home of the Magna Carta forgotten what free speech is? We'll get answers from the Director of the Discourse Institute, GEORGE IGLER, direct from the UK! AND, With the disastrous open borders policy of the EU…is the UK about to pull out of the EU? And London, the Square Mile, has elected a jihadist-linked Muslim as Mayor…has England’s appeasement placed another nail in freedom’s coffin? We'll hit this and more, dierct from South Africa with author Dr. PETER HAMMOND!! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - Are we watching the demise of what brought so many legal immigrants to America: The death of the Middle Class…with the next generation ignorantly standing over the grave? And why are so many former Russian, now Americans supporting Trump, rather than the Socialist running? We'll discuss this and more with Col. PATRICK MURRAY! Plus, Manmade Global Warming/ Climate Change is a theory…there are many scientists that disagree with the theory…then why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Bill Nye and AG Loretta Lynch calling for the punishment and imprisonment of dissenters? With the recent bus bombing in Israel and the growing anti-Semitism globally…was presidential candidate Bernie Sanders showing his true colors by celebrating his friendship with Leftist, anti-Semite Evo Morales? We'll get answers from FrontPageMag.com Columnist, DANIEL GREENFIELD! And, master storyteller, author, screenwriter, actor, stand-up comic…who’s written for “Adventures in Odyssey”, a children’s radio series produced by Focus on the Family and recently had a supporting role in The Ultimate Legacy on Hallmark’s Movies & Mysteries Channel. TORRY MARTIN will join us on the show!! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - The Viewer's View Hosts, DIAMOND & SILK will be with us to share their view of the delegate shenanigans, the upcoming Women United for Trump campaign and the coming revolt if voters are disenfranchised in the primary process! PLUS, Is NATO necessary to America’s national security today? And…We’re heard about the Panama Papers, but what significance do they have to American politics? Author JED BABBIN will be here to clear the confusion! PLUS, Since the Brussel’s attacks…is the West awakening to the dangers posed by Islam? Why does the West, based on a Judeo-Christian foundation, continue to ignore the persecution/slaughter of Christians in the Middle East? Joining us with answers from his new book, ISIS, Iran and Israel: What You Need to Know about the Current Mideast Crisis and the Coming Mideast War...CHRIS MITCHELL, direct from Israel! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - We in the West are battling the radical followers of Islam. We are we also clashing with Islam’s little helper monkeys, aka Communists/ Fascists/ Marxists. But the greater problem are the poseurs who pretend to be leaders of freedom, but use political correctness…or Cultural Marxism…to shut us up and shut us out. They are true fascists in disguise. That’s the greater battle that my first guest has been fighting across the Pond…He’s paid a heavy price for speaking the truth…He’s the former leader and Founder of the EDL…TOMMY ROBINSON will be joining us, direct from the UK, to discuss his new book: Enemy Of The State. PLUS, The Brussels Islamic attacks, are the signs bleak that the West is ever going to wake up to the Islamic threat within their borders? Are the Left and Islam akin to one another because they have one key element in common: Hate? We'll get the facts with author Dr. PETER HAMMOND, direct from South Africa! AND, Has the West given a lifeline to Islam in the Middle East, therefore helping Islam destroy the West? Was Trump correct when he said: Islam hates us? We’ll get answers with author and Islam analyst, NONIE DARWISH! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - The Obama administration has made it unequivocal that throughout his 2 terms in office: He was NOT a supporter of, nor did he have any respect for our friends and our only true ally in the Middle East: Israel. What candidate on our side just gave a speech that would change that attitude toward Israel…back to one of friendship and stalwart support? And aside from his obvious disdain for our Military…the Divider-in-Chief has also made his contempt for law enforcement abundantly clear to all those paying attention. And we’re going to talk about an upcoming event sponsored by Stand Up America that will feature a foremost voice in Law Enforcement, with Gen. PAUL VALLELY. Plus, The man who has spent the last 7 years expressing his disdain for our Military, our traditional values and anything else that is America…apparently will not rest until he has laid us prostrate before our enemies…he now on his hug-a-thug tour, this stop: The Castros & Cuba. How bad is this for the spread of Democracy? We'll discuss that and more with DENEEN BORELLI & Dr. TOM BORELLI! And, A problem is developing in the Republican party…we’ve been infected by the Left’s immaturity. Is it too late to save the party before it collapses? Were the demonstrations we saw in Chicago and AZ actually protests or highly funded violent efforts to hinder the First Amendment? We'll get answers with NICK WUKOSON! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk - The Obama administration continues its assault on free speech. This time it’s going after so-called climate change deniers. Will they succeed in this anti-American pursuit? Is the Pro-Life movement being weakened by the Left, or Green Evangelicals, and their clever deceptions? We'll find out the answers and more with Dr. CAL BEISNER from the Cornwall Alliance! PLUS, Has the plague of political correctness put us on the precipice of self-destruction? And the violent protests in Chicago created by the progressive Left, which forced Trump’s campaign rally there to be cancelled…will the Left’s myopic view and foolish actions come back to bite them? Col. ALLEN WEST will be back with us to hit these issues! AND, ISIS may be new to us, but Islamic extremism has been a challenge for America dating back to our days as a budding nation. NY Times best-selling author and co-Host of Fox & Friends BRIAN KILMEADE will be with us the share about his new book, “Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History”. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us...

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk -  Cyber-Security…are we vulnerable and if yes, does it really matter to national security? Are the high costs of maintaining Gitmo true or another lie that will endanger our security and the jeopardize the safety of our troops in the field? We'll get the answers to these and more with former Defense Dept. Spokesman, JD GORDON. Plus, Obama stays determined and impudent with only months left in the White House. Will Obama’s last year in office be worse than all the rest? And Russia has made out quite well with Obama in office, even impressing some in the West with his prowess. But the designs he has on former USSR satellite countries has nothing to do with respecting their sovereignty and EVERYTHING to do with a revived Soviet iron fist. Can he be trusted? We'll discuss this and more with The Heritage Foundation's STEVEN BUCCI. And, The Justice Dept. has just granted immunity to a former employee of the Clinton State Dept. in a criminal investigation…is it possible Hillary will actually be indicted for her crimes as Sec. of State? And Dinesh D’Souza's is about to release a new film titled: 'Hillary's America: The secret History of the Democratic Party'. Will these revelations about her history her and the party finally cause their façade to fall? We'll get answers from NY Times best-selling author Dr. JEROME CORSI! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us... 

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk -  Communist creep on campus is not only in the US but is now a pandemic…and the hatred toward whites has never been more palpable. If the GOP does not take the WH, what will this mean to our allies? Will a Hillary Clinton (God forbid) presidency end democracy for many, as we know it? We'll get answers from Dr. PETER HAMMOND direct from South Africa! Plus, Western leaders still don’t get Islam…but their cluelessness is certainly not benign…it’s putting many innocents in peril. RAYMOND IBRAHIM will share the truth about Islam that you're not hearing in the media! AND, Is the President entitled to his SCOTUS nominees…or does the Senate have a Constitutional obligation to say yes on said nominees? The Democrats likely nominee appears to be a felon…of course I’m referring to Hillary Clinton. Her numerous scandals…Benghazi, The Clinton Foundation, probable crimes concerning email and compromising national security. BUT, her problems don’t end there…he aide and personal confidant has troubling connections to the terrorist entity, the Muslim Brotherhood. Should this concern the average American? We'll find out more with ANDREW McCARTHY! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us... 

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk -  It’s surreal that with the swarm of scandals surrounding Hillary Clinton, she STILL has her sights set on the WH…we'll talk with political consultant and former volunteer in the White House during the Bill Clinton administration AND author of, Target: Caught in the Crosshairs of Bill and Hillary Clinton, KATHLEEN WILLEY. Plus, joining the conversation with Kathleen is CHARLES ORTEL with his predictions concerning the Clinton Foundation in 2016. AND, as an performing artist myself, I love featuring brilliantly talented artists...and we'll be visited by the lead singer for Storm Rock band, CROSS THE DIVIDE. We're rockin' lies with the Truth at every turn! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us... 

Joining Audrey for this week's REELTalk -  Islam is alive and well in the world. And that ALWAYS spells grave trouble for free…from migrants posing as refugees to the Islamic States Caliphate with designs on Europe…our freedoms are being eliminated, with the help of the appeasers among us…And that’s why it’s great to have assessments from our cousins across the Pond, from the leader of the Liberty Great Britain party PAUL WESTON and their Press Officer, JACK BUCKBY, will be with us direct from the UK, to update us on the activities of Islam and their little helper monkeys on the Left. PLUS, Muslim migrants are raping their way through Europe…why won’t Western leaders stop them? And what is happening to the Christian church…have decided not to help the culture, but rather add to its demise? PETER HAMMOND will be with us direct from South Africa. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately." Come hang with us... 

Joyce welcomes Audrey Russo, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Discussed on the show will be the mission of this organization, as well as the ways in which the group gets involved in the business community to foster and encourage the hiring of people with disabilities.

HOUR 2 of first show on KMYC AM1410: Walid Shoebat, former PLO terrorist on countries to watch in the Middle East for upcoming war and Myles Weiss; Phyllis Schlafly, Pres. of Eagle Forum on her book, "The Supremacists" judges and courts; a segment with the late Dr. D. James Kennedy on the ACLU; and some of the Most Unbelievable classic news stories with Debra Rae and Audrey Russo; and more.

Joyce welcomes Audrey Russo, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Discussed on the show will be the mission of this organization, as well as the ways in which the group gets involved in the business community to foster and encourage the hiring of people with disabilities.