In this episode of After the Chaos, Kandice and Angela discuss their conversation with Blair Childs, focusing on the macro and micro levels of healthcare, the implications of rural healthcare funding, and the challenges and opportunities presented by recent policy changes. They emphasize the importance of understanding the details of healthcare reforms and the need for proactive engagement from healthcare professionals to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.

Episode chapter guide:

02:35 Understanding Macro and Micro Perspectives in Healthcare

05:19 The Impact of Rural Healthcare Funding

08:39 Navigating Change in Healthcare Systems

Policy veteran Blair Childs, CEO of Childs and Associates, joins hosts Angela Adams, RN, and Kandice Garcia Tomkins, RN to make sense of D.C.’s latest “big beautiful bill” and the forces reshaping U.S. healthcare. Blair distills three defining shifts—market-based total-cost accountability, fixing perverse fee-for-service incentives, and true consumerism via interoperable data—and explains what leaders should do now. The conversation dives into the Rural Transformation Fund timeline, why to engage state Medicaid offices immediately, and how accelerating value-based care can reduce chaos and improve outcomes.

Episode chapter guide:

01:42 Meet Blair Childs: A Healthcare Policy Expert

05:38 Blair's Journey in Healthcare Policy

10:46 Transitioning to a Market-Based Healthcare System

16:45 Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill

23:19 The Future of Rural Healthcare

28:08 Accelerating Value-Based Care

To access the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, visit congress.gov.

In this "After the Chaos" episode, Angela and Kandice reflect on their conversation with Melonie Lagalante, FACHE—a powerhouse leader driving community-focused transformation at St. Tammany Health System. From her ability to fast-track the implementation of innovation to her deeply rooted leadership philosophy, Melonie exemplifies what it means to lead with urgency, purpose, and humility. Angela and Kandice discuss how Melonie’s commitment to decentralizing decision-making and empowering teams fuels a culture of trust, action, and long-term retention. They also reflect on the evolving role of hospitals as community anchors and how Melonie's team models excellence in both care and collaboration.

Episode chapter guide:
04:34 Melonie's Leadership Journey
11:52 Community-Centric Healthcare Success
17:50 Navigating Healthcare Challenges
22:29 Building a Culture of Innovation
29:31 Leadership Insights and Advice

Melonie Lagalante, FACHE, shares how St. Tammany Health System turned rapid change into lasting progress. From post-COVID workforce recovery to high-reliability care and homegrown talent pipelines, she reveals how culture, community, and mission-driven leadership fuel innovation. This episode serves as a playbook for leaders navigating staffing challenges, operational pressures, and transformation, all while maintaining a focus on what matters most: people.

Episode chapter guide:
04:34 Melonie's Leadership Journey
11:52 Community-Centric Healthcare Success
17:50 Navigating Healthcare Challenges
22:29 Building a Culture of Innovation
29:31 Leadership Insights and Advice

Melonie's Reading List

• Hardwiring Excellence: Purpose, Worthwhile Work, Making a Difference - Quint Studer
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts - Brené Brown

In this "After the Chaos" episode, Kandice and Angela unpack their conversation with healthcare innovator Kara Trott. They delve into Kara's strategic approach to navigating and solving the complexities of healthcare through rigorous data analysis, patient-centric storytelling, and empathy-driven solutions. Kandice and Angela discuss Kara's visionary foresight, emphasizing the importance of slowing down to fully understand problems before rushing to solutions, and discuss her remarkable ability to stay relevant in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. This conversation is a must-listen for leaders seeking actionable insights on sustaining innovation and effective leadership in healthcare.

Angela and Kandice welcome healthcare innovator Kara Trott, founder and former CEO of Quantum Health. In this inspiring episode, Kara shares insights from her incredible journey of transforming consumer healthcare navigation into a billion-dollar business.

Kara’s new book, No One Alone: Humanizing Healthcare as an Outsider, explores how empathy, consumer-centric approaches, and strategic innovation can profoundly impact healthcare. Listen in to discover how embracing the consumer experience, leveraging outsider perspectives, and building mission-driven companies can effectively disrupt the chaos of healthcare.

You can click here to purchase your copy of No One Alone!

Episode chapter guide:

03:12 A Journey from Law to Healthcare

05:16 The Motivation Behind Writing 'No One Alone'

08:38 Foundations of Quantum Health: Data and Patient Journey

09:37 Understanding Consumer Behavior in Healthcare

20:24 Navigating the Chaos of Healthcare

23:18 Keys to Success in a Chaotic Environment

In this episode of After the Chaos, Kandice and Angela reflect on their discussion with John Hill, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, clarity, and the balance between logistics and humanity in leadership. They explore how effective communication and a clear mission can drive success in organizations, particularly in healthcare. The conversation also touches on the potential for innovation that arises from chaotic situations, highlighting the need for leaders to navigate both the logistical and human aspects of their roles.

Episode chapter guide:

00:00 After the Chaos: Reflections on the conversation with John Hill

02:20 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership

04:54 Balancing Management and Humanity in Leadership

09:36 Finding Beauty in Chaos and Innovation

10:58 Conclusion and Reflections on Leadership

In this episode of Success in Chaos, Angela Adams, RN, and Kandice Garcia Tomkins, RN, talk with John Hill, founder and principal of Healthcare Consensus Partners and a seasoned healthcare executive with over 25 years of leadership across for-profit, nonprofit, and faith-based health systems. They discuss the chaotic healthcare landscape and the essential qualities of effective leadership in such an environment. John shares insights on the importance of focus, clarity, and authenticity in leadership, especially during transformative times. He emphasizes the need for leaders to connect with their personal 'why' and to foster alignment within their teams to navigate challenges successfully. The conversation also touches on the role of coaching in helping leaders find clarity amidst chaos and the value of experiential learning in leadership development.

Episode chapter guide:

00:00 Introduction to Success in Chaos

04:40 The State of Healthcare: Chaos and Innovation

11:52 Leadership in Chaotic Environments

20:03 The Power of Authentic Leadership

28:16 Coaching Healthcare Leaders Through Transformation