In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, we’re joined by Carolyn Allison, CEO of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, to explore what it really means to care for the health of a community. Together with co-host Roger Suclupe, we discuss:

• • How more than 100,000 Mecklenburg County adults live without health insurance
  • The innovative ways Charlotte Community Health Clinic expands access to care, including integrated behavioral health, dental services, and partnerships with reentry programs and immigrant-serving organizations
• • How data and needs assessments guide service expansion and decision-making
  • The vital role of community health workers and health literacy in advancing equity
  • A moving story about how dental care changed one patient’s confidence and future

  
  

  Whether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building healthier communities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Mastering Focus Groups and Interviews with Expert Evaluator Melissa Siegel BarriosIn this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of conducting effective focus groups and interviews with Melissa Siegel Barrios of MSB Consulting.

As an expert evaluator with extensive experience in violence prevention and collaboration with various organizations, Melissa shares actionable insights on crafting compelling interview questions, creating a welcoming space, and dealing with unexpected dynamics during focus groups.

We also explore best practices for analyzing qualitative data to inform strategy and program design.

Additionally, Melissa offers valuable advice on building trust within communities, ensuring accessibility, and the importance of genuine representation.

00:00 Introduction & Best Practices for Conducting Focus Groups

01:24 Real-Life Examples and Challenges in Focus Groups

03:40 Key Recommendations for Quality Interviews

08:43 Differences Between Interviews and Focus Groups

14:20 Analyzing Qualitative Data: Coding and Themes

18:14 Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility in Research

24:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

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In this episode of The Common Good Data Podcast, we continue our three-part series exploring the “The Storyteller” as leader. Listen in to learn why storytelling isn’t just a communications strategy — it’s a leadership practice.

Every nonprofit and prevention organization is full of powerful stories. But too often, those stories live in hallway conversations, side comments, or moments that never get shared. Great leaders know how to create a culture where stories are noticed, collected, and told well.

We’ll break down three core practices of a storytelling leader:

• Listening for stories and finding meaning in everyday moments

• Building simple systems for gathering them

• Sharing stories with integrity, respect, and care

Plus, we’ll talk about how stories and data work best together — creating a fuller, more human picture of your impact.

If you want to build the storytelling muscle of your organization — not just for marketing, but for learning, trust, and connection — this episode is for you.