BWell Saginaw ”Healthier Me” Podcast

What does a healthier YOU look like -- inside and out? BWell Saginaw ”Healthier Me” podcast features real-life Saginaw (MI) County residents who are embarking on a personal journey to become healthier. Saginaw County holds the distinction as one of Michigan’s least healthy communities -- with 75% of residents identifying as either overweight or obese. BWell Saginaw is an initiative to move our community to one of Michigan’s Top 25 healthiest by envisioning what a healthier Saginaw looks like. ”Healthier Me” is intended to inspire each of us to see our healthiest self.

Episodes

Apr 16, 2026

43 min

On Healthier Me, Alexandria Rene speaks with Tiffany Williams, a Flint ,native, entrepreneur and mom of three. 
 
Two years ago, Tiffany's life took an unexpected turn. After relocating out of state, she lost her job and, during her third pregnancy, experienced homelessness for the first time in her life.
 
In the middle of rebuilding and navigating pregnancy under extreme stress, Tiffany made the decision to return to Flint, a move that connected her to RX Kids, a program designed to support expectant mothers with direct financial assistance which is now available in the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista townships.
 
She details what that support meant to her during one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life.
 
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Apr 16, 2026

43 min

Apr 10, 2026

53 min

Host Alexandria Rene sits down with Demetrius Braddock, owner of Braddock Demolition and founder of Saginaw Gateway to Recovery, a nonprofit treatment facility providing recovery services for men and women. 
 
From rock bottom to redemption—this is a story of grit, consequence, and transformation. After years lost in the grip of crack addiction, living in abandoned houses and fighting to survive each day, one man made a decision that would change everything. Through relentless effort, he rebuilt his life from nothing, launching a demolition company that not only gave him purpose, but created wealth and even making his business partner a millionaire along the way.
 
Now, 24 years sober, he’s on a mission to help others reclaim their purpose, rebuild their lives, and discover that recovery is not only possible, it’s powerful.
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia
 

Apr 10, 2026

53 min

Apr 2, 2026

37 min

Alexandria Rene sits down with Shaunice Wesley, a dedicated doula, childbirth educator, and community health worker who supports families across the region.
Shaunice shares how her journey into birth work began at just 12 years old, revealing a calling that has guided her ever since. She also opens up about her personal experience with safe sleep and the lasting impact it had on her life—fueling her passion to help other parents make informed, confident decisions around safe sleep practices.
 
Throughout the conversation, Shaunice discusses what drives her deep commitment to maternal and family health and how she continues to uplift, educate, and empower parents at every stage of their journey.
 
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia
 

Apr 2, 2026

37 min

Mar 26, 2026

50 min

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Dr. Vickie Mello, obstetrician/gynecologist at CMU Health, to talk about something every woman will experience—menopause. As conversations around women’s health continue to evolve, more women, including public figures, are opening up about their symptoms and the treatments that have helped them, including hormone therapy.
 
Dr. Mello shares what to expect during this stage of life, how to recognize common signs, and the options available for managing symptoms. She also offers practical advice on how families and partners can better support the women in their lives through this transition.
 
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Mar 26, 2026

50 min

Mar 12, 2026

51 min

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with Teraiya McGee, mom of two and creator of Strut Like a Woman.
 
After her second pregnancy, Teraiya faced the unexpected challenges of postpartum depression, including crying spells and overwhelming anxious thoughts. What began as simple walks to clear her mind slowly transformed into something much greater. Through therapy, self-reflection, and the healing power of movement, Teraiya created a community walking club designed to bring women, especially moms, together for connection, encouragement, and strength. In this conversation, she shares how prioritizing her mental health led to building a supportive space where women can move, heal, and grow together—one step at a time.
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Mar 12, 2026

51 min

Mar 4, 2026

54 min

On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with TaRaea Haney-West for a raw and powerful episode. 
After more than 20 years lost in alcoholism, a devastating divorce, and the unimaginable heartbreak of losing her son to cancer, she believed there was nothing left to live for.
 
This is a story about hitting the lowest point imaginable and discovering that even there, hope can still find you.
 
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia
 

Mar 4, 2026

54 min

Feb 26, 2026

45 min


On this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with insurance agent, mother, and grandmother Cathy Tafel for a powerful conversation about trusting your instincts when it comes to your health.
Cathy shares the pivotal moment she realized something wasn’t right and how that feeling led to a serious heart diagnosis that changed her life overnight. She opens up about the fear, uncertainty, and disruption that followed, as well as the strength it took to face recovery head-on.
 
Episode sponsor: MyMichigan Health Learn more at https://www.mymichigan.org/locations/profile/medical-center-saginaw/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Feb 26, 2026

45 min

Feb 19, 2026

45 min


In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene interviews Ryan Lee, creator of Breaking News 989, as he shares his raw and inspiring story. Ryan opens up about his battle with addiction rooted in a rare genetic condition and the difficult road that followed. He speaks candidly about the turning points that changed his life and how he transformed his struggles into purpose. Today, Ryan has built a powerful platform that reaches hundreds of thousands of people daily, using his voice and experience to make an impact.
Episode sponsor: Saginaw County Health Department. Learn more at https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Feb 19, 2026

45 min

Feb 12, 2026

51 min


In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with the Director of Behavioral Health at Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, Dr. Michael Ingram, to explore the rise of neurodivergence and why so many are only now receiving diagnoses for ADHD and autism. They discuss how symptoms are often missed earlier in life, the impact of late diagnosis, and the growing mental health gap facing individuals who are medically uninsured. This conversation sheds light on what these trends mean for individuals — and for society as a whole.
Episode sponsor: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers. 
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
 Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Feb 12, 2026

51 min

Feb 3, 2026

45 min

In this episode of Healthier Me, host Alexandria Rene sits down with singer, wife, and first-time mom Indigo Connolly, who shares her honest journey of seeking government assistance -- only to be told she didn't qualify. Like countless families across the U.S., she found herself caught between need and eligibility. Her story takes a hopeful turn as she reflects on the community that showed up when the system didn't.
 
Episode sponsor: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers. 
Follow BWell Saginaw on Social Media!
TikTok: @bwellsaginaw
Instagram: @bwellsaginaw
Facebook: @bwellsaginaw
Host & Executive Producer Alexandria Rene Instagram/@msalexrene
Executive Producer Melinda Shriner Producer
Editor: Josh Eckman Instagram /@j_cmedia

Feb 3, 2026

45 min

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