Overseas: A collection of Haitian stories and medical cases
A podcast by an American couple living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti telling stories from their time abroad. A new episode is published every Wednesday.
Haitian Lives: Emilio Alexis
In this episode we interview Emilio Alexis. We trace his life from a small village in the South of Haiti to University in Port-au-Prince to work at the Lespwa Timoun clinic and finally the decision to flee the country in the midst of unimaginable violence.
March 1st, 2023
Haiti and Somalia: Interventions, Part 6
In this last episode of our series on military interventions in Haiti, we look at how the US military acts around the globe--from Somalia, to Niger, to Jordan and the Philippines. And then we will examine if this model will fit Haiti.
February 2nd, 2023
What Bosnia and Sierra Leone can teach us about Haiti: Intervention Part 5
In this episode we look at times in history when the world stepped in to prevent tragedies. In particular, we will look briefly at the British in Sierra Leone and NATO in Bosnia and try to extract lessons that can be used in Haiti today.
January 25th, 2023
A long, hard 15 years: Interventions Part 4
In this episode, we discuss the 15 year US/UN occupation of Haiti from 2004-2019.
January 11th, 2023
Operation Uphold Democracy: Interventions Part 3
In this episode, we discuss the US invasion of Haiti in 1994. We will talk about the basic story, what went well and what we can learn.
December 28th, 2022
American Colony: Intervention Part 2
In this second episode, we talk about the US invasion of Haiti in 1915. US troops would stay and manage the country for 20 years, changing the country forever.
December 14th, 2022
An Intubation: Intervention Part 1
In this series, we will look at past US and UN military interventions in Haiti. We will try to see how this history can inform our decisions about what to do in Haiti today.
November 30th, 2022
November Update on the Gang Situation in Haiti
In lieu of an audio podcast, we have done a video podcast this week. We feel that following a map will make this discussion easier. Please click on the below to view it!https://youtu.be/nFvALW8XyJM
November 16th, 2022
Martine
In this story, medical director Donald Valdema tells the story of Martine*, a little girl from the mountains of Crochu. *Please note: Name changed to preserve anonymity.
November 2nd, 2022
Haiti and Louisiana
In this episode we look at the Louisiana Purchase, that most significant of American expansions, and how it wouldn't have happened without the soldiers of Haiti.
October 19th, 2022
Cholera
This week, for the first time in 3 years, cholera has been detected in Port-au-Prince. We discuss the implications and history.
October 5th, 2022
Adding Fuel to the Fire
In this episode, we discuss the latest crisis in Haiti. The last 9 days have led to an outpouring of discontent leading to widespread destruction. We trace the roots of this crisis and how we got here.
September 20th, 2022
Haitian Lives: Dr. Donald Valdema
In this episode, we interview Dr. Donald Valdema. We trace his life from the desolate island of La Gonave, Haiti where he watched his parents build their first clinic. Then, we talk about leaving Haiti after the earthquake for medical school in the Dominican Republic and finally back to Haiti as the medical director at the Lespwa Timoun clinic.
September 7th, 2022
Juice Carts, Eyeglass shops, Home Depot and Lowe's
In this episode we delve behind the curtain of a phenomenon we often see in the developing world.Link to video explanation of Hotelling's Law: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jILgxeNBK_8
August 24th, 2022
The Bayakou
In this episode we look at how the sewage system works--or doesn't work--in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Many thanks to the New Yorker and the Associated Press for their reporting on this subject.
August 10th, 2022
Why are Haitians always so clean?
In this episode we talk about one of the first things that will strike you as you visit Haiti. Despite the dirty, muddy environment, most Haitians are impeccably dressed and groomed.
July 27th, 2022
Journalism and the Truth in Haiti
In this episode we talk about how to discern the truth in a country without a robust media.
July 13th, 2022
Rice Wars
In this episode we discuss the intersection of a fateful US decision back in 1995 and how in the world Bill Clinton and Haitian rice farmers are linked.
June 29th, 2022
Skin in the Game
In this episode we talk about whether giving malaria bed nets out for free is better than having people pay a small fee. Is it good for patients to have skin in the game? And then, we talk about what this has to do with medicine in Haiti.
June 15th, 2022
Perdition
In this episode, we talk about the Haitian belief of Perdition. This is the common acceptance that women can be pregnant with one child for years or even decades.In producing this episode, we are grateful for the excellent journal article, "Women in Perdition" by Gerald Murray.
June 1st, 2022
City of Gangs, Part 3: Croix-des-Bouquets
In this last of our series on the current state of Haitian gangs, we examine Croix-des-Bouqets, the land of the mawozo.Please note: There will not be a new episode on 5/25. We will return the week after!
May 18th, 2022
City of Gangs, Part 2: South Port-au-Prince
In this second of our three part series on the gangs of Port-au-Prince, we examine the south side of the city, particularly the area of Martissant. Before you listen, we encourage you to watch this video that will help you visualize it. If you would like to follow along with a map, click on this link.
May 11th, 2022
City of Gangs, Part 1: Downtown Port-au-Prince
In this first of a three part series on the gangs of Port-au-Prince, we will discuss Barbeque and the formation of G9. We encourage you to view the following video prior to the podcast to better visualize the situation. If you would like to follow along with a map, just click on this link.
May 3rd, 2022
Haitian Proverbs 2
In this episode we look at more Haitian Proverbs and how they intersect in real life.
April 27th, 2022
Community Health in Nigeria: Dr. Ibipo Salami
In this episode, we turn to a different country: Nigeria. We talk with Dr. Salami, a 10-year veteran of community health in rural Nigeria, about her experiences in medicine both in Africa and the United States.
April 20th, 2022
Why is Haiti poor, part 4: It's not just the earthquake
In this last episode of our series on the causes of poverty in Haiti, we talk about the last 35 years.
April 13th, 2022
Why is Haiti poor, part 3: The Good Doctor
In this third of four episodes on why Haiti is poor, we discuss the legacy of the dictator of Haiti, Papa Doc.
April 6th, 2022
Why is Haiti poor, part 2: The Debt
In this episode, we talk about what was happening in Haiti right after independence. The world turns its back on the first black republic.
March 30th, 2022
"Why is Haiti so poor?"
In this episode, we examine the most common question that I am asked.
March 23rd, 2022
Inflation
Americans are feeling inflation everywhere. But what can we learn from a country that has dealt with this for decades?
March 16th, 2022
The Police
In this episode we talk about the difficulty and challenges facing the Haitian National Police every day.
March 9th, 2022
The Lougawou
Today, we are going to talk about the Lougawou--the Haitian werewolf. Knowledge of this belief is essential to treating children and understanding disease in Haiti.
March 2nd, 2022
Paul Farmer
In this episode, we remember the life of a remarkable doctor to the poor in Haiti.
February 23rd, 2022
Haitian Proverbs
In this episode, we look at and explain some of Haiti's most popular proverbs.
February 16th, 2022
Microfinance and Savings Groups, featuring Colton Parks
In our first interview at Overseas, we talk about an important piece to improving the business environment in developing countries--microfinance and savings groups. We talk about their pros and cons and how they can help communities build a brighter future together.
February 9th, 2022
How to Build a Business in Haiti
In this episode, we turn to the business side of Haiti. For several episodes, we will talk about what it looks like to do commerce in Haiti.
February 2nd, 2022
An Ode to Things
In this episode, we talk how jarring it was to visit the United States from Haiti.
January 26th, 2022
How to Save a Life
In this episode we look at those things that can save the life of a child or mother and how widespread these practices are in our communities.
January 19th, 2022
Surveying the Community
In this episode, we talk about some of the results from our first health survey. Performed in the little hamlets of Crochu and Boucan Boyer, it told a surprising story about the communities.
January 12th, 2022
Divisions: Race
In this episode we delve into history to breakdown the racial tensions within Haiti.
January 5th, 2022
Telemedicine
In this episode we talk about setting up a telemedicine system in Haiti.
December 29th, 2021
Messages of Forgiveness
In this episode we talk about the surprising messages of love and forgiveness that kidnapping victims in Haiti are sending to the world.
December 22nd, 2021
Divisions: Location
In this episode, we talk about another major dividing line in Haiti--how people are divided by location. We talk about the differences between those in the countryside, those in the cities and those that live overseas.
December 15th, 2021
Haitian Lives: Cheche, Young Life Haiti
In this episode, we tell the remarkable and unlikely story of Cheche, the founder of Young Life Haiti.
December 8th, 2021
Divisions: Language
In this episode, we will talk about one of the main divisions in Haiti, the division between French speakers and Creole speakers.
December 1st, 2021
What are we waiting for?
In this episode we will talk about something we Americans despise.
November 24th, 2021
Locked Up Abroad
In this episode we discuss a prison outbreak in Haiti and this leads to a deeper discussion of what it is like to be in prison in Haiti.
November 17th, 2021
Haitian Lives: Dr. Lolo
In this episode we talk about the life of one of our doctors, Therilien Lolo. We will talk about the tenacity and grit that it took for him to become what he is today.
November 10th, 2021
Gangs, Gas and Mortality
In this episode we discuss the wide reaching effects of the current gang crisis in Haiti.
November 3rd, 2021
Kidnappings
In the wake of the kidnapping of 17 American and Canadian missionaries, we examine the security situation in Haiti.
October 27th, 2021
Two Children
On this episode we tell the story of two young patients and through their stories we talk about the importance of proactivity.
October 20th, 2021
Gas and Circuses
In this episode, we talk about the gas situation in Haiti--what it is like to live in a country with frequent shortages and, more importantly, why those shortages occur.
October 13th, 2021
Enduring Stress and Anxiety in Haiti
In this episode we talk about two patients dealing with stress and anxiety and what it tells us about mental health in Haiti.
October 6th, 2021
Earthquakes, Part 5 of 5: August 14, 2021
In the last of our series on earthquakes in Haiti, we talk about the damage from the earthquake this year.
September 29th, 2021
Earthquakes, Part 4 of 5: Partners in Health
In this episode we talk about an organization that succeeded in helping to rebuild Haiti after the earthquake and how they pulled it off.
September 22nd, 2021
Earthquakes, Part 3 of 5: The American Red Cross
In this episode, we talk about the confluence of factors that led the American Red Cross, an organization with a long history of good work in the United States, to struggle to effect any change in Haiti.
September 15th, 2021
Earthquakes, Part 2 of 5: The Relief Effort
In the second of a five part series on Haitian earthquakes, we discuss in broad terms the challenges faced during the relief effort in 2010.
September 8th, 2021
Earthquakes, Part 1 of 5: January 12, 2010
In this first of a five part series, we discuss the facts of what happened in 2010 in hopes that it will help us understand the 2021 earthquake. An additional podcast that provides first-hand accounts of the earthquake can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-haiti/id1494500376
September 8th, 2021
Natasha
In this episode we tell the story of Natasha and her mother and explore the difficulties of taking care of children with neurologic conditions.
September 1st, 2021
Going Electronic
In this episode we talk about how the Lespwa Timoun moved from paper to electronic. And wait...before you tune out and think it is boring, remember that everything in Haiti is anything but mundane.
August 25th, 2021
Much Ado about Voodoo
In this episode we talk about the most intriguing of subjects--Haitian Voodoo. What is it? How did it start? Is it still around?
August 18th, 2021
Mangoes, Eggs and Goats
In this episode we tell the story of a young pregnant woman, but the story is not what you think.
August 11th, 2021
Independence
Today we talk about something that embodies what it means to be Haitian (and American)--a spirit of independence.
August 4th, 2021
To Hospitalize or Not To Hospitalize
In this episode we discuss a two difficult cases and the challenge of deciding when to send a patient to the hospital.
July 28th, 2021
Where are the Vaccines?
In this episode we talk about why Haiti, at the time of this recording, was one of the only countries in the world to have not given a single dose of the coronavirus vaccine. And the reasons are not what you think.
July 21st, 2021
Anatomy of a Crisis, Part 4: July 7, 2021
In this unexpected fourth part of a series on the current crisis in Haiti, we discuss the assassination of Haiti's president.
July 14th, 2021
Anatomy of a Crisis, Part 3: Warlords
In the last of a three part series on the current crisis in Haiti, we discuss the condition of Haiti as it stands today.
July 7th, 2021
Anatomy of a Crisis, Part 2: The Government Starts to Collapse
In the second of our two part series on the current crisis in Haiti, we discuss how the government weakens to the point that it is no longer able to exert control.
July 7th, 2021
Anatomy of a Crisis, Part I: The Rise of the Gangs
In the first of a three part series, we delve back in recent history to discover how armed groups started in Haiti.
July 7th, 2021
Morbidity: The story of Millie
In this episode we talk about the tragic case of Millie and how we faced failure together.
June 30th, 2021
Haitian Lives: Carmel
In this episode, we tell the story of Carmel--our clinic founder. We talk about her winding path from birth in the Central Plateau of Haiti and then city to city as she and her husband help build communities across the country.
June 23rd, 2021
Harriet
In this episode, we talk about the story of one of our favorite patients. To see photos that go along with the story click on this link.
June 16th, 2021
Prayer
On this episode we talk about what we have learned from the prayers of a different culture.
June 9th, 2021
Do You Have A Job?
In this episode, we tried (unsuccessfully) to perform surveying about employment. Through this, we learned a lesson about the economy in Haiti.
June 2nd, 2021
Blood
In this episode we discuss the case of a young lady with a life-threatening disorder and the challenges of getting her treatment.
May 26th, 2021
Electricity
In this episode we talk about we and Haitians have adapted to a country with no reliable power source.
May 19th, 2021
Weak Hearts
In this episode we talk about the path toward developing a treatment plan for women with pregnancy induced heart failure.
May 12th, 2021
The Wedding of a Hero
In this episode we attend the wedding of one of the clinic's drivers--our first Haitian wedding.
May 5th, 2021
A Typical Case
This week on the podcast we tell the story of Liam and through it we discuss the nutrition program here in Haiti. Click on the link for photos that go with the story.
April 28th, 2021
An Ode to Creole
For the last two years we have been learning and perfecting our Creole. In this episode we talk about what makes it unique and how it helps one understand the country.
April 21st, 2021
Negligence
On this episode we talk about the story of a little girl and the issue of parental negligence.
April 14th, 2021
Francois
In this episode we tell the story of Francois and describe how circumstances ultimately conspired against him.
April 7th, 2021
Hydrocephalus
In this podcast episode we talk about treating four children with hydrocephalus and how to treat the patient in front of you.
March 31st, 2021
Getting Paper
Today on the podcast we talk about living in a country that still relies mostly on paper money
March 24th, 2021
A House in the Tropics
In this episode we talk about having a house in Haiti. Spoiler alert: It's very different from the United States.
March 17th, 2021
Estel
In this episode we talk about the ups and downs of caring for a child without a stable family situation.
March 10th, 2021
Carrying Your Son Across Haiti
In this episode we talk about an 8 year old's long road to recovery from a major illness.
March 3rd, 2021
An Execution
In this episode, we talk about the difficult subject of mob violence.
February 24th, 2021
The Devil is Eating Him
In this episode we discuss a case of HIV and all the problems that come with it.
February 17th, 2021
Coronavirus in a foreign land
On this episode we discuss riding out the coronavirus pandemic in another country.
February 10th, 2021
Cats and Hospitality
On this episode, we talk about the winding road towards getting a cat and what it taught us about Haitian hospitality.
February 4th, 2021
Tackling Birth Control
On this episode, we talk about the winding path towards offering birth control in the mountains of Haiti.
January 29th, 2021
Let Gate
Today we talk about how beliefs can intersect with medical care. We talk about the case of a young child with malnutrition.
January 20th, 2021
A Stupid Death
We discuss the case of a child who died who should still be alive today.
January 20th, 2021