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Empathy Affect

Empathy Affect

By: Fors Marsh Media
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On Empathy Affect, we explore the human side of government. We get to know the real people in government who serve us. We learn about their missions, the people they serve, and the true impact of their work. In each episode, we'll speak with real people about how they weave empathy into the policies and programs of government.

© 2026 Empathy Affect
Economics Management Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • S4E3: How FDA Protects The Food We Eat
    Feb 5 2026

    Most of us don’t think about food safety until something goes wrong—a recall notice or a moment in the kitchen when we wonder, “Is this still safe to eat?”

    In this episode, we take a look behind the scenes at how food safety is ensured long before our food reaches our grocery carts or kitchen tables. Dr. Conrad Choiniere, a senior leader in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Human Foods Program, discusses why fresh produce can be especially challenging when it comes to food safety, how recalls actually work, and the coordination in farming, production, and distribution that keeps food safe.

    We also break down your common food safety myths and offer practical, science-backed tips you can use at home to reduce risk while handling the food you love to eat.

    Dr. Conrad Choiniere is the director of the FDA Human Foods Program Office of Microbiological Food Safety. He has spent over 20 years at the FDA, leading food safety initiatives and studying consumer attitudes and behavior. On top of working on food safety at the FDA, Dr. Choiniere was also director of Population Health Science for the department’s Center for Tobacco Products.

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    Explore the Human Foods Program

    Stay up to date on FDA’s recalls

    Learn more tips about safely handling food

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    32 mins
  • S4E2: How New York Is Building Mental Health Around People’s Lives
    Jan 8 2026

    Caring for your mental health isn’t just about treatment. It’s about living a full life.

    This is how the New York State Office of Mental Health is rethinking how we handle mental health—by centering recovery, resilience, and the whole person—not just a diagnosis.

    The office’s Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer Julie Burton explains what recovery in the context of mental health looks like practice, why thriving—not just surviving—matters, and how empathy, choice, and community connection shape better mental health outcomes. We also explore mental health workforce challenges and how supporting them is essential to effective care.

    As the new year begins, this episode offers a timely reminder that recovery happens not only in clinics, but in communities and everyday human connection.

    Julie Burton is the first chief recovery and resilience officer at the New York State Office of Mental Health. She has over 30 years of experience in both community-based direct care for individuals and families, focusing on training and education and implementing programs to help people in care move toward full recovery. She previously served as her office’s director of adult services.

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    Explore Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) services

    Learn more about the New York Office of Mental Health

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    27 mins
  • S4E1: How Boston Is Using AI to Improve Work and Life in the City
    Dec 4 2025

    Technology has the power to make interacting with our cities and local governments smoother, easier, and more intuitive—but only when it's designed with people at the center.

    We enter Season 4 of Empathy Affect with Boston Chief Information Officer (CIO) Santiago Garces, who shares how the city is using digital tools and AI to strengthen trust, improve services, and deepen the connection between residents and their government. From the everyday impact of Boston 311 to emerging AI pilots that help the city respond faster and more transparently, Santiago explains why innovation in Boston isn't about chasing the newest tech. It's about meeting people where they are. We get into what people-centered digital government looks like, how to prepare a public workforce for responsible AI use, and what other cities can learn from Boston's approach.

    Santiago Garces is the CIO for the City of Boston, where he leads the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). He was previously the executive director of Community Investment in South Bend, Indiana, and formerly served as CIO of both South Bend and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.


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    Read up on Boston’s Interim Generative AI Guidelines

    Get to know Boston 311

    Learn more about Boston DoIT

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    39 mins
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