What began as a simple request for a shooting location evolved into a powerful digital outreach opportunity. The ITS-Digital Spaces team played a critical role in supporting UCLA Health’s launch of its new podcast, Medically Speaking, a platform designed to elevate public health education. This collaboration reached new heights with a special episode featuring award-winning journalist and health advocate Katie Couric.
Addressing the Awareness Gap
Despite progress in medical research, public awareness around preventive health screenings continues to lag. Many individuals delay or avoid screenings due to fear, misinformation, or limited understanding. These missed opportunities can result in late diagnoses and more severe health outcomes. UCLA Health recognized the need for accessible, expert-led conversations to help bridge this gap.
A High-Stakes Production Challenge
The concept for Medically Speaking emerged from this need for more open health dialogue. However, bringing the podcast to life posed its own challenges. With Regents in session and all Luskin meeting rooms unavailable, the team had less than ten days to find a suitable production space. The timeline was especially tight, as Katie Couric had only a few hours of availability on a single date.
Once the location was secured, a new hurdle appeared. UCLA Health needed not just a venue but also AV support, filming, and post-production resources. Digital Spaces quickly mobilized. Collaborating with Event Services AV technicians and ITS leadership, the team sourced additional equipment overnight. Their fast, effective coordination enabled the production to proceed without compromise.
The Launch of a Digital-First Health Initiative
Hosted by Dr. Eve Glazier, Medically Speaking launched as a digital-first podcast that brings trusted medical insights directly to the public. The format allows audiences to engage with important health topics in an accessible and engaging way. This initiative reflects UCLA Health’s broader mission to integrate digital innovation into public health education.
Impact and Expansion
The debut episode with Katie Couric generated significant engagement and strengthened UCLA Health’s digital presence. It also showcased the agility and talent of the ITS-Digital Spaces team. By assembling a group of skilled professionals in audio, video, and production, the team demonstrated its capacity to support high-impact initiatives across UCLA’s departments.
Looking Forward
Building on the success of this initial collaboration, UCLA Health plans to expand the podcast with more expert-led conversations that address timely and relevant health topics. These episodes will continue to foster greater public understanding while reinforcing the value of digital tools in healthcare education. Digital Spaces is poised to remain a central partner in this growing effort.
Listen Now
Tune in to the special episode featuring Katie Couric and explore additional conversations on Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier. Find it on your preferred podcast platform or visit https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-conversation-with-katie-couric-about-colorectal-cancer/id1804735673?i=1000700983348
Learn more or explore partnership opportunities with UCLA Digital & Technology Solutions.
