Walking the Intrinsic Path: Health, Purpose & Systems Change

In this episode of The Health-ing Podcast, hosts Ushma Issar and Thomas Plochg sit down with Dr. Godelieve, physician and former Dutch Member of Parliament, to explore the intersection of personal purpose and systemic change.

Now approaching 67, Dr. Godelieve shares reflections on aging, agency, and her evolving definition of health one that embraces the political, social, and ecological dimensions of well-being. From her work in Ukraine and Africa to her years in politics, she brings a lived wisdom shaped by action, reflection, and care.

Together, they dive into:

• The importance of prevention over treatment

• How profit-driven systems undermine health

• What local innovation looks like when external support recedes

• Why complexity and collaboration are essential to true well-being

This episode is a timely call to rethink how we define health not as a fixed outcome, but as a dynamic, community-rooted process grounded in purpose and equity.