Communication can be difficult at times. Especially for those who have a hard time reading body language and picking up on various social cues. Today Pastor Larry and I talk about some of the challenges that can occur when trying to communicate with others, especially when people function in the “ever always listening” mode which sometimes causes well-meaning people to provide irrelevant support to others who may or may not be in crisis. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd l...
Mar 13, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Today we are joined by a very special guest, Kathy Lathem from Cobb Senior Services. In this episode we talk about the importance of community and the services available for the “Senior” population in Cobb County, Georgia while also working to debunk some of the myths and stigma surrounding aging and the senior community in general. If you would like to get more information about the services provided by Cobb Senior Services you can contact: Kathy Lathem For more information about the Green Phoe...
Feb 28, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 3
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the 4 major dimensions of recovery are health, home, purpose and community. In today’s episode Pastor Larry and I focus on the importance community and finding a sense of purpose and how the impact our mental health. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Feb 14, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 2
We all experience obstacles and challenges in life and sometimes those come with a setbacks that can detail our progress. In this episode we talk about the importance of managing expectations of ourselves and others and how it impacts our mental health. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Jan 24, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In our final episode of Season 3, Pastor Larry and I continue our conversation about self-care and other strategies to survive the additional stress the holiday season often brings. Especially for those who have a strained relationship with their family or perhaps aren't able to get home to spend time with their loved ones. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 20
We are joined again by our 2 special guests, Jennifer Grawey and one of the film bros from the “Recently Logged” podcast Micah Grawey as we continue our conversation on the way media portrays mental illness in television and movies, both the good and the bad. Especially the way it often helps to perpetuate stigma associated with mental health and mental illness. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot ...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 19
One of the most common troupes in horror movies and tv show is that the villain and/or serial killer is living with a mental illness. The problem is that this helps to perpetuate stigma associated with mental health and mental illness. This month we have a 2 special guests joining us, Jennifer Grawey and one of the film bros from the “Recently Logged” podcast Micah Grawey. Together we explore the way media portrays mental illness in television and movies, both the good and the bad. For more info...
Oct 11, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 18
For those who weren't able to join us on September 13, 2023 for the Fighting the Darkness Panel Discussion on Suicide Prevention and awareness here is the video of the live event that was recorded at The Venue on Main in Kennesaw, GA. The goal of this in-person event was and is to shed light on the importance of mental health and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Our panel of experts shared valuable insights, personal experiences, and strategies to combat the darkness surrounding this se...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 17
We all have our own breaking point, that place where life becomes overwhelming and may have trouble coping. For some, myself included, the use of unhealthy coping skills such as self-harm in an attempt to regain a sense of control or to numb the pain. All too often it can also lead to suicidal ideation and attempts when you no longer see a way out. It's far past the time we start talking about suicide. Our goal is to create an environment where people feel comfortable talking about it without th...
Sep 13, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Today we are joined by 2 amazing guests from the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department. Join us as we have a conversation about some of the amazing programs they offer, way to get involved in the community and how doing so helps not only the community but ourselves as well. For more information about the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department be sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagram For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future ep...
Aug 23, 2023•44 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Community service and recreation and both great ways to build connections to your community. In this episode we discuss how serving others helps with our mental health and the benefits of recreation to our overall health. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
Aug 09, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Join is and our special guest Brandon Nichols, the lead pastor at Mercy Hill Church, as we continue our conversation about the connection between mental health and spirituality. We explore the role of the church and how it can help create a sense of community and also ways that the church can better assist those who are struggling. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Jul 26, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there is evidence to show that religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on our health. In this episode we explore how the church and mental health are connected and can provide a sense of community that has helped in my own personal journey. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Jul 12, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Episode 11- Together We Care Navigating through life with a disability can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to finding community resources. Our special guest Jillian Palmiotto, the founder and executive director for Together We Care shares with us some of her experiences working in the system and provides. To learn more about Together We Care and the services they provide be sure to check out their website: Together We Care For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you...
Jun 28, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Humans are hardwired to live in community but there are times when connecting with others can be difficult. In this episode explore how the importance of connection and the difficulties some have in finding their place of belonging. Especially in our post-pandemic lives. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Jun 14, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 10
According to the CDC, more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with some type of mental illness or disorder in their lifetime. The also state that 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness in a given year and 1 in 25 of adults are living with a significant mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder. ( CDC Stats ) Words Are is based on the photo essay of the same name and the goal is to help people overcome the stigma related to mental illness and t...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 9
It is important that we all learn to recognize that while mental health and mental illness are two sides of the same coin the terms are not interchangeable. In today’s episode we are joined by our special guest, Dr. Cris Eaton Welsh, and have a conversation about the importance of mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
May 10, 2023•43 min
Whether it’s appreciating the displayed works in a gallery exhibit or participating in community theater, art has the ability to connect us to one another in a variety of ways. In today’s episode we are joined by one of the members of the Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission, Robin Thornhill, who discusses the role art has played in her own life. To learn more about the Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission be sure to check out their website: KACC For more information about the Green Phoenix or if ...
Apr 26, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Long before I was comfortable expressing myself with words I learned how to share my thoughts and feelings through art. In this episode Pastor Larry & I discuss how art and creativity connect to our mental health. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us .
Apr 12, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Episode 5- Role of Supportive Employment Often times people with disabilities find it more difficult to find employment because they are often dismissed. There also tends to be the misconception that someone who is living with a development disability or mental health condition is incapable of being productive and an asset to employers. Today we sit down with Linda Jones, a Career Specialist with Briggs&Associates, to help dispel these misconceptions and gain a better understand the role of ...
Mar 22, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Often times employment can provide us with a way to feel like a contributing member of society, especially for those of us living with a disability. In this episode Pastor Larry & I discuss the connection between mental health and employment and the importance of finding our purpose. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Mar 08, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Most people recognize the importance of taking care of our bodies but maintaining both is necessary for our overall health as often one has an impact on the other. Today we are joined by Brandon Browne, LPC, and Katherine Taylor, M.D. from Mind & Body Christian Health Group as we continue our conversation about the connection between mental and physical health importance taking care of our bodies as well as our minds. To learn more about Mind & Body Christian Health be sure to check out ...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 3
Often times people remember to take care of their physical health while ignoring their mental health without recognizing how the two work together. In this episode Pastor Larry & I cover the basics of how they affect one another in preparation for our next episode when we will have a special guest from Mind & Body Christian Health to continue the conversation. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to ...
Feb 08, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 3 of the podcast formerly known as MY Look At Recovery. With the new year Pastor Larry & I decided to make a few changes to better reflect the overall goal of this podcast which is to help people gain a better understanding of mental health, recovery and the importance of connecting with others. In this episode we talk a little about the reasons behind the name change and explain a few of the other exciting updates we’ve made for the upcoming season, including a small adjus...
Jan 25, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In our final episode of Season 2, Pastor Larry and I continue our conversation about self-care and other strategies to survive the additional stress the holiday season often brings. Especially for those who have a strained relationship with their family or perhaps aren't able to get home to spend time with their loved ones. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Nov 16, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 25
People tend to think that self-care is about pampering or treating yourself to things. But it’s more than that. Self-care is an important part of our overall wellbeing. In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I define what self-care is, explore the different types, and explain why it’s important. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us.
Nov 02, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Our experiences help define our beliefs. This in turn creates the filter we use to process information. In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I talk about what negative messages are and how they impact our lives. We also explore ways to help change our internal filters and work with others to improve their self image. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Oct 19, 2022•51 min•Season 2Ep. 23
What is “Toxic Positivity” and why is it dangerous? According to Psychology Today , “toxic positivity is the act of avoiding, suppressing, or rejecting negative emotions or experiences.” In this episode Pastor Larry Grawey and I take a look at a few examples of toxic positivity and how word choice can impact people differently. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Contact Us ....
Oct 05, 2022•45 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US affecting people of all ages. It is currently the second leading cause of death for ages 25-34 and the third leading cause for ages 15-24. In an effort to create more awareness and fight the stigma associated with suicide the entire month of September is Suicide Prevention Month. On Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Desktop Coworking Community in Kennesaw, Ga., we hosted Fighting the Darkness - an art exhibition and panel discussion with the go...
Sep 28, 2022•1 hr 15 min
In honor of National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, Pastor Larry and I will be continuing our open and honest conversation about some of the myths and stigmas surrounding suicide. It can be a very difficult topic to discuss, but the way we choose to talk about mental health can change lives. It is important to discuss suicide and it’s prevention as that is the only way to eradicate the stigmas. Here are some additional resources to help as well: https://www.bethe1to.com https://afsp.o...
Sep 21, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 21