Weight Loss and Mental Health Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy! That is a direct quote from our guest from this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected. Hollywood's Papa Joe Aviance is a successful entrepreneur, recording artist, and a two-time Amazon Best-Selling author. He lost 250 pounds by shutting himself in his apartment and dieting on a $21/day budget! Key Takeaways from Liz’s chat with Papa Joe: • Hear Papa Joe’s story • Learn what it is like for Papa J...
Aug 11, 2021•8 min
Social Media and Mental Health There are currently over 4.5 billion people in the world using at least one social network. Influencers, celebrities and regular people all take to Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks to share their lives. But what effect does social media use have on mental health? For this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected, we are joined by Christopher J. Ferguson, a professor of psychology at Stetson University. He helps us examine the effects of social media on our...
Aug 09, 2021•13 min
The Down and Dirty on Domestic Abuse When it comes to domestic abuse, commonly the first question asked is “why did you stay?” Dr. Michele Finneran joins us on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to help us understand more that domestic abuse isn’t always so black and white. Key Takeaways from Liz’s chat with Michele: • Learn what domestic abuse can look like • Hear about the different types of domestic abuse • What are the effects of domestic abuse, when it comes to the bigger picture of l...
Aug 06, 2021•13 min
Expressing Artistic Self, As Therapy People all over the world use different modalities of therapy to help ease their mental health struggles. One form of therapy which is not talked about much, is art therapy! People have used art since the beginning of history to unwind and express themselves. On this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected, Board Certified Art Therapist Alyssa Hayes joins Dr. Fedrick to tell us all about art therapy. Key Takeaways from Liz’s chat with Alyssa: • Learn what art the...
Aug 04, 2021•10 min
How to Get Your Child to Fall Asleep Faster As parents, one of the most dreaded times with our kids can be bedtime. Kids seemingly can come up with a million and one other things they would rather do than lay down and go to sleep! Morgan Winder joins Dr. Fedrick on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to dive into the world of kids sleep, and why sleep issues could be happening with your child. Key Takeaways from Liz’s chat with Morgan: • Learn what could be going on that would cause sleep i...
Aug 02, 2021•10 min
Staying Mentally Safe After Covid Mental health is always something that is a very fragile topic. People struggle silently with mental health issues due to the taboo that used to surround mental illnesses. But what happens when you throw a global pandemic into the mix? Our guest for this episode is here to answer the question so many people are asking- “how do we stay mentally safe and healthy following covid?” Dillon Espinosa joins us to answer just that. Key Takeaways from Liz and Ashley’s cha...
Jul 30, 2021•10 min
The 411 on Exercise and Mental Health Here at Calm, Cool and Connected we focus a lot of our time on mental health. On this episode, we are going to learn more about how our physical health can either help or harm our mental state! We are joined for this chat by Jim White. He is the owner of several fitness and nutrition companies, the founder of a fitness foundation, and we are so excited to learn more from him! Key Takeaways from Liz and Ashley’s chat with Jim: • Learn how physical health is r...
Jul 28, 2021•10 min
Water and Mental Health Water. What is it? It is defined as a tasteless, transparent, odorless and nearly colorless chemical substance. But in reality, water is so much more than that! It is vital for all forms of life, it is the component that makes up most of our body, and the majority of our planet is covered by water. What does water have to do with our mental health? Dr. Matthew Smith joins us for this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected. He is a professor, a published writer, and he has re...
Jul 26, 2021•11 min
The Mental Makeup of a Thrill Seeker Some call them thrill seekers, some call them adrenaline junkies, and others may call them just plain wild! But Dr. Ken Carter calls them the focus of his current research. He joins Dr. Fedrick and Ashley Snyder on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to discuss all things adrenaline. Key Takeaways from Liz and Ashley’s chat with Dr. Carter: • How he defines thrill seeking • What makes him classify someone as an adrenaline junkie • Is there any psychology...
Jul 23, 2021•11 min
EMDR Therapy Talk therapy is the first mode of therapeutic tactics that comes to mind when someone is in need of some mental health help. But what happens when talk therapy just isn’t doing the trick? There are countless other types of therapy, probably too many to name! Today we are joined by Michael Klinkner- MSW, LCSW, and Board Certified PTSD clinician to talk about one of those modes of therapy, EMDR. Key Takeaways from Liz’s chat with Michael: • What exactly EMDR is • How was the EMDR appr...
Jul 21, 2021•11 min
The Healing Art of Music Therapy Not all therapy looks the same, sounds the same, or even has to take place in a traditional office . For example, Music Therapy taps into the power of music and self-expression to reach non-musical goals. Your love for music and unique musical taste can be an intricate part of reaching your mental health goals. On this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected we are joined by Director of Healing Sounds RVA Anna McChesney to tell listeners more about Music Therapy. Key...
Jul 19, 2021•11 min
Conservatorship, or Imprisonment? Perhaps one of the most peculiar celebrity stories of our time is that of Britney Spears. Pop princess, living on top of the world, excelling at anything and everything she set her sights on. Then suddenly in 2008 everything changed for Britney. What happened 13 years ago? Spears was put into a conservatorship, with her father at the helm. The #FreeBritney movement has gained serious traction lately, with the pop star leading the crusade to regain her freedom. O...
Jul 16, 2021•13 min
Dreams and Mental Health Have you ever been in the middle of the best night of your life- and then you woke up? This happens extremely frequently. People wake up after having a dream and think “what does it mean?” Lots of people resort to Google to try and find out the deeper meaning behind their dreams, but there is a better option. Enter: Benjamin the Dream Wizard. Key Takeaways from Benjamin: • Learn what it means to be a “dream wizard” • Hear a little about the history of dream interpretatio...
Jul 14, 2021•15 min
The Truth About the Misuse of OTC Medications It is no secret that parents have had the difficult task of steering teens away from illegal drug use for a very long time. But what about the dangers that lurk inside the walls of our home? Our friends from Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare join us for this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to discuss the misuse of over the counter medications in teens. Key Takeaways from this chat: • Learn which over the counter medications are being ab...
Jul 12, 2021•14 min
Fear<Less with Sam Led It happens in life, that sometimes when you are least expecting it- tragedy strikes. Tragedy has the power to disrupt literally every part of our lives. On this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected we are joined by Sam Led. He is a mindset and transformation coach, and he has developed a program that allows him to help people recover from a life setback or loss. Key Takeaways from Sam: • Learn Sam’s amazing story, and what mental health challenges he has faced in his own...
Jul 07, 2021•13 min
Mental Health Issues and Children Many say that raising a child is the hardest job in the world. Add in a global pandemic, and that already incredibly hard job gets even harder. School counselors are on the “front lines” for kids, so to speak. They see them in their natural habitat: with their friends, attending classes, eating lunch, and enjoying recess. Tiera Sharpe, Education Specialist, is here with us for this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to discuss mental health issues in kids. Key ...
Jul 05, 2021•11 min
Providing Mental Health Support for Veterans Our military veterans are one of the world’s most treasured populations. That being said, they are also one of the populations who is most effected by mental health ailments including traumatic brain injuries (also known as TBI’s), and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). On this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected we welcome Dr. Deb Wood. Deb is part of the Battle Dawgs organization. Their mission is “to empower our nation’s heroes through therapeutic and ex...
Jun 30, 2021•16 min
The Importance of Self Reflection Self help and self improvement are two areas that draw people in on a consistent basis. But what about self reflection? Self reflection is defined as meditation or serious thought about one's character, actions, and motives. Chris Winfield-Blum is an expert on the subject matter, and he even founded his own app called “My Reflections,” to help along the way. He joins us on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected. Key Takeaways from Chris: • Why self-reflection ...
Jun 28, 2021•7 min
The Ins and Outs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder, or “OCD” for short, is defined as a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations that make them feel driven to do something repetitively. On this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected we are joined by Dr. Marilisa Morea, founder and clinical director of Monarch Therapy + Wellness Centre. Key Takeaways from Dr. Morea: • Learn what the specific symptoms of OCD are • Find out more about...
Jun 23, 2021•12 min
Working in a Nursing Home During a Global Pandemic Working as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist can be trying work, especially in a nursing home. But what happens to a CTRS when a global pandemic hits? Andrew Katko is a CTRS who was working in a nursing home when the Covid19 Pandemic swept the globe. He joins Rachel Ann for this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to detail his experience. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s 1-on-1 with Andrew: Learn what exactly a Certified Therapeutic ...
Jun 21, 2021•12 min
Technology and Our Mental Health With technology being so present in our lives, does it start to play a role in our mental health? Here with us to dive into this topic is Lori H. Schwartz, Technology Catalyst and Trendmeister. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s 1-on-1 with Lori: Learn more about the relationship between technology and mental health Which technology Lori feels can actually help our mental state Hear why Lori feels managing screen time for kids and adolescents is so important Find ou...
Jun 16, 2021•11 min
Mental Health Healing Through Music and Art Mental health issues are prevalent, yet there are still stigma attached to mental health problems as a whole. Tree of Stars is trying to change that. On this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected, Rachel Ann is joined by Jessica Compton- the founder of Tree of Stars. They chat about how Tree of Stars uses music and art to promote mental health awareness. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s chat with Jessica: • Learn how Jessica uses art to heal • Hear Jessic...
Jun 14, 2021•7 min
In An Instant, Your Whole Life Can Change Sometimes your life is seemingly perfect from the outside. Perfect job, perfect husband, perfect house, etc. Then one day you find yourself in the midst of a massive panic attack feeling like the world is ending. What do you do now? This was the exact scenario that Claire Rogers lived through. After the first panic attack, she continued having them every single day for 18 months straight. Claire joined Rachel Ann for this very special episode of Cool, Ca...
Jun 09, 2021•12 min
From Conversion Therapy to Coming Out Coach Growing up and learning who you are is always a process. What if you were brought up Christian and then came out as gay? Nancy Shadlock joins us on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to tell us her story. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s chat with Nancy: • Find out how her transformation went, from being brought up Christian to coming out • Learn how she helps people to learn and accept who they really are • Her take on “conversion therapy,” and h...
Jun 07, 2021•10 min
Massage and Mental Health Did you know that calming your body physically can reduce stress and mental strife? Sylvia Dadaian, certified massage therapist, talks us through the background of the sympathetic versus parasympathetic nervous systems, and guides us through why massage is so beneficial to your mental health, Key Takeaways from Sylvia: • Why it is so taxing on your body and mind to always be on a fight or flight path • How massage works to combat stress and the fight or flight response ...
Jun 02, 2021•12 min
Setting Expectations for Your Therapist We know that going to therapy can be hard, but what happens when the relationship between you and your therapist isn’t working out? Lauren Siegel, Licensed Social Worker, joins us on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to discuss what the relationship with your therapist should look like. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s chat with Lauren: • What you should expect from your therapist • Things to look out for that your therapist should not be doing durin...
May 31, 2021•12 min
From Socially Anxious to Mindset Coaching: The Story of Jeremy Greene Social anxiety disorder is defined as an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. Jeremy Greene joins us on this episode of Calm, Cool and Connected to walk us through his battle with social anxiety to where he is today: a mindset coach with a perpetually positive attitude. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s chat with Jeremy: • Hear more about Jeremy’s journey • How he trained himself not to let his thought...
May 26, 2021•13 min
Surviving Childhood Trauma Many adults still carry remnants of anxiety and depression with them that began with childhood trauma. Speaking out about childhood trauma can be daunting and quite frankly, scary! Shanon Page joins Rachel Ann for this special episode of Calm, Cool and Connected. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s chat with Shanon: • What drew Shanon to share her childhood trauma • What is complex post traumatic stress disorder, and what are the symptoms? • Coping strategies that Shanon h...
May 24, 2021•13 min
Turning Tragedy to Triumph: Meet the Griffins One of the worst things in life that a parent can go through, is the loss of a child. Try losing both of your parents, and then losing a child on their birthday. Enter Kimberly and Warren Griffin, superheroes and the forces behind Bully Magazine. Kim lost her parents right before losing her son. She decided she needed to speak out and share their story- and Bully Magazine was born. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s chat with the Griffins: • How the Gri...
May 19, 2021•16 min
The Nitty Gritty on Flying Phobias For some people, even the thought of flying can induce extreme stress. But what makes flying such a stressor for people? Rachel Ann is joined by Dr. Martin Seif, Ph.D. He is the cofounder of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and has done extensive research on flying phobias. Key Takeaways from Rachel Ann’s 1-on-1 with Dr. Seif: • Which kinds of phobias usually lend to a person also having a fear of flying • What percentage of people with a flyin...
May 17, 2021•16 min
