In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, discusses an overview of eating disorders and goals for this series with Betsy Foldes Meiman, from Connectopod. The mission of restrictED is to open these types of conversations, help spread awareness, and take down serious stereotypes. Melissa shares her personal journey with an eating disorder, how her battle made her stronger, and how it is possible to no longer be restrictED. Thank you so much for joining us! Transcript Available for restrictED Episode ...
Aug 05, 2025•27 min•Ep. 103
In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Shriya Mittar, a physician’s assistant and fellow Gen Z, to unpack the rising prevalence of mental health challenges among today’s youth. Together, they dive into the unique pressures young people face, the growing emphasis on mental well-being, and the powerful role social media plays in shaping self-image and stress. Tune in as we explore the realities behind the screen and share ways to build a healthier relationship with social media and cultivat...
Jun 18, 2025•13 min•Ep. 125
In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Dr. Daisy Gomez, a forensic and counseling psychologist dedicated to supporting high-risk communities. They discuss the impact of trauma, and stigma on mental health, as well as the importance of restorative practices in healing. Tune in as we explore how increasing resilience can transform lives and communities! Connect with Connectopod: https://linktr.ee/connectopod
Mar 29, 2025•29 min•Ep. 124
In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Susanna Zoeckler, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with LAUSD's Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity Department. Together, they discuss the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, from identity struggles to navigating relationships and finding supportive communities. Tune in as we explore practical strategies for coping, healing, and thriving! Connect with Connectopod: https://linktr.ee/connectopod...
Mar 12, 2025•18 min•Ep. 123
In this episode of Mind Matters, we explore the power of art therapy in mental health with Ashley Resurreccion, an Associate Art Therapy Professional Clinical Counselor. From reducing stress to fostering self-expression, we discuss how creative outlets like painting, drawing, and sculpting can help process emotions and improve well-being. Tune in to learn how art can be a powerful tool for healing! Learn more about Ashley Resurreccion: https://linktr.ee/twiichii Connect with Connectopod: https:/...
Mar 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 122
Host Nysha Prasad discusses teen mental health. In this episode, host Nysha Prasad interviews Thurayya Hernandez, Business Control Specialist and Mental Health Training lead with Bank of America. They explore the realities of stress and anxiety and discuss practical coping strategies, the importance of mindfulness, and how to navigate mental health challenges in everyday life. Connect with Connectopod: https://linktr.ee/connectopod...
Feb 14, 2025•11 min•Ep. 121
Host Nysha Prasad discusses teen mental health. The wildfires in have ripped through Los Angeles communities causing traumatic destruction. Along with the physical devastation, the effects of toxic smoke, constant threat of fire spreading, and sadness for victims in our beloved city are weighing heavy on all Angelenos. For those of us lucky enough to be safe, Nysha provides coping strategies to deal with the anxiety many teens are experiencing. Connect with Connectopod: https://linktr.ee/connect...
Jan 11, 2025•4 min•Ep. 120
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Sherry Meseid with 'Look He Wants a Hug' !
Nov 25, 2024•17 sec•Ep. 119
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Astrid Avalos with 'How I Could Be Happy' !
Nov 25, 2024•41 sec•Ep. 118
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Soren Vergara with 'Infinite Voices'!
Nov 25, 2024•43 sec•Ep. 117
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Alondra Garcia with 'The Secret of Good Balance for Girls'!
Nov 25, 2024•40 sec•Ep. 116
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Savannah Johnson with 'Both Sides'!
Nov 25, 2024•54 sec•Ep. 115
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Beyonce Johnson with 'To Evolve'!
Nov 25, 2024•49 sec•Ep. 114
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Canoga Park Branch for Sound it Out 2024! This year's crop of imaginative teens met with Collage Artist Lois Keller and Voice Over Artist Betsy Foldes Meiman to create stories in image and sound. Thanks for the invite Librarian Marcia Melkonian. Here is Ryosuke Sekoguchi with My World!
Nov 25, 2024•1 min•Ep. 113
Connectopod is back at the Los Angeles Public Library Chinatown Branch to visit with the Teen Council. The current Teen Council members are a mix of new members and returning members - some of whom have been organizing in their community for two or three years! Some of the council members are grandchildren of the elders that live in the SROs, making the Chinatown Oral History Project especially personal to them. Listen as council members tell us why they joined the Teen Council, why they find th...
Oct 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 112
In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Georgeanna Gaines, an individual who had to juggle multiple worlds at once: her younger sibling’s eating disorder, her senior year, transitioning to college, moving away from home, and discovering her own identity. Georgie has taken her experience in helping the voices of other siblings be raised and, through her story, shows us that a sibling’s love always wins. Thank you so much for joining us! Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 06 (li...
Aug 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 111
We are back for Season 2 of CTN:UY! Producer Betsy Foldes Meiman talks with Gayle Alvarez , YDHP Resource Coordinator, and Olga Flores , director of Housing Services, from the Village Family Services in North Hollywood. How will Season 2 be different than season 1? Gayle Alvarez who went from participant in CTN in 2021 to Associate Producer wants to explore the journey from homeless to housed with a cohort of youth doing just that. Here are some of things we mentioned in the this episode Check o...
Jul 20, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 110
In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews Jennifer Mullaney, who introduces us to a newly discovered realm of eating disorder recovery. She shares the work she had done in this industry, shares her early struggle with an eating disorder, and demonstrates to us all that full recovery is indeed possible. Thank you so much for joining us! Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 05 (link) Guest: Jennifer Mullaney Instagram: @recoveredispossible Website: https://www.recoveredispossible.co...
Jul 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 109
Meet 11th Grader Nysha Prasad who will explore youth perspectives on mental health with her peers and health professionals as host of Mind Matters! Learn more about this project at: https://www.mindmattersteens.com/
Jul 03, 2024•7 min•Ep. 108
In this episode, host, Melissa Peruch, interviews an individual, who reflects on their years struggling with not just an eating disorder, but the neglect and invalidation they received from professionals. They had to grapple with reality and their emotions when their disorder was not believed since they didn’t “look sick enough” to play the part. Thank you so much for joining us! Transcript Available for restrictED Episode 04 (link) Eating Disorder Definitions: Beat Eating Disorders: https://www...
Jun 10, 2024•16 min•Ep. 107
