In this powerful interview, Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer at Crisis Text Line, shares her incredible journey from pediatric medicine to leading one of the most vital mental health support platforms in the world. She opens up about how personal loss, her passion for trauma-informed care, and her dedication to underserved communities led her to crisis intervention at scale. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 confidential support via text, WhatsApp, and web chat—because no one should st...
Feb 27, 2025•28 min
Psychotherapist and performance coach Lauren Farina-Prieto, founder of Invited Psychotherapy and Coaching, shares her integrative approach to mental health and the power of values alignment in creating lasting change. She explains how mental health and physical health are deeply connected, and how metabolic health plays a critical role in brain function and emotional well-being. Lauren also dives into mind-body healing, incorporating both top-down and bottom-up methods, including breathwork, lif...
Feb 26, 2025•19 min
After selling his first software company and moving to Tahoe, Mark Gogolewski found himself struggling with mental health, alcohol, and personal challenges. His journey of self-discovery led him to write How to Be Okay When You're Supposed to Be Okay, But You're Not, a book that explores resilience, self-forgiveness, and healing. In this conversation, Mark shares how writing his book and producing the documentary "Buried" became transformational experiences, helping not only himself but also his...
Feb 25, 2025•9 min
Tracy Klein’s journey to becoming an executive wellness and life coach was shaped by her family’s history of survival. As a third-generation Holocaust survivor, she grew up with the mindset of endurance and resilience. But as she stepped into adulthood, she realized she wanted more than just survival—she wanted to thrive. Through personal exploration, a career shift, and a deep dive into wellness, she discovered coaching as a way to help others break free from burnout, fear, and self-doubt.With ...
Feb 25, 2025•25 min
Dan Maigler, a social worker and mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick, shares his personal journey with mental health and his passion for helping others. Having faced depression, health anxiety, and significant losses, Dan understands the complexities of mental health struggles firsthand. His work with Paws for Patrick, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people with emotional support animals, highlights the powerful role pets play in providing comfort, connection, and resilience. Th...
Feb 21, 2025•17 min
Dr. Craig Beach, psychiatrist and CEO of Open Mind Health, shares his journey into the mental health field and his passion for culturally affirming, integrative mental health care. His experience in diverse settings-from private practice to corrections-shaped his vision for a holistic, virtual mental health platform. Open Mind Health goes beyond traditional therapy and medication, incorporating alternative modalities like hypnotherapy, music therapy, yoga, and reiki, and offering 21 specialized ...
Feb 21, 2025•16 min
Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, co-founders of The Caregiver's Journey https://thecaregiversjourney.com/, share their deeply personal experiences as longtime dementia family caregivers and their mission to provide practical support to others navigating similar challenges. With over 25 years of caregiving experience each, they both struggled to find the guidance they needed and decided to create a platform to help others learn faster, feel more confident, and find balance in their caregiving journey...
Feb 19, 2025•25 min
Andrew DeGood, CEO and co-founder of AskBob AI, opens up about his journey with Bipolar 2, the struggles of being undiagnosed for years, and how discovering the right treatment transformed his life. He shares his experience of coming out publicly about his diagnosis in 2021, the overwhelming support he received, and how embracing his mental health has become a superpower in business and leadership. Andrew discusses the importance of lifestyle choices, from exercise and cold plunges to structured...
Feb 10, 2025•30 min
In this inspiring interview, Kirsy Chanel Espejo, founder of Kind Wholeness, shares her journey from a career in corporate finance to creating a nonprofit dedicated to holistic wellness education. Drawing from over 20 years of professional experience, Kirsy reflects on the universal challenges of stress, burnout, and lack of purpose that affect individuals across all walks of life. Kind Wholeness aims to address these struggles by offering free programs that focus on emotional intelligence, self...
Feb 07, 2025•28 min
Scott Clary, host of the Success Story Podcast, shares his journey of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the power of learning from others’ experiences. In this episode, Scott explains why he started the podcast and how it has become a platform for amplifying the voices of industry leaders. He discusses the importance of building a personal brand, removing friction from career growth, and how storytelling can open unexpected doors. Scott also dives into mental health strategies, the lessons ...
Feb 06, 2025•23 min
Abbie Rosenberg, founder and executive director of Mental Health Collaborative, shares her powerful journey from psychiatric nurse practitioner to mental health advocate. After the tragic loss of a former patient to suicide, she turned her grief into action by creating a nonprofit dedicated to mental health literacy. In this conversation, Abbie discusses the critical role of early education, breaking down stigma, and equipping people with the tools they need to manage their mental well-being. Th...
Feb 05, 2025•21 min
Dr. Joe Oravecz, Ph.D., has spent over 30 years in higher education, leading student life and counseling services, but his personal journey led him to become a passionate mental health advocate. As the CEO of NAMI Broward County, Dr. Oravecz is dedicated to reshaping mental health conversations in education and the workplace, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being. From witnessing the mental health struggles of students during COVID-19 to recognizing the urgent need for employee menta...
Feb 04, 2025•33 min
Brandon Saho, former sports reporter and founder of The Mental Game, opens up about his battle with mental health, from experiencing suicidal thoughts at 14 to hitting rock bottom while living his dream as an NFL sports journalist. After checking himself into a mental health facility, Brandon found a new purpose—combining journalism with mental health advocacy to create The Mental Game, a platform where athletes, celebrities, and everyday people share their struggles and triumphs. Now on a natio...
Feb 03, 2025•20 min
In this deeply personal and inspiring interview, author Tina Djuretic shares her profound mental health journey, shaped by a childhood marked by abuse, trauma, and a strict religious upbringing. Tina opens up about how these early experiences influenced her relationships, leading her to a breaking point that sparked a powerful spiritual awakening. Her candid reflections reveal the impact of generational trauma, the patterns of attraction to narcissistic relationships, and the difficult path to s...
Feb 03, 2025•26 min
In this heartfelt conversation, Bruce Schutter shares his incredible journey from struggling with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, anxiety, and PTSD to becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. Bruce opens up about his experiences starting as a high school EMT, battling inner turmoil, and enduring decades of emotional challenges before finding clarity at 40. His "aha" moment of diagnosis became a catalyst for change, inspiring him to create the Mental Health Warrior Program. This innovative initiat...
Feb 03, 2025•26 min
Seti Babaeian, BS is the Intake office coordinator at GMU Center for Community Mental Health
Jan 28, 2025•5 min
Susie Reece, founder and executive director specializing in suicide prevention, opens up about her personal journey through grief, loss, and major depressive disorder. From losing her father at a young age to navigating the complexities of her own mental health, Susie shares how these experiences shaped her understanding of humanity and her mission to bring mental health resources to those who need them most. Her advocacy focuses on empowering individuals with lived experiences and ensuring thei...
Jan 28, 2025•18 min
Meet Scott H. Silverman, CEO of Confidential Recovery, founder of the Veterans Navigation Center, and a passionate crisis coach and author. Scott shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction, navigating mental health challenges, and achieving 40 years of sobriety. From battling substance use disorder to becoming a leader in recovery and veteran support, Scott's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of helping others. Scott discusses the founding of his organizati...
Jan 26, 2025•26 min
Tim Markle, founder and director of The Forgiveness Factor, shares his deeply personal journey through mental health challenges, addiction, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Struggling with depression, anxiety, and unresolved anger, Tim turned to his faith and science to uncover the healing potential of forgiveness. Through his research and lived experience, he developed a program that bridges the gap between spiritual principles and scientific evidence, empowering others to forgive a...
Jan 26, 2025•34 min
Meet Myles Metkowski, the founder and executive director of M2H Mental Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men’s mental health. Myles shares his personal journey of overcoming loneliness and depression during his college years, which inspired him to create a platform for men who may not have a support system to talk about their struggles. Launched in March 2024, M2H Mental Health offers a free online chat service, providing a safe and anonymous space for men to connect, shar...
Jan 22, 2025•19 min
For years, Michael VanZetta thrived in the high-stakes environment of television broadcasting as a newscast director. His role demanded split-second decisions, calling camera shots and orchestrating the fast-paced flow of live television. Each broadcast was a test of precision and composure. When everything went smoothly, it felt like winning the Super Bowl—an electrifying high. But even small mistakes, unnoticed by most, would haunt him, leaving him to replay the moments long after the show end...
Jan 22, 2025•21 min
Meet Kristy Towson, founder of Inner Strength Writing Solutions and author of Speak Up Against Stigma. Kristy shares her powerful mental health journey, from experiencing severe depression and a life-altering traumatic event to finding hope, healing, and purpose. After hitting rock bottom, Kristy discovered the transformative power of storytelling and now dedicates her life to helping others navigate their mental health challenges. Her book, written alongside 11 other women from around the world...
Jan 20, 2025•15 min
Erin Harris, founder and executive director of Un/Do Mindset, has turned her personal journey with trauma, including surviving a school shooting and navigating the challenges of mental health treatment, into a mission to bring trauma-responsive tools and skills to communities worldwide. Drawing on her experiences as an educator and insights from her time in mental health facilities, Erin established Un/Do Mindset to address the pervasive mental health crisis and make these vital resources access...
Jan 14, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this insightful interview, we sit down with Rosa Guixens, Executive Director of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and Troy Anderson, Executive Director of Officer Safety and Wellness, to discuss the critical findings from the 2024 Fatalities Report and the innovative programs making a difference for law enforcement officers nationwide. Rosa provides a heartfelt look into the challenges and dedication involved in honoring the 147 officers who tragically lost their lives in the li...
Jan 14, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Antwanette Weaver is the Executive Director and co-founder of A Bold Story Never Ends, an organization inspired by the loss of her son, Cameron, to suicide in 2020. As a licensed therapist and a grieving mother, Weaver channels her pain into purpose by advocating for mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and providing support to families facing similar struggles. The organization, founded with her daughter and sister, began with a scholarship initiative for high school students overcoming ch...
Jan 10, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Mike Kogan, a psychologist with over a decade of dedication to mental health, describes his journey into the field as a discovery of his true calling. Initially engaged in various careers, from sales to IT, he always found himself gravitating toward people, listening to their challenges, and offering support. More than ten years ago, he decided to formally pursue psychology, earning multiple degrees and dedicating himself entirely to the profession. Kogan emphasizes that his work not only enable...
Jan 10, 2025•18 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Andrew Ackerland, BS is the Protocol office supervisor at the GMU Center for Community Mental Health.
Jan 08, 2025•11 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Craig Mason, Co-Founder and CEO of Raise Health, shares his inspiring journey and the mission behind his groundbreaking organization. Combining personal lived experiences with a deep background in technology, Craig discusses how Raise Health focuses on early detection of mental health needs and automates connections to the right resources in real time. He highlights the importance of addressing mental health challenges early, emphasizing how timely support can transform lives and set individuals...
Jan 07, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Bruce Simpson, a 74-year-old attorney from Lexington, Kentucky, shares a powerful and deeply personal journey through decades of untreated mental health struggles and his eventual path to healing. Having long denied his mental health needs out of fear of stigma and perceived weakness, Bruce masked his pain, even as it intensified through his legal career. The cultural and personal biases he internalized kept him silent, leading to a life fraught with hidden struggles, including a meticulously pl...
Jan 06, 2025•59 min
Dr. Brianna Hernandez is a Post Doctoral Fellow at the GMU Center for Community Mental Health
Jan 03, 2025•8 min
