Mario Espitia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in palliative care, and a doctorate student at USC. Mario is also an expert in having difficult conversations. From coming out to his parents...to leaving his religious community...to helping patients and families discuss serious illnesses...he’s been especially courageous. He also talks with THOTM about his career switch from teaching to social work, and his exciting new journey as a doctorate student....
Nov 24, 2019•3 hr 32 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast Haile Wright and Micheala Whaley are clinical social workers providing intensive outpatient treatment in San Diego. They joined THOTM for a discussion about mental health stigma and misconceptions, helping the underserved within a broken system, and the need for an integrative approach to mental health treatment. Haile and Micheala also share their experiences as Black women in the mental health profession.
Nov 11, 2019•2 hr 12 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Ernesto “Tito” Camacho and Analee “Lee” Phang are both marriage and family therapists...they’re also husband and wife. Tito and Lee join THOTM and share their experience as a therapist couple, parenting, and the great balancing act of family, career and self care. Plus, their adorable daughter makes a special guest appearance. Enjoy!
Oct 26, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast For episode #28, THOTM welcomed Camila Ceren. She is studying public policy and psychology at UCSD. We discuss the connection between public policy and mental health, the importance of culturally informed research, and engaging marginalized communities. Camila also shared her experience doing community education and advocacy related to lactation and breastfeeding/chest-feeding.
Oct 14, 2019•1 hr 21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Agustin Orozco is Associate Dean of Student Services and Special Programs at Cuyamaca College in San Diego County. He has an extensive history as a counselor, educator, and mentor. Agustin joined THOTM to talk about his work helping students from marginalized backgrounds succeed in higher education. However, Agustin’s story is much deeper than his work. He shared his plight as a gay Mexican-American male, coping with grief, and fatherhood.
Sep 29, 2019•2 hr 38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Rachael Parsons Svendsen is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Clarita, CA. She specializes in trauma informed care and has specific training in foster care and adoption related issues. We talked about the benefits of attachment therapy, her work with foster youth and families navigating the adoption process. Rachael also shared her inspiration for becoming a therapist and self-care practices that keep her grounded. For information about Rachael’s therapy practice visit: https://rcp...
Sep 14, 2019•1 hr 25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Marquise Anderson is an artist, historian and high school teacher for LAUSD. He talked an early teaching job led to his passion for art, the healing power of art, and using his creativity to engage youth in the classroom. Marquise also shares his family history and experiences that inspire his work, and his new project APSAW.
Sep 02, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast Returning guest, Curtis Howard, is a writer, public speaker, and educator on gang and prison culture. He’s the author of Cellmates and Cellouts and several articles in the San Diego Reader . In this conversation, he describes experiences that changed his perspective on gangs, prison activism, and becoming a writer. We also discuss PTSD, and overcoming the lasting effects of gang violence and the industrial prison complex....
Aug 19, 2019•2 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tanya Gentry, is the president/CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Association San Diego chapter. She describes her experience living with Sickle Cell Disease, the physical, social, and emotional impact of living in pain, and shares her personal healing and wellness practices. She also sheds light on racial and socio-economic barriers to treatment and research, and helping people with sickle cell through education, community building, advocacy, and love. Thank you Tanya (and mom) for being a guest on...
Aug 05, 2019•1 hr 25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sometimes our best conversations happen before we press “record”. This time, we just pressed the button and let an organic conversation become the episode. We had a great conversation about doing deep personal work, martial arts, emotionally disconnected men, and becoming our best selves. We hope you all join in and keep the conversation going. If you enjoy our episodes, like it, share it and subscribe on our webpage....
Jul 21, 2019•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is the first of several that will highlight martial arts as a wellness practice and way of life. Our guest, Rafael Davis is a black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, who was led to martial arts after a devastating motorcycle accident that left him disabled. He talked with us about the accident, his physical and emotional healing, and his journey to becoming a 3-time BJJ world champion. In addition, we also discuss the path to self-mastery and the importance of financial wellness....
Jul 07, 2019•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we sit down to celebrate Father's Day with Oswaldo Ramirez and Ashton Fulcher. Oswaldo Ramirez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and college professor. Ashton Fulcher is a youth counselor in San Diego. They join THOTM to reflect on fatherhood, and share their parenting experiences and lessons.
Jun 24, 2019•2 hr 58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Katherine Vilchez is a counselor and instructor at several community colleges in San Diego, working specifically with programs that support underrepresented student populations. Darielle Blevins is also a college counselor and instructor, who is earning a Ph.D in early child development. Our conversation focused on the unique experiences of first generation college students, mental/emotional needs of Black and Latino students, systemic oppression, and the specific challenges facing Black girls i...
Jun 11, 2019•2 hr 42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tracy Gilmour-Nimoy is a licensed marriage and family therapist in San Diego, who specializes in working with children. Her path to becoming a therapist started in childhood, as she recognized her passion for helping others. Tracy talked with us about her approach to therapy, the challenges and benefits of starting a private practice, and how she balances career, relationships and self-care. We found out that Tracy is also a writer and artist, currently working on a book series for children. Enj...
May 28, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Elyde Arroyo is a Postpartum & Abortion Doula and Mesoamerican medicine practitioner. She is the owner of XoXo Baby natural baby products, and part of the Sacred Healing Collective , a San Diego based group that provides alternative and holistic health services. Elyde talked with us about her personal journey and motivation behind her practice, ancient wisdom, service to others, and the balance of being a single mother and business owner. We hope that everyone had a happy Mother’s Day! For more ...
May 13, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dr. Mychal Odom is a historian and Black Studies professor at University of San Diego, Mesa and Miramar community colleges in San Diego. He is also a member of Pillars of the Community and other organizations working to empower the people of Southeast San Diego. Dr. Odom talked with THOTM about his dynamic approach to teaching, commitment to community activism, family and wellness. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartmatterpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram....
Apr 28, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast We started this episode a little different than usual, by talking current events. We discussed the tragic death of rapper Nipsey Hussle and his positive influence on a whole culture, as well as MDMA research as an approach to PTSD treatment. We also answer a couple of questions from our listeners about overcoming personal challenges. Articles: MDMA and PTSD https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20181030/ecstasy-study-results-promising-for-ptsd MDMA and Neuroplasticity https://hub.jhu.edu/2019...
Apr 15, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Two and a half years ago we stepped into something new...a podcast and a political circus. This episode was recorded in November 2016, just 3 weeks after the Trump election. It was our very first recording - an episode we were initially unsure whether we would use but, after reflecting, it seemed timely and important given our current political climate. Dr. Maria Nieto-Senour, Professor Paul Khalid Alexander, and school psychologist Vi Nguyen, shared their reactions to the election, talked local...
Mar 31, 2019•2 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast How to Find a Therapist with Michael and Jermaine Join us for an episode in which Jermaine and Michael discuss the process of looking for a therapist. -What does it mean to find a good therapist? -How to find a good therapist? -What are the differences between the different types of therapist designations? -What are some cost effective options for therapy? -What to do if you are having a hard time finding a therapist or can't afford one? -What is the difference between therapy and coaching? Reso...
Mar 18, 2019•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Q&A with Michael and Jermaine Join us for an episode in which Jermaine and Michael answer questions related to their experiences in the mental health profession: -How did you become a counselor and why? -What is it like being a male counselor in a profession mostly comprised of women? -How have your views on mental health changed in your life? -What do you believe is true about mental health, even though you can’t prove it? -Is there a mental health quote that you live by or think of often? -Wha...
Mar 04, 2019•1 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kasimu Harley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For over 30 years, he has worked as a mental health clinician and advocate for under-represented students in San Diego Unified School District. We discussed the mental health, environmental, and systemic barriers to education. Kasimu also shares his personal journey overcoming community violence, racism, and the importance of overall wellness. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartmatterpodcast/ Instagram: ht...
Feb 18, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Marriage and Family Therapists Ojore Bushfan and Oswaldo Ramirez joined The Heart of the Matter to talk about men, mental health, and masculinity. We discussed the challenges associated with “toxic masculinity” and early messages we received about manhood that influenced our development. This is a necessary conversation that we plan to revisit in the future. Please let us know your thoughts and feelings. Take care. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartmatterpodcast/...
Feb 04, 2019•2 hr 21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we spoke with immigration lawyer, Maricela Amezola. Maricela educated us on immigration laws and policies, how they impact people from particular countries, the barriers faced by immigrants trying to obtain citizenship, refugees, the migrant caravan, and also shared some of her personal experiences. We discuss many facets of the immigration system which can be complex. With all the recent headlines about immigration, we hope this is a conversation that can help you cut through so...
Jan 22, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Curtis Howard on gang culture, prison politics, and personal redemption. Curtis Howard is a writer, educator, and public speaker. He joined us to discuss his experiences as a high ranking gang member, surviving the California prison system, and his riveting book Cellmates & Cellouts . Curtis describes how his writing changed his life, and gives us a glimpse of what to expect from his follow up book, CAPS (Crips And Politics) . For more info on Curtis and his book Cellmates & Cellouts , visit: ht...
Dec 24, 2018•2 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we welcomed the always engaging Chrissy Hunter to THOTM. Chrissy is a mental health clinician and Reiki practitioner, who specializes in treatment of trauma. She talked about her experience working with the CSEC population (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children), facts, myths and misconceptions about prostitution , approaches to treating trauma, and self-care strategies . Chrissy is a personal friend we both enjoy connecting with, so we hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as...
Dec 09, 2018•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vikki Bouck is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Nutritionist. She has a private practice in San Diego, Integrative Counseling for Mind-Body Wellness , which integrates mental health counseling with nutrition. Vikki was very informative and explained things such as: * Her philosophy of wellness and holistic approach to healing. * How dietary issues contribute to depression, anxiety and overall functioning. * The failures of western medicine, and exploitation by the food industry * H...
Sep 28, 2018•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Shirla de Magalhaes is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, who specializes in play therapy, at her private practice in La Mesa, California. We covered the basics about: - what play therapy is and how it works - “directive vs non-directive” play therapy - deciding when to use talk therapy vs play therapy with children - subtle techniques that tend to be effective when children are playing. Shirla is enthusiastic, warm, and highly knowledgeable about working with children. Enjoy the show! Conn...
Sep 05, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a conversation about overcoming barriers working with foster youth joined by mentors from Journeymen of San Diego. James Bond is an education counselor, who specializes in supporting military personnel pursuing higher education. Nathan Aish is a mental health clinician, and co-founder of the Journeymen mentoring program for transitional age foster youth. Both joined us to discuss their work with young men in the foster care system , the importance of mentorship , and the emotional he...
Aug 12, 2018•2 hr 35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Working with your sexuality with Sex Therapist Dr. Juan Camarena, Ph.D. Juan is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, and Professor of Counseling at San Diego State University. Juan shares his expertise and insight about sexuality, intimacy, and how sex therapy can be healing. We explored how shame, identity, and power affect sexuality, and Juan explained some of most common sexual problems that people seek help for. You’ll appreciate this informative and engaging disc...
Aug 12, 2018•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast “The Somali community is very interesting because they’re a Muslim community, they’re also a black community, and also an immigrant community…so you engage with 3 phases of law enforcement...The more frequent you interact with law enforcement the higher the rate of something bad occurring” Abdulmalik Buul is professor and counselor at Southwestern college in San Diego. He is also a community organizer and activist. Abdulmalik joined us to discuss the trump administrations as it relates to white ...
Aug 12, 2018•2 hr 56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
