Dr. Ken Duckworth is not only an expert in the mental health field but he has experienced firsthand the challenges of having a loved one suffering from mental illness. This experience inspired his work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), advocating for awareness, research, and better access to mental health care. Ken continues to work to fight the shame and isolation surrounding mental health conditions and to promote openness and compassion in the journey toward wellness.  In this Episode, Eric and Ken Discuss Real Wisdom for Navigating Mental Health and... Understanding the significance of community support in overcoming mental health hurdles How to recognize the power of self-determination in mental health recovery journeys The importance of understanding the impact of family history on understanding mental illness Navigating the complexities of the mental healthcare system and tapping into available resources Foster open mental health conversations by hearing personal stories and experiences Grasping the value of a strong support network for mental well-being Learning to unleash your potential for self-directed growth in mental health recovery Demystify the mental healthcare landscape to find valuable resources Encouraging inclusive mental health discussions through shared personal narratives To learn more, click hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special two-part episode of Something to Normalize, Ginny and Brandi each share their stories of losing someone central to their lives and the grief that followed. Grief can be a complex, unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating experience. And there are so many misconceptions about what it “should” be like. What’s worse than grieving the loss of someone you love and then feeling isolated or wondering if the way you’re grieving is somehow wrong? In this episode, Ginny and Brandi explain how there’s no wrong way to grieve. We can accept our experience, and find a bridge of connection so that we’re not alone in navigating this universal, human experience.  In This Episode, Ginny & Brandi Discuss: What it means to say that grieving is a non-linear process What grief can look like when the relationship was complicated  How to offer compassionate support to grieving loved ones through active listening and empathy The wide range of emotions that are possible during the grieving process Myths and misconceptions about grief, including the “stages of grief”  The intrinsic bond between grief, love, and impermanence To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Thomas Insel, a highly respected mental health expert, found inspiration in an honest comment from a frustrated family member. He was speaking to a group of mental health advocates about the advances in research and treatment when a man stood up to tell him that their family’s house was on fire, and Insel was only discussing the chemistry of the paint. This striking remark compelled Insel to reevaluate his priorities and look for ways to make a real impact on mental health care. He went on to work at Google, where he believed technology could help scale the proven therapies and treatments he had been researching. In this episode, Eric and Dr. Insel discuss why we need a different approach to mental health and… How to recognize the essential role personalized mental health care plays in improving well-being. How to determine the powerful influence of peer support and professional interventions in mental health recovery. Understanding the benefits of adopting an outcomes-focused mental health policy. Unraveling the challenges of addiction and the need for effective understanding and treatment approaches. The urgent need to assess the opportunities of incorporating mental health treatment into other health care programs for holistic care. To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt like this? That showing vulnerability is weakness, that asking for help is a sign of incompetence, or that everyone else has the very thing you’re struggling with all figured out? These misconceptions can lead us to isolate ourselves and feel shame about our own struggles. Ginny and Brandi are here to share the power of normalizing our human experiences and how it can dissolve shame and create meaningful connections between us. This is the first episode of a special 5-episode series we’re releasing called “Something To Normalize”.   Embracing the universality of human experiences that lead to deeper connections  Defining what it means to “normalize” something and how powerful it can be Recognizing and learning to tackle the risks associated with normalizing detrimental behavior and attitudes Harnessing the strength in vulnerability and cultivating spaces for open honesty Talking about difficult experiences as an antidote to shame Opening up about personal journeys while safeguarding your growth with healthy boundaries To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric and Quan Barry discuss the power of intentionality in life and art and some of the important themes that show up in her writing. Quan shares her insights on the importance of consciously feeding our thoughts and actions in positive ways. The conversation delves into the importance of creativity, the role of gratitude in personal growth, and the challenges of staying open to new experiences, as well as... How attention is a form of deep listening  The importance of living a deliberate life  How we can be satisfied and content AND still desire more The distinction between intention and ambition The importance of setting and keeping intentions for the path you are on Differentiating between setting intentions and setting goals Learning to trust your own voice and remaining open to other’s feedback Finding the nuance in labeling and defining oneself How a common fear is uncertainty and losing control The value in not being afraid to make mistakes To learn more, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Chris Palmer is a psychiatrist with a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise in the field of mental health. Having faced mental health challenges himself, Dr. Palmer has a unique understanding and empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. His determination to make a difference in the lives of others is fueled by witnessing his own mother’s battle with mental health and the impact it had on their family. Grounded in both personal and professional experience, Dr. Palmer’s insights into mental health have the potential to provide valuable guidance for those seeking solutions to their own challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn how to harness your brain energy for mental health and… The distinct categories of mental illness: normal depression and anxiety, extreme forms of threat, trauma or stress, and brain disorders How to uncover the connection between adverse childhood experiences and long-term brain disorders that may provide insights for prevention and treatment How understanding the link between metabolism and mental illness can redefine mental health treatment How external factors affecting mitochondrial play a role in overall brain function and wellness How to optimize your mental health with your approach to diet, exercise, and medication Follow us @one_you_feed to add some nourishing content to your daily scrolling! You’ll find encouraging posts that support you in feeding your good wolf, as well as some fun behind-the-scenes videos of the show and Eric and Ginny’s day-to-day life. We hope to see you there! To Learn More, Click HereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ralph De La Rosa explains how there is an important connection between nature and mindfulness. He encourages listeners to engage with nature in mindful presence and open their hearts to the natural healing force of the environment. In this episode, you’ll learn how connecting with nature can be a simple yet impactful way to improve mental and emotional health, and also… How connecting to nature fosters healing and resilience Why spending time in nature more readily draws our attention to mindfulness Understanding the framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Why engaging with our internal parts can bring healing and transformation How the earth has a natural compassionate presence that is necessary for healing The benefits of slowing down and being open to mindful presence while in nature Learning to hold and bring compassionate presence to our difficult experiences Understanding the window of tolerance and how it can grow and expand To Learn More, Click Here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nikki Eisenhauer suggests that practicing mindfulness, being present in the moment, and consciously minimizing distractions such as excessive scrolling can help reduce inner chatter. She mentions the need for repetition and consistency in making these lifestyle changes, as well as replacing old, unhelpful habits with new ones that encourage a serene, focused state of mind. You'll Also Discover: How to take control of your personal journey by embracing responsibility and fostering growth Mastering the power of stillness and its impact on your well-being Learning to acknowledge and utilize the gift of high sensitivity to enrich your life experience. How to distinguish between your inner voices to make choices that resonate with your wisest self Learning to work with the obstacles on your way to wellness and finally overcome them To learn more, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Laura Cathcart Robbins, an inspiring writer and speaker who advocates for representation and inclusivity in addiction recovery for people of color. Laura has transformed her personal journey into a message of hope and resilience that has touched the lives of countless individuals. Her powerful storytelling, vulnerability, and candid approach to her writing have made her a sought-after personal essayist and author of a captivating memoir. Laura's passion for promoting empathy and understanding within the recovery community is evident in her dedication to fostering inclusivity, making her a remarkable guest and champion for change. In this episode, we discuss: Learning to distinguish between intuition and instinct How she was able to claim her recover for herself as opposed to for others Finding the creative outlet of writing and reading to help her connect with her authentic self How she found herself at the intersection of race, privilege, and addiction Understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation in overcoming addiction For more info, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April is National Poetry Month and we put together this special episode to pay tribute to the late poet, Mary Oliver.  Special guests James Crews, Danusha Lameris, Ross Gay, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, and Ginny Gay will read one of their favorite Mary Oliver poems and share why the poem is meaningful to them.  Whether you are a fan of Mary Oliver's work or are just learning about her for the first time, we hope you'll be inspired by some of the beautiful poetry in this episode!   For more on this episode, click here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.