The One You Feed

Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer of NAMI and author of "You Are Not Alone," shares his expert insights on mental health, drawing from personal experiences with loved ones. He emphasizes the crucial role of community support and the power of self-determination in recovery. Discussions delve into navigating the complexities of the mental healthcare system, the importance of family history, and fostering open conversations about mental illness. Ken advocates for using personal stories to build connection and resilience in mental health journeys.

In this heartfelt discussion, Ginny Gay, a mindfulness teacher, and Brandi Lust, a well-being strategist, share their profound experiences with grief. They stress that grieving is a non-linear and personal journey, debunking common myths about its stages. The duo emphasizes the powerful connection between love and loss, exploring how grief can reveal the beauty of life's impermanence. Active listening and empathy are highlighted as essential tools for supporting those who mourn, fostering a sense of community in a shared experience of loss.

Dr. Thomas Insel, a prominent neuroscientist and former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, shares a transformative moment that shifted his perspective on mental health care. He discusses the importance of personalized treatment and the powerful benefits of community and peer support in recovery. Insel critiques existing mental health frameworks, advocating for a more integrated, outcomes-focused approach. He emphasizes early intervention and the need to incorporate mental health into broader health care initiatives for comprehensive well-being.

Ginny Gay, a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, and Brandi Lust, a passionate speaker on organizational well-being, delve into the transformative power of normalizing our struggles. They challenge the misconception that vulnerability is a weakness, emphasizing how sharing difficult experiences can dissolve shame and build connections. Listeners are encouraged to engage in open conversations about grief and personal journeys while cultivating spaces of authenticity. Their insights highlight the strength found in community support and the importance of embracing our shared humanity.

Quan Barry, an accomplished author and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about intentionality in life and art. She emphasizes the need to consciously nourish our thoughts and actions for personal growth. The discussion covers the importance of creativity and gratitude, the distinction between intention and ambition, and the value of embracing uncertainty and mistakes. Barry also shares insights on finding balance between aspirations and contentment, encouraging listeners to trust their voices while remaining open to feedback.

Dr. Chris Palmer, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and a mental health advocate, shares his profound insights on harnessing brain energy for better mental health. He discusses how childhood experiences influence long-term brain health and the surprising links between metabolism and mental illness. Listeners learn how mitochondrial function plays a crucial role in mental wellness, as well as lifestyle changes that can optimize mental health outcomes. With a personal touch, Dr. Palmer emphasizes community support and alternative approaches in mental health treatment.

Ralph De La Rosa, an internationally published author and trauma-focused psychotherapist, explores the profound connection between nature and mindfulness. He reveals how engaging with the natural world can enhance mental and emotional health, fostering resilience. The discussion touches on Internal Family Systems therapy and the vital need for compassion towards our internal parts. Ralph emphasizes the importance of slowing down, expanding our emotional resilience, and the simple yet transformative power of nature in aiding personal healing.

Nikki Eisenhauer, a licensed professional counselor and passionate mentor, shares insights on embracing challenges for personal growth. She highlights the power of mindfulness in reducing mental clutter and the importance of replacing negative habits with calm, productive ones. Listeners learn to navigate their inner voices to make wiser choices and embrace their high sensitivity. Nikki discusses how to balance action with reflection and conquer inner critics through awareness, encouraging a commitment to ongoing personal transformation.

Laura Cathcart Robbins, an inspiring writer and advocate, shares her powerful journey toward sobriety and the need for inclusivity in addiction recovery for people of color. She discusses the critical differences between intuition and instinct in recovery and how her passion for writing helped her connect with her authentic self. Laura highlights the importance of representation in addiction narratives and the positive impact of specialty recovery meetings. Her insights into navigating race, privilege, and addiction offer a heartfelt call for greater visibility and understanding in recovery.

Join poets James Crews, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, and Ross Gay as they pay homage to Mary Oliver's profound influence. Crews recites a personal favorite, dissecting its deep meaning. Trommer highlights 'The Buddha's Last Instruction', revealing themes of humility and intrinsic worth. Gay explores 'The Real Prayers Are Not the Words', emphasizing the essence of attention in life's intricate dance. Prepare to be inspired by their beautiful insights into the impact of Oliver's work during this celebration of National Poetry Month.