Behavioral Health Today

The legacy of these 300+ episodes isn’t just insight, it’s connection, courage, and a trail of conversations that mattered. In this special episode, Producer Peter Fenger turns the spotlight toward our very own host of Behavioral Health Today, Dr. Graham Taylor. Over the past five years, Graham has guided listeners through more than 300 episodes, creating space for honesty, healing, and human connection. His voice has become a trusted presence on the show, and his work in the field, whether as a clinician in Honolulu, founder of a nonprofit connecting clients to pro-bono therapy, or developer of test prep programs for aspiring professionals—has touched lives in countless ways. While Graham will be stepping back from his regular role on the podcast, this isn’t goodbye. The door remains open, and we know this won’t be the last time we collaborate. Today, we pause to reflect on the journey so far: the conversations that moved us, the lessons we’ll carry, and the heart behind the work. Join us as we celebrate the impact of this podcast, and the person who's helped shape its soul.   For more information about Behavioral Health Today Podcast and our episode archive, please visit: http://www.triadhq.com/bht Follow Behavioral Health Today on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralhealthtoday/ Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@behavioralhealthtoday Follow us on Threads at: https://www.threads.net/@behavioralhealthtoday Or watch us live on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOeCMGsF7B2gNBHuWxt-fQ

College was once promised as a path to security, but for millions, it became the gateway to lifelong debt. In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Sharlee Dixon and Peter Fenger unpack the heavy toll of student loan debt, an issue that now affects nearly 1 in 5 American adults and fuels ongoing political debate. For decades, higher education has been hailed as the great equalizer, a launchpad for upward mobility and financial stability. But for 45 million Americans, that dream comes with a staggering price tag. With U.S. student loan debt now topping $1.7 trillion, the impact stretches far beyond individual bank accounts, delaying homeownership, family planning, and career fulfillment while widening racial, gender, and generational wealth gaps. Sharlee and Peter explore how debt has reshaped not just personal futures but the structure of society itself. They also examine the intersections of the pandemic, shifting government policy, and the consequences of limited financial literacy. This episode asks a deeper question: What is student loan debt really costing us, not just in dollars, but in opportunity, equity, and well-being?   Follow Behavioral Health Today on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralhealthtoday/ Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@behavioralhealthtoday Follow us on Threads at: https://www.threads.net/@behavioralhealthtoday Or watch us live on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOeCMGsF7B2gNBHuWxt-fQ

The right career isn’t just about what you can do—it’s about what truly fits. It’s about alignment, energy, and authenticity. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon welcomes career coach and entrepreneur Shell Mendelson, whose mission is to help neurodivergent individuals—especially those with ADHD—find work that sparks joy, plays to their strengths, and supports their unique needs. With over 30 years of experience and a background in counseling, Shell has guided hundreds of clients toward careers that don’t just make sense on paper, but feel right in practice. Having navigated her own career transformation and built a successful international business, Shell brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work. Her approach goes beyond personality tests and resumes—it’s a deep, reflective process that helps people reconnect with their interests, values, and purpose. Join us as we explore Shell’s powerful method for building career clarity, overcoming challenges, and reclaiming confidence—so neurodivergent professionals can thrive not just at work, but in life.   For more information about Your Next Move Masterclass, please visit: https://passiontocareer.com/your-next-move-master-class/ For more information about the fillable Ebook “Unlock Your Career Path: A Course for ADHD Adults and Teens” by Shell Mendelson, please visit: https://a93f86-3.myshopify.com/products/fillable-pdf For more information about Shell Mendelson and her ADHD Career Coaching, please visit: https://passiontocareer.com If you are interested in becoming an affiliate and help others find their career path, please visit: https://passiontocareer.com/affiliate-program/ Connect with Shell on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/shell_mendelson/ Connect with Shell on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-coaching-with-shell Connect with Shell on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CareerCoachingwithShell/

This episode goes beyond fitness, it’s about cultivating flexibility, enhancing communication, and showing up fully in life when the world hasn’t always made room for you to succeed. Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness and a trailblazer in adaptive fitness programming for individuals on the autism spectrum. With more than 20 years of experience supporting neurodiverse athletes, Eric created the PAC Profile—a distinctive framework that integrates physical, adaptive, and cognitive assessments to design truly meaningful fitness programs. Eric’s work uniquely bridges exercise science and behavioral strategies, providing parents, educators, and professionals with practical tools to help individuals with autism develop strength, confidence, and greater independence. Through his comprehensive training and certification programs, Eric has empowered hundreds of professionals worldwide to make fitness accessible, effective, and impactful for this community. Join us as we explore the origins of Autism Fitness, Eric’s innovative approach to merging physical fitness with behavioral learning, and the profound role adaptive fitness plays in enhancing independence and quality of life.   For more information about Autism Fitness and Eric Chessen, please visit: https://www.autismfitness.com For more information about Autism Fitness Pro Certification, please visit: https://www.autismfitness.com/Level1 For more information about Inclusive Fitness, please visit: https://inclusivefitness.com Connect with Autism Fitness on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/theautismfitness/ Connect with Autism Fitness on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/TheAutismFitness

Federal funding cuts aren’t just trimming budgets, they’re dismantling the lifelines millions depend on. In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Peter Fenger and Sharlee Dixon unpack the sweeping rollback of public health funding led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration. With a proposed $12 billion in cuts, including $11 billion from the CDC and $1 billion from SAMHSA, critical programs like mental health services, addiction treatment, HIV prevention, and virtual therapy are on the chopping block. These reductions target resources established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), threatening to destabilize care in underserved communities, rural areas, and among vulnerable populations like veterans. We examine what these cuts mean for the future of behavioral health in the U.S., how communities are responding, and why the loss of this funding could reverse decades of hard-won progress.   Follow Behavioral Health Today on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/behavioralhealthtoday/ Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@behavioralhealthtoday Follow us on Threads at: https://www.threads.net/@behavioralhealthtoday Or watch us live on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOeCMGsF7B2gNBHuWxt-fQ

Art is the doorway, mentorship is the key, and together, they unlock resilience. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon is joined by Matt Sandoval, CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, an organization transforming trauma into resilience through the healing power of art and mentoring relationships. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community engagement, Matt is a passionate advocate for mental health and trauma-informed care. Under his guidance, Free Arts supports children, teens, and families impacted by abuse, neglect, and homelessness through innovative, equity-centered programming rooted in creativity, choice, and connection. Matt is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, bringing his insight on mental health and resilient living to communities across the country. In this conversation, we explore the origin and evolution of Free Arts, the role of trauma-informed practices, and how art can open the door to agency, identity, and healing, especially for youth navigating complex emotional landscapes.   For more information about Free Arts AZ, please visit: https://freeartsaz.org For more information about the Resilient Hearts Symposium, please visit: https://freeartsaz.org/symposium-2025/ For more information about Canvas of the Heart podcast series brought to you by Free Arts, please visit: https://freeartsaz.org/podcast/ If you would like to support Free Arts with a donation, please visit: https://freeartsaz.org/?form=Donate If you would like to get involved with Free Arts, please visit: https://freeartsaz.org/volunteer/ Connect with Free Arts on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/freeartsaz/ Connect with Free Arts on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-arts-of-arizona/ Connect with Free Arts on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/freeartsaz

We don’t just eat to nourish our bodies—we eat to soothe, to cope, to connect. True healing begins when we ask: what is the hunger really for? In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Jillian Acosta, a registered dietitian who specializes in functional medicine, the psychology of eating, and trauma-informed care. Jillian is the founder of The Root Cause Method, where she blends nutritional therapy with psychedelic integration to help clients heal their relationship with food, emotions, and self—while uncovering the trauma often hidden beneath chronic health struggles. Drawing from her own lived experience with childhood food issues and disordered eating, Jillian shares how her personal healing journey shaped the innovative programs she leads today, including Wildflower and The Garden. Together, we explore how food can become a bridge to deeper emotional truths—and how curiosity, compassion, and connection are the real medicine.   For more information about Jillian Acosta and The Root Cause Method, please visit: https://therootcausemethod.com/ To register for a Discovery Call with Jillian, please visit: https://therootcausemethod.practicebetter.io/#/5f68b2d12a9c240e88b0eb89/forms?f=665494eef15664817c5d1b65 Connect on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jillianacosta_rd/ Connect on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-acosta-rd-ldn-8b8a1490/ Connect on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/The-Root-Cause-Method-111503260764074  

Every educator is a first responder to student behavior, let’s make sure they’re equipped to respond with confidence. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Brandy Samuell, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience spanning the classroom, district leadership, and crisis response. From teacher to assistant superintendent, Brandy has dedicated her career to supporting the emotional and behavioral needs of students. Now serving as Director of Mental Health and Related Services at eLuma, Brandy helps schools implement proactive mental health strategies and crisis intervention systems. With a background in Business Administration and School Counseling, as well as advanced work in Educational Diagnostics and Leadership, she brings both breadth and depth to the conversation. She is also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management. Together, Graham and Brandy discuss the evolving role of mental health in education, the essential need for staff wellness, and how we can build school cultures that support both students and the adults who serve them.   For more information about eLuma, please visit: https://eluma.com For more information about free webinars for educators and clinicians, please visit: https://eluma.com/resources/webinars/ Read the eLuma’s Blog at: https://eluma.com/blog/ Connect with eLuma on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elumatherapy/ Connect with eLuma on Instagram on: https://www.instagram.com/elumatherapy/

The quality of your life is shaped by the quality of your questions. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. Topaz is the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, a studio known for its powerful explorations of human connection. A Sundance and Skoll Foundation fellow, his work has appeared at Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, and in publications like The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. We’re thrilled to welcome Topaz back to the show to explore how curiosity and intentional questions can deepen connection, dismantle bias, invite vulnerability, and create safe spaces for honest dialogue.   For more information about 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations & Deep Relationships, please visit: https://shop.theskindeep.com/products/12-questions-for-love-a-guide-to-intimate-conversations-and-deeper-relationships For more information about The Skin Deep, please visit: https://shop.theskindeep.com Connect with The Skin Deep on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/theskindeep/videos Connect with The Skin Deep on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/ For more information about Topaz Adizes, please visit: https://www.topazadizes.com  

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. Anger isn't the enemy—it's a warning light, signaling that something deeper needs attention. When we validate and express it constructively, we unlock empathy, self-awareness, and stronger relationships. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, LMFT—a licensed psychotherapist, public speaker, author, and host of “Angry at the Right Things”. Bronwyn is known for her evocative approach to therapy, helping clients externalize and process deeply buried emotions like anger and rage. She believes these intense feelings, when acknowledged and expressed, are key to overcoming mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. By fostering a healthy relationship with anger, Bronwyn empowers individuals to set boundaries, build self-trust, and break free from dysfunctional patterns. Her work is rooted in the belief that sharing trauma with a compassionate listener transforms isolation into healing. We're thrilled to have her here to explore healthy anger management, the power of processing intense emotions, and practical strategies for creating a healthier relationship with anger.   Subscribe to “Angry At The Right Things” Podcast hosted by Bronwyn Schweigerdt at: https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com For more information about Bronwyn and her private practice, please visit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bronwyn-schweigerdt-lompoc-ca/1080547 Connect with Bronwyn on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwyn-schweigerdt-3124857 Connect with Bronwyn on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bronwyn.schweigerdt/