From personalized learning tutors to real-time health insights, AI is revolutionizing how we live, work, and connect—not as a dystopian threat, but as a co-pilot for human progress. In this episode, Sharlee Dixonis joined by Ravi Bapna, chair of Business Analytics and Information Systems at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and author of “Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI”. An award-winning scholar, Ravi’s groundbreaking research delves into the transformative impact of AI and machine learning on areas such as online dating, social media, and workforce development. As the founder of the Analytics for Good Institute, he has spent over two decades guiding leaders to leverage digital transformation for societal benefit. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping our daily lives, dispelling common myths, navigating ethical challenges like data privacy, and unlocking its potential to enhance wellness, relationships, and mental health. For more information about “Thrive: Maximizing Well-Begin in the Age of AI” by Ravi Bapna and Anindya Ghose, please visit: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262049313/thrive/ For more articles and research by Ravi, please visit: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=s420FPYAAAAJ&hl=en To connect with Ravi, please visit: https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/faculty/ravi-bapna For more information about the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and their programs, please visit: https://carlsonschool.umn.edu Connect with Ravi on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-bapna-1249241

Every overdose reversed is an opportunity to save a life—and it all begins with awareness, education, and community action. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Jorge Petit, the Strategy and Development Advisor at Zero Overdose, a national non-profit organization committed to preventing overdose deaths. With over 30 years of experience in community and public psychiatry, Dr. Petit has been a champion for vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by substance use disorders. His extensive career includes founding Quality Healthcare Solutions and serving in leadership roles at Coordinated Behavioral Care and Beacon Health Options. Today, he’ll share insights into overdose risk factors, harm reduction strategies, and how Zero Overdose is shaping the future of overdose prevention policies. We’re thrilled to have him on the show to highlight this critical work. For more information about Zero Overdose, please visit: https://zerooverdose.org For more information about upcoming specialist training and safety planning, please visit: https://zerooverdose.org/services/ If you would like to donate to help save lives, please visit: https://zerooverdose.org/give-now/ Connect with Zero Overdose on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/zerooverdose/ Connect with Zero Overdose on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-overdose/ Connect with Zero Overdose on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroOverdoseOrg Connect with Zero Overdose on X at: https://twitter.com/zerooverdoseorg

Redefining Masculinity: It's not about standing alone—it's about connecting deeply with ourselves and each other. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Duncan Rich and Owen Marcus from MELD, a men's wellness organization focused on emotional resilience and mental health. Owen, with over 40 years of experience working with men’s groups and somatic programs, develops transformative programs at MELD to help men build emotional intelligence and live fully. He’s also the author of Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Masculine Emotional Intelligence. Duncan, co-founder and Head of Operations at MELD, brings his expertise in creating meaningful experiences, from retreats to large-scale festivals. Together, Duncan and Owen lead a global movement empowering men to embrace vulnerability, overcome societal pressures, and build deeper connections through MELD’s somatic-based approach, group work, and community healing. For more information about MELD and their men’s mental health programs, please visit: https://meld.community For more information about the PRIME Retreat on Feb. 27th–Mar. 2nd, please visit: https://app.meld.community/meld-prime-retreat To schedule a free coaching session with a facilitator, please visit: https://meld.community/schedule-a-call/ Connect with MELD on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/meld.men Connect with MELD on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meldmenscommunity/ Connect with MELD on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MELD-men Connect with MELD on X at: https://twitter.com/meldmen Connect with MELD om Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/meldmen

Immediate feedback, personalized learning, and user-friendly tools—FirstWork is transforming the way children with special learning needs thrive. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Patrick Faga, the founder and CEO of FirstWork, a groundbreaking digital application designed to simplify Discrete Trial Training (DTT). With a strong foundation in Behavioral Neuroscience and Behavioral & Decision Sciences, Patrick created FirstWork to provide a structured, customizable digital experience that empowers parents, professionals, and children. Join us as Patrick shares his inspiring journey, the innovative ways FirstWork streamlines DTT, and how its reward-based, customizable features are making learning more effective and accessible for all.   For more information about FirstWork App, please visit: https://firstworkapp.com To download the FirstWork App on the Apple Store, please visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firstwork/id6468642504?mt=8&shortlink=FirstWork&pid=FirstWork&af_xp=custom&source_caller=ui To download the FirstWork App on the Google Play Store, please visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstwork.app&hl=en_US&pli=1 Connect with FirstWork App on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/firstworkapp/

True wellness thrives in the balance of stress, sleep, nutrition, and mindful practices that support the autonomic nervous system. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Dr. Theresa Rose Bajt, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, OCD, and grief. Specializing in the integration of psychology and spiritual growth, Dr. Bajt empowers clients to achieve harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Named a Top Woman in Medicine in 2023 and honored with the Impact Award for her transformative work, Dr. Bajt joins us today to explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—how it differs from typical depression, the importance of sunlight and Vitamin D for mental health, and practical strategies for managing SAD.   For more information about Dr. Theresa Rose Bajt, please visit: https://drbajt.com/ For more information about “Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life” by Bill O’Hanlon, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Do-One-Thing-Different-Simple-ebook/dp/B00CKOV8YQ For more information about “Nutrient Power: Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain” by William J. Walsh, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Nutrient-Power-Heal-Biochemistry-Brain/dp/1620872587 View helpful resources on the American Psychological Association (APA) at: https://www.apa.org View resources at the National Institute of Health (NIH) at: https://www.nih.gov View resources or Find a Therapist at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us View resources at the Mayo Clinic at: https://www.mayoclinic.org View resources at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at: https://www.nami.org

Your brain thrives on balance—sleep, nutrition, movement, and mindfulness. Small changes lead to a life well-lived. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Dr. Sui Wong, an award-winning neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist based in London. Dr. Wong specializes in integrating mindfulness and lifestyle medicine into brain health, blending over 20 years of clinical expertise with cutting-edge neuroscience research. She is passionate about turning science into actionable, person-centered solutions and dedicates her time to volunteering with organizations like the Visual Snow Initiative and IIH UK As the founder of the Brain Health Practice, Dr. Wong advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on balancing the autonomic nervous system and empowering patients to create lasting behavioral change. Today, she shares her journey into neurology and how mindfulness, lifestyle medicine, and practical strategies can transform both brain and body health. For more information about Dr. Sui Wong and to subscribe to her Thursday Tips, please visit: https://www.drsuiwongmd.com For more information about “Mindfulness for Brain Health: Neuroscience-Informed Mindfulness in Plain English, Empowering You with Self-Care and Mindfulness Meditation Practices for Clarity, Peace, and Joy” by Dr. Sui H. Wong, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Brain-Health-Neuroscience-Informed-Empowering/dp/1738558118 For more information about Sui’s other written books, please visit: https://www.drsuiwongmd.com/books Connect with Dr. Sui Wong on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drsuiwong.neurologist/ Connect with Dr. Sui Wong on Linkedin at: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-sui-wong-neurologist

Young people today are drowning in hopelessness—disconnected, disillusioned, and abandoning love, dreams, and life itself. It’s time to offer a lifeline, not excuses. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Henry Venter, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice and education. Dr. Venter’s research focuses on the growing mental health crisis among young adults, particularly the rise of loneliness and the critical role of meaning and purpose in achieving happiness and fulfillment. Drawing on a holistic therapeutic approach that combines client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and psychodynamic principles, Dr. Venter offers valuable insights into addressing these challenges. Join us as we discuss his findings on the alarming rise of loneliness and the so-called “Giving Up Generation,” and explore the pathways to hope and reconnection. You can connect with Dr. Venter on his YouTube channel, @Restart.   For more information about Dr. Henry Venter at National University and his various publications, please visit: https://www.nu.edu/degrees/social-sciences/faculty/dr-henry-venter/ For more information about Restart YouTube Channel, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@restartafterfailure To contact Dr. Henry Venter, please email at: henryjventer@gmail.com Connect with Dr. Venter on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhenryventer

Listening isn’t just hearing words—it’s about fostering empathy, connection, and understanding to build stronger relationships. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Christine Miles, a leading expert in transformative listening. Christine, author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?: The Power of Understanding to Connect, Influence, Solve & Sell, has dedicated over 25 years to helping individuals, families, and organizations enhance human connection. With a BS in Psychology from Millersville University and a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, Christine is also the Founder and CEO of Equipt, a company that empowers businesses to develop empathy-driven cultures and apply human skills for impactful results. Today, Christine shares why teaching kids to listen is essential, offers practical strategies to cultivate this skill, and provides tools to overcome common challenges and distractions.   For more information about The Listening Path, please visit: https://thelisteningpath.com For more information about “What Is It Costing You To Listen” by Christine Miles, please visit: https://thelisteningpath.com/listening-book/ Connect with The Listening Path on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thelisteningpathsystem Connect with The Listening Path on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGzP5PyPkrqG7BayFs0kU_g Connect with The Listening Path on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/company/equipt-the-listening-path/

Helping kids thrive with emotional skills for life—Casey’s Clubhouse empowers children through storytelling, creativity, and empathy. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Laura Doerflinger Schneider, LMHC, a seasoned mental health therapist with over 31 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. As the founder of Casey’s Clubhouse, Laura created an engaging animated series for kids ages 6-12, equipping them with essential social-emotional skills like self-regulation, empathy, and problem-solving. Combining her expertise in counseling with innovative tools, Laura’s work inspires growth, resilience, and connection in both therapy and education. Join us as we explore the heart and vision behind Casey’s Clubhouse and its transformative impact on children’s emotional learning.   For more information about Casey’s Clubhouse, please visit: https://www.caseys-clubhouse.com For more information about Casey’s Clubhouse curriculum, please visit: https://www.caseys-clubhouse.com/curriculum Free curriculum resources for kids and parents can be found at: https://www.caseys-clubhouse.com/blog Connect with Casey’s Clubhouse on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/caseysclubhouse Connect with Casey’s Clubhouse on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/learnwithcasey/ Connect with Casey’s Clubhouse on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@caseysclubhouse Connect with Casey’s Clubhouse on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4egYXC87lLRxGZvRNkqzZQ

Forgiveness is a healing journey fueled by unconditional love—learn to quiet the mind, engage the heart, and free yourself from emotional burdens. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Dara McKinley, a seasoned expert in spirituality and health with over 30 years of experience. Dara's exploration of forgiveness began with a profound personal challenge in 2012, inspiring her to create a practical, structured approach to this often-misunderstood process. By redefining forgiveness and breaking it down into clear, actionable steps, Dara empowers others to find peace and healing where traditional methods fall short. Join us as we dive into Dara’s unique framework, exploring how her personal journey and professional expertise converge to make forgiveness a powerful tool for lasting transformation.   For more information about Dara McKinley, please visit: https://daramckinley.com For more information about the upcoming How To Forgive, a 6-week structured forgiveness course, please visit: https://howtoforgive.com Connect with Dara on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Dara-McKinley-688402261553989/ Connect with Dara on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/DaraMcKinley/