Normalize The Conversation by Inspiring My Generation

Dan Olson is an autoimmune warrior, depression survivor, adversity debunker, former professional water skier, and a live life to the fullest kind of guy! He helps lead, teach, and inspire others to live to their fullest potential by overcoming adversity in all forms. Back in 2019, Dan started The Olson Project Foundation after being hospitalized for a super rare autoimmune condition which turned his life upside down again. The Olson Project Foundation is a non for-profit that focuses on men’s mental health and autoimmune disease. If you would like to further connect with Dan or learn more about his mindset coaching business and nonprofit - you can find him @thedanolson on instagram or at www.thedanolson.com.

UPDATE: Since this interview was recorded, Tim has left NAMI WLA and now serves as Communications and Operations Director for an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Los Angeles. He and Ryder are developing a talk and workshop based on their shared lived experience. Tim and Ryder Davis's journey into the mental health space began when Ryder was diagnosed with bipolar1 disorder in February of 2018. (Their more general mental health journeys began at birth, as all of ours did!) While Ryder was bravely taking on a condition he neither deserved nor asked for, Tim began attending family support groups and classes offered by NAMI Westside LA, the local affiliate of the Nat'l organization. NAMI not only provided Tim with much-needed support and education, but it also provided a calling. Previously serving as NAMI WLA's Sr. Program Director, Tim has spearheaded the expansion of their Family and School programs, which include offering Ending the Silence presentations to students and families about the importance of prioritizing mental health and learning how to be good friends to those of us struggling with mental health conditions. Ryder's recovery has been an inspiration to his family and friends and, as one of NAMI WLA's incredible ETS Youth/peer presenters, to students and parents throughout the LA community. Tim and Ryder have given countless presentations together, led workshops on communication, and continue to enjoy having honest conversations around any number of relevant, complicated topics. Even when they don't always agree!  Update: Since recording, Tim no longer works for NAMI WLA, but continues to support their work and mission.

Dr. Monica is a Clinical Pharmacist With over 19 years of experience. She currently works for Walmart Health & Wellness. Dr. Monica is a huge MH advocate and began her public speaking engagements in 2018. Her mission is to help in the powerful work needed in De- Stigmatizing Mental Health topics. She is currently a Medical Writer for an MH platform called PSYCOM, where she brings a monthly column on MH real case scenarios. Dr. Monica feels strongly in this area of health care because she’s gone through the trauma and grief herself. In 2011 she lost her husband to cancer and battled depression for many years. She faced stigma from Society and friends. I knew I wanted to be a voice for all who have dealt with loss, grief, and depression- which is something every single person will face at some point in life. Dr. Monica is a cohost with Dr. Gandhi on their IG live talk show called Grow and Glow. Dr. Monica is also the creator and cohost with the pharmacy podcast network where she helped create the MH series. Dr. Monica is a single mom to two beautiful teens girls and enjoys quality time with them. Dr. Monica is also doing Media appearances and you will find her on TV on the new GoodRx Commercials.

Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a mindfulness coach, comedian, and philanthropist, determined to create positive change in this world. An exceptional and compassionate leader, Brenda is an active member in giving back on a global scale. In the last few years, she’s raised over $100,000 for children in need through her humanitarian efforts.  A true queen, in 2019 she won the title of Miss Burbank USA and is the co-creator of the innovative charity campaign “Brenda’s Dress”, making its onstage debut at Miss California USA 2020. This never-before-seen charity campaign raised funds for children in need by having donors names printed on her pageant dress. “Brenda’s Dress” was featured in the LA TIMES, raised $10,000, and became the first-ever charity art piece at a pageant for the Miss Universe Organization.  She regularly speaks at schools, hospitals, and corporate events on the topics of mental health, mindfulness, and her incredible life story of adversity and triumph.   Brenda is living proof of the American dream. At one year old, she was smuggled into the US and raised by teenage parents. Growing up she attended 11 schools, lived in 15 different homes, and wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until the age of 25. She credits her adversity filled upbringing for having developed incredible resilience and empathy; and humor.  In 2018, she became a U.S citizen, a triumph 25 years in the making. That same year she founded Sweet Thoughts Travel Inc., a mindfulness coaching company. Using practical tools, backed by neuroscience, she helps clients optimize their ability at handling life’s inevitable difficulties.   A passionate mental health activist, Brenda is a nationally certified speaker for NAMI, the nation’s largest grass-root mental health organization.  She recently launched her video podcast titled “Getting Mental with Brenda Sarai Zuniga”, bringing mental health education in a fun and relatable way. A true creative, she has found a way to blend her comedy, music, and mental health all in one. “Getting Mental with Brenda Sarai Zuniga” can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.  An inspirational woman of many talents, Brenda Sarai Zuniga is a shining example of what can be achieved taking care of one's mental health, having grit, and being kind.

Alexa Curtis is the host of the weekly podcast, "The New Unfiltered," Founder of Be Fearless Summit, and host of "Fearless" of Localish.  In this episode, Alexa shares her journey that started from a blog at 12 years old. From learning how to handle rejection to discovering your identity, Alexa shares all.

Herbie Mack is a multi-time suicide survivor, which led him to become a suicide prevention speaker. Herbie is also a mental health first aider, QPR gateKeeper, and the Just Believe Podcast host. The Just Believe Podcast gives insight into how people overcome their mental health challenges, seek professional help & provide alternative ways to tackle anxiety and depression.

Dr. Michelle Chung is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety-related, mood, ADHD / executive functioning challenges and building resiliency. She also leads parenting workshops and consults with parents individually. Additionally, she specializes in working with recovering perfectionist types. Using a CBT, DBT, and Biofeedback model, Dr. Chung works with youth, families, and adults.     Dr. Chung graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and received a doctorate in clinical psychology at Long Island University - C.W. Post. She is the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants. Dr. Chung published articles and book chapters on 9/11 trauma, suicidal ideations, engagement of families, complex trauma, and working with Asian American families. Her workshops include topics on burnout, self-care, parenting, gifted and talented children, ethnic identity development, and resiliency. Additionally, Dr. Chung has a specific interest in promoting mental health awareness within the Asian-American community. She speaks annually at the Korean music (K-pop) and culture festival, KCON.      Currently, Dr. Chung heads a boutique group practice in New York City and teaches at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Monica is a Clinical Pharmacist With over 19 years of experience. She currently works for Walmart Health & Wellness. Dr. Monica is a huge MH advocate and began her public speaking engagements in 2018. Her mission is to help in the powerful work needed in De- Stigmatizing Mental Health topics. She is currently a Medical Writer for an MH platform called PSYCOM, where she brings a monthly column on MH real case scenarios. Dr. Monica feels strongly in this area of health care because she’s gone through the trauma and grief herself. In 2011 she lost her husband to cancer and battled depression for many years. She faced stigma from Society and friends. I knew I wanted to be a voice for all who have dealt with loss, grief, and depression- which is something every single person will face at some point in life. Dr. Monica is a cohost with Dr. Gandhi on their IG live talk show called Grow and Glow. Dr. Monica is also the creator and cohost with the pharmacy podcast network where she helped create the MH series. Dr. Monica is a single mom to two beautiful teens girls and enjoys quality time with them. Dr. Monica is also doing Media appearances and you will find her on TV on the new GoodRx Commercials.

Fascinated with human biology and performance, Dr. Sonners is always working to integrate new knowledge and practical experience. In addition to his Doctor of Chiropractic, he earned his Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (DCBCN) and his Diplomate of the International Board of Applied Kinesiology (DIBAK).  He is currently earning his PhD in molecular biology with a concentration in regenerative medicine at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Sonners published an Amazon best-selling book in 2020, Oxygen Under Pressure, describing the science and benefits of using hyperbarics for a variety of indications, longevity and performance enhancements. He is also on the Board and Faculty of the International Hyperbarics Association (IHA), the International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM), the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MedMaps) and the Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG). A popular speaker at functional medicine conferences all over the country, Dr. Sonners also teaches the first and only HBOT certification course designed specifically for functional medicine doctors and HBOT technicians. Those who successfully complete the IHA-approved course are awarded Certified Hyperbaric Practitioner status by the IBUM which has been certifying practitioners, operators and clinics for more than 25 years. Dr. Sonners and his wife, Dr. Melissa Sonners, are co-owners of Core Therapies Family Wellness Center, a multidisciplinary clinic in Northern New Jersey.  They also own two hyperbaric clinics—NJ HBOT and PA HBOT—as well as HBOT USA, a business designed to help other practitioners obtain hyperbaric equipment and education, develop their business protocols, and earn HBOT certification. CONTACT DR. SONNERS: drjasonsonners@hbotusa.com

Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, motivational speaker, radio show host, life coach and fitness fanatic. She is a mom to 5 and a wife. She is passionate about helping women who struggle in difficult relationships, especially that sometimes difficult relationship with themselves.    After 15 years in traditional psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zoe jumped off the couch and now helps women using a different modality with a mix of virtual therapy, coaching services and programs, through a lens of psychology, faith and a dash of feminism,  designed specifically for women struggling in difficult relationships.    Dr. Zoe is the author of the Ask Dr. Zoe Column in the Grit and Grace Project women’s magazine, She has been published in Oprahmag.com,  Recovery Today magazine and is a frequent contributor to Your Tango. She writes about helping women redefine their Strength. You can find her in the media on Instagram: @Drzoeshaw and in most social places at the handle DrZoeShaw