In this engaging dialogue, pro-basketball star Jeremy Lin shares insights from his journey in the NBA and his advocacy for the AAPI community. ER doctor Esther Choo discusses her experiences tackling healthcare challenges and promoting mental health. They explore the emotional toll of COVID-19, personal challenges in adjusting to life in China, and the critical need for open conversations about mental health within AAPI families. Their shared stories emphasize resilience, community engagement, and the importance of addressing stigma around mental health.

In this special episode, I’m joined by playwright, Sam Chanse, and cast members of the new production, what you are now. The play chronicles the story of a Cambodian family living in the US as refugees. In this production, Chanse authentically weaves together complexities of trauma, resilience, assimilation, race relations, family and community relationships, career choice, and mental health. They play also features a neuroscientist lead character, studying fear memory while trying to navigate her mother’s traumatic memories, her research career, and her personal life. In our podcast conversation, we’ll reflect on the intersection of the cast members personal and professional experiences, and how these experiences influenced and informed their powerful performances. Together, we’ll also consider our ongoing journeys on several of the topics brought to life in the play. Join in for a rich, thoughtful, and moving conversation.

This week, we welcome three guests at the forefront of tobacco regulatory control, tobacco-related health disparities, and public engagement and education. Dr. Pebbles Fagan (Univ. of Arkansas), Mitch Zeller (FDA), and Kathy Crosby (FDA) join to share about public health efforts as well as their efforts to impact individuals and society through their professional, volunteer, and personal engagements. In this conversation, we also talk honestly about science and public policy, the role of public engagement in public health efforts, and the successes and challenges of tobacco and cancer-related health disparities research. This is a wonderful conversation about the importance of elevating our joint humanity, especially in times where we’ve pivoted to address COVID and life balance-related challenges on work teams, food insecurity in our communities, and ongoing mental health challenges in society. Throughout the discussion, we also highlight aspects of resilience in these efforts, the importance of listening and learning from one another, and the many opportunities for growth as we continue to move into our “new normal.”

Imagine what the world would be like if we truly walked in empathy in our daily actions and interactions. Are there practical ways we can promote kindness and empathy in each other, in the upcoming generation, and in society in general? Dr. Michele Borba would answer this question with an enthusiastic “yes!” This week, renowned educational psychologist, character development expert, parenting expert, and author, Dr. Borba, joins to discuss these critical topics and others. In the midst of our performance-based, influencer emphasizing, and often self-focused culture, we’ll consider how we can navigate stressors, practice kindness and boost empathy. We also discuss the daily “ordinary things” that can make a huge impact in the lives of children and adults alike. Finally, we consider the importance of strong community in child development and in the development of effective coping strategies, in building resilience, and in thriving. A wonderful and generative discussion!

As we continue to witness the unfolding of tragic events in the Ukraine, this week’s episode is timely in ways that we didn’t initially anticipate. For this conversation, I’m joined by author and former Army Ranger, Steven Eilliott, Veteran and CEO of Veterans Counseling Veterans, Tony Williams, and the Director of the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, Dr. Barbara Rothbaum. In our dialogue, we navigate the nuances of military, veteran and civilian life, as well as the expectations of each and how these intersect with our mental health. We also talk through the necessities of building (or rebuilding) trust, breaking down barriers to care, being open to hope, shifting the culture, and implementing policy change. Join in, as our guests share valuable lessons, practical insights, and reasons for hope based on their unique and overlapping perspectives, expertise, and experiences.

This week, Dr. Mays Imad joins to discuss holistic approaches to teaching & learning. This is a deeply informative, surprisingly refreshing, and highly relevant conversation for all – especially those involved in formal and informal education, training or mentoring. Dr. Imad, a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed teaching and learning, discusses the importance of investing in, listening to, and also learning from our students and trainees. We also consider the effects of stress & trauma on learning, and the importance of equipping our students (and faculty) to successfully navigate stresses & traumas. This generative conversation of holistic teaching practices and mental health & wellness considerations in our educational and mentoring spaces is a must listen!

In this final episode for 2021, clinician and researcher Dr. Gerard Sanacora and mental health activist Ashley Clayton join to share insights about mental health, depression, and research, as well as access to effective clinical care and resources. In this conversation, we unpack several topics, including happiness, sadness and “feeling depressed,” and how these feelings differ from clinical depression and severe depression. With candor, honesty and care, Ashely also paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to experience severe depression, as she shares aspects of her journey. We also discuss newer medications, like ketamine, while talking openly about the challenges of navigating the mental health care system to access new medications – sometimes with literal life or death implications. We also consider the important ways we can support one another, even amidst the need to revamp our mental health care system to provide affordable, accessible and effective care. This is truly a powerful, moving, sobering, and at the same time empowering, episode!

After the past two years, many of us now have a deeper appreciation of the power and importance of social interactions, social relationships, and strong community. This week, renowned neuroscientist, Larry J. Young, and pioneering neurophilosopher, Pat Churchland, join for a fascinating discussion about the science of social behavior and social bonding. Through the conversation, they share helpful insights about our understanding of family and social bonds, as well as the impacts of these bonds on our relationships, how we tackle racism, and even our interactions with our pets! We’ll also discuss the science of altruism, the impacts of our “us” versus “them” culture, how changing social interactions are influencing our mental health, and ways we can move forward in stronger community for a healthier society. A dynamic, generative and informative conversation!!

Discover the importance of mental health advocacy and support with guests Matt Kudish and Corey Minor Smith. They delve into gratefulness, community support, policy changes, housing accommodations, and self-care for caregivers. The conversation also touches on brain health and holistic approaches to mental wellness.

This week, acclaimed actor and mental health advocate, Sean Astin, joins for an enjoyable and thought-provoking conversation on several topics including his personal & family journey over the last year and a half, our re-engagement in society, our daily rhythms, how we engage with our mental wellness, and the benefits of living with a spirit of playfulness. Sean also shares powerful mental health insights on stigma, empathy and the sometimes unintentional condemnation of mental illness, from his perspective as the son of Patty Duke, who both navigated mental illness and was strong mental health advocate. A genuine and honest conversation, challenging all of us to examine how we approach and talk about mental health and mental illness, the importance of hope, and the benefit of focusing on how to effectively navigate mental health challenges. We’ll even hear quotes from a well-known hobbit “guest” speaking to community and the importance of holding onto the good, amidst many of the challenges we may face.