Mental Health Episodes

How to Heal From Trauma and Find Hope Through Faith with Dr. Elsa John | 1,709

Dr. Elsa John believes the pain of our past does not have to define our future. Even the deepest wounds can become part of a journey toward healing, renewed faith, and freedom.

An award-winning Christian author, speaker, educator, and founder of Hope in Ink, Dr. John combines her background in medicine, healthcare administration, and education with a deeply personal understanding of childhood trauma and recovery.

Drawing from her own healing journey, she is passionate about breaking the silence and shame surrounding trauma, particularly within Christian communities. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages honest conversations about painful experiences while helping others explore healing through faith and Scripture.

She is the author of H.O.P.E.: Guided Devotions for the Healing Journey and Ella Jo and Her Broken Joy. Her forthcoming book, The Trauma Lens, examines how trauma can influe…

How to Heal From Trauma and Find Hope Through Faith with Dr. Elsa John | 1,708

Dr. Elsa John believes the pain of our past does not have to define our future. Even the deepest wounds can become part of a journey toward healing, renewed faith, and freedom.

An award-winning Christian author, speaker, educator, and founder of Hope in Ink, Dr. John combines her background in medicine, healthcare administration, and education with a deeply personal understanding of childhood trauma and recovery.

Drawing from her own healing journey, she is passionate about breaking the silence and shame surrounding trauma, particularly within Christian communities. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages honest conversations about painful experiences while helping others explore healing through faith and Scripture.

She is the author of H.O.P.E.: Guided Devotions for the Healing Journey and Ella Jo and Her Broken Joy. Her forthcoming book, The Trauma Lens, examines how trauma can influe…

Dr. Brandi Hawk on Childhood Trauma and Healing Family Relationships | 1,703

Dr. Brandi Hawk believes healing is not simply about overcoming the past. It is about understanding how our experiences shape us and building the relationships that help us move forward.

A licensed clinical psychologist and CEO of Red Leaf Psychology, Dr. Hawk is dedicated to helping children, families, and professionals better understand trauma, emotional well-being, and the power of meaningful human connection.

As the co-developer of Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE), an evidence-based parenting intervention, she has helped advance approaches that strengthen parent-child relationships and support healthier family dynamics.

Her expertise extends beyond clinical practice through national and international training, speaking engagements, and her podcast, The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club. Through these platforms, she explores trauma treatment, parenting, chronic pain, and the lasting influence of childhoo…

[Spotlight Feature] Kenny Stoddart & Brandon Rayack | 1,701

Kenny Stoddart and Brandon Rayack believe mental strength is not about having everything figured out. It is about learning to navigate pressure, recognizing when you need support, and finding the courage to keep moving forward.

As the founder of IronMind Elite, Kenny helps young professionals and student-athletes develop the self-awareness, confidence, leadership skills, and mental readiness needed to navigate life's transitions and challenges.

Brandon is a sophomore cadet in Golf Company at The Citadel and a member of its Division I wrestling team. Balancing academics, military discipline, intense competition, and injuries, Brandon understands the physical and emotional demands of being a collegiate athlete.

Through his own experiences with mental health challenges, Brandon has learned the importance of protecting his mindset, maintaining a positive outlook, and recognizing that asking for help is a sign of aware…

Euan Mutch on How Fitness Helped Him Overcome Addiction and Depression | 1,700

Euan Mutch believes fitness is about more than physical transformation. It can become a powerful starting point for rebuilding confidence, overcoming adversity, and discovering a renewed sense of purpose.

As the founder of New Mindset New Power, Euan draws from a deeply personal journey marked by childhood instability, addiction, depression, and self-doubt. Having grown up in the care system, he struggled to find belonging until fitness gave him the structure, discipline, and hope to begin rebuilding his life.

Determined to help others experience meaningful change, Euan became a qualified personal trainer and expanded his knowledge in life coaching, mental health, addiction awareness, and specialized fitness training. Supporting his wife through menopause also inspired him to develop expertise in exercise for women navigating this stage of life.

Today, Euan works with individuals facing personal…

Simone Bowyer on Mental Health Recovery and Finding Life Beyond Trauma | 1,694

Simone Bowyer believes healing is not simply about surviving life's darkest moments. It is about learning how to build a meaningful life beyond them.

An author, mental health advocate, operations leader, and Integral Coach in training, Simone draws from her personal experiences and background in psychology to explore the complexities of trauma, recovery, and personal transformation.

She is the author of Chasing Light: From Darkness to Dawn, a deeply personal memoir that examines her experiences with trauma, addiction, eating disorders, treatment-resistant depression, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), along with the difficult journey of choosing to keep going.

Through her writing, speaking, and Light Within Collective, Simone encourages honest conversations about the parts of recovery that are often overlooked, including the protective patterns we develop and the challenges of moving beyond su…

[SPOTLIGHT FEATURE] Kenny Stoddart & Nick Vuletich | 1,689

Kenny Stoddart and Nicholas “Nick” Vuletich believe meaningful leadership begins with understanding who you are, taking ownership of your growth, and recognizing the importance of supporting those around you.

As the founder of IronMind Elite, Kenny helps young professionals develop the self-awareness, confidence, communication skills, and mental readiness needed to navigate the transition from college into adulthood. His work focuses on building identity and leadership beyond titles, achievements, and expectations.

Nick is a psychology major and First Class cadet at The Citadel, graduating in May 2027. As part of an internship supervised by Kenny through IronMind Advisors, Nick founded The Citadel Mental Wellness and Resiliency Club, known as The Watch, a cadet-led initiative encouraging students to look out for one another. Its first meeting attracted 100 sign-ups.

Together, Kenny and Nick bring perspectives from …

Fedra Tehrani on Trauma Healing, Anxiety, and Emotional Regulation | 1,685

Fedra Tehrani believes meaningful healing begins with understanding the patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

A licensed clinical therapist with a background in social and clinical psychology, Fedra has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, emotional challenges, and complex life experiences.

Her professional journey began at San Mateo County Hospital, where she worked in an acute crisis unit before becoming Rehab Director, supervising therapists and supporting individuals through difficult circumstances.

She later joined Edgewood Center, working with adolescents and young adults with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through this experience, she expanded her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based coping strategies.

Her message is simple: greater awareness can…

Tammy Powder on Helping Kids Manage Anxiety and Big Emotions | 1,683

Tammy Powder believes people are better able to navigate life's harder moments when they feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools they can actually use.

A Canadian author, mother, public speaker, certified Peer Support Worker and Facilitator, and meditation teacher, Tammy is passionate about helping children and families navigate anxiety, emotions, and life's challenges with greater understanding and compassion.

She is the author of the Bella Series, including Bella and the Bossy Driver and Bella and the Powerful 5, children's books that introduce practical tools for managing worry and big emotions. She also brings these lessons into schools and communities through interactive workshops.

Her latest book, Mamas Need Love and Compassion Too, shares real stories of motherhood, resilience, and self-care, reminding mothers that they deserve the same compassion they give to others.

Her message is …

Dr. Daniel Zimet on Divorce Recovery and Rebuilding Your Identity | 1,679

Dr. Daniel Zimet believes life's biggest transitions are not just about what we lose, but about how we redefine ourselves and move forward with purpose.

A licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, Dr. Zimet has spent more than 20 years helping individuals, couples, families, and athletes navigate relationships, identity, and major life changes through his private practice in Maryland.

His expertise extends beyond the therapy room. A published researcher in sport, marriage, and life transitions, Dr. Zimet is also an accomplished competitive handball athlete with 43 national titles and a career-high ranking of third on the senior professional handball tour in 2018.

His upcoming book, Divorce Like a Pro: What Elite Athletes' Retirement Can Teach Us About Loss, Identity, and Reinvention After Divorce, explores the surprising parallels between athletic retirement and divorce, off…

How to Break Free From Survival Mode and Find Inner Peace with Anna Gibbon | 1,678

Anna Gibbon believes our most difficult experiences do not have to determine how we live the rest of our lives.

As the owner and chief consultant of Minwamon Consulting, Anna brings more than 40 years of experience in criminal and social justice, including work in demanding environments where decisions carried serious consequences for people's liberty and lives.

Throughout her career, Anna experienced bullying, threats, intimidation, physical assaults, and challenges to her credibility and reputation. Yet rather than allowing those experiences to keep her trapped in survival mode, she found a path toward greater happiness, freedom, and personal peace.

That journey led Anna to create The Extraordinary Path Protocol, an approach shaped by her own experience of releasing what kept her in survival and choosing a different way forward.

Her message is simple: what you have survived may be part …

David Fiala on Healing Emotional Pain and Finding Inner Strength | 1,675

David Fiala believes healing begins when we learn to step back from emotional pain, observe it with greater awareness, and reconnect with the strength already within us.

A licensed therapist, mind-body healer, teacher, and author, David brings more than 35 years of clinical experience in private practice to his work helping people better understand their minds, emotions, and inner lives.

He is the author of The Courageous Seeker: Release Emotional Pain, Master Your Mind, and Wake Up to Your Inner Warrior, which combines his therapeutic experience, spiritual insights, and practical tools for personal growth.

Central to David's work is the idea of becoming the Observer, creating space to recognize emotional patterns without being completely defined or controlled by them.

His message is simple: when we learn to observe our experiences with greater awareness, we can begin changing our relationship with…

Elke Scholz on Simple Tools to Manage Anxiety in Everyday Life | 1,665

Elke Scholz believes managing anxiety does not have to be complicated. Meaningful change can begin with simple, creative tools that people can use in everyday life.

A registered Psychotherapist, internationally registered Expressive Arts Consultant and Educator, and internationally certified EMDR Therapist, Elke has spent more than 30 years helping people navigate anxiety and strengthen their emotional well-being.

Drawing from both professional expertise and her own experience managing anxiety, Elke believes effective strategies should be practical, accessible, and empowering.

She is the author of Loving Your Life, now in its third edition and featuring more than 40 creative exercises, as well as Anxiety Warrior Vol. One and Vol. Two. Her work also includes the Energy Rich webinar, audio meditations, and creative wellness resources for employees, at-risk youth, and seniors.

Through her private practi…

Dr. Kenneth Markowitz on Overcoming Addiction and Reclaiming Your Life | 1,658

Kenneth Markowitz believes recovery can become more than a way out of addiction. It can become the beginning of an entirely new way to use your experience, knowledge, and life in service of others.

An addiction recovery coach and former pediatrician, Kenneth works with people navigating chemical and behavioral addictions. His approach is shaped by an uncommon combination of medical training, nearly two decades of clinical experience, and his own deeply personal journey through addiction and recovery.

Kenneth earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, completed his pediatric residency training at North Shore University Hospital-Long Island Jewish Hospital, and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from New York University. That professional foundation, combined with lived experience, gives him a perspective that extends beyond theory alone.

Today, Kenneth's …

Susannah Robbins on Anxiety Relief, Overthinking, and Hypnosis | 1,656

Susannah Robbins believes anxiety does not have to control the way you think, feel, or move through your life.

A Certified Master Hypnotist, IEMT Practitioner, author, and founder of MindShift Potentials, Susannah helps people struggling with chronic anxious thoughts, overthinking, fear, and self-doubt develop a greater sense of calm, confidence, and control.

Her path into this work began close to home. After watching her daughter experience severe anxiety, Susannah became determined to find approaches that could help. That search eventually introduced them to hypnosis, and the meaningful changes she witnessed inspired Susannah to change the direction of her own life and train as a hypnotist.

As her work with clients developed, Susannah recognized another important need. People needed practical tools they could reach for when anxiety appeared in everyday life, not only techniques used during a professio…

Michael Grayson believes adversity can leave deep scars, but it can also become the beginning of rebuilding a life with greater meaning, resilience, and purpose.

A nurse, cancer survivor, and author of Blades of Resurrection, Michael's story has been shaped by experiences with poverty, addiction, grief, recovery, and profound personal loss. Growing up surrounded by instability and addiction, he faced challenges that would later influence both his understanding of human suffering and his commitment to creating a different future.

Michael eventually overcame a gambling addiction, pursued higher education, earned multiple degrees, and built a career in nursing. His professional life placed him alongside people navigating some of their most vulnerable moments, giving him an intimate understanding of illness, uncertainty, and the importance of compassionate care.

Those experiences became part of the foundation for his memoir, Blades of Resurrection, an exploration of resilience, a…

Amy Ratkovich on Self Awareness and Breaking Emotional Patterns | 1,648

Amy Ratkovich believes understanding ourselves begins with curiosity, not judgment.

A psychotherapist with more than a decade of experience, Amy's work is grounded in exploring what it means to be human and why we think, feel, relate, and respond in the ways we do. She approaches therapy through psychodynamic, relational, and body-aware perspectives, recognizing that our present lives are often shaped by experiences and patterns that developed long before we became conscious of them.

At the heart of Amy's work is the belief that people make sense when we take the time to understand the full context of their lives. Our histories, relationships, emotional experiences, and even the wisdom held within the body can offer important clues about the patterns we continue to carry.

Rather than simply focusing on changing behaviors, Amy encourages deeper awareness of what may be driving them. By becoming more con…

Barb Varcl Smith on Childhood Trauma and Breaking the Cycle | 1,624

Barb Varcl Smith believes recovery is possible because she has witnessed what happens when people finally understand the patterns that have kept them in survival mode.

For more than two decades, Barb has explored a powerful question: why do some people heal and thrive while others remain trapped in the same cycles despite years of effort? That question has shaped both her personal journey and professional work, leading her to focus on the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the path toward authentic healing.

Through therapy, education, speaking, training, writing, and podcasting, Barb helps people understand how their past experiences continue to influence their thoughts, relationships, and behaviors. Her work creates space for individuals to reconnect with themselves, recognize patterns that no longer serve them, and begin building lives rooted in greater awareness, freedom, and authenticity.

Rather th…

Deidre Gestrin on Burnout Recovery and Stress Management | 1,618

Deidre Gestrin believes sustainable success should never require sacrificing your health, purpose, or the people around you.

A consultant, speaker, author, and trainer with more than 20 years of experience, Deidre specializes in stress, trauma, burnout recovery, and behavioral health leadership. Her work helps professionals and organizations move beyond simply coping with pressure and create healthier systems that support both human well being and long term performance.

Drawing from extensive experience in behavioral health leadership, Deidre has developed high performing teams, strengthened workforce resilience, enhanced clinical supervision, and helped organizations improve the way care is delivered. Her expertise in program design, system optimization, and telehealth allows her to address burnout not only as an individual challenge, but also as an organizational one.

As the author of From Burnout to Balanc…

Travis White on Mental Health and Overcoming Adversity | 1,610

Travis White believes our greatest setbacks can become the foundation for our greatest purpose.

As the host of Overcome with Travis White, Travis is on a mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health by creating honest conversations about resilience, recovery, and hope. Through interviews with mental health professionals, trauma survivors, veterans, addiction experts, and everyday people, he reminds listeners that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

Travis's message is deeply personal. After years of living with seizures, depression, anxiety, and the loss of much of his independence, he discovered that healing is not about returning to who you were. It is about becoming who you are meant to be. That journey inspired him to create the FAITH Framework, a practical approach to rebuilding confidence, resilience, and trust after adversity.

Today, through his podcast and speaking, Travis helps individ…

Natasha Bryant on Overcoming Self Doubt and Finding Your Voice | 1,604

Natasha Bryant believes true confidence is not something you perform. It is something you heal into.

A licensed clinical social worker, confidence mindset coach, and founder of Speak Life Transformation, Natasha has spent more than 15 years helping women and teen girls overcome self doubt, heal from emotional wounds, and reconnect with the person they were created to become. Her work blends mental wellness with practical mindset strategies, empowering people to thrive personally and professionally without sacrificing their well being.

As an author, speaker, and transformational coach, Natasha creates spaces where honest conversations lead to lasting change. Through her workshops, coaching programs, and guided healing experiences, she helps high achieving women strengthen their emotional resilience, develop unshakable confidence, and take purposeful action aligned with their values.

Known for her compass…

Carlos Tanner on Ayahuasca Healing and Plant Medicine | 1,601

Carlos Tanner believes nature holds profound wisdom, and healing begins when we learn to approach it with humility, respect, and intention.

Founder of the Ayahuasca Foundation, Carlos has spent more than two decades studying traditional Amazonian plant medicine alongside indigenous curanderos in the Peruvian rainforest. Since establishing the foundation in 2009, he has helped create opportunities for people from around the world to experience authentic healing traditions while preserving the knowledge and practices of the communities that have carried them for generations.

Committed to bridging ancient wisdom with modern science, Carlos has partnered with researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of ayahuasca for depression, anxiety, trauma, and other health challenges. Through collaborative research efforts, this work has contributed to a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating meaningful improvem…

Josh Goldstein on Psilocybin Therapy and Healing Trauma | 1,599

Josh Goldstein believes the deepest healing comes not from being fixed by someone else, but from discovering the wisdom that already exists within you.

A licensed psilocybin facilitator, educator, and guide, Josh helps people navigate profound inner journeys with compassion, intention, and respect for both science and tradition. His work creates a safe, grounded space where individuals can explore healing, gain clarity, and reconnect with themselves through thoughtfully facilitated psychedelic experiences.

With a background in science and more than 25 years in education, including leadership at a therapeutic boarding school, Josh has spent decades helping people overcome complex emotional and psychological challenges. His approach is further shaped by years of immersion in a spiritual tradition centered on the ceremonial use of plant medicine, giving him a unique perspective that bridges evidence informed practic…

Gabriele Cotronei on Connecting Mind and Body to Heal | 1,595

Gabriele Cotronei believes healing begins when people feel truly seen, understood, and connected.

A psychotherapist, educator, and international mental health consultant, Gabriele has spent more than a decade helping individuals navigate trauma, depression, addiction, and life's most difficult transitions. His approach goes beyond treating symptoms, guiding people toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the experiences that have shaped them.

By combining psychodynamic therapy with somatic practices, Gabriele helps clients reconnect the mind and body, creating meaningful, lasting change rather than temporary relief. His work is grounded in the belief that genuine transformation happens when people are given the space to explore their stories with honesty, compassion, and curiosity.

Driven by a passion for improving mental health care, Gabriele advocates for approaches that are more human, accessible, and …