Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration
By MHAOK
Mental health affects everyone, yet the social stigma attached to mental health issues keeps so many of our family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors silent.
Why are we so afraid to talk about these issues?
Each week, our host Adi McCasland invites guests to share how mental illness, suicide, homelessness and incarceration have affected their work or lives.
Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and IncarcerationAug 03, 2020
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Cheryl Step on ACEs and the impact of trauma in youth
Today, I am talking with Cheryl Step, founder and owner of Creating Resilience: a training and consulting company.
Cheryl has extensive knowledge on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs, as well as experience training and coaching about the impact of trauma. She speaks expertly on the framework of strategies that build a foundation to respond and empower people to create collective well-being. Cheryl also consults with leadership to build trauma-informed agencies. Previously, she was a school counselor for seventeen years.
Cheryl is a licensed professional counselor and Nationally-Board Certified Counselor who is certified in Traumatic Stress Studies and Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competence (also known as ARC) Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescence.
Additionally, Cheryl was one of our 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Carly Dunn on NEAR Sciences and ACES
This week’s episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, who invests in and partners with nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that strive to elevate the health and well-being of all Oklahomans.
Today, I am talking with Carly Dunn, a 4th year PhD student in the Human Development and Family Science Department at Oklahoma State University, and a graduate research associate at the Center for Family Resilience.
Carly helps coordinate the Oklahoma NEAR Science training community and works on school-based prevention projects to provide quality technical and research assistance to districts working to enhance mental and behavioral health efforts for students, families, and staff.
Additionally, Carly is one of our 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters.
I am thrilled to have Carly Dunn on today, and I hope you enjoy the dialogue surrounding NEAR Science and ACEs.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Susan Magsamen, author of NYT Bestseller Your Brain on Art
Today, I am speaking with Susan Magsamen, founder and executive director of the International Arts & Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics - a pioneering initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is also an assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and serves as the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative in partnership with the Aspen Institute.
Susan’s is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. It is a journey through the science of neuroaesthetics that offers proof of how our brains and bodies are transformed when we participate in the arts and aesthetic experiences.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Dr. Xavier Amador and Mark Davis talk about anosognosia
This week’s episode is sponsored by The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, a philanthropic entity dedicated to lifting Tulsans out of poverty by supporting housing and shelter resources, social services and basic human needs, accessible healthcare, and programs that empower and inspire community members to improve their lives.
Today, we have Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Chief Programs Officer, Mark Davis talking with Dr. Xavier Amador, Co-Founder and CEO of the Henry Amador Center on Anosognosia and Founder of the LEAP Institute.
Dr. Amador is an internationally renowned clinical psychologist and forensic expert, and he is the author of 9 books, including the best seller, “I AM NOT SICK, I Don’t Need Help!”
Additionally, he is a keynote speaker at the 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, themed New Horizons in Brain Science.
We are grateful to have Dr. Amador on today, and we’re excited to share this insightful and engaging conversation between him and our own Mark Davis.
MHAOK Programs: G Pratcher will help you find A Better Way
Today, we're talking with Genaro - affectionately known as G - Pratcher, Employment Specialist for our Oklahoma City A Better Way program at Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
G is a longtime professional in the mental health field who had decided to leave the profession before being recruited by an Association case manager. In researching us, he saw that we were, in his words, “doing the work” and couldn’t help but join the team.
He just celebrated his one year anniversary with us, and since that time, he’s helped to make the A Better Way program the success that it is - employing hundreds of participants..
We are grateful to have G on, today, as he dives into the nitty gritty of what makes A Better Way work so well and what could help expand its reach.
MHAOK Story: Stephanie Newman - housing to healing to wholeness
Today, we're talking with Stephanie Newman, Street Outreach and Rapid Response Case Manager for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
Stephanie Newman is a native Oklahoman who, in childhood, experienced a sexual trauma that went unaddressed, resulting in a crescendo-like progression of events that ultimately culminated in the loss of her children, her home, her dignity.
Humanity stepped in, knowing that everyone has value and possibility, and took a chance on her. Now, two decades later, she’s celebrating sixteen years of recovery and continuing her sixth year of employment with Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
We are grateful to have Stephanie on, today, as she shares her story with us. It’s important to note that this conversation touches on sexual trauma and loss. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Platicas w/Jocelin Baeza and Omar Isias
You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I'm Omar Isais.
Today, Jocelin Baeza and Omar Isais, MHAOK team members, are taking over the Mental Health Download to highlight our virtual Hispanic support group, Platicas, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Our goal is to increase dialogue about mental health struggles and reduce stigma around them, specifically in the Hispanic population. We talk about the importance of doing so and what that can look like, including within Platicas.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Care for the Caregivers with Maggie Shaffer from the Alzheimer's Association
Margaret (Maggie) Shaffer is Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer's Association. In her current professional capacity Maggie works with advocates to move forward state and federal policy issues to support research to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and improve the care and support of caregivers. Maggie has previous experience in health and mental health policy, having spent several years researching, writing, and advocating for improved access to comprehensive, family-centered care. She is particularly passionate about furthering policies that support caregivers as she believes they play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care.
We are excited both for Maggie’s Zarrow Symposium presentation, which will cover research on the impact caregiving has on individuals, support programs available in Oklahoma, and policy implications of providing support to caregivers, and we are excited to share today’s conversation with us here.
Community Story: Jon Haverfield on finding healing and support in the midst of tragedy
Today, we're talking with Jon Haverfield, friend and client of Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
Jon is a native Tulsan who attended Bishop Kelley High School and the University of Oklahoma. After college Jon worked as a TV Meteorologist for 6 years including work at KJRH-TV in Tulsa as the Weekend Morning Meteorologist. During his time at Channel 2, tragedy struck, leading him to his work with MHAOK, including volunteer services and contributions to the 2018 Mental Health Awareness Campaign.
In 2019, Jon was awarded the Award For Excellence from the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Jon has since stepped away from TV and now works as a Financial Advisor with an office in Midtown Tulsa.
We are grateful to have Jon on, today, as he shares his story with us. It’s important to note that this conversation speaks predominantly to suicide. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Exploring Adventure Therapy with Cian Brown & Evan Smarinsky
Today, we're talking with Cian Brown and Evan Smarinsky, co-presenters at one of next month’s Zarrow Symposium Breakout Sessions.
Cian is an assistant professor in the University of Oklahoma’s clinical professional counseling program. He’s a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, depending on the state. He’s also nationally certified as a counselor and board certified in neurofeedback, and has done extensive work in the adventure therapy realm.
Evan is an assistant professor at Johnson and Wales University, as well as a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma and a licensed mental health counselor in Rhode Island. Evan also has notable experience in the adventure therapy and play therapy realms.
We are excited both for Cian and Evan’s Zarrow Symposium workshop, which will blend lecture and experience to highlight key components and outcomes of Adventure Therapy, as well as their conversation with us here.
A Meditation Episode: A Focus on Forgiveness with Collin Walke
Today, we're talking with Collin Walke, Oklahoma House Representative of District 87 and local attorney.
Collin is a native Oklahoman, and attended Oklahoma State University before graduating magna cum laude at Oklahoma City University School of Law. A true public servant, he was a long-time volunteer with City Rescue Mission before both serving and chairing their board of directors. Additionally, Collin serves on the Oklahoma Autisim Center Foundation, as well as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Associate Board.
Collin is a 20+ year meditation practitioner who was inspired by his own experience to study further and begin teaching. In 2019, he and recent Mental Health Download guest, Shannon Stephens, co-founded Awake OKC - a nonprofit centered on bringing mindfulness and meditation to the community.
We are excited to have Collin on, today, and have him lead us through a meditation centered on compassion and forgiveness.
A Meditation Episode: Finding Focus in the Chaos with Shannon Stephens
Shannon Stephens is an Oklahoma City based yoga and meditation teacher. Shannon is a 500 hour registered yoga teacher, therapeutic specialist, and assistant teacher with the globally-recognized Yoga Medicine School. She is the owner of This Land Yoga, a yoga studio located in the heart of the Paseo Arts District in northwest Oklahoma City and co-founder of Awake OKC, a nonprofit whose mission was to bring mindfulness and meditation into the community.
Shannon's twenty-plus years of practicing, studying, and teaching helps her cultivate compassionate awareness, both for herself and her students, and today, she will be sharing that same awareness with us. We have a short, but valuable conversation followed by a guided meditation intended to help us find focus.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Claudia Black on Family Systems & Addictive Disorders
Claudia Black is the clinical architect and actively involved in the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows. She serves as a Senior Fellow and has been a clinical consultant at The Meadows Treatment Center in Arizona since 1998.
Claudia’s seminal work with children impacted by substance abuse in the late 1970s created the foundation for the adult child movement. Today she is a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders.
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session: Elena Joy Thurston on Finding Family & Belonging
Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, author and founder of the nonprofit Pride and Joy Foundation, which is dedicated to reducing the rate of suicide and homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community. A Mormon mom of four who lost her marriage, her church and her community when she came out as lesbian, her viral TEDx Talk on surviving conversion therapy has been viewed more than 45,000 times.
Elena will be a keynote speaker at this year's Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, sharing about her experiences coming out as an adult and how to support families in supporting their children and other family members that come out as queer.
Karen LaPlante on Zarrow Mental Health Symposium 2022
Karen LaPlante is the director of education at Mental Health Association Oklahoma. She has overseen our Zarrow Mental Health Symposium for 20 years. On today's episode, learn about the event and what you can do to get involved. Learn more at https://www.zarrowsymposium.org
Sgt. Aaron Quinonez on veteran mental health and healing through service
*WARNING* This episode contains a reference to suicide some may find triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Sgt. Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q) is a veteran, author and speaker. After serving in the military, he struggled with mental health and nearly ended his own life. Now, he's helping others struggling with mental health and teaching others to heal through philanthropy, giving and serving others. You can learn more about him on his website at https://sgtq.net/.
Pat Nichols: Parents of Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction
In this episode, Pat Nichols, with the organization Parents Helping Parents, gives advice on how to navigate the difficult arena of helping a loved one struggling with addiction. Speaking from his own experience, he shares what he's learned and how he's now using what he went through to help others.
For more information on Parents Helping Parents, click here > https://www.parentshelpingparents.info/.
Dr. Murali Krishna on Mindfulness and the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
Psychiatric expert Dr. Murali Krishna talks to MHAOK about mindfulness and the mind-body-spirit connection.
He also takes us through a mindfulness exercise you can do anywhere with just the tools you have within yourself.
Entrepreneur speaks about overcoming mental health struggles, addiction, homelessness and more
Business owner Eric R. talks to MHAOK about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and his suicide attempt.
He shares how he overcame those challenges and how he stays motivated in life today.
This episode contains content that some may find triggering.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Dr. Rachel Wurzman on the Neuroscience of Social Health - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"What we have, because brains wire in response to what happens between us - between me and another person, between me and my community, between me and my place of work - the locus of the dysfunction is not necessarily only in our brain. It may not even be mainly in our brain it's between us. And when we can heal what's sick between us, then the brain actually has a chance to use the biological things we're giving it. And the psychological tools that we're giving it to actually change. The implications of a bio-psycho-social disease is, if you are only treating the biological and psychological, then the unmet social, relational needs are like a weight or like an anchor and the boat can't move. We can't move to better waters because we're being weighed down. The system is constantly encountering more and more challenges to it."
On today’s episode, we interview Dr. Rachel Wurzman. Dr. Wurzman will be a keynote at this year’s virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. She is the Director of Science for SeekHealing, a non-profit that is providing social connection-based interventions to make individuals and communities more resilient to opioid addiction and overdoses. Her ongoing research addresses the neuroscience of social health and how the biopsychosocial spectrum has for addiction treatment and policy.
The theme for this year’s Symposium is Cultivating Community Connections and is coming up September 29 - October 1. You can register to attend the event at www.zarrowsymposium.org
We’d like to thank two of our Sponsors - the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Foundation and the George Kaiser Family Foundation - for their ongoing support of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium.
Dr. Rosemarie Allen on Cultivating Community Connections - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"And I think - going back to the community and finding out what their needs are - you just mentioned cultural humility and I'd like to define cultural humility as the practice of not knowing because we're professionals and we know a lot of things and rarely do we focus on what we don't know. But we have to engage in this quest for learning more about the communities that we serve because we get caught up in our own biases."
On today’s episode, we’re excited to be in conversation with Dr. Rosemarie Allen. Dr. Allen will be a keynote at this year’s virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. Dr. Rosemarie Allen has been a leader in early childhood education for nearly 40 years and her life’s work has focused on ensuring children have access to high quality early childhood programs that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. As a national expert on implicit bias and culturally responsive practices, Rosemarie has been a respected voice on equitable youth and family-focused community support and response throughout the pandemic.
The theme for this year’s Symposium is Cultivating Community Connections and is coming up September 29 - October 1. You can register to attend the event at www.zarrowsymposium.org
We’d like to thank two of our Sponsors - Ascension St. John and the Public Health Institute of Oklahoma - for their generous support of this year’s Symposium.
Music and Mental Health Intersectionality featuring Greg Shinn and Bank of America Student Leader Fraz Javed
In this episode of the Mental Health Download, our guest host Fraz Javed interviews Associate Director Greg Shinn as they explore the intertwining of social commentary in musical genres such as jazz and hip-hop. Greg also discusses his early career in music and how it would later influence his later path as the Association’s Chief Housing Officer.
In addition to being our guest host for this episode, Fraz was also one of our Bank of America Student Leaders spending the summer working for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
Dr. Chandini Sharma & Jane Mudgett: "Food, Fitness and Caregiving -- Three Elements of Preventing (Alzheimer’s) Dementia and Caring for People with Dementia
Dr. Chandini Sharma, a geriatrician at Geriatric Center of Tulsa, talks with her friend and today's host, Jane Mudgett, about how food and fitness play a role in preventing dementia.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy featuring Claire Grace and Bank of America Student Leader Clayton Chiariello
On today's Mental Health Download Podcast from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma, our guest is Claire Grace, a college student at the University of Oklahoma.
Claire is a Diana Award recipient, an award presented in memory of Princess Diana. Claire’s award was given for her community service and her advocacy for inclusion and compassion through a public speaking initiative she has delivered to over 6,500 people. You can learn more about her and her nonprofit at www.clairegrace.com
Overcoming and Becoming: LGBTQ+ Latinx Resiliency featuring Jose Vega and Bank of America Student Leaders Kelly Rojo Reyes and Abigail Lara
On today’s episode, our guest hosts, Abigail Lara and Kelly Rojo Reyes, interview former Tulsan, Jose Emmanuel Vega, regarding the intersectionality in the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities.
Abby and Kelly both identify within the Latinx community, so they see the prominence of the so-called “machismo” culture as well as other cultural stigmas and how it hinders the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to being our guest hosts today, Abby and Kelly are also Bank of America Student Leaders spending the summer working for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
"Medicaid Expansion in Oklahoma Has Arrived!" featuring Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
Listen to the live audio from a special media event this morning in Tulsa at Friendship Church featuring Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and local dignitaries. Together, they fought hard for voter-approved Medicaid expansion. More Oklahomans across the state will finally have health care coverage starting today, July 1. And more than 124,000 Oklahomans have already qualified for Medicaid benefits under the expansion. It's estimated that of the 200,000 Oklahomans who are now eligible for coverage, approximately 92,000 are in need of mental health and addiction treatment services.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Kenyari’ Bevan Porter
On this episode, Matt Dean celebrates Juneteenth with his friend and guest Kenyari’ Bevan Porter. Kenyari’ means “Determined Woman.” She is passionate about body positivity and self-love. Being “teased, bullied, and told no because of her differences” propels her to knock down the man-made rules of what is normal and acceptable. Knowing that God’s banner over her is love and having a supportive family (natural and spiritual) gives her the courage to face every obstacle with a smile.
To purchase "The Cards of Life," visit bookcoauthor.wixsite.com/kenyariporterauthor
Mental Health Treatment for People with Visual Challenges with Jenna Adair and Jedediah Bragg
"Don't take it personally when people don't make things accessible for you. It's not that they're trying to do it with any menace. It's just that people don't understand. And, unfortunately, even though it's tiring and it's exhausting, you do have to educate. And, hopefully, by educating, we can make the world a more accessible and better place for everyone." -- Jenna Adair, MHAOK student intern who is legally blind
On today’s episode, we’ll be talking with Jenna Adair and Dr. Jedediah Bragg about helping people with visual impairments connect to mental health treatment services.
RESOURCES
- https://webaim.org/techniques/forms/ Creating accessible forms
- nfb.org Blindness info/phone list/resources
- nfbok.org Oklahoma resource for blind
- convert@robobraille.org document converter
- https://www.ada.gov/ta_titleiii.html#gen Small business documents that provide guidance
- https://www.washington.edu/accessibility/documents/word/ Guidelines for making accessible documents
- https://www.abledocs.com/en?gclid=Cj0KCQjwzYGGBhCTARIsAHdMTQyDUkuVHa9HYTbHaUlSTneYqWLH_Z9mhb39Yc3y_yO8yq0f2F7Io4QaAtHGEALw_wcB Service to ensure accessibility of docs.
"Between Us 2- Rewind" featuring Nina Madsen Puckett & Jen Alden
On today's episode, we're spotlighting the Tulsa Ballet Studio's production of "Between US 2 - Rewind." Based on true events, it captures the reality of show creator Nina Madsen Puckett’s struggle with mental illness, and incorporates author Francesco Granieri’s experience as a family member of someone with mental illness (as portrayed in his book, “Pavarotti and Pancakes”.)
Get all the show details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/between-us-2-rewind-tickets-148685051993
Reshare: Hannibal B. Johnson's Full Keynote: The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium - Originally Aired October 2020
At the five score anniversary [of the Tulsa Race Massacre,] let us exhale and let us breathe freely, oxygenating our efforts on three fronts. One, healing our history, Two, making an appreciative inquiry into our past. And, three, recommending to diversity, equity and inclusion. If we do this, we will have honored the memory of one of our darkest days by illuminating it with a bright new light. — Hannibal B. Johnson
On today’s episode, we’re re-sharing Hannibal B. Johnson’s keynote address at the 2020 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium - Healing from Historical Trauma.
In Hannibal’s keynote titled "The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma," he explored the history of racial historical trauma in the United States and Oklahoma and discussed how we must think critically about our strategies for addressing the present legacy of historical racial trauma in America to pursue justice and healing.
Recovery is not a One Person Project with Mark Wilson & Alison Anthony
On this episode, special guest host Jane Mudgett talks with Mark Wilson & Alison Anthony about Mark's addiction to alcohol, how their family helped Mark in his recovery, and the power of yoga.
Help for the Healer ECHO with Comm'r Slatton-Hodges & Comm'r Frye
NEW EPISODE > Help for the Healer ECHO with Comm'r Slatton-Hodges & Comm'r Frye > mhaok.org/podcast
During the pandemic, health care workers have given so much to care for our communities, oftentimes at the expense of their physical and emotional health. So today, we'll explore the Help for the Healer ECHO virtual program aimed at supporting provider resiliency and caring for the caregiver, healer, and helper during COVID.
Dr. Sara Coffey and Matt Gleason interview Dr. Lance Frye, commissioner of the Department of Health, and Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges, of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Get all the details about Help for the Healer here: https://medicine.okstate.edu/echo/help-for-the-healer-echo.html
Empowered Voices Youth Mental Health Advocacy
As we continue celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, we're spotlighting Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and Mental Health Association Oklahoma's youth advocacy program, Empowered Voices.
Join the pod's host for the day, Greyson Phipps, for an interview with Empowered Voices members Rachael Hollis and Atlas Underhill.
Empowered Voices provides a safe environment for youth ages 16-24 who are passionate about improving mental health services and systems. Members of the group work together to better their community on issues they are passionate about through advocacy and community projects.
Get involved by following its Instagram page at @empoweredvoicesmhaok
Gratitude Meditation with Jacob Beaumont Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Jacob Beaumont, of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, offers you this gratitude meditation.
In the meditation, Jacob said, "The great news is that gratitude, much like mindfulness, is a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets, and the easier it becomes to see the good things in our lives -- both big and small."
How to Deal with Weather Anxiety During Severe Storm Season
It's severe weather season and some people may be dealing with severe weather anxiety. Today on the podcast, Jon Haverfield talks to Steve Piltz, who is the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service. Jon and Steve give us ways we can cope and deal with severe weather anxiety and make it through the tornado season that we're currently in.
Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
On today's episode, Cynthia Mooney, the Association's children's behavioral health community coordinator, interviews three experts working in the field of infant and early childhood mental health:
Ashleigh Kraft, MA, LPC-S, IMH-E®
Infant Mental Health Mentor, Clinical
Owner, Balanced Perspectives LLC
Autumn Cooper, MBS, LPC-S, RPT-S, IMH-E® (III)
Board Member of OK-AIMH
Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Nurturing Mamas Network
Stacey Leakey, PhD, IMH-E®
Infant Mental Health Mentor
O2 Consulting LLC
Sen. Kay Floyd & Rep. Jeff Boatman: Mental Health in Schools
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download Podcast from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Whitney Cipolla, the Association’s Advocacy Specialist. I’m joined by Dr. Rebecca Hubbard with Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.
In this episode, we’ll interview Senate Minority Leader, Senator Kay Floyd of District 46 and Representative Jeff Boatman representing District 67. We will be talking about mental health in schools and the legislation they’ve authored this session on this topic.
Cheryl Delk & Caroline Pollard: Youth Mental Health in Oklahoma
On today's Mental Health Download Podcast, Matt Gleason talks with the Association's own youth mental health advocates, Cheryl Delk and Caroline Pollard, to explore a variety of issues related to youth mental health in Oklahoma.
Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk: Advocating for the Mental Health of Indigenous Populations
Our guest is Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk. She is a life-long justice seeker, community builder, and part-time marathoner. She is Two-spirit and a proud tribal citizen of the Seminole Nation, as well as a member of the Pawnee, Iowa, Omaha, and Creek Nations. She carries the name Ti-tatatsiks-stariiku.
Jasha’s advocacy has largely been focused in rural Oklahoma and she has organized around such issues as healthcare access, violence against women, breast/chestfeeding advocacy, body sovereignty and birth justice, food sovereignty, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, Census & Natives Vote 2020, and as a former political candidate.
Jasha’s recent concentration is in the reclamation of birthkeeping and she has been honored to hold space for families and community as a trained Birthworker and a student midwife. She has recently joined the team at the Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative as a Community-Based Doula & Native Service Coordinator.
Additionally, Jasha has also helped to found Native Breastfeeding Week and is in pursuit of a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous People’s Law at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law. She maintains an active lifestyle with her spouse, Bunky, and their four children.
Amairani Perez Chamu: Latinx and Hispanic Mental Health Advocacy
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Our guest is Amairani Perez Chamu, Hispanic Resource Center Coordinator at Tulsa City-County Library. On today’s episode, she talks with the Download’s host for the day, Whitney Cipolla, about Latinx and Hispanic advocacy related to mental health.
As the current Executive Director for Dream Action Oklahoma - Tulsa, an immigrant rights organization, Amairani spends the majority of her time fighting for those without a voice. She has worked closely with the artist community in Tulsa to collaborate on projects centered on changing the narrative for undocumented individuals and their families. Her collaborations include performances with Living Arts of Tulsa, Taco Truck Theatre, and Black Moon Collective. Her work is inspired by her personal journey, the fight for immigrant rights, women, and people of color.
Melissa Bernstein's "LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light"
On this episode, we talk with Melissa Bernstein, of the wildly successful toy company Melissa & Doug. Melissa shares her journey with anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide. Her new book, "LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light," is her publicly sharing how she has found purpose, peace, and meaning.
This is a preview of Matt Gleason's Magic City Books interview with Melissa live on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00 pm CT. on the Zoom platform and Facebook Live. To register in advance for the free event on Zoom, visit: https://magiccitybooks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XyjuUtFzTguDa8C_TG2DMg.
Morgan Allen: Advocating for LGBTQ+ Mental Wellness
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Our guest is Morgan Allen of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, home of Oklahomans for Equality. On today’s episode, Morgan talks with the Download’s host for the day, Whitney Cipolla, about LGBTQ+ advocacy related to mental health.
Brittany Hayes Decodes the Mental Health Budget
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Our guest is Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative. On today’s episode, Whitney Cipolla, the Association's advocacy specialist, talks with Brittany about how exactly mental health is funded -- or not funded -- in Oklahoma.
Colleen McCarty: How To Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform
On this week's episode of the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma, our guest is Colleen McCarty, She is policy counsel for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. Colleen talks with Whitney Cipolla, the Association's advocacy specialist, about criminal justice reform in this session of the Oklahoma legislature.
Mana Tahaie & Nick Doctor: Combatting Stress and Burnout
Mental Health Download Podcast guest host, Jane Mudgett, interviews Mana Tahaie and Nick Doctor about stepping away from the pressures of work life to combat stress and burnout.
Rep. West and Sen. Kirt on the New Mental Health Caucus
On this week's Mental Health Download Podcast, Whitney Cipolla, the Association's advocacy specialist, interviews Republican Representative Josh West from Grove, Oklahoma who represents House District Five. Joining Rep. West is Democratic Senator Julia Kirt from Oklahoma City. She represents Senate District 30. Listen to hear why legislators launched the new bipartisan Mental Health Caucus to address our state's ongoing crisis.
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Founding members:
- State Rep. Josh West, R-Grove (Chair)
- State Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City (Chair)
- State Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami
- State Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa
- State Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa
- State Rep. Ty Burns, R-Tulsa
- State Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa
- State Rep. Jose Cruz, D-Oklahoma City
- State Rep. Shelia Dills, R-Tulsa
- State Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City
- State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow
- State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City
- State Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa
- State Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan
- State Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie
- State Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City
- State Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds
- State Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula
- State Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City
- State Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City
- State Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa
- State Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso
- State Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow
- State Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika
- State Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada
- State Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton
- State Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer
- State Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah
- State Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah
- State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City
Zack Stoycoff: Cultivate Healthy Minds Through Advocacy
Our guest on this episode of the Mental Health Download Podcast is Zack Stoycoff.
Zack is the Executive Director of Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.
The Healthy Minds Policy Initiative is a nonpartisan, dedicated team of policy and mental health experts who collaborate with state and local leaders to develop and advance innovative, data-informed policies and capacity-building approaches in the prevention and treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders for Oklahomans.
In this episode of the Mental Health Download, Zack discusses how to advocate for mental health in Oklahoma.
Visit mhaok.org/podcast to watch the live podcast or listen on your favorite podcast listening app. You can also read some of the highlights we thought were really inspiring and insightful from this conversation.
Cultivate Healthy Minds During Black History Month with Carmen White Janak
NEW EPISODE > Cultivate Mental Health During Black History Month > mhaok.org/podcast Our guest on this episode of the Mental Health Download Podcast is Carmen White Janak. Carmen is a diversity, equity, and inclusion professional and a non-denominational minister for over 30 years. Carmen talks about how to advocate during Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Visit mhaok.org/podcast to watch the live podcast or listen on your favorite podcast listening app. You can also read some of the highlights we thought were really inspiring and insightful from this conversation.
How To Cultivate Healthy Minds with Dr. John Schumann - 2021 Premiere Episode
Welcome everyone to the first Mental Health Download Podcast of this 2021 season. I'm Matt Gleason. And today, my co-host is my dear friend Jane Mudgett. We are so excited to be kicking off the 2021 season focused on cultivating healthy minds with Dr. John Schumann.
He is President of OU-Tulsa and also holds the Gussman Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine within the OU-TU School of Community Medicine.
Dr. Schumann has authored the blog GlassHospital since 2010, writing monthly posts aimed at demystifying medicine and bringing transparency to health care and policy for lay audiences. He has also written for national publications such as The Atlantic, Slate, Reader’s Digest, and NPR’s health blog, Shots.
He is also the developer, co-producer and host of the StudioTulsa program “Medical Mondays” on Tulsa’s local NPR station, KWGS 89.5-FM. His weekly show explores health care and the human condition. He has also contributed to the national NPR radio programs, “Marketplace” and “All Things Considered.”
OK, let’s get the conversation started. The Mental Health Download starts … now.
P.S. Thanks to our friend Lucas Oswalt for providing all the music for this year's season. Hear more from Lucas at https://lucasoswalt.bandcamp.com/
Oh, and watch this episode on Youtube at mhaok.org/podcast.
Terri White & Kristy Sturgill Reflect on 2020
People can move from homelessness to housing and self-sufficiency and employment, to all kinds of possibilities in the future. We can't do any of this without our unique donors now or in 2021. I'm so proud and grateful to let them know how valuable they are to us and the impact that they're having on their community. -- Terri White
We’re celebrating the end of 2020 by reflecting on the bright side of an unprecedented year we are so glad is almost over. To celebrate, Kristy Sturgill, the Association’s director of Marketing, talks with the Association's CEO, Terri White, about just a few of the ways our supporters' compassion and generosity made a difference during the pandemic.