Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration
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Mental Health Association Oklahoma created The Mental Health Download podcast to share stories each week about mental illness, homelessness, incarceration and suicide, and how each can impact our lives in a profound way.
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.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Sep 11, 2023
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.
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Aug 24, 2023
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.
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Feb 9, 2023
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.
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Jan 24, 2023
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.
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Oct 13, 2022
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.
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Sep 15, 2022
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.
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Sep 1, 2022
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.
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Aug 11, 2022
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.
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Aug 4, 2022
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.
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Jul 14, 2022
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.
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Jul 7, 2022
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.
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Jun 16, 2022
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.
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Mar 9, 2022
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
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Feb 18, 2022
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/.
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Feb 11, 2022
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/.
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Jan 24, 2022
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.
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Jan 24, 2022
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).
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Sep 13, 2021
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…
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Sep 1, 2021
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…
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Aug 18, 2021
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.
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Jul 22, 2021
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.
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Jul 21, 2021
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
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Jul 20, 2021
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.
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Jul 1, 2021
"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.
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Jun 18, 2021
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
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Jun 10, 2021
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 do…
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Jun 5, 2021
"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
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Jun 1, 2021
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.
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May 27, 2021
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.
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May 15, 2021
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
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May 8, 2021
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
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May 6, 2021
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."
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Apr 29, 2021
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.
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Apr 21, 2021
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
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Apr 16, 2021
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.
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Apr 14, 2021
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.
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Apr 7, 2021
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 help…
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Apr 1, 2021
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.
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Mar 24, 2021
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.
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Mar 22, 2021
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.
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Mar 17, 2021
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.
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Mar 12, 2021
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.
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Mar 5, 2021
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.
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Feb 20, 2021
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
* S…
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Feb 8, 2021
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.
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Feb 1, 2021
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.
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Jan 25, 2021
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…
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Dec 30, 2020
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.
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Dec 21, 2020
Reggie Ivey: Self-Care in a Time of Holidays and Pandemic
Our guest is Reggie Ivey, Chief Operating Officer of the Tulsa City-County Health Department. He talks with Mental Health Association Oklahoma's Rebecca Hubbard about self-care for his staff during a time of pandemic and the holidays.
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Dec 17, 2020
Julie Miller-Cribbs on Why Social Work Matters
"I am so proud to be a social worker and I love to be a social worker. It's a profession where you do make a difference in the lives of people. So it's work that you can feel good about."
— Julie E. Miller-Cribbs, MSW, PhD
OU's Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work
On today's episode, we talk with Julie E. Miller-Cribbs, MSW, PhD. She is Director & Oklahoma Medicaid Endowed Professor in Mental Health for The University of Oklahoma Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. We talk about what social work students are learning during the pandemic and what the world will be like when they graduate.
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Dec 14, 2020
Coping with Pet Loss and Bereavement
Today, our guest on the Mental Health Download Podcast is Tulsan Lindsay Benson M.S., LPC. She has been working as a therapist for over 15 years. Most of her experience has been helping people with trauma. Her dog, Gus, died at age eight of cancer in 2012 and that experience sparked a desire in her to help others as they deal with pet loss. She completed a training through the Association for Pet-Loss and Bereavement in order to become a certified pet loss and bereavement therapist.
Below is a list of resources for Pet Loss Grief.
_Books:_
The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife Ph.D
Pet Loss- a Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by Herbert A Nieburg and Arlene Fischer
When Your Pet Dies by James Quackenbush
How to ROAR: Pet Loss Grief Recovery by Robin Jean Brown
_Books for Children:_
Ages 3 and up
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
The Rainbow Bridge. A Dog's Story by Judith Kristen
Ages 5 and up
Paw Prints in the Stars. A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet by Warren Han…
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Dec 10, 2020
Celebrate 12&12 Day!
"A couple of tips or advice I would give is, No. 1, don't lose hope. Continue to battle, continue to fight, continue to take the steps to get to where you want to go." — Dustin Bailey
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On today’s episode, we’re celebrating 12&12 Day which happens each year on December 12.
Our guests in the first part of the show include Tricia Mason, Chief Operating Officer of 12&12, and Jen Kerckhoff, an amazing 12&12 volunteer who created 12&12 Day a few years ago.
In the second part of the show, Jen will join me as we talk with two of the 12 faces of 12&12 -- Teresa Knox and Dustin Bailey.
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Dec 7, 2020
Separating your Work (and School) Life from your Home Life for your Mental Health
On today's episode, guest host Jane Mudgett interviews Weldon Bowman, of W Design, about a variety of ways to separate your work (and school) life from your home life to benefit your mental health during the pandemic.
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Nov 25, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving from Ashley Gunnells!
Happy Thanksgiving! On this episode, Ashley Gunnells and Matt Gleason reflect on what they are thankful for the people Mental Health Association Oklahoma serves -- and the donors who make it all possible.
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Nov 23, 2020
John Schmid: Reflections on Historical Trauma
Prior to the Zarrow Symposium, I thought Milwaukee was pretty far along but Milwaukee and many other American communities can learn so much from the work underway in Oklahoma: racist historical trauma; indigenous historical trauma; white rural Okie dustbowl historical trauma. — John Schmid, journalist and historical trauma expert
***
On this episode, we talk with John Schmid, an award-winning writer from Milwaukee. John is a historical trauma expert who attended this year's Zarrow Mental Health Symposium.
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Nov 21, 2020
Barbara Hathcock on Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
For anyone that knows of a friend or an acquaintance that experienced a suicide loss in their life, if you are able, if you are emotionally and mentally capable, go and sit with that person and let them share their thoughts and feelings with you about it. And listen without judgment because I can guarantee that is the best gift you can give to that person. —
Barbara Hathcock, Suicide Prevention Advocate
***
Today is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. To share her thoughts about this, we invited our friend Barbara Hathcock to talk about her late son and to offer tips to people who have also lost loved ones to suicide.
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Nov 19, 2020
The Power of Mental Health Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
On today's episode, our friend Jane Mudgett interviews Jackie Ramage about the role a company's HR department plays in helping staff members deal with the anxiety and depression related to the pandemic and the state of the world. We also check-in with the Association's very own HR hero, Lindsay Whitworth, about her thoughts on EAPs.
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Nov 16, 2020
Salud Mental en la Comunidad Hispana (Mental Health in the Hispanic Community)
Hi, my name is Jocelin Baeza and I work for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
Hola mi nombre es Jocelin Baeza y trabajo para la Asociación de Salud Mental de Oklahoma
We created a Mental Health Download podcast episode about mental health in the Hispanic community, and it is completely in Spanish. So I hope you enjoy!
Creamos un episodio de podcast de descarga de salud mental sobre la salud mental en la comunidad Hispana, y está completamente Español. ¡Así que espero y lo disfruten!
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Nov 11, 2020
An Oklahoma Marine on Veterans Day & Veteran Homelessness
I don't think it's an unrealistic expectation to say that we want to end veteran homelessness in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma period. I think it's very attainable. — David Dirkschneider, a Marine & Mental Health Advocate
On today’s episode, we’re celebrating Veterans Day with an interview with our friend and longtime supporter, David Dirkschneider of OKC. David is a Marine and will serve as Board President for Mental Health Association Oklahoma in 2021.
We asked Greg Shinn, the Association’s Associate Director and Chief Housing Officer, to interview David because they are longtime friends. Greg’s also an expert in veteran homelessness.
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Nov 9, 2020
Grow Your Watermelon & Give to the United Way
On today's episode, we talk with Caitlyn Wright and Jane Mudgett, of janemudgett.com, about why you should donate to the United Way wherever you may #LiveUnited.
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Nov 5, 2020
College Mental Health & Suicide Prevention During COVID-19
"They feel alone. They feel secluded. They feel like they have no one else. And they feel like failures if they aren't succeeding within school. And it breaks my heart that it gets to the point that some person would rather end their life than to live their life to get through the season."— Lea Speight
In this episode, we explore mental health and suicide prevention during COVID-19 with two university students, Lea Speight and Vivian Allen. Rebecca Hubbard, our director of Outreach, Prevention and Education, asks them insightful questions that reveal what it's like on campuses right now in these unprecedented times.
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Nov 4, 2020
10-Minute Guided Meditation Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
Hey there, Jacob Beaumont here. Welcome to this quick 10-minute guided meditation presented by the Mental Health Download Podcast. Whether you're or a novice or a seasoned meditator, just looking for a friendly voice for today's session, I've got you covered. Let's get to it.
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Nov 2, 2020
2020 Election Preview & Anxiety Prevention Tips
This is a very critical and important time in our lives in the country. And so stress and worry and concern about tomorrow's election is a legitimate situation that is cause for some very controlled self-management because it is very anxiety-provoking. — Mark Davis on election week anxiety
On this episode, Mark Davis, the Association's chief programs officer, gives us some tips for dealing with election-week anxiety. Jacob Beaumont and Whitney Cipolla also join us to give a quick rundown of the two state questions -- SQ 805 and SQ 814 -- on the Oklahoma ballot.
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Oct 29, 2020
Whitney Bryen: Oklahoma Watch & StateImpact Oklahoma's Mental Health Series
"Of course, the project itself was not about blaming police or pointing a finger at anyone specifically. It's about highlighting the gaps in our systems here in Oklahoma. It's about what could be done better." — Whitney Bryen, Oklahoma Watch
On today’s episode our guest is Whitney Bryen. She is an investigative reporter and visual storyteller at Oklahoma Watch with an emphasis on domestic violence, mental health and nursing homes affected by COVID-19.
The reason we asked Whitney to be on the show today is because Oklahoma Watch partnered with StateImpact Oklahoma for a brilliant in-depth mental health series.
LINKS TO STORIES
Whitney Bryen contact info: (405) 201-6057 or wbryen@oklahomawatch.org. Follow her on Twitter @SoonerReporter.
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Oct 26, 2020
Fight OKC's Infamous Anti-panhandling Ordinance
We have to take better care of each other. We have to take better care of our most vulnerable. This ordinance is a moral failing on that front. It is a legal failing in the most fundamental ways. And it is a financial failing. And I think the city is finding out right about now that ego can be really expensive.
— Megan Lambert, staff attorney, ACLU Oklahoma
On today’s episode, we are going to be exploring Oklahoma City’s infamous anti-panhandling/median safety ordinance that the City of Oklahoma City passed in 2015.
On October 27, 2020 or possibly on November 10, 2020, it is up to the City Council to decide if they want to drop it and accept that it is unconstitutional or continue fighting to defend the ordinance and take it to the Supreme Court.
WE NEED YOU TO TELL YOUR CITY COUNCILOR YOU OPPOSE THE ORDINANCE!
FIND YOUR OKC CITY COUNCILOR HERE: https://www.okc.gov/residents/ward-map
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Oct 22, 2020
Vote Yes on SQ 805 & Help End Decades-Long Prison Sentences for Nonviolent Crimes
NEW EPISODE > Vote Yes on SQ805 & Help End Decades-Long Prison Sentences for Nonviolent Crimes > mhaok.org/podcast
Prison is a band-aid. It doesn't solve anything for nonviolent offenses, for our low-level property and drug offenses.
The more resources that we can devote to actually stop criminal behavior and stop the cycle of crime, the stronger we are going to be as a state and the better off our children are going to be. — Sarah Edwards, president of Yes on 805 campaign
On this episode, Sarah Edwards, president of the Yes on 805 campaign, explains State Question 805.
SQ 805 does not give anyone a free pass. People convicted of nonviolent crimes can still receive the maximum punishment allowed, and judges and juries will still take previous crimes into account when sentencing. But piling on years of prison time far beyond the maximum for a nonviolent crime is unfair and doesn’t make us safer.
The Association has endorsed the Yes on 805 campaign.
Learn more at www.yeson805.o…
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Oct 19, 2020
The Bombing: The Trauma, Oklahoma City and Its People Today
I am probably one of the most blessed people to come out of the building alive. I say that because I have no memory of that day and in getting to know others that were there, they seem to have a much harder time recovering from their memories than I did from my physical injuries. — Susan Walton, OKC Bombing Survivor
In this podcast, you’ll hear stories from a survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, a firefighter and the grandmother of a survivor who was just a baby that horrible day. We are grateful for their courage and willingness to share these heartbreaking stories with us.
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Oct 15, 2020
Healing the Transmission of Generational Trauma -- Zarrow Mental Health Symposium breakout session
On today’s episode, you’ll hear Dr. Linda Barnum presenting at the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium to a virtual audience of approximately 500 attendees. That’s one of the largest breakout sessions we offered.
Dr. Barnum is an Assistant Professor of Human Relations for the University of Oklahoma. She is also a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice focusing on trauma resolution.
In this episode, you’ll hear Dr. Barnum’s presentation that explores how the impact of
trans-generational trauma effects our experiences of who we are, how we relate to each other,
and how we understand our own traumatic experiences regarding events that happened before
we were born.
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Oct 12, 2020
The Impact of Grief/Trauma on the Brain, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Breakout Session
"All grief responses are normal, however, prolonged, unresolved, intense grief is not normal - Joanna Majka, the Grief Center
Listen to the Grief Center's Joanna Majka speak at the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium about the impact that grief and trauma have on the brain. You will discover how unresolved trauma can impact the ability to grieve. We will also look at the different strategies to help regulate a person who is stuck in a trauma response.
Download Joanna's presentation at zarrowsymposium.org/media.
Watch the video that Joanna played during this session (it's not included in the podcast):
And you can still register for the virtual Symposium through March, 2021 and see all the keynotes and breakout sessions. Register at zarrowsymposium.org.
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Oct 8, 2020
Hannibal B. Johnson's Full Keynote: The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
As the five score anniversary of the Tulsa tragedy approaches, 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 playing Hannibal B. Johnson’s keynote address at the recent 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.
You can still register for the virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium…
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Sep 28, 2020
Nehemiah Frank: HBO's "Watchmen" & the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
"I couldn't help to think that, man, my great-great grandfather was running with my great-great grandmother and my great-grandfather in her belly during this time. They were running. They were experiencing what these people are experiencing in this series." — Nehemiah D. Frank, The Black Wall Street Times
On today’s episode, we’re exploring the acclaimed HBO series, "Watchmen," and how it relates to Healing from Historical Trauma, which is the theme of this week’s virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As many fans know, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre plays a key part in the series.
Our guest is Nehemiah D. Frank. The Tulsan is the founding publisher and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times.
Read Nehemiah's piece on "Watchmen" by clicking here.
And you can register for the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium by clicking here.
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Sep 24, 2020
Historical Trauma: From Shackles to Sooners - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session Preview
"1921 was a point in history that we all experienced, especially we can see that, that impact here in Tulsa, but guess what? The lingering effects are still here. And I feel like that is something that needs to be highlighted bolded and really still spoken about." --Joya Cleveland, Speaker, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
On today’s episode, our guests are Joya Cleveland and Erika Stone-Burnett. They will be the co-presenters during the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. They share about their session, "Historical Trauma: From Shackles to Sooners," and how it will provide mental health care providers with best-practice techniques for working with clients experiencing Colorist Historical Trauma, as well as ways to advocate.
Register for the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.
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Sep 21, 2020
Hxstories of Healing: LGBTNB+ Community Resilience - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"I cannot ignore people who are facing poverty, discrimination because of their race and, of course, in the work I do every day with individuals who are being stigmatized or marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression." --Toby Jenkins, CEO & Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
On today’s episode, our guests are Toby Jenkins, CEO & Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R Neill Equality Center, and he’s joined by Jose Vega, who serves as the Deputy Director of Oklahomans for Equality. You can learn more about Oklahomans for Equality at _okeq.org_
Our friend, Avarie Wilson, who serves as the Association’s Assistant Director of Development, asked Toby and Jose to be on the show today to talk about the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium session titled “Hxstories of Healing: LGBTNB+ Community Resilience.” You can register today for the virtual Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.
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Sep 18, 2020
Stop HUD’s Proposed Rule to Allow Discrimination Against Transgender People Experiencing Homelessness
"I would just want to tell everyone, please use your voice and be an advocate for transgender individuals -- not only to recognize and validate their identities, but to recognize their humanity. I hope everyone can take a moment out of their busy lives to tell HUD that they do not agree with this proposed rule change, but also signal to other people and the community that they are an ally, and that they're willing to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community." Whitney Cipolla, Advocacy Specialist, Mental Health Association Oklahoma
HUD's proposed rule change to the Equal Access Rule creates additional roadblocks for #transgender people who need access to shelters. For details, listen to this pod featuring Greg Shinn and Whitney Cipolla explaining why we need you to act today.
You can submit comments via the link > https://beta.regulations.gov/document/HUD-2020-0047-0001 until 11:59PM eastern time on September 22, 2020.
Read Greg Shinn's public statement on the rule change:
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Sep 14, 2020
Holocaust Music: Playing for Our Lives - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"All these evil things are being done to us and around us, but we're still here and we're still fighting. And, you know, historically music has always been those kinds of roles, in particular in war time. But it takes on a much more, I believe, intense meaning when it comes to people who know that every moment that deaths is around the corner for them." -- Drew Diamond, Presenter, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
On today’s episode, our guests are Drew Diamond, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, and Nancy Pettus, its director of Holocaust Education.
Drew and Nancy will be featured at the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium during their session, "Holocaust Music: Playing for Our Lives."
The story of music in the ghettos and concentration camps is the story of a people's capacity to endure the most horrific of circumstances.
Register today at zarrowsymposium.org.
Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Tulsa: https://jewishtulsa.org/
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Sep 11, 2020
Richard Turnham: Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group
NEW EPISODE > Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group Leader > mhaok.org/podcast
"Don't keep these things inside. Don't find unhealthy ways to try to make the feelings go away. Face them head on and find people that will support you as you face those battles."
Richard Turnham
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group Leader
On today's episode, we continue celebrating National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week with an interview with Richard Turnham. He leads the Association's Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group. This group offers the opportunity to share, listen, teach and learn with others also overcoming the loss of a loved one to suicide. Get all the details at mhaok.org/supportgroups.
Additionally, learn more about the Association's Empowered Voices initiative at https://www.instagram.com/empoweredvoicesmhaok/
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Sep 7, 2020
Shelby Rowe's “Save the Indian, Save the Man” - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"I talk about suicide all the time. I say, 'You know, we're not talking about death. We're talking about survival and hope and recovery. This doesn't have to be a bleak and depressing conversation. We're talking about saving lives. ' "
Shelby R. Rowe
Breakout Presenter, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
On today’s episode, we celebrate National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with our guest, Shelby R. Rowe. Shelby is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, inspirational speaker, nationally recognized suicide prevention expert, mother of three sons and a self-taught bead artist.
A suicide attempt survivor with over 20 years experience in public health, Shelby dedicates herself every day to fighting the prejudice and discrimination that affects those affected by suicide.
Shelby is the suicide prevention program manager for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. In 2016, Shelby was honored as the Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year.
Today, w…
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Sep 3, 2020
Hannibal Johnson & Randy Krehbiel "Tulsa, 1921: Reporting a Massacre"
"The people who built Greenwood did so in an era where, you know, their options and their opportunities were very limited, but they were able to take, you know, something, and in many cases it was literally nothing, you know, it was bare ground, and turned it into a place that they were really proud of." -- Randy Krehbiel, author of "Tulsa, 1921: Reporting a Massacre"
On today’s episode, our special guest host is Hannibal B. Johnson, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium keynote speaker and author of "Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District." And our special guest for this episode is acclaimed author and Tulsa World newspaper reporter, Randy Krehbiel.
Hannibal and I asked Randy to be on the show today to talk about his book, “Tulsa 1921: Reporting a Massacre,” which won the 2020 Oklahoma Book Award in the Non-Fiction category.
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Aug 31, 2020
Hannibal B. Johnson & Carmen White Janak on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"This is really complex stuff, and it's not only a bilateral matter. It's not just black and white. It's beyond black and white." -- Hannibal B. Johnson, Keynote Speaker, Zarrow Mental Health Symposium
On today’s episode, we’re thrilled that our dear friend Carmen White Janak is going to interview Hannibal B. Johnson, keynote speaker at this year's Zarrow Mental Health Symposium..
As many of you know, Hannibal wrote "Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District." He is an attorney, author, and independent consultant specializing in diversity & inclusion/cultural competence issues and nonprofit governance. He chairs the Education Committee for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.
Just a quick note that this podcast is a condensed and edited version of an hour-long Facebook Live event that happened on July 2nd. We’ve been holding onto this podcast version to help get everyone excited about Hannibal’s keynote address closer…
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Aug 27, 2020
Dr. Jason Beaman: Historical Trauma & Addiction - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session
"I tell everyone, the question isn't, 'Why are so many opioids available in Oklahoma?" The question should be, "Why do so many Oklahomans want to take opioids?' " -- Dr. Jason Beaman
Our guest is Dr. Jason Beaman, chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.
We talk about the university's virtual Addiction Medicine Conference. Click for details.
and Dr. Beaman's Zarrow Mental Health Symposium session titled “Historical Trauma & Addiction.”
Register today for the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.
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Aug 26, 2020
Ep. 6 - Mindfulness Meditation "Self-Compassion" - Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
In this mindfulness meditation, Jacob Beaumont focuses on self-compassion.
"We may think of compassion as the solely outward-facing part of who we are and how we behave, but in reality, our ability to be genuinely compassionate towards others is linked closely to how compassionate we can be towards ourselves."
Listen to more sessions at Mental Health Association Oklahoma's website at mhaok.org/meditation.
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Aug 24, 2020
Janetta Cravens: Mental Health for Leaders in a Season of Uncertainty
"You're the only one of you that there is, and it's precious and beautiful and uniquely wired and deserves a break right now. So whatever that looks like, just go easy on yourself and take good care of you." -- Janetta Cravens
__________
On today’s episode, our guest is Janetta Cravens, vice president of programs for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
The reason we invited Janetta on the podcast is that she wrote a beautiful COVID-19 related mental health story for the Center called, "Maybe It's the Weather, Maybe not: Mental Health For Leaders in a Season of Uncertainty."
Read that story now online at: https://www.oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org/maybe-its-the-weather-maybe-not-mental-health-for-leaders-in-a-season-of-uncertainty/
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Aug 20, 2020
Dr. Darryl Tonemah “Trauma: From Dealing to Healing” - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Keynote
"And so the more we connect with each other, the more we make each other feel safe, the more we lift each other, that is the key. It's really the bottom line in healing as communities, healing historical trauma is going to happen in community." -- Dr. Darryl Tonemah
On today’s episode, our special guest is Dr. Darryl Tonemah. He will be a keynote speaker at the virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. He is the owner of the Tonemah Consulting Group, an organization dedicated to increasing wellness in Native communities.
His keynote at the Symposium is titled “Trauma: From Dealing to Healing.” Among the topics he’ll address is the fact that addressing trauma in patients can be difficult and complicated.
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Aug 19, 2020
Ep. 5 - Mindfulness Meditation "How to Take an Arrow to the Chest" - Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
In this mindfulness meditation, Jacob Beaumont takes on the judging brain and what we can do to find peace with our mind -- even when it's not being very nice to us. Listen to more sessions at Mental Health Association Oklahoma's website at mhaok.org/meditation.
Namaste.
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Aug 17, 2020
2019 Annual Report -- You Made a Difference
"Now he's housed. He has support and he doesn't have to worry about surviving day-to-day now." -- Shelah Farley, program coordinator, Street Outreach and Rapid Response
On today’s episode we’re going to feature two stories from our brand new 2019 Annual Report -- one about our housing and recovery services, and the other about our QPR suicide prevention training.
Also, we invited the ever-brilliant Kristy Sturgill, who serves as the Association’s director of marketing, to talk about some of the highlights of the 2019 Annual Report that, by the way, should be in mailboxes as we speak. You can also read it online at mhaok.org/annualreport.
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Aug 13, 2020
Al Carlozzi Center for Counseling at OSU-Tulsa
On this episode, we talk with Dr. Sarah Johnson, director of the Al Carlozzi Center for Counseling at OSU-Tulsa. And our co-host is none other than Dr. Al Carlozzi.
Get all the details about the Center at https://tulsa.okstate.edu/counselingcenter
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Aug 12, 2020
Ep. 4 - Mindfulness Meditation "Noting" - Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
Jacob Beaumont starts off this meditation session, "Noting," with a powerful quote that helped change his life.
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom" ― Viktor E. Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, and a Holocaust survivor
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Aug 10, 2020
Ag State of Mind with Jason Medows
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Matt Gleason.
On today’s episode, my co-host is fellow podcaster Anne Heinrich. She’s the vice President Of Development at Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri.
Anne and I are going to interview Anne’s friend, _Jason Medows_. Jason is the host of the podcast called Ag State of Mind. His podcast focuses on mental health and how it affects people involved in agriculture. He interviews both professionals and producers about addressing mental health in ag and how to adequately remedy the stresses.
Jason is a husband, father of 4 boys, rancher, and pharmacist. He lives in Crawford County Missouri and operates a 120 head cow and calf operation. He also works full time as a pharmacist at a regional hospital.
The Mental Health Download starts ... now.
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Aug 6, 2020
Onreka Johnson in Lawton, Oklahoma
Our guest is Lawton City Councilor Onreka Johnson. Onreka is the founder of Next Step TLP homeless youth program, currently works as a certified behavioral health case manager for Our House Counseling and is involved in various organizations in the community. We talk to Onreka about the ripple effects of her Lawton Mental Health Town Hall along with discussion about COVID-19 and racial injustice.
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Aug 5, 2020
Ep. 3 - Mindfulness Meditation "Setting the Table" - Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
"When we start by taking a few deep breaths, we are mentally priming ourselves for the task at hand by doing something that’s very easy to bring awareness to. Deep breaths are deliberate and intentional, and are great for generating some invigorating energy at the start of our practice. The other part of this step, as we close our eyes and allow the breath to return to it’s normal cadence is noting that whatever it was we were just doing, and whatever is next for us, and mentally acknowledging that it will all still be there on the other side of this session, and that we are going to set it aside for now." -- Jacob Beaumont
Mental Health Download Podcast presents the second episode of an ongoing series of Mindfulness Meditation sessions with Jacob Beaumont, of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Episode one is titled "Setting the Table."
Hear all of the sessions now at mhaok.org/meditation
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Aug 3, 2020
Katherine Sellery: Mindfulness & Psychological Safety in Families
On today’s episode, our guest is Katherine Sellery. She is a 3-time TEDx speaker, who has taught thousands of parents in Conscious Parenting Revolution and executives on conscious communication for over 16 years.
Her message is “Nobody teaches us how to manage our minds and we have got to get upstream.”
We’re going to talk with Katherine about meditation and mindfulness and psychological safety in families.
You can learn more about Katherine at _https://www.consciousparentingrevolution.com/_
OK, let’s get the conversation started. The Mental Health Download starts .. now.
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Jul 30, 2020
Justice for Julius Jones in Oklahoma
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Matt Gleason.
On today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Malika Cox. She is passionate about criminal justice reform, restorative justice and policy changes that impact marginalized communities. Malika is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation, Justice and Community Life at The Table in Oklahoma City. Malika speaks and teaches on anti-bias, diversity and inclusion, race and reconciliation, and transitional and restorative justice practices. She’ll be a speaker at the Virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium -- Healing From Historical Trauma this September 30 through October 2. Register today at zarrowsymposium.org
Today, Malika is going to interview Cece Jones-Davis, a worship leader, speaker, writer and social advocate. Cece was awarded the 2019 Phil Wahl Abolitionist of the Year award by the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OCADP) for her criminal justice…
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Jul 29, 2020
Ep. 2 - Mindfulness Meditation "The Breath" - Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
Mental Health Download Podcast presents the second episode of an ongoing series of Mindfulness Meditation sessions with Jacob Beaumont, of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Episode one is titled "The Breath"
Hear all of the sessions now at mhaok.org/meditation
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Jul 27, 2020
Virtual Men's Mental Health Support Group
"Do not let fear lead you to not deal with the things in your life that cause you stress or cause you anger or any of those things that affect your mental health." -- Kenya Williams
Our Mental Health Download guests are DJ Mercer and Kenya Williams. They partnered with the Association for a new virtual support group for men seeking additional support for life stressors and mental and emotional well-being.
The first virtual group that is facilitated by a mental health professional is set for this Thursday, July 30 from 6-7 p.m. More details at https://mhaok.org/mens-mental-health.
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Jul 23, 2020
Tim Wise: Anti-racism Expert & Zarrow Symposium Keynote Speaker
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium keynote speaker, Tim Wise, explores the current pandemic moment, alongside the racial justice uprising in the wake of numerous police-involved killings, and ask: “How has history brought us to this point? And how do we respond now that we’re here?” Just as Tim will at the virtual Symposium, Tim presents an analysis of racialized trauma that explores the ways in which it affects both persons of color and whites, albeit in different ways, and in so doing, presents the kind of “interest convergence” that could lead to cross-racial, anti-racist solidarity in the future.
REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL ZARROW MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM TODAY!
Virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium -- Healing from Historical Trauma
September 30-October 2, 2020
www.zarrowsymposium.org.
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Jul 22, 2020
Ep 1. "What is Mindfulness Meditation?" - Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast
Mental Health Download Podcast is excited to present the first episode of an ongoing series of Mindfulness Meditation sessions with Jacob Beaumont, of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Episode one is titled "What is Mindfulness?"
Meditation is another word that is both easy and impossible to define because it can mean so many things to so many people. The long and the short of it is that meditation is the creation of space and time to intentionally practice something. So when we pair mindfulness with meditation, we see that mindfulness meditation is simply practicing awareness. It's a classic example of, you know, being a thing that's easy to learn and almost impossible to master. And that's the beauty of it, too.
Read the transcript and listen to all of the sessions at mhaok.org/meditation.
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Jul 20, 2020
Part Four: Mike Brose Reflects on Association History - Through Present Day
To honor Mike Brose's 27 years with the Association - and to support our ongoing statewide mission - donate at mhaok.org/mike-brose. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
***
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Matt Gleason.
Welcome to the fourth and final episode in our series featuring Mike Brose reflecting on the history of the organization he has served for 27 years as CEO.
Knowing that this would be the last in the series, I wanted Mike to tell the story of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium that started in 1995, just a few years after he was named CEO in 1993.
Of course, the Symposium’s story is powerful and remarkable part of the Association’s history, but the reason I saved the Symposium for the last episode is because the conference themes touch on so many of the ideas and concepts that Mike has championed all these years.
So, you’ll hear stories about the Symposium, but then we get into…
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Jul 16, 2020
Part Three: Mike Brose Reflects on Association History - 2010-2014
"To give somebody a place to live, to give them a home, is one of the most therapeutic, wonderful gifts you could ever give to someone. And now they don't have to worry about where they're sleeping tonight. Now they don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. They have a place to live." - Mike Brose
Listen to part three of our multi-part series featuring the Association’s longtime CEO, Mike Brose, as he looks back on the history of the Mental Health Association > mhaok.org/mike-brose.
In this episode, Mike will share behind-the-scenes stories of the Association's once-controversial Yale Avenue Apartments. He also shares the origin stories of our peer-run drop-in centers. Mike closes out the podcast talking about the Association's statewide expansion in April 2014.
To honor Mike’s 27 years with the Association - and to support our ongoing statewide mission - donate and listen to episode two today. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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Jul 13, 2020
Part Two: Mike Brose Reflects on Association History - 2000-2010
"The enormous pride that we've had to be, really, a national leader in housing, a national leader in employment of people who live in recovery and have them be important and valuable members of the team, be a part of our family. I mean, that gets to the heart and soul of Mental Health Association Oklahoma." -- Mike Brose
Listen to part two of our multi-part series featuring the Association’s longtime CEO, Mike Brose, as he looks back on the history of the Mental Health Association.
In this episode, Mike will share behind-the-scenes stories of how the Association was able to develop sustainable and affordable housing solutions for ending homelessness.
Mike also talks about how employment is treatment.
In addition, Mike explores the history of the Association’s suicide prevention initiatives, including Question, Persuade, Refer better known statewide as QPR.
To honor Mike’s 27 years with the Association - and to support our ongoing statewide mission - donate and listen to epis…
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Jul 9, 2020
Part One: Mike Brose Reflects on Association History - 1955-2000
"It occurred to me really early on that you don't get this job -- you're entrusted with this job"
- Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma
Listen to episode one of "Mike Brose Reflects of Association History," our new multi-part series featuring the Association’s longtime CEO, Mike Brose, looking back on the history of the Mental Health Association dating back to 1955.
Mike announced his retirement in late 2019 and he's talked about recording this oral history of the organization ever since. Now that his retirement nears, Mike took time out to discuss, among other things, how tragedies in his own life led him to become a social worker. Mike also talks about the father of our housing program, Bill Packard.
To honor Mike’s 27 years with the Association -- and support our ongoing statewide mission -- donate today at mhaok.org/mike-brose. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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Jun 29, 2020
Mx. Eden Nay: "Focus on Black lives. Focus on queer Black lives. That's what I'm doing."
This Mx. Eden Nay quote says everything that needs to be said about this episode of the Mental Health Download:
"Focus on Black lives. Focus on queer Black lives. That's what I'm doing."
Mx. Eden Nay
(Them, They)
To learn more about the Prism Project, visit http://www.ou.edu/tulsa/about/diversityandinclusion/lgbtq
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Jun 26, 2020
Expand Medicaid By Voting YES on 802
On today’s episode, we’re going to explain why you should vote Yes On State Question 802 on June 30. Mental Health Association Oklahoma has joined the Yes on 802 Oklahomans Decide Healthcare movement to get Medicaid expansion passed in 2020 for nearly 200,000 Oklahomans.
Learn more at _yeson802.org_. Full disclosure, much of the statistics we’ll share today are straight from this brilliant website.
Your vote matters, so here are the days and times where early voting will be open at County Election Boards
Friday, June 26: 8am - 6pm
Saturday, June 27: 9am - 2pm
Click the link to _find the early voting location closest to you__ - __https://www.ok.gov/elections/documents/CEB_Physicial%20Addresses_%286-3-2020%29.pdf_
Please vote, spread the word, and let’s win Medicaid expansion on June 30.
On this episode, we’re going to be talking about how Medicaid expansion would benefit the people Mental Health Association Oklahoma serves.
So my guests today are Selena Stockley, w…
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Jun 24, 2020
Depression & Addiction in Netflix's "Bojack Horseman"
On today’s episode, the Association’s very own Matt Dean and Michael Huber discuss how the adult animated Netflix series "BoJack Horseman" does, in fact, tell the story of an anthropomorphic horse named BoJack. But it also has a unique perspective on depression and addiction. And since we are all still spending time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now would be a perfect time to binge 6 seasons on Netflix.
In addition, Michael Huber courageously shares his own journey with depression and anxiety and why Bojack does such a remarkable job of destigmatizing mental health and addiction.
Quick background on Matt Dean, he’s the Association’s brilliant graphic designer and Michael keeps the Association’s IT running smoothly, especially as we all work virtually from home these day.
OK, let’s get the conversation started. The Mental Health Download starts...now.
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Jun 19, 2020
Dr. Al Carlozzi: Virtual Support Group & Consultation for Mental Health Providers
"We're all struggling. We're not alone. We at the Mental Health Association have always been here for you. We're going to be here for you again now and in the future. This support group is just one way we're offering to be with you through this difficult time." -- Dr. Al Carlozzi
Rebecca Hubbard and Al Carlozzi talk about the Association's new support group, "Stress Management & Consultation for Mental Health Workers Experiencing the COVID-19 Impact."
It begins Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Details at mhaok.org/supportgroups.
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Jun 16, 2020
Shannon Phillips: She Can Be Free
NEW EPISODE > "Shannon Phillips: She Can Be Free" > mhaok.org/podcast
"There's nothing that's going to stop me because I love women. I want to be able to share my story to help them, to point them to the solution and say, 'Hey, come this way. Don't go down that path anymore. There's another path for you.' "
Shannon Phillips and her friend Melissa Baldwin talk about Shannon's podcast, "She Can Be Free." It's all about women helping other women walk towards freedom and recovery from the things that are holding them back.
Listen to the She Can Be Free Podcast at: https://www.shecanbefree.com/
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Jun 12, 2020
Carmen White Janak: Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice
On today's episode, we are featuring audio from a special Facebook Live event about the Mental Health Association Oklahoma support group "Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice." It features the group's facilitator Carmen White Janak and Rebecca Hubbard, the Association's director of Outreach, Prevention and Education.
Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice Support Group Meets at 7 p.m.
_Group begins June 15, 2020_
This support group is for people dealing with the trauma and stress related to the racial injustices and the ongoing racial crisis in America. This will be a safe healing place for listening, sharing, growing and learning. Now is the time for change. Join us as we provide space for truth and healing.
To register for this support group, visit https://mhaok.org/racial-injustice
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Jun 12, 2020
Podcasting Guide for Nonprofits
Podcasting is a powerful way to raise awareness about critical issues near and dear to nonprofits of all kinds. The mission today is to explain why -- and how -- more nonprofits can launch their own podcast.
Today, we're honored to be joined by fellow podcaster, Jesse Ulrich, who co-hosts Pod4Good and is the CEO of the podcast production company Rant9 Productions. And we asked our friend, Daniel Billingsley, of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, to join us to explain the importance of storytelling for nonprofits, especially now during the time of COVID-19 and protests related to the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.
In addition, we're joined by Mickey Desai from Atlanta, Georgia. Mickey is a veteran podcast producer. He produces three podcasts currently:
* Nonprofit SnapCast (a podcast for all nonprofit professionals and board members)
* The Thing About Cars (a podcast about cars and the people who love them)
* Inclusion Catalyst (a produc…
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Jun 9, 2020
The Grief Center's Joanna Majka on Personal & Collective Grief
Ashley Gunnells and Matt Gleason interview the Grief Center's Joanna Majka about the collective grief our country is experiencing involving COVID-19, and the same applies to George Floyd and other racial injustices we have witnessed. As Joanna said, "We are grieving together as a nation and we must connect to this grief, feel the deep emotions associated with these societal losses, and then use our grief to demand change."
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Jun 8, 2020
Emeka Nnaka is our Hero
Your mind wants to label me as a person with the disability, but I'm a guy out here trying to change the world by changing one person at a time." - Emeka Nnaka
***
On today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Avarie Wilson. She serves as the Association’s Assistant Director of Development.
Avarie and I are going to interview our guest and, actually, Avarie’s very good friend, Emeka Nnaka.
As so many Oklahomans know, Emeka has been in a wheelchair since he was 21. He was playing for a semi-pro football team when he tackled an opponent during a game in Arkansas. The opponent got to his feet. Emeka, sadly, was unable to move. Partially paralyzed, his life has never been the same.
Despite his challenges in life, Emeka has become an inspiration through his determination, grit, compassion and his exemplary volunteer work. Most notably, he’s been an amazing advocate and volunteer for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, the Tulsa Area United Way, the Center for Individuals wit…
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Jun 5, 2020
Malika Cox Fights Racial Injustice
On today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Tiffany Ramirez. She serves as the EmpowerOKC Program Manager at Lilyfield. Lilyfield's EmpowerOKC program is designed to transform families and communities into places where children are safe and can thrive.
Tiffany and I are going to interview our guest Malika Cox. She is passionate about criminal justice reform, restorative justice and policy changes that impact marginalized communities. Malika is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation, Justice and Community Life at The Table in Oklahoma City. Malika speaks and teaches on anti-bias, diversity and inclusion, race and reconciliation, and transitional and restorative justice practices.
Before we get to the interview, I want to tell you about Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s new virtual support group, Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice. It begins June 15. The free virtual support group via Zoom is specifically for people dealing with the trauma and stress related to the deaths o…
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Jun 3, 2020
Mark Davis: George Floyd and the Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice Support Group
On today’s episode, Rebecca Hubbard and Mark Davis are going to discuss how the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have had profound traumatic effects on individuals and families, and especially people in the African American community. This is why Mental Health Association Oklahoma launched its free virtual support group via Zoom that is specifically for people dealing with this ongoing crisis in America. The Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice support and open dialogue group will start at 7 p.m. June 15. More details are available at mhaok.org/supportgroups.
In addition, Mental Health Association Oklahoma encourages people to contact its free Mental Health Assistance Center at 918-585-1213 and 405-943-3700 for help and support. It is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. People may also send emails to info@mhaok.org.
OK, so just a bit of background on our guests: Rebecca is the Director of Outreach, Prevention and Education for Mental Health Association…
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May 30, 2020
100th Episode: Meditation with Jacob Beaumont
Listen to the 100th Episode! This has been an amazing journey podcasting and sharing lessons with you all. We could not think of a better way to celebrate this milestone episode than to invite our dear friend Jacob Beaumont to talk all things meditation. Be sure to hang around for the end of the pod so you can hear the first session of Jacob's free meditation series available right now at mhaok.org/meditation. Thank you for listening!
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May 28, 2020
Wendi Fralick: The Exit Interview
On today's episode, we are saying goodbye to our dear friend and leader, Wendi Fralick, who is Mental Health Association Oklahoma's chief administrative officer. We're both sad that she's leaving, but we're excited that she's also off to a new adventure with the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. Wendi is going to be the Center's new executive director!
We love Wendi very much, and so we invited her on today's episode to look back on the highlights of her career with the Association and to just say "goodbye and we'll see you soon."
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May 27, 2020
Mariah Davis: Miss Oklahoma USA's Depression and Anxiety
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
* On today’s special episode, our guest is Miss Oklahoma USA 2020, Mariah Davis.
* And what you’ll hear is audio from our recent Facebook Live Q&A with Mariah.
* You’ll hear Mariah share her experiences with depression and anxiety. She’ll also offer advice on how you or someone you love can overcome their darkest moments with depression and anxiety.
* QUESTIONS INCLUDE:
* So let’s start with you telling the audience a little about yourself and why you wanted to become Miss Oklahoma USA 2020.
* OK, now let’s go back to your high school days. Can you share what it was like in high school when you first realized you were experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety?
* At that time, were you afraid your friends and maybe even your family would find out you were experiencing depression and anxiety?
* When you were a freshman at the University of Ok…
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May 21, 2020
Chef Justin Thompson on COVID, Sobriety and the Healing Power of Baking
Chef Justin Thompson joins Mike Brose and Matt Gleason for a discussion about life during COVID, his sobriety, his hopes for the mental health of his staff and, yes, the healing powers of baking.
To connect with mental health services, call Mental Health Association Oklahoma's free Mental Health Assistance Center at 918-585-1213 or 405-943-3700.
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May 20, 2020
Tiffany Ramirez is Empowering OKC
Tiffany Ramirez, of EmpowerOKC, joins Rebecca Hubbard and Matt Gleason to discuss serving people whose first language is not English. Also, they talk about how EmpowerOKC has partnered with Westwood Elementary School, an Oklahoma City Public School, to identify at-risk students and provide support to students and their families to help prevent them from entering the child welfare system.
This program includes parenting classes, education support for children, mentor families, counseling, case management, resource referral, tutoring and much more. In doing so, we hope to continue to fulfill our vision of guiding children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency.
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May 19, 2020
MINI-EPISODE: How to Connect with Services During a Pandemic
Lucinda Morte answers the call for help when people contact Mental Health Association Oklahoma's free Mental Health Assistance Center. In this mini-episode, Lucinda answers one question: How to connect with services during a pandemic.
Connect to services today by visiting mhaok.org.
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May 15, 2020
Mary Burchett & Mike Brose on How Businesses Can Prioritize Mental Health
Listen to this discussion between Mary Burchett, of Bank of America, and Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Together they discuss how businesses can prioritize mental health.
Check out this Journal Record piece by Mary Burchett that's available now at: https://journalrecord.com/2020/05/15/qa-how-businesses-can-prioritize-mental-health/
Q&A: How businesses can prioritize mental health
By: Mary Burchett Journal Record Guest Columnist May 15, 2020
As Oklahomans continue to show strength during the coronavirus pandemic, the physical, financial and emotional strains we all are experiencing are converging. Many employers are taking steps to protect the health and safety of employees, including their mental and emotional well-being.
As part of Bank of America’s $100 million global coronavirus community relief effort, the bank provided Mental Health Association Oklahoma with funding to support increased local demand for their services. With May being National Mental…
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May 11, 2020
COVID-19: OKC Mental Health Town Hall
Oklahoma City Councilmembers James Cooper, JoBeth Hamon and Nikki Nice hosted a Virtual COVID-19 Town Hall on mental health, accessing care and more.
In this episode, JoBeth Hamon and M.J. Clausen, both of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, talk about participating in the town hall. They also offer their highlights of the event.
To watch the full Facebook Live of the town hall, visit: https://www.facebook.com/cityofokc/videos/525844598107909/
Links to Resources in OKC:
https://heartlineoklahoma.org/
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May 8, 2020
COVID-19: Tyler Butler's Spotlight on Mindfulness, Meditation and Mental Health
Tyler Butler, of Tulsa's Channel 8 - KTUL, hosts our Mental Health Download podcast today. It's the audio from his interviews with Mental Health Association Oklahoma's Jacob Beaumont and Rebecca Leigh Hubbard about mindfulness, meditation and mentalhealth resources available in Oklahoma for people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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May 6, 2020
COVID-19: Linda Alegria's Virtual Support Group & Hugs
Linda Alegria joins Dr. Rebecca Hubbard to talk about Linda's virtual Mental Health Association Oklahoma COVID-related support group, "STRESS AND A HISTORY OF TRAUMA."
Trauma is any experience that triggered heightened anxiety and fear related to your experience. Examples inlcude abuse, neglect, domestic violence and life-threatening accidents.
* Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn more at https://mhaok.org/support-groups
Also, get details about Mental Health Association Oklahoma's Be Apart campaign at mhaok.org/beapart
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May 4, 2020
COVID-19: Andy Moore - Let's Take Care of Our Mental Health
Andy Moore is the executive director of Let's Fix This in Oklahoma City. He's also the co-host of the Let's Pod This Podcast. Additionally, Andy is a licensed professional counselor. Andy joins us to talk about his Nondoc media story, "During the COVID-19 Crisis, Consider Your Mental Health."
Read the story here: https://nondoc.com/2020/03/27/amid-public-health-crisis-dont-forget-mental-health/
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May 1, 2020
COVID-19: Be Apart & Still Be A Part of Good Things
Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, and Kristy Sturgill, director of Marketing for the Association, join us to talk about the new campaign, Be Apart, and what life will be like as society begins to slowly emerge from quarantine.
Stay informed about the Be Apart campaign at https://mhaok.org/beapart
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Apr 29, 2020
COVID-19: Dr. Ben Miller Thinks BIG & little
You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Matt Gleason.
On today’s episode, our guest is Dr. Benjamin F. Miller, who serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Well Being Trust. The Well Being Trust is a national foundation committed to advancing the mental, social and spiritual health of the nation. He’s also serves as a board member for Mental Health Colorado.
And Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, who serves as Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Director of Outreach, Prevention and Education, is joining me today to interview Dr. Miller.
We asked Ben to be on the Mental Health Download because the Well Being Trust collaborated with the Kaiser Family Foundation on the fascinating research brief titled, “The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use.”
Key takeaways from the research include:
* Recent data shows that significantly higher shares of people who were sheltering in place (47%) reported…
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Apr 28, 2020
Covid-19: Defining Moments of Crisis with Margy & Hoang Lam
The Defining Moments Podcast based out of Moore, Oklahoma is a podcast that brings life to your moments, your setbacks, your breakthroughs to bring family, friends, neighbors and community together. With that in mind, we asked Margy & Hoang Lam about their defining moments of the COVID-19 crisis and tips for couples to stay happy in quarantine.
Check out the Defining Moments podcast via your favorite podcast listening app or online here:
https://www.definingmomentspod.com/
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Apr 27, 2020
COVID-19: Zack Stoycoff on Healthy Minds Initiative
Zack Stoycoff, senior director of policy and planning at Healthy Minds Initiative, joins us to talk about the initiative. We also talk about some of the most pressing legislative issues facing our state. This includes HB 4064. It abolishes the Department of Mental Health and puts all responsibilities for the state’s mental health system in the hands of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
Details about Healthy Minds Initiative at: https://www.healthymindspolicy.org/
Sign up for Mental Health Association Oklahoma advocacy alerts at: https://www.mhaok.org/advocate
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Apr 25, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Magic City Books' MHAOK Book List
Pat Cawiezell, of Magic City Books, joins Matt Gleason as they talk about some of their favorite books on the Magic City Books' list of Mental Health Association Oklahoma recommended books.
See the list here!
https://bookshop.org/lists/mental-health-association-book-list
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Apr 23, 2020
COVID SERIES: Damion Shade on Compassionate Release from Incarceration
Damion Shade, of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and Jacob Beaumont, Director of Criminal Justice Reform for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, discuss compassionate release from incarceration during era of COVID-19
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Apr 22, 2020
COVID-19: Dr. Sara Coffey on Youth Mental Health
Dr. Sara Coffey joins us to talk about youth mental health, including the future of telehealth to meet the great demand for child psychiatrists.
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Apr 20, 2020
COVID-19 Series: College Senior Joins a Parent to Share Tips
Lea Speight, an ORU senior, and Cynthia Mooney join us to give their perspectives on what life is like for COVID-era youth and their parents. They offer tips and plenty of real talk.
Also, listen for details about this week's Empowered Voices listening sessions, April 21st and April 23rd from 4:30- 5:30p.m. via Zoom.
We want to improve youth and young adult’s quality of life through sharing experiences and working together for change.
Each person interested in participating must email lspeight@mhaok.org to receive the meeting ID and passcode.
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Apr 17, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Dr. Chan Hellman on the Power of Hope
Today's episode features Dr. Chan Hellman on the power of hope during the quarantine.
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Apr 15, 2020
COVID-19 Series: OKC Street Outreach Continues
M.J. Clausen and Shelah Farley are two of our phenomenal staff members based in Oklahoma City. Together, they talk about what life is like for our street outreach team in a time of COVID-19 as it continues to reach out to people experiencing mental illness and homelessness.
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Apr 13, 2020
PBS' "Bedlam: An Intimate Journey into America's Mental Health Crisis"
"Once again, this is not someone else's problem. This is our problem and I hope with the film and the book, we'll start to realize that this is not something we should ignore, neglect and abandon any longer." -- Bedlam filmmaker, Dr. Kenneth Paul Rosenberg
Our guest is a psychiatrist and award-winning documentarian, Dr. Kenneth Paul Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg has directed and produced a new feature-length documentary called "Bedlam," which will premiere on Independent Lens Monday, April 13 at 9 p.m. central time on PBS, pbs.org and the PBS video app.
And just one more quick note. Circle Cinema and our community partner Mental Health Association Oklahoma are pleased to invite you to the first ever Indie Lens Pop-Up Virtual Screening with Live Chat! This national OVEE screening will feature “BEDLAM” on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Please click on this link to RSVP: https://ovee.itvs.org/screenings/ngcev
Listen to the Mental Health Download via your favorite podcast listening a…
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Apr 11, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Jennifer Sack, High School Counselor
Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, interviews his friend and collaborator Jennifer Sack. Jennifer is a counselor at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They talk about how Booker T. students are coping with life during COVID, especially the high school seniors.
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Apr 10, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Ahha Tulsa's Social Distance Studio
ahha Tulsa may be closed to the public as its staff hunker down during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they still have creative ways for you to spend your time social distancing. We talk to three of their staff members about how you and your children can take these ideas and put your own spin on them. They’ll be releasing ideas and activities throughout the prolonged closure. Share your projects using #SocialDistanceStudio. Here's the link! https://ahhatulsa.org/social-distance-studio/
Listen to the latest episode to hear Amber Litwack, Lauren Collins and Aleks Kitchens talk about why they helped created the Social Distance Studio that is full of fun art projects like "Paper Marbling with Shaving Cream and Food Coloring" and "Trophies for Everyday Achievements."
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Apr 9, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Jeff Olivet on Virus Effect on Homelessness & Racial Inequality
"I don't think this looks good, and if you trace those economic threads historically, we can predict that there's going to be a tidal wave of new homelessness over the next couple of years unless we act quickly to stave that off. That, too, will impact people of color worse than it will impact white communities. – Jeff Olivet
You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I'm Matt Gleason, and I am so excited that Jeff Olivet is here with us today. His thoughtful research has revealed that war, natural disasters, and poverty have been the root causes of homelessness.
During this conversation, we're going to turn our attention to the link between COVID-19 and homelessness. And we're also going to touch on topics such as the Tulsa Race Massacre and healing from historical trauma, which is the theme of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium coming up, hopefully, in October in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You can get all the details about the…
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Apr 8, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Steve Hahn's Tips for Parents
On today's episode, Steve Hahn, of The Parent Child Center of Tulsa, offers COVID-era tips for parents. Topics include monitoring a child's internet and social media usage while in quarantine. He also talks about how parents can balance working from home with their home life. Listen via your favorite podcast listening app or online at https://mhaok.org/covid19-resources
Donate to Mental Health Association Oklahoma's COVID-19 Relief Fund at mhaok.org/donate.
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Apr 7, 2020
NEW COVID-19 Virtual Support Groups
Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, director of Outreach, Prevention and Education for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, comes on the show to celebrate new Association virtual support groups for managing stress related to COVID-19.
Groups begin Saturday, April 11th.
Call 918-585-1213 or 405-943-3700
Fill out webform at mhaok.org/supportgroups
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Apr 6, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Kassie McClung's Covering the Pandemic
Kassie McClung joined the staff of The Frontier nonprofit journalism organization in July 2016. In this conversation, Kassie talks about what it's like to report from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. She also talks about taking care of her own mental health by, among other things, baking delicious bread.
DONATE TO MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OKLAHOMA AT MHAOK.ORG/DONATE
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Apr 3, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Songs for our Mental Health During Pandemic
Our guest is Lucas Oswalt, mental health advocate, musician and amazing human. Together, Matt Gleason and Lucas explain why their Spotify list, "Songs for our Mental Health," means so much to them.
LISTEN TO THE SPOTIFY LIST: http://ow.ly/F3yk50z4WfU
Also, Lucas mentions this Leonard Cohen video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AMMb9CiScI
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Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Homeless Outreach Continues
On today's episode, our guests are MIke Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, and Jessica Kelly, who heads up Mental Health Association's Homeless Street Outreach program.
We wanted to have Jessica on the show because her team is really making a difference during the most challenging time that we can imagine.
Please donate to Mental Health Association Oklahoma's COVID-19 Relief Fund Today on Facebook or mhaok.org.
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Apr 1, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Becky Gligo on Reaching Out to Tulsans Experiencing Homelessness
DONATE TO MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OKLAHOMA'S RELIEF FUND AT MHAOK.ORG
On today's episode, our guest is Becky Gligo, who is the Housing Policy Director for the City of Tulsa. Greg Shinn, our Associate Director and Chief Housing Officer, interviews his friend and collaborator, Becky.
Be sure to tune in around the 17-minute mark to hear Becky talk about the City of Tulsa's response to helping people experiencing homelessness during this challenging time.
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Mar 31, 2020
COVID-19 Series: Association Relief Fund
DONATE & READ FULL TRANSCRIPT AT MHAOK.ORG/PODCAST
You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I'm Kristy Sturgill, the director of marketing for the Association. On today's episode, my co-host is Wendi Fralick, the Association's chief administrative officer.
[00:00:24] Wendi, thank you so much for being here, and I just want to start this conversation by talking about the Association's COVID-19 Relief Fund. It's going on right now on the Mental Health Association Oklahoma Facebook page. The fundraiser is critical to support the Association's programs and services during this challenging time.
[00:00:46] Wendi, as you know, there is a lot of work happening on the front lines to protect vulnerable populations and our unsheltered neighbors. Mental Health Association Oklahoma is providing meals for people experiencing homelessness. We're maintaining support groups virtually through Zoom. Our amazing staff is just working very ha…
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Mar 30, 2020
COVID-19 Series: TFD's Michael Baker on 10 Days of Quarantine
Michael Baker is our guest today. He's the director of Emergency Medical Services for the Tulsa Fire Department. We talk to Michael on the 10th and final day of his quarantine from a virus that has symptoms very similar to COVID-19. His Covid test came back negative. This is a wonderful conversation that finds Michael contemplating how life in quarantine has transformed him, how EMS is serving people during a time of COVID, and, well, that he could really use a cup of QT coffee.
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Mar 27, 2020
Covid-19 Series: Sarah Bacon on Anxiety, MDMA-Guided Therapy & Fleeing NYC
On today's episode, our guest is Sarah Bacon. She is a writer, rare disease patient & advocate. Most recently, New York Magazine published her covid-19 related story titled "I’m in the High-Risk 2 Percent. It’s Exhausting." LINK: https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/im-in-the-high-risk-2-percent-its-exhausting.html
We asked Sarah, who lives in New York City but is taking refuge in a Florida hotel, to talk about life during covid-19.
Additionally, I was particularly excited to talk about her truly remarkable Washington Post story titled "Anxious and depressed as a scary disease destroyed her lungs, she turned to ecstasy for relief. Here’s what happened."
LINK: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/anxious-and-depressed-as-an-ultrarare-condition-destroyed-her-lungs-she-turned-to-ecstasy-for-relief-heres-what-happened/2019/11/15/cda32bb8-da49-11e9-ac63-3016711543fe_story.html
In the story, Sarah explains that a healer she sees from time to time to quell her anxiety suggested she try…
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Mar 25, 2020
Covid-19 Series: Paul Gionfriddo, Mental Health America's CEO
On today’s episode, our guest is Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America.
Paul has worked in a variety of health and mental-health related positions during a career spanning more than forty years.
He joined Mental Health America in 2014. His policy memoir, “Losing Tim: How Our Health and Education Systems Failed My Son with Schizophrenia,” was published in 2014.
We talk to Paul about mental health in a time of Covid-19.
Important links:
https://mhanational.org/covid19
https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools
Questions Asked:
- So my first question is: How is COVID-19 affecting your life right now?
- What do you foresee as being the biggest mental health implications of COVID-19?
- What is MHA doing as it relates to the COVID-19 response to help people?
- What are you all recommending MHA affiliates do to continue helping those we serve?
- What strategies will make an impact as we contend with physical isolation and disrupted schedules?
-…
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Mar 24, 2020
Covid-19 Series: Wendi Fralick Takes Us Behind the Scenes of a Nonprofit in Action
Our guest is Wendi Fralick, chief administrative officer for Mental Health Association Oklahoma. She takes us behind the scenes of how the Association continues to serve the people who need us most. She also talks about what are the elements that businesses and, specifically, nonprofits should be thinking about in terms of their staff, in terms of the work functions that they're responsible for, in terms of social distancing and what that means in terms of creating a healthy work environment as we embark on this new world.
Listen to all of our Covid-19 podcasts at https://mhaok.org/covid19-resources
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Mar 23, 2020
Covid-19 Series: Tips for Dealing with Social Isolation
We're having conversations that I feel we've never had before. And I think that's really positive. We're talking about reading, and thinking and all of these things will hopefully make us better once this experience passes -- Kristy Sturgill
Our CEO, Mike Brose, and Kristy Sturgill, our director of marketing, discuss their tips for dealing with social isolation during a time of Covid-19.
Listen to all of our Covid-19 podcasts at https://mhaok.org/covid19-resources
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Mar 23, 2020
Becky Frank's Compassion
"Let us never be weary in doing good." -- Becky Frank
Our guest is Becky Frank. She is Partner, Chair & CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank and one of the most compassionate people you will ever meet. We can’t wait for you to hear this conversation between Mike Brose and Becky that gives perspective on her dedication to helping people experiencing mental illness and homelessness.
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Mar 16, 2020
Kyle Ofori: Why the Census Matters
On today’s episode, our guest is Kyle D. Ofori. He serves as Director of Community Partnerships for the City of Tulsa’s Office of the Mayor. We asked Kyle to come on the show to explain why there’s so much at stake with the 2020 Census.
As a quick refresher, the census is a survey taken every 10 years. It determines how much funding and services our towns and cities receive each year for the next decade. Most importantly, the Census has a 10-year benefit of $16,750 per person for your community.
To learn more about the 2020 Census, visit:
https://csctulsa.org/tulsa2020/ (Tulsa region)
_http://okletscount.org_ (Oklahoma)
_https://www.2020census.gov/_ (U.S.)
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Mar 12, 2020
Covid-19 Series: Rebecca Hubbard's Tips to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
On today's episode, our guest is Dr. Rebecca Hubbard. She is the director of Outreach, Prevention and Education for Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Rebecca is here to offer helpful tips for dealing with anxiety related to the coronavirus.
If you need to talk with someone about your anxiety, call Mental Health Association Oklahoma at 918-585-1213 or 405-943-3700. You can also email us at info@mhaok.org.
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Mar 9, 2020
Rob Harmon's Graphic Novel Depicts Homelessness & Suicide Prevention
On today’s episode our guest is Rob Harmon, of the Association’s A Better Way program aimed at reducing panhandling in Tulsa. Rob’s fans, however, know him better as graphic novelist Robert Soul.
Today, we’re going to talk to Rob about his upcoming graphic novel signing set for 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at the Association’s CoffeeFirst kiosk. Rob’s graphic novel is titled Ruined My Rhythm. It’s a four-volume graphic novel that touches on issues such as homelessness, suicide awareness and addiction.
Listen and read highlights at mhaok.org/podcast
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Mar 5, 2020
Andrew Funderburk: Underpass — The Musical
On today's episode, our guest is Andrew Funderburk. Andrew is the mastermind behind "Underpass — The Musical," which will be on stage at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center this summer.
"Underpass" is Andrew's original musical about two individuals, one stuck in one place in life experiencing homelessness and the other one stuck in one place at work. The musical is all about them coming together over the commonality of being human. And before we get started, and just encourage everyone to go search for underpass, the musical on Facebook, be sure to like that page and, and do everything you can to support this musical and support the idea that yes, we are all humans.
Listen and read transcript highlights at mhaok.org/podcast.
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Mar 2, 2020
City Councilor Onreka Johnson on the Lawton Mental Health Town Hall
City Councilor Onreka Johnson talks about the March 5th Lawton Mental Health Town Hall. The panel will feature community leaders including Rep. Daniel Pae, Sen. John Michael Montgomery, Debra Johnson, of the Comanche County Health Department, James Smith, who serves as Lawton’s Chief of Police, and Lawton advocate Sasha Shelton. All the details are in this episode’s show notes as well as mhaok.org/podcast.
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Feb 26, 2020
TFD's Michael Baker's Quest to Reduce Mental Health-Related 911 Calls
Michael Baker is our guest today. He's the director of emergency medical services for the Tulsa Fire Department. He saves lives, he innovates and, well, he likes to garden. We asked Jessica Kelly, who oversees our Homeless Outreach and Rapid Response team to interview Michael because they are friends and work closely together. Read transcript highlights at mhaok.org/podcast.
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Feb 24, 2020
Ride-Along Tour with Mobile Medical Intervention Team and Tulsa World
On today's episode, we'll take you on a ride-along tour with our Mobile Medical Intervention Team. Recently, a Tulsa world photographer, John Clanton went along with the team as they went out onto the streets of Tulsa and helped people experiencing mental illness and homelessness.
To read the story and see the photos, visit this episode's podcast page.
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Feb 17, 2020
Meteorologist Travis Meyer on Battling Weather Anxiety
On today’s episode we’re going to explore weather anxiety with our guest, the legendary Tulsa meteorologist Travis Meyer. And we asked former Tulsa meteorologist Jon Haverfield to interview his friend Travis. Jon is one of Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s greatest advocates and he does a phenomenal job with this interview. Jon also talks about what it was like for him as a child struggling with severe weather anxiety.
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Feb 13, 2020
Rep. Mickey Dollens: Let's Save Lives from Suicide
On today’s episode our guest is Representative Mickey Dollens from Oklahoma City. We invited Mickey on the show to talk about his dedication to saving lives from suicide because, sadly, Mickey lost his own brother, Joe, to suicide nine years ago. He also talks about his bill, #HB3346, which would put the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on the back of student IDs.
For podcast transcript highlights visit mhaok.org/podcast
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Feb 10, 2020
Kris Steele: Champion for Criminal Justice Reform
Kris Steele: Criminal Justice Reform Champion
Listen & Read Highlights at www.mhaok.org/podcast
We're honored and thrilled Kris Steele, of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, shares his passion for the cause on this week's episode. Kris talks about his own journey and how it's time for State Question 805. SQ805 will end the use of sentence enhancements for nonviolent offenses, reduce our state’s inflated prison population and strengthen our communities.
Join Kris and our team of advocates as we stand against extreme sentences by joining us at the Community Rally for Reform events in Tulsa & OKC on Saturday, Feb. 15. Details on the podcast page at:
mhaok.org/podcast-blogs/2020/2/6/kris-steele-champion-for-criminal-justice-reform
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Feb 5, 2020
Daniel Billingsley Fights for Mental Health
On today's episode, our guest is our friend, Daniel Billingsley. At the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, he oversees all fundraising, communications, public affairs and government relations activities for the statewide association of charitable nonprofits.
Prior to his work with the Center, he oversaw public affairs duties for Thresholds, which is Illinois’ largest nonprofit mental health services provider. He continues to have a lifelong passion for mental health issues and substance use prevention and treatment.
In this in-depth interview, Daniel talks about his own family's issues related to mental health and substance use.
Read highlights from the conversation at mhaok.org/podcast.
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Feb 3, 2020
Adam McCreary: Advocacy Tips for 2020 Legislative Session
This week’s podcast features Adam McCreary, the senior manager of government relations for the Cherokee Nation, interviewed by our own advocacy specialist Jake Glantz.
Adam said, “Feel comfortable opening a dialogue with the political leaders in our state because they need to hear from you. They need to hear your stories. They need to know what you're going through on a daily basis. They need to know the challenges that you're facing related to mental illness, and that's just critically important to this process.”
For highlights from the interview, visit mhaok.org/podcast
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Jan 29, 2020
HBO's Watchmen & Healing from Historical Trauma
On today’s episode, we’re in Oklahoma City for part 2 of our interview with three city councilors for an in-depth conversation about the theme of this year’s Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, which is Healing from Historical Trauma. Our jumping-off point is the HBO series Watchmen. It prominently features the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Read transcript highlights here: mhaok.org/podcasts
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Jan 27, 2020
How $978 million will Transform OKC & Mental Health
On today’s episode, we’re in Oklahoma City to interview three city councilors about the historic Maps 4 vote.
The 1-cent sales tax that passed will be used to fund 16 civic projects estimated to cost nearly $978 million. This includes $50 million for affordable housing. $40 million will provide new mental health and substance abuse services designed to relieve pressure on the Oklahoma County jail. And $17 million will be used for a “diversion hub” to also relieve pressure on the Oklahoma County jail. This hub will work with low-level offenders to provide a diversion away from jail.
Now, to introduce our guests,
James Cooper, of Ward 2, formerly served as an Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher, and is a published writer. An AVID middle school college preparation teacher, James also works as an adjunct Film Studies professor at Oklahoma City University, where he serves on OCU’s Arts and Sciences Advisory Board.
JoBeth Hamon serves Oklahoma City's Ward 6. Many of you also p…
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Jan 24, 2020
Joel Daniel Phillips: Acclaimed Tulsa Portraitist
Our guest is the internationally known portraitist Joel Daniel Phillips. His 2018 hardcover book of brilliant art is called “No Regrets in Life.” It includes his larger-than-life drawings of people “living on the margins” in San Francisco. Joel’s drawings have been exhibited at institutions and galleries across the United States as well as abroad, including the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and, of course, in Tulsa.
Joel is currently a Fellow at the Tulsa Artist Fellowship. The Tulsa Artist Fellowship was established in 2015 by the George Kaiser Family Foundation with a vision to recruit and retain professional artists to Tulsa.
Learn more about Joel at https://www.joeldanielphillips.com/
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Jan 21, 2020
Jesse Ulrich's Podcasting Tips for Nonprofits or anyone, really
On today’s episode, our guest is Jesse Ulrich, of Podcasts For Good. He helps organizations and nonprofits learn how to produce their own podcasts. Jesse also has a podcast called Pod 4 Good. You can hear it on all your favorite podcast listening apps.
The reason we asked Jesse to come on the show is to have a fun conversation about the power of podcasts to share a nonprofit’s work with the community. Plus, we’re going to offer some of our best tips on how to start and grow a podcast. For all of our tips, you can read our tips on a blog found online here...
https://mhaok.org/blog/2020/1/21/beginner-podcasting-tips-for-nonprofits-or-just-about-anyone-else
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Jan 17, 2020
Tahira Taqi on Transforming a West Tulsa Neighborhood
We’ve invited Tahira Taqi back to talk about her work as the Senior Project Manager for Urban Strategies on the Eugene Field choice neighborhood project here in Tulsa.
Tahira will give us all the details, but, in short, within 5 years, 25 acres of land will be cleared and rebuilt, as the Tulsa Housing Authority carries out the mandate of the $30 million federal grant to transform the neighborhood on the west side of the Arkansas River.
The plans call for a mix of apartment styles, built around a neighborhood designed for walking, with a 5-acre park and a grocery store. The housing authority residents who are moving out during reconstruction will have the first chance to return once it's done.
Tahira is here to give us behind-the-scenes details about the project. And we asked Mark Davis to host this episode for two reasons. One is that he is the Association’s Chief Programs Officer. The other is because he once lived in an apartment complex in the Eugene Field neighborhood. And M…
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Jan 13, 2020
Eden Nay: State of Mental Health of Tulsa's Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTQ+)
On this week's Mental Health Download podcast, Eden Nay talks in detail about The Prism Project, a far-reaching, needs-assessment survey that was commissioned to raise awareness about issues related to Tulsa's sexual and gender minority community, also known as the LGBTQ+ community.
Read the Prism Report here:
http://www.ou.edu/tulsa/about/diversityandinclusion/lgbtq
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Jan 6, 2020
Andy Moore: Let's Fix This & Let's Pod This
This week's guest is Andy Moore, of the Let's Pod This podcast and the nonprofit Let's Fix This advocacy organization based in Oklahoma City. Let's Fix This is a grassroots effort to get regular, everyday people involved in politics. Andy's also a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes that taking the time to listen and build relationships with elected officials and between neighbors will pave the way to a better Oklahoma.
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Dec 31, 2019
Dr. Victoria Sturtevant: "I'm Mad as Hell and I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore"
On this week’s episode, our own resident movie expert, Michael Huber, interviews his former professor, Dr. Victoria Sturtevant, of the University of Oklahoma. Professor Sturtevant teaches courses on film history, theory and criticism.
After the Mental Health Download released an episode about how “The Joker” stigmatized mental illness, Michael asked Dr. Sturtevant to discuss the portrayal of mental illness and suicide in cinema. As a jumping-off point for their wide-ranging discussion, they start with the 1976 film, “Network,” which was a key inspiration for “The Joker.”
The classic film was honored with four major Academy Awards, including best actor and best actress.
It is best known for its famous line, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
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Dec 20, 2019
Scott Blackburn: The Search for the 1921 Race Massacre Mass Graves
Our guest is Scott Blackburn. Scott is a Mental Health Association Oklahoma Homeless Outreach & Rapid Response team member. Scott worked alongside investigators searching for the 1921 Race Massacre mass graves. One possible site is located in what is now an encampment for people experiencing homelessness.
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Dec 16, 2019
Lucinda Morte is Answering the Mental Health Call For Help
On this week's episode, we talk with Lucinda Morte. She plays a key role in Mental Health Association Oklahoma's free resource referral line. Lucinda is a mental health professional who is always ready to work with people to help navigate through the complex mental health system.
Call the Referral Line Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm 918.585.1213 or 405.943.3700. You may also send an email to info@mhaok.org.
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Dec 11, 2019
Tricia Mason on the Power of Free Support Groups
On today’s bonus episode of the Mental Health Download, our CEO, Mike Brose, interviews his longtime friend and collaborator Tricia Mason. Trish is a licensed professional counselor and Chief Operations Officer of 12 & 12 in Tulsa.
12&12 is the largest Comprehensive Community Addiction Recovery Center in the state. Trish has also facilitated several of Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s free support groups.
Trish currently facilitates our Strength & Serenity support group. As she talks about in the podcast, it’s a joint venture between the Association and the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office. The group is for people who have lost a loved one to a violent crime.
For more info about the support groups, visit mhaok.org/supportgroups.
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Dec 9, 2019
#SeeMe as a Suicide Prevention Advocate
On this week's episode, co-hosts Matt Gleason and Kristy Sturgill talk with Stephanie Cherry and Angie Almond. Stephanie and Angie are two of the most dedicated suicide prevention advocates in Oklahoma. They both live in Piedmont, Oklahoma, which has had an average of five suicide incidents, attempts and deaths by suicide per year for the past four years. One suicide is too many.
Together they talk about why they asked Mental Health Association Oklahoma to host two QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings this year in Piedmont.
QPR is appropriate for anyone 18 or older who would like to learn how they can offer hope and play a role in suicide prevention.
If you are concerned about someone having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-272-TALK (8255)
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Dec 2, 2019
Do Good. Drink CoffeeFirst.
On this week's episode, we celebrate the grand opening of Mental Health Association Oklahoma's innovative CoffeeFirst employment program on Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving.
We talk with...
Clara Correa, who oversees the CoffeeFirst program for the Association...
Tyler Duncan, of Topeca Coffee Roasters
Mary Burchett, of Bank of America, and
Maria Morris, an inspirational CoffeeFirst employee
CoffeeFirst is a social enterprise providing barista training to adults who have experienced mental illness, homelessness and/or incarceration. Its mission is to provide temporary employment to individuals, equipping them with professional transferable skills and experience. The barista training prepares CoffeeFirst employees for competitive employment within their community.
The grand opening will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 3. The media and the general public will gather in front of the coffee cart located in the lobby of Legacy Plaza’s Conference Center, 5330 Ea…
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Nov 25, 2019
Ashley Gunnells is Taking the Happy with the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Ashley Gunnells is hilarious but she's also experienced seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Ashley and our host, Matt, talk about how they cope with both the happy and the SAD. They offer plenty of tips from the National Institute of Mental Health and do a fair bit of giggling. This is one you don't want to miss.
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Nov 18, 2019
Jedediah Bragg & His Amazing Mental Health Therapy Dog Koa
On this week’s episode, our guest is the ever-amazing Dr. Jedediah Bragg, of the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work.
We asked Jedediah to be on the show because he is training his wonder dog, Koa, to be a therapy dog.
To be clear, Jedediah is not training Koa to be his personal therapy dog. Rather, he’s training Koa to be a therapy dog for the community. In essence, Koa is a furry social worker.
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Nov 12, 2019
Theresa Nguyen Wants You to Fight in the Open for Mental Health
On today’s episode, our guest is Theresa Nguyen. Theresa works for Mental Health America (MHA) to help people across the nation have greater access to mental health care through policy and programming. Along with supporting MHA’s federal and state policy agenda, Theresa manages various programs including MHA Screening, The State of Mental Health in America, and Workplace Wellness.
Theresa’s also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her clinical experience focused on working with children and adults with serious mental illness, homelessness, dual diagnosis treatment, and early intervention of psychosis.
And, finally, Theresa co-hosts Mental Health America’s podcast called In the Open. It's where Theresa and her co-host, America, have open conversations about mental health. Some of their episodes include "Medication Makes Me Feel Worse," "Why Am I So Hard On Myself?" and "Am I Sad or Depressed?"
To listen to the podcast online, visit https://mentalhealthamerica.podbean.com/…
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Nov 4, 2019
Largest single prison sentence commutation in U.S. history
On today’s episode we’re going to discuss the ripple effects of more than 450 people having their drug possession and low-level theft sentences commuted.
These individuals have already served one year for drug and property theft crimes that are now considered misdemeanors. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board staff said 462 people were eligible for such release, totaling about 1,690 years of sentences being commuted.
This is believed to be the largest single prison sentence commutation in U.S. history. And Today, November 4, 2019, they'll begin returning to their families and restarting their lives.
To explore this issue in detail, our own Jacob Beaumont will interview Damion Shade, of the Oklahoma Policy Institute. OK Policy is a non-partisan independent policy think-tank. Damion joined OK Policy in July of 2018 as its criminal justice policy analyst. He is also a member of the Association’s Legislative Advocacy Committee.
As for Jacob Beaumont, he is Mental Health Associa…
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Oct 28, 2019
Does "Joker" Stigmatize Mental Illness?
"Joker" is the No. 1 R-rated movie of all-time. It features a gripping performance by Joaquin Phoenix that has everyone talking. On this episode, Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, gives his perspective on the film and helps answer whether or not "Joker" stigmatizes mental illness.
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Oct 22, 2019
Listen to Zarrow Symposium Keynotes Part 2: Dr. Chan Hellman & Dr. Carl Hart
On today’s episode, we’re going to give you highlights from day 2 of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium keynote sessions.
First up, we'll hear from Dr. Chan Hellman.
Dr. Hellman is a professor in the Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work and Founding Director of the Hope Research Center.
He defines hope as the belief that the future will be better and you have the power to make it so.
Dr. Hellman’s keynote explored the science and power of hope.
The second part of this episode features Dr. Carl Hart.
He is a Columbia University professor acclaimed for his research on substance use
Dr. Hart's keynote explored how society is constantly misled about drug use and addiction.
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Oct 17, 2019
Listen to Zarrow Symposium Keynotes Part 1: Esme Weijun Wang and Dr. Stephanie Covington
Listen to the highlights from Day 1 of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium keynote sessions.
First, Esmé Weijun Wang shares personal stories highlighting her experiencing living with severe mental illness. She challenges to the audience to expand their view of what recovery and resilience really means.
Then, listen to Stephanie Covington discusses women in the "criminal injustice system." She explains the difference between tolerable stress and destructive stress, and how it affects brain development and children. "Think about what percentage of the women in our jails and prisons grew up in families with relentless stress in communities of violence -- A very high percentage."
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Oct 8, 2019
Tahira Taqi on Racism & Inclusion
Tahira Taqi is a proud American Muslim, community member and social justice advocate. She works as the Senior Project Manager for Urban Strategies on the Eugene Field choice neighborhood project and continues to be involved in area nonprofits and advocacy efforts.
In this episode, Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, talks with Tahira about racism, inclusion, mental health and what she hopes for the future.
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Sep 30, 2019
Kristy K. Boone: Connectivation & Resilience
Today our guest is Kristy K. Boone. Kristy is from Oklahoma City but she’s kindly come to Tulsa to record this episode in our studio.
Kristy’s primary passion is teaching others how to communicate with empathy and authenticity in a digital age. Her passion also translates into her corporate interactive workshops, adapting improv-based exercises. Kristy is also a professional improviser, actor, writer and badass. I added the badass part to her bio.
On this episode, Kristy’s going to explain how improv soothes anxiety and builds resilience, something we could all benefit from.
She’s also going to give you tips on how to be a better co-worker by realizing that the secret of thriving in any workplace is compassion. But that’s a lot easier said than done, so Kristy has an amazing two-hour Connectivation training she’s offered to businesses of various sizes and even nonprofits like Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
During her Connectivation training here at the Association…
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Sep 23, 2019
Tim Landes Jr's Mom Was Homeless
Tim Landes Jr is a storyteller. In this episode, the TulsaPeople magazine writer and editor tells the story of his mom, who has experienced mental illness and homelessness. Now she has a safe place to live and is doing great in her recovery.
Wendi Fralick is the Chief Administrative Officer for Mental Health Association Oklahoma. She interviews Tim in this episode because she knows his story so well from following his blog at www.timlandesjr.com.
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Sep 16, 2019
Joe Hight's "Unnecessary Sorrow"
Today our guest is our friend Joe Hight. Joe is a journalism professor, columnist, writer, consultant and a bookstore owner. His newspaper career as an editor, director, managing editor or reporter spanned for 35 years.
His new book is “Unnecessary Sorrow: A Journalist Investigates the Life and Death of His Oldest Brother: Ordained, Discarded, Slain by Police.” It took Joe more than a decade to write and publish.
The book will be launched at a special event in Tulsa, followed by an event in Edmond. Part of the proceeds from book sales will benefit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. At both events, Elena Hight, Joe Hight’s daughter, will perform “My Uncle, a song she wrote based on the book.
LINK TO "MY UNCLE" VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfEeBkubhNg
All the details are in this episode’s show notes.
To give some background on the book, Joe has always wondered what happened to his oldest brother, Paul Hight, a Roman Catholic priest purged from the Church because of h…
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Sep 12, 2019
Dr. Jessica Bernard: Exploring Psychosis Part 2
Welcome to part 2 of our exploration of psychosis. Today I’m so excited that our guest is psychosis expert, Dr. Jessica Bernard, of Texas A&M University.
Dr. Bernard’s research supports the theory that problems in a particular brain circuit contribute to the disorganized thinking seen in patients with schizophrenia.
She’s here to talk in detail about psychosis and to give us tips for people experiencing psychosis and their loved ones.
OK, let’s get to the interview. The Mental Health Download starts now.
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Aug 30, 2019
Esmé Weijun Wang: Exploring Psychosis Part 1
Esmé Weijun Wang is the author of the New York Times-bestselling essay collection The Collected Schizophrenias and the novel The Border of Paradise, which was one of NPR's Best Books of 2016. Born in the Midwest to Taiwanese parents, Esmé lives in San Francisco. She will be a keynote speaker at our Zarrow Mental Health Symposium in October. We are thrilled that Esmé joined us for our two-part exploration of psychosis. For this episode, we asked JoBeth Hamon to interview Esmé. JoBeth works for the Association, but she’s also a huge Esmé fan and was actually elected as a City Councilor in Oklahoma City. OK, the mental health download starts … now.
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Aug 26, 2019
Noe Rodriguez: Homeless Outreach Exit Interview
On this episode, Noe Rodriguez looks back on what inspired his life as a homeless outreach worker in Tulsa, tells some funny and inspirational stories and looks forward to the next big step in his life.
Noe is our friend so we will miss him dearly at Mental Health Association Oklahoma, but we're excited for the next chapter in an already remarkable life.
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Aug 19, 2019
Joshua Dulaney & The Dark Side of Reporting
Today we’re talking with award winning journalist Joshua Dulaney. He joined The Oklahoman in November 2016. In both 2018 and 2019 he earned newspaper writer of the year honors from the Great Plains Journalism Awards.
We asked Josh to be on the show today because he’s the host of the Oklahomans’ podcast, the United States of Oklahoma, a podcast exploring the people of Oklahoma.
We’ll also talk about the stories he’s told over the years, including those about Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, among other topics.
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Aug 9, 2019
Defining Moments with Margy & Hoang Lam
We’re talking with Margy and Hoang Lam. The Oklahoma City couple produce the Defining Moments podcast. Hoang hosts and Margy works behind the scenes.
Together, they have built a great following because they believe in the power of positive people with unique stories. By sharing stories, they hope to inspire a more positive world. It’s an honor they’re on the show because we love their mission.
We talk about eating disorders, inspirational books, healthful eating and their own defining moments.
You can listen to the Defining Moments podcast via your favorite podcast listening app or online at https://www.definingmomentspod.com
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Aug 5, 2019
The Danger of Linking Mental Illness with Mass Violence
It’s Monday, August 5, 2019 and we’re still reeling from the mass shootings that claimed 20 lives in El Paso on Saturday and another nine in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday.
A Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health found that the contribution of mental health conditions to violence in our society is very small. But Gallup polling data from January, 2013 showed that 48% of adult Americans blame the mental health system “a great deal” for mass shootings in the United States. When there is an incident of mass gun violence, mental illness is routinely discussed as a likely cause, and the rights and liberties of the up to 25% of Americans with mental health conditions are placed in jeopardy.
In the aftermath of the tragedies, the news media often turns to our guest, Mike Brose, for ways the general public can cope with such dark events. Sadly, Mike has been answering these types of questions for decades, including in the aftermath of Columbine, Sandy Hook and, honestly, too many o…
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Jul 26, 2019
Dr. Carl Hart: Drug Talk for Grown-Ups
On this episode, Mark Davis, the Association's chief programs officer, interviews our guest, Dr. Carl Hart.
Dr. Hart grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Miami where drug use was prevalent. The truth is that he even used and sold drugs. However, interesting enough, that life led him to the Air Force and later to the esteemed role of Columbia University professor acclaimed for his research -- who some may call controversial -- particularly in regards to substance use, and the case Dr. Hart for decriminalizing ALL drugs in America.
And that’s why we’re thrilled that Dr. Hart is going to be a keynote speaker at Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium in October.
His keynote is titled “Drug Talk for Grown-Ups.” In it, he will be drawing upon his own personal journey and more than 25 years of experience as a neuro-psycho-pharmacologist.
In this episode, Dr. Hart takes on how society is constantly misled about drug use and addiction.…
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Jul 19, 2019
What Makes a Mental Health Leader?
On this episode, Mental Health Association Oklahoma's CEO, Mike Brose, interviews his friend and collaborator Kathy Langois. She is based in Canada and represents the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership. It’s a unique international collaborative of nine countries that focuses on improving mental health and addictions services.
Mike has been working alongside Kathy as her organization prepares for its upcoming Leadership Exchange coming up in early September in Washington, DC.
Get all the details at http://www.iimhl.com/
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Jul 12, 2019
Exploring the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
On today’s of the Mental Health Download, we have three interviews all tied to Adverse Childhood Experiences, better known as ACEs. Oklahoma's children have the highest ACE scores in the nation. Basically, the questionaire boils down to three categories: Abuse, Neglect and Household dysfunction, including mental illness, substance use and if a loved one has been incarcerated.
To give you some perspective on this issue, we’re talking to three people who played key roles in the Tulsa World newspaper’s phenomenal 8-part series on ACEs. Lucinda Morte is a mental health professional who has a relatively high ACE score herself. Donavon Ramsey is a resilient 19-year-old with a high ACE score and plenty of heartbreaking stories. And, finally, Ashley Parrish, the Tulsa World’s Deputy Managing Editor who oversaw the year-long process to make the Breaking the Cycle series a reality.
LINKS:
ACEs questionnaire:
https://www.ncjfcj.org/sites/default/files/Finding%20Your%20ACE%20Scor…
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Jul 5, 2019
A Journey Home: How Collaboration is Solving Homelessness
What happens when someone is evicted from their home? For some the answer is buying a room at a hotel, which is what Shade and Sheryl did until they ran out of money. Then, it was buying a tent. In this episode, we wanted to give listeners a chance to join us, first, as we visited Shade and Sheryl the first day they moved into a new apartment thanks to adopt a home and then, second, after they’ve lived there for exactly one month. This story starts in their new kitchen, Sheryl stopped loading in groceries to tell us how they ended up living on the streets.
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Jun 28, 2019
PART 2: Tulsa's Homelessness Count Featuring Greg Shinn
On this episode, Greg Shinn, of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, discusses Tulsa's annual Point-in-Time Count of people experiencing homelessness. It was officially released during the recording of this podcast. This is the second of a two-part series on point-in-time counts in Oklahoma. The first episode featured Greg interviewing Dan Straughan, of the Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City.
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Jun 28, 2019
PART 1: Exploring the Annual Oklahoma City Homeless Count with Dan Straughan
On the new episode of the Mental Health Download podcast, our own Greg Shinn interviews his longtime friend and collaborator Dan Straughan, executive director of the Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City. Together they discuss the results of the OKC Point-in-Time Count of people experiencing homelessness and what that means for the community. This is part one of a two-part series. The second episode features Greg discussing Tulsa's Point-in-Time count.
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Jun 14, 2019
Gail Richards on Overcoming Addiction to Anxiety Medication
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, Mike Brose, the CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, interviews his longtime friend,
and one of the greatest supporters of our organization, Gail Richards.
They're going to talk about a number of things, but, primarily, Gail is our guest today because she is courageously sharing her story so that others may understand what it's like to overcome an addiction to a prescription that she was prescribed to overcome anxiety. But what was prescribed as an "as needed" drug became, eventually, something that she was taking all the time.
It's a great honor that Gail's with us to share a story that Mike and I know is going to do a lot of good. And that's really what Gail is all about -- she's one of the most compassionate and helpful people that we know.
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May 31, 2019
Tulsa World's Let's Talk: Mental Health Forum
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, we were on location at the University of Tulsa for the Tulsa World's Let's Talk Forum on Mental Health.
The panelists included TU President Gerard Clancy, who is a psychiatrist; Terri White, commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; and Dr. Martin Paulus, scientific director and president of the Laureate Institute for Brain Research.
Participating as special guests at the event were Oklahoma’s first lady, Sarah Stitt, and Michael Brose, chief empowerment officer of Mental Health Association Oklahoma.
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May 29, 2019
Homelessness Experts Mack Haltom & Mike Brose
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, interviews his longtime friend and collaborator Mack Haltom, who is the executive director of the Tulsa Day Center. The homelessness experts talk about a variety of things, including homelessness myths and why collaboration is one of the greatest tools in the fight to end homelessness in Tulsa.
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May 24, 2019
Review of Oklahoma's 2019 Legislative Session
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, Jake Glantz, Mental Health Association Oklahoma's advocacy specialist, reviews Oklahoma's 2019 legislative session. You'll hear about the state of mental health funding, criminal justice reform and more.
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May 21, 2019
His Name Isn't "Homeless." It's Jose Vega.
Jose Vega, of Oklahomans for Equality, explains what it was like to be rejected by his family because he was gay. Then, he explains what it was like surviving homelessness while also trying to balance the pressures of high school. For the second part of the Mental Health Download, we talk with Beth Svetlic, who oversees Mental Health Association Oklahoma's services for young people who have overcome homelessness. Beth started her social work career working with adolescents because, as she said, "they have a lot of autonomy and hope."
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May 12, 2019
Michelle Hand Shares Her Story about Postpartum Depression
Michelle Hand, a mother of two, shares what it was like experiencing postpartum depression after having her second child. Her advice to mothers is to reach out for help if they're experiencing depression even if it is hard.
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Apr 26, 2019
Highlights from the My Mind Matters Rally at the Capitol
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, you'll hear highlights from this year's My Mind Matters rally at the Capitol. You'll hear speeches that will inspire you, break your heart and, most importantly, get you ready to advocate for essential mental health services wherever you live.
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Apr 24, 2019
Weather Anxiety is Real
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, we take on weather anxiety. First, our host, Matt Gleason, talks with Tulsa meteorologist Jon Haverfield. Jon grew up battling weather anxiety but overcame it to the point he chases tornadoes for a living. Then, Matt interviews Julie Summers, who serves as Mental Health Association Oklahoma's Director of Outreach and Prevention. Julie offers helpful tips to cope with weather anxiety and gives insight into responding to the needs of people in the aftermath of a tornado.
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Mar 29, 2019
#SeeMe: My Name isn't Criminal, it's Melodie.
On the latest episode of The Mental Health Download podcast, we’re kicking off Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s See Me campaign with a conversation with our very own Melodie Mills. Each day, Melodie’s helping people in Oklahoma City experiencing homelessness start a new life in recovery. She’s amazing at her job because she truly understands what they are going through and how to overcome the greatest of barriers.
In Melodie’s own life, though, she hasn’t had many second chances. Instead, her battle with addiction led her to spending just over five years in prison. At one point, she felt like society saw her as a monster not as someone in need of life-changing substance use treatment. That’s why Melodie is one of the many faces of the See Me campaign.
The heart of the See Me campaign is really driven by the fact that we all like to look away when we see people who are panhandling on the side of the road, people experiencing severe mental illness, or people who…
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Feb 19, 2019
Teen on Suicide & Stigma
On this episode of the Mental Health Download, the CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Mike Brose, and host Matt Gleason talk with Sophie Pazzo. She's a Tulsa teenager who shares her thoughts on the stigma of mental illness, suicide and the critical role teens like her play in making a difference in the community.
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Jan 15, 2019
New Year's Resolutions that Start New Lives
During our Mental Health Download podcast, we usually take on just one of four powerful topics each month. Well, during our latest episode we take on all four -- mental illness, suicide, incarceration, and homelessness. The reason we're taking on all four topics is because we're talking about New Year's resolutions that won't make you lose weight or help you start exercising, but they will give you opportunities to make a big difference in your community.
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Jan 8, 2019
Suicide in a Smalltown
Welcome to the Mental Health Download from Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Each month on our program, we take on one of four themes that are too big to ignore: mental illness, suicide, incarceration and homelessness.
During this episode, Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, and our host, Matt Gleason, will explore what happened in the small Oklahoma town of Wilburton, Oklahoma after a cluster of suicides claimed the lives of young people and even a school teacher. Then, we’ll hear from Dr. Paul Quinnett. Dr. Quinnett is a clinical psychologist and President and CEO of the QPR Institute. Based in Spokane, Washington, the training organization is set on preventing suicides across the globe by teaching people a single question that saves lives from suicide. Learn more about Mental Health Association Oklahoma at mhaok.org.
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Jan 8, 2019
Dr. Adam Gazzaley: Can Video Games Revolutionize Mental Health?
What role can video games play in treating mental health and addiction? In this episode of Mental Health Association Oklahoma's podcast, The Mental Health Download, nationally-known professor in neurology, physiology and psychiatry, Dr. Adam Gazzaley, shares a global look at how technology is influencing and changing how we treat PTSD, ADHD, autism, depression, and more. Learn more about Mental Health Association Oklahoma at mhaok.org.
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Jan 7, 2019
Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration
You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Each week on the download we explore mental illness, suicide, homelessness and incarceration. We hope you listen and subscribe.
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