4:12 Connections

Back in March, I had the opportunity to speak as part of a panel on living with a disability at the Together: Ignite Conference.  Afterwards, I had several people wanted to speak with me, which is still a bit of a shock to be honest.  But one of those people is our special guest to Amanda Burgos, the mom of a million kids.  Sadly, Pastor Larry was out of town when we recorded this episode but Amanda & I had an amazing conversation about some of the challenges associated with mental health and parenting, including the parenting foster children.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Over the years we have learned to talk more openly about mental health.  Today Paster Larry & I explore the importance of teaching kids mental health as a parent, or other adult role model.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Episode 5: Exploring Boundaries

Communication can be difficult at times.  Especially for those who have a hard time reading body language and picking up on various social cues.  Today Pastor Larry and I talk about some of the challenges that can occur when trying to communicate with others, especially when people function in the “ever always listening” mode which sometimes causes well-meaning people to provide irrelevant support to others who may or may not be in crisis.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Today we are joined by a very special guest, Kathy Lathem from Cobb Senior Services.  In this episode we talk about the importance of community and the services available for the “Senior” population in Cobb County, Georgia while also working to debunk some of the myths and stigma surrounding aging and the senior community in general.

According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the 4 major dimensions of recovery are health, home, purpose and community.  In today’s episode Pastor Larry and I focus on the importance community and finding a sense of purpose and how the impact our mental health. 

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We all experience obstacles and challenges in life and sometimes those come with a setbacks that can detail our progress.  In this episode we talk about the importance of managing expectations of ourselves and others and how it impacts our mental health.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

 In our final episode of Season 3, Pastor Larry and I continue our conversation about self-care and other strategies to survive the additional stress the holiday season often brings. Especially for those who have a strained relationship with their family or perhaps aren't able to get home to spend time with their loved ones. 

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We are joined again by our 2 special guests, Jennifer Grawey and one of the film bros from the “Recently Logged” podcast Micah Grawey as we continue our conversation on the way media portrays mental illness in television and movies, both the good and the bad. Especially the way it often helps to perpetuate stigma associated with mental health and mental illness.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

One of the most common troupes in horror movies and tv show is that the villain and/or serial killer is living with a mental illness.  The problem is that this helps to perpetuate stigma associated with mental health and mental illness.  This month we have a 2 special guests joining us, Jennifer Grawey and one of the film bros from the “Recently Logged” podcast Micah Grawey.  Together we explore the way media portrays mental illness in television and movies, both the good and the bad.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

For those who weren't able to join us on September 13, 2023 for the Fighting the Darkness Panel Discussion on Suicide Prevention and awareness here is the video of the live event that was recorded at The Venue on Main in Kennesaw, GA.   The goal of this in-person event was and is to shed light on the importance of mental health and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Our panel of experts shared valuable insights, personal experiences, and strategies to combat the darkness surrounding this sensitive topic. Please share this video with other and let's fight the darkness and support one another!

Also please feel free to reach out or leave a comment below if you would like more information about this event or if you would be interested in having me come speak to your group. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We all have our own breaking point, that place where life becomes overwhelming and may have trouble coping. For some, myself included, the use of unhealthy coping skills such as self-harm in an attempt to regain a sense of control or to numb the pain. All too often it can also lead to suicidal ideation and attempts when you no longer see a way out. 

It's far past the time we start talking about suicide. Our goal is to create an environment where people feel comfortable talking about it without the shame attached. To start looking at suicidal ideation and self-harm from a different perspective to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental health struggles.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Today we are joined by 2 amazing guests from the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department.  Join us as we have a conversation about some of the amazing programs they offer, way to get involved in the community and how doing so helps not only the community but ourselves as well.

Community service and recreation and both great ways to build connections to your community.  In this episode we discuss how serving others helps with our mental health and the benefits of recreation to our overall health.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Join is and our special guest Brandon Nichols, the lead pastor at Mercy Hill Church, as we continue our conversation about the connection between mental health and spirituality.  We explore the role of the church and how it can help create a sense of community and also ways that the church can better assist those who are struggling.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there is evidence to show that religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on our health.  In this episode we explore how the church and mental health are connected and can provide a sense of community that has helped in my own personal journey.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Episode 11- Together We Care

 Navigating through life with a disability can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to finding community resources.  Our special guest Jillian Palmiotto, the founder and executive director for Together We Care shares with us some of her experiences working in the system and provides. 

Humans are hardwired to live in community but there are times when connecting with others can be difficult.  In this episode explore how the importance of connection and the difficulties some have in finding their place of belonging.  Especially in our post-pandemic lives.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

It is important that we all learn to recognize that while mental health and mental illness are two sides of the same coin the terms are not interchangeable.  In today’s episode we are joined by our special guest, Dr. Cris Eaton Welsh, and have a conversation about the importance of mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Whether it’s appreciating the displayed works in a gallery exhibit or participating in community theater, art has the ability to connect us to one another in a variety of ways.  In today’s episode we are joined by one of the members of the Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission, Robin Thornhill, who discusses the role art has played in her own life.

Long before I was comfortable expressing myself with words I learned how to share my thoughts and feelings through art.  In this episode Pastor Larry & I discuss how art and creativity connect to our mental health.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Episode 5- Role of Supportive Employment

Often times people with disabilities find it more difficult to find employment because they are often dismissed. There also tends to be the misconception that someone who is living with a development disability or mental health condition is incapable of being productive and an asset to employers. Today we sit down with Linda Jones, a Career Specialist with Briggs&Associates, to help dispel these misconceptions and gain a better understand the role of supportive employment.

Often times employment can provide us with a way to feel like a contributing member of society, especially for those of us living with a disability. In this episode Pastor Larry & I discuss the connection between mental health and employment and the importance of finding our purpose.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Most people recognize the importance of taking care of our bodies but maintaining both is necessary for our overall health as often one has an impact on the other. Today we are joined by Brandon Browne, LPC, and Katherine Taylor, M.D. from Mind & Body Christian Health Group as we continue our conversation about the connection between mental and physical health importance taking care of our bodies as well as our minds.

Welcome to Season 3 of the podcast formerly known as MY Look At Recovery. With the new year Pastor Larry & I decided to make a few changes to better reflect the overall goal of this podcast which is to help people gain a better understanding of mental health, recovery and the importance of connecting with others.

In this episode we talk a little about the reasons behind the name change and explain a few of the other exciting updates we’ve made for the upcoming season, including a small adjustment to the schedule. Moving forward new episodes will be available on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month to better accommodate the new schedule. I hope you will join us and if you’re new to the podcast be sure to catch up on some of the older episodes so you can join us on this exciting journey.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

In our final episode of Season 2, Pastor Larry and I continue our conversation about self-care and other strategies to survive the additional stress the holiday season often brings. Especially for those who have a strained relationship with their family or perhaps aren't able to get home to spend time with their loved ones.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Our experiences help define our beliefs. This in turn creates the filter we use to process information. In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I talk about what negative messages are and how they impact our lives. We also explore ways to help change our internal filters and work with others to improve their self image.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

In honor of National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, Pastor Larry and I will be continuing our open and honest conversation about some of the myths and stigmas surrounding suicide. It can be a very difficult topic to discuss, but the way we choose to talk about mental health can change lives. It is important to discuss suicide and it’s prevention as that is the only way to eradicate the stigmas.

Here are some additional resources to help as well:

In honor of National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, Pastor Larry and I will be having an open an honest conversation about some of the myths and stigmas surrounding suicide. It can be a very difficult topic to discuss, but the way we choose to talk about mental health can change lives. It is important to discuss suicide and it’s prevention as that is the only way to eradicate the stigmas.

Here are some additional resources to help as well:

Pastor Larry Grawey and I have been exploring the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9; Luke 8:4-15) and how it relates to recovery. We started with the seed that fell on the footpath and how it illustrates the resistance to change.  Next we examined the seed that fell among the rocky soil and the importance of having a strong support system.  Then we talked about the seed that fell among the thorns and the parallel to the distractions that interfere with our growth. In our last episode we talked about the seed that fell into the good soil and how to recognize growth even through the rough patches. In this episode we wrap up the series with a quick overview of the Parable of the Sower and how it relates to growth, recovery and our everyday lives regardless of a person’s religious beliefs.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Over the last few episodes we have been looking at how the lessons taught in the Parable of the Sower can be applied to recovery. We started with the hard soil which is representative of the unteachable spirit. Then we looked at the rocky soil and saw the importance of developing a strong foundation to help support us when we face the obstacles that can leave us feeling discouraged enough to give up. In the last episode we talked about the thorns and other weeds that sprout up and create distractions that prevent us from moving forward. Today we are going to focus on the good soil and the elements that are required to help us grow, especially those elements we’d rather avoid.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We have been examining the Parable of the Sower and how the lessons apply to our every day lives. First we looked at the seed that fell along the footpath and how it represented a resistance to change. Next, we explored the seed that fell among the rocks and how easily it can be to get discouraged without a strong support system in place. In this episode we discuss the seed that fell among the thorns which inhibited their growth. Join Pastor Larry and I as we dig into ways to push past the distractions that all too often work against us as we work toward moving forward with our goals.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

How often in our own lives do we find ourselves getting excited about something only to give up later when it gets to be too difficult to continue? In our last episode we started exploring growth using the Parable of the Sower as a life lesson focusing on the “Rocky Path” and the resistance to change. In this episode we continue the conversation by looking at the next part of the story, where the seed fell on the hard soil and grew but then quickly died because it wasn’t able to establish strong roots. Join Pastor Larry Grawey and I as we explore ways to help work around the rocks we face as we walk through life.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

The overarching theme for this year is growth. Over the next few episodes we are going to explore what that looks like using the Parable of the Sower as a life lesson. In this episode we focus on the “Rocky Path” and look at how to navigate through those situations in life where we’re confronted with a resistance to change, either in our own hearts or when interacting with others.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Please join us for our conversation with the Kennesaw Chief of Police, Bill Westenberger about mental health and recovery.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We have been discussing the 5 Stages of Recovery over the last 3 months. In this episode we provide a recap and explore each stage in a little more detail.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We have been exploring the 5 Stages of Recovery over the last few months and in this episode we examine the last stage, “Actions for Change.”

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Over the last 2 months we have been breaking down the recovery journey and showing how it applies not only to living with a mental illness or disability but how it can apply to various situations that occur during the course of one’s lifetime. We started with the “Impact of Illness” and discussed how these events can change the way a person views themself. Then we examined the “Life is Limited” stage and showed how the loss of hope and lead to people to a dark place. In last week’s episode, we focused on the “Change is Possible” stage and how to protect the spark of hope. In this episode we continue the conversation and look at the “Commitment to Change” stage.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

We are continuing our conversation about the 5 Stages of Recovery and in this episode we are focusing on the “Change is Possible” stage. It’s during the stage when you start to recognize that things can be difference and the small spark of hope is ignited.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

During one of the first episodes of this podcast, “Recovery Defined,” I gave a quick overview of the 5 Stages of Recovery as they had been taught to me during my training to become Certified Peer Specialist in December 2014. Over the course of the next 3 months we are going to break it down a little further and focus on one stage at a time. It will be a combination of the information I received but also what I’ve learned over the last few years through lived experience.

In this episode, Pastor Larry and I will explore the first stage, “Impact of Illness” and discuss how often it can feel like you have lost your identity when faced with the obstacles of life. Whether it be the diagnosis of a mental illness, a debilitating injury, or any other major life event that can change how you view your life.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

I changed it a bit at the end especially - so make sure it still says what you want

We have officially wrapped up the first quarter of Season 2. And in this episode we do a quick recap of acting with a purpose. Our plan for this “bonus” episode was to have a special guest but unfortunately, we weren’t able to coordinate our schedules so he will be joining us for our Second Quarter Bonus Episode on June 29, 2022.

In this episode, we decided to give you a quick preview of what we will be covering during the next 3 months. We look forward to continuing our discussion of these topics as we explore more about the recovery journey.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Over the last few months we have been talking about the how to act with purpose. The conversation started with the importance of defining your “Why” and creating realistic goals. Then we talked about the value of having a strong support system in place to help with accountability. In our last episode we continued the discussion taking about how to deal with setbacks.

In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and define the differences between setback and obstacles and ways to overcome both..

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Over the last couple of months we have been focusing on how to act with purpose. We started with the importance of defining your “Why” and how to create effective goals. Then we continued the conversation by discussing the importance of putting action to your goals and having people in your life to help you accountable.

In this episode, Pastor Larry Grawey and I talk about how to overcome the obstacles that life throw our way.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.

Acting with a purpose requires a lot of hard work and can be difficult at times. The first step is to define your “Why” and creating effective goals. Then it’s time to start putting action to your goals. But how do you stick with it once you’ve gotten started? In this episode we continue the conversation and discuss the importance of having people to hold you accountable to your goals.

For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode please don't hesitate to shoot me an email.