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Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration

Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and Incarceration

By MHAOK

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.
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Mental Health Download: Exploring Mental Illness, Suicide, Homelessness and IncarcerationMay 21, 2020

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29:17
Dr. Robin Aupperle, Elisabeth Akeman and Dr. Hannah Berg talk about their work at Laureate Institute for Brain Research

Dr. Robin Aupperle, Elisabeth Akeman and Dr. Hannah Berg talk about their work at Laureate Institute for Brain Research

Today, I am talking with Dr. Robin Aupperle, Elisabeth Akeman and Dr. Hannah Berg 

 

Aupperle is is a licensed clinical psychologist and Principal Investigator at Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) and Associate Professor at the University of Tulsa. Her research uses neuroimaging and behavioral measures to better understand approach-avoidance decision-making and mechanisms and predictors of psychological treatments for mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. 

 

Akeman is a Licensed Professional Counselor currently serving as Lead Therapist and Clinical Research Coordinator for Dr. Aupperle’s treatment outcome studies at Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Her clinical training includes evidence-based interventions for anxiety, mood, and substance-use disorders with extensive training and experience in Behavioral Activation and exposure-based therapies. 

 

Berg is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Her research investigates clinical anxiety from a decision-making perspective, with the goal of contributing brain-based insights that improve the conceptualization and treatment of psychopathology. Her clinical training includes evidence-based interventions for anxiety, mood, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

 

 

I am thrilled to have all three of them on today, and I hope you find the conversation as fascinating as I did.

Mar 07, 202425:58
Carolyn Burns, LCSW from the School of Social Work OU Online Campus discusses trauma and its effects on the brain

Carolyn Burns, LCSW from the School of Social Work OU Online Campus discusses trauma and its effects on the brain

We spoke with Carolyn Burns, an instructor and field faculty liaison for the School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma Online Campus. Carolyn is licensed clinical social worker who has practiced therapy for more than eighteen years. Additionally, with more than twenty-three years of social work experience, her career has spanned from public housing to owning a private practice. She has a passion for working with the lower income, marginalized population – particularly adolescents, as well as working with people who have experienced extreme trauma. 

 

Carolyn was a presenter at the 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: New Horizons in Brain Science, where she delivered a fascinating presentation called This is Your Brain On Trauma. 

 

You can hear a little bit about that talk here. A quick, but important warning: This episode talks about physical and sexual abuse. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.


We hope you enjoy this conversation with Carolyn Burns and find it as valuable as we did. If you or someone you love is struggling with your mental health, please call one of our free mental health assistance center lines at 405.943.3700 or 918.585.1213, or contact us via www.mhaok.org. If you are in an immediate mental health crisis, please call or text 988. It is available to anyone 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Additionally, Oklahoma’s Victim Services 24-hour Safeline is available to anyone enduring abuse by calling 1.800.522.SAFE or 1.800.522.7233. 

Feb 08, 202446:44
Juli Leber and Emily McPherson from Healthy Minds Policy Initiative

Juli Leber and Emily McPherson from Healthy Minds Policy Initiative

Today, I am talking with Julie Leiber and Emily McPherson, Mental Health Policy Fellows at Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.  

 

Emily is researching methamphetamine overdose and harm reduction, and Julie has been focusing on programs of assertive community treatment. Together, they were also Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters at last year’s event, New Horizons in Brain Science, during which they used Tulsa, Oklahoma as a case study. Their presentation explored treatment models and community partnerships that addressed rising rates of methamphetamine use. It also spoke to how harm reduction and contingency management show how pathways in the brain are being used and strengthened to reduce overdose deaths. 

Jan 04, 202421:15
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Cheryl Step on ACEs and the impact of trauma in youth

Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Cheryl Step on ACEs and the impact of trauma in youth

Today, I am talking with Cheryl Step, founder and owner of Creating Resilience: a training and consulting company. 

Cheryl has extensive knowledge on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs, as well as experience training and coaching about the impact of trauma. She speaks expertly on the framework of strategies that build a foundation to respond and empower people to create collective well-being. Cheryl also consults with leadership to build trauma-informed agencies. Previously, she was a school counselor for seventeen years.  

Cheryl is a licensed professional counselor and Nationally-Board Certified Counselor who is certified in Traumatic Stress Studies and Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competence (also known as ARC) Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescence.

Additionally, Cheryl was one of our 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters.



Oct 02, 202336:18
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Carly Dunn on NEAR Sciences and ACES

Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Carly Dunn on NEAR Sciences and ACES

This week’s episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, who invests in and partners with nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that strive to elevate the health and well-being of all Oklahomans. 

Today, I am talking with Carly Dunn, a 4th year PhD student in the Human Development and Family Science Department at Oklahoma State University, and a graduate research associate at the Center for Family Resilience. 

Carly helps coordinate the Oklahoma NEAR Science training community and works on school-based prevention projects to provide quality technical and research assistance to districts working to enhance mental and behavioral health efforts for students, families, and staff.  

Additionally, Carly is one of our 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters.

I am thrilled to have Carly Dunn on today, and I hope you enjoy the dialogue surrounding NEAR Science and ACEs.

Sep 22, 202351:17
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Susan Magsamen, author of NYT Bestseller Your Brain on Art

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.



Sep 11, 202336:38
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Dr. Xavier Amador and Mark Davis talk about anosognosia

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.



Aug 24, 202351:24
MHAOK Programs: G Pratcher will help you find A Better Way

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.

Feb 09, 202325:19
MHAOK Story: Stephanie Newman - housing to healing to wholeness

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.

Jan 24, 202359:16
National Hispanic Heritage Month Platicas w/Jocelin Baeza and Omar Isias

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.


Oct 13, 202214:00
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Care for the Caregivers with Maggie Shaffer from the Alzheimer's Association

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.

Sep 15, 202222:49
Community Story: Jon Haverfield on finding healing and support in the midst of tragedy

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.

Sep 01, 202223:51
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Exploring Adventure Therapy with Cian Brown & Evan Smarinsky

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.

Aug 11, 202239:35
A Meditation Episode: A Focus on Forgiveness with Collin Walke

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.

Aug 04, 202218:23
A Meditation Episode: Finding Focus in the Chaos with Shannon Stephens

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.

Jul 14, 202216:20
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Claudia Black on Family Systems & Addictive Disorders

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.

Jul 07, 202217:55
Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session: Elena Joy Thurston on Finding Family & Belonging

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.

Jun 16, 202222:38
Karen LaPlante on Zarrow Mental Health Symposium 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

Mar 09, 202214:24
Sgt. Aaron Quinonez on veteran mental health and healing through service
Feb 18, 202237:37
Pat Nichols: Parents of Loved Ones Struggling with Addiction
Feb 11, 202223:21
Dr. Murali Krishna on Mindfulness and the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

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. 

Jan 24, 202249:32
Entrepreneur speaks about overcoming mental health struggles, addiction, homelessness and more

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). 

Jan 24, 202222:52
Dr. Rachel Wurzman on the Neuroscience of Social Health - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session

Dr. Rachel Wurzman on the Neuroscience of Social Health - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session

"What we have, because brains wire in response to what happens between us - between me and another person, between me and my community, between me and my place of work - the locus of the dysfunction is not necessarily only in our brain. It may not even be mainly in our brain it's between us. And when we can heal what's sick between us, then the brain actually has a chance to use the biological things we're giving it. And the psychological tools that we're giving it to actually change. The implications of a bio-psycho-social disease is, if you are only treating the biological and psychological, then the unmet social, relational needs are like a weight or like an anchor and the boat can't move. We can't move to better waters because we're being weighed down. The system is constantly encountering more and more challenges to it."

On today’s episode, we interview Dr. Rachel Wurzman. Dr. Wurzman will be a keynote at this year’s virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. She is the Director of Science for SeekHealing, a non-profit that is providing social connection-based interventions to make individuals and communities more resilient to opioid addiction and overdoses. Her ongoing research addresses the neuroscience of social health and how the biopsychosocial spectrum has for addiction treatment and policy. 

The theme for this year’s Symposium is Cultivating Community Connections and is coming up September 29 - October 1. You can register to attend the event at www.zarrowsymposium.org

We’d like to thank two of our Sponsors -  the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Foundation and the George Kaiser Family Foundation - for their ongoing support of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium. 

Sep 13, 202130:14
Dr. Rosemarie Allen on Cultivating Community Connections - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session

Dr. Rosemarie Allen on Cultivating Community Connections - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium Session

Sep 01, 202138:18
Music and Mental Health Intersectionality featuring Greg Shinn and Bank of America Student Leader Fraz Javed

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.

Aug 18, 202128:19
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 & 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.


Jul 22, 202144:08
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy featuring Claire Grace and Bank of America Student Leader Clayton Chiariello
Jul 21, 202121:49
Overcoming and Becoming: LGBTQ+ Latinx Resiliency featuring Jose Vega and Bank of America Student Leaders Kelly Rojo Reyes and Abigail Lara

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.

Jul 20, 202142:21
"Medicaid Expansion in Oklahoma Has Arrived!" featuring Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

"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.

Jul 01, 202113:46
Celebrate Juneteenth with Kenyari’ Bevan Porter
Jun 18, 202121:45
Mental Health Treatment for People with Visual Challenges with Jenna Adair and Jedediah Bragg
Jun 10, 202120:40
"Between Us 2- Rewind" featuring Nina Madsen Puckett & Jen Alden
Jun 05, 202119:19
Reshare: Hannibal B. Johnson's Full Keynote: The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma - Zarrow Mental Health Symposium - Originally Aired October 2020

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.


Jun 01, 202151:47
Recovery is not a One Person Project with Mark Wilson & Alison Anthony

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. 

May 27, 202135:54
Help for the Healer ECHO with Comm'r Slatton-Hodges & Comm'r Frye

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

May 15, 202123:18
Empowered Voices Youth Mental Health Advocacy

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 

May 08, 202149:39
Gratitude Meditation with Jacob Beaumont Presented by Mental Health Download Podcast

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."  

May 06, 202109:60
How to Deal with Weather Anxiety During Severe Storm Season

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.

Apr 29, 202123:15
Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health

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

Apr 21, 202117:40
Sen. Kay Floyd & Rep. Jeff Boatman: Mental Health in Schools

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.

Apr 16, 202137:25
Cheryl Delk & Caroline Pollard: Youth Mental Health in Oklahoma

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.

Apr 14, 202120:39
Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk: Advocating for the Mental Health of Indigenous Populations

Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk: Advocating for the Mental Health of Indigenous Populations

Our guest is Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk. She is a life-long justice seeker, community builder, and part-time marathoner. She is Two-spirit and a proud tribal citizen of the Seminole Nation, as well as a member of the Pawnee, Iowa, Omaha, and  Creek Nations. She carries the name Ti-tatatsiks-stariiku.

Jasha’s advocacy has largely been focused in rural Oklahoma and she has organized around such issues as healthcare access, violence against women, breast/chestfeeding advocacy, body sovereignty and birth justice,  food sovereignty, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform,  Census & Natives Vote 2020, and as a former political candidate.

Jasha’s recent concentration is in the reclamation of birthkeeping and she has been honored to hold space for families and community as a trained  Birthworker and a student midwife. She has recently joined the team at the Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative as a Community-Based Doula &  Native Service Coordinator.

Additionally, Jasha has also helped to found Native Breastfeeding Week and is in pursuit of a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous People’s Law at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law. She maintains an active lifestyle with her spouse, Bunky, and their four children.

Apr 07, 202123:56
Amairani Perez Chamu: Latinx and Hispanic Mental Health Advocacy

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.

Apr 01, 202128:24
Melissa Bernstein's "LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light"
Mar 24, 202125:20
Morgan Allen: Advocating for LGBTQ+ Mental Wellness

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.

Mar 22, 202125:49
Brittany Hayes Decodes the Mental Health Budget

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.

Mar 17, 202115:10
Colleen McCarty: How To Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform

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.

Mar 12, 202139:35
Mana Tahaie & Nick Doctor: Combatting Stress and Burnout

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.

Mar 05, 202144:17
Rep. West and Sen. Kirt on the New Mental Health Caucus

Rep. West and Sen. Kirt on the New Mental Health Caucus

On this week's Mental Health Download Podcast, Whitney Cipolla, the Association's advocacy specialist, interviews Republican Representative Josh West from Grove, Oklahoma who represents House District Five. Joining Rep. West is Democratic Senator Julia Kirt from Oklahoma City. She represents Senate District 30. Listen to hear why legislators launched the new bipartisan Mental Health Caucus to address our state's ongoing crisis.

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Founding members:

  • State Rep. Josh West, R-Grove (Chair)
  • State Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City (Chair)
  • State Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami
  • State Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa
  • State Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa
  • State Rep. Ty Burns, R-Tulsa
  • State Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa
  • State Rep. Jose Cruz, D-Oklahoma City
  • State Rep. Shelia Dills, R-Tulsa
  • State Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City
  • State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow
  • State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City
  • State Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa
  • State Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan
  • State Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie
  • State Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City
  • State Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds
  • State Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula
  • State Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City
  • State Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City
  • State Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa
  • State Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso
  • State Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow
  • State Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika
  • State Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada
  • State Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton
  • State Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer
  • State Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah
  • State Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah
  • State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City


Feb 20, 202116:21
Zack Stoycoff: Cultivate Healthy Minds Through Advocacy

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.

Feb 08, 202118:33