The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness

Bipolar General; My Forever War with Mental Illness

Today, we talk with author and retired Major General Gregg Martin. Gregg F. Martin, PhD, Major General, US Army (Retired), served on active duty for 36 years, until May 2015. He is a combat veteran, Bipolar Survivor, Airborne-Ranger-Engineer qualified soldier, and Army Strategist. General Martin recently released his new book - The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness - published by the Naval Institute Press. Learn about his struggle with mental illness, why he wrote the book, and how he manages his health today.

Learn more here: https://www.generalgreggmartin.com/

Buy the book on Amazon.

From Taboo to Treatment: Talking Psychedelics with Bruce Sewick

From Taboo to Treatment: Talking Psychedelics with Bruce Sewick

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 46th Podcast! Today, we had an interesting discussion with Bruce Sewick, LCPC, CADC, about the use of psychedelics and mental health. Bruce retired as the CEO of Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center (Franklin Park), and the SHARE Program (Hoffman Estates) in July of 2022 after working there for 26 years. He is now an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the CRSS Success Grant at the College of DuPage, where he has worked for 20 years in the Human Services Department. He has been lecturing on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for over 25 years and has taught a class on Psychedelics called “Psychedelic Mindview” at the College of DuPage. Listen as we discuss everything from the history of psychedelics to what treatment looks like.

Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition or mental health treatment.

http://www.brucesewick.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 45: Early Childhood Mental Health with JCC Chicago's Jen Streicher

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 45th Podcast! Today we spoke about early childhood mental health with expert Jen Streicher. Jen Streicher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Assistant Director of Social Services for JCC Chicago, where she has worked for over 17 years in various capacities. Jen holds a master’s of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Science in Child Development, and a post-graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health from the Erikson Institute. We talked with Jen about what mental health support looks like for early childhood-aged children, tips and tools for parents, and resources.

To learn more about JCC Chicago, go to: www.jcchicago.org .

No Shame On U Podcast 44: Samantha Kolkey and Options for College Success

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 44th Podcast. Today, we are meeting with Samantha Kolkey, the Executive Director of Options for College Success. Listen as Samantha describes her personal journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and how it fuels her passion and work for Options for College Success.

Options for College Success’s mission is to support young adults with learning challenges and disabilities develop the skills and confidence to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently. We envision an inclusive future where emerging adults with disabilities have opportunities to build their own successful life.

Learn more at: https://www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org/



No Shame On U Podcast 43: Live Life in Color: Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Edie Freimark

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 43rd Podcast! Edie Freimark has had a long career in business management and is a pending certified Recovery Support Specialist.  Edie works for Josselyn Center as a Peer Support Specialist in the northern suburbs of Illinois.  She was recently awarded the 2023 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)  support Group facilitator of the year by NAMI Bucks  County PA.  At NAMI, Edie was a Support Group Facilitator for many groups and was a warm-line responder.  

To learn more about the program Edie participated in to become a Recovery Support Specialist, go to:  

Recovery Support Specialist | Elgin Community College (ECC)



No Shame On U Podcast 42: Grief Advocate, Educator, and Podcaster - Aleksandra Muller

No Shame On U Podcast 42: Grief Advocate, Educator, and Podcaster - Aleksandra Muller

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 42nd Podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible opportunity to talk with Aleksandra Muller, as she opens up about her profound journey through grief, having lost her father unexpectedly at the age of 19.

Aleks is now a 22 year old grief educator on grief.com, grief advocate, and podcaster. Aleks is dedicated to helping people find light and hope while battling the journey of grief and guiding friends and family members on how to best support others who are grieving. Aleks is always on the hunt for more opportunities to educate others on grief.

Find her podcast My Second Life on grief and healing on Spotify and Apple.

To see the video version of the podcast, go to My Second Life on Spotify.

No Shame On U Podcast 41: Mental Health Advocate - Daniel Warshawsky

No Shame On U Podcast 41: Mental Health Advocate - Daniel Warshawsky

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 41st Podcast! Today we are meeting with mental health advocate Daniel Warshawsky. Daniel is very special to No Shame On U as he has served on our board of directors for the last several years. Enjoy our conversation about Daniel’s journey, his passion for mental health, and his experience as an individual in the LGBTQ+ community.

Daniel Warshawsky is a current PsyD Student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Most recently, he worked as the Engagement Director for the Midwest branch of United Synagogue Youth (USY), the youth movement for Conservative Jewish teens in North America. In this role, he worked with professional staff and teen leaders from throughout the Midwest to create and implement innovative social, educational, and leadership programming for teens. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Jewish Studies, and Marketing from Indiana University, and recently received his master’s degree in clinical psychology.  Daniel is extremely passionate about mental health awareness and is a board member of No Shame on U, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions. He has received certifications in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and has facilitated support groups for teens. He is frequently asked to speak about the topic of mental health at schools, synagogues, and community organizations in Chicago.

No Shame On U Podcast 40: Born Into Crisis

No Shame On U Podcast 40: Born Into Crisis

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 40th Podcast! The American Health system is in crisis, and those affected by its shortcomings are drowning without the tools and resources they deserve and need to thrive. Today we are talking with author Kenneth Nixon. Kenneth just came out with an intense and meaningful memoir Called Born into Crisis. Kenneth knows firsthand the impact trauma can have on a person's life and takes us on a power-powerful journey of his life. He does it uniquely where he shares tips, tools, and strategies for personal and collective change in our nation.


No Shame On U Podcast 39: Mental Health & Incarceration: A Conversation with The Hinda Institute

No Shame On U Podcast 39: Mental Health & Incarceration: A Conversation with The Hinda Institute

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 39th Podcast! For close to 40 years, the Jewish chaplains and staff of the HINDA INSTITUTE have dedicated themselves to helping individuals and their families navigate the criminal justice system and re-entry to society with faith, community, and dignity.

Today we speak with Abigail Rabinowitz Scheiman, Program Coordinator at the Hinda Institute. and Mary Zukowski is a registered Nurse who has serviced mental health recipients for over 30 years. She has particularly been interested in support services for patients post-discharge and, in the past, has explained similar concerns after her own family member experienced a mental health issue and subsequent incarceration.

To learn more about the Hinda Institute, go to: https://www.hindahelps.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 38: Mental Health Advocate Mara Zimmerman

No Shame On U Podcast 38: Mental Health Advocate Mara Zimmerman

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 38th Podcast with Certified Meditation and Yoga Teacher, and Health Mentor, Mara Zimmerman!

Mara is a Certified Meditation and Yoga Teacher and Health Mentor. She has a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology. She offers Mind-Body Centered Therapy, Holistic Counseling, and Health and Spiritual Guidance, with Mindfulness as the foundation. She has continued her studies in Eastern Philosophy, Homeopathy, and the Healing Arts. With a focus on Self-care and Well-being, Mara teaches to all ages, stages and abilities. She has learned that each person is unique and should be true to their own needs.

No Shame On U Podcast 37: Mental Health Advocate Marc Fein

No Shame On U Podcast 37: Mental Health Advocate Marc Fein

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 37th Podcast with Mental Health Advocate Marc Fein!

Marc Fein is a facilitator, educator, and mentor. Marc has spent the past ten years creating experiences, workshops, and events that helped thousands of people across North America develop the skills and confidence to reach their true potential. Workshops are grounded in human centered design, reflective, and directed by the learner to fit their individual goals.

As a Mental Health Advocate with lived experience Marc shares his story in an effort to raise awareness of Mental Health issues in our communities and destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health.

To learn more about Marc’s work, go HERE!

No Shame On U Podcast 36: Buttercup & Joy - Robyn Sabel

No Shame On U Podcast 36: Buttercup & Joy - Robyn Sabel

Welcome to the No Shame On’s 36th podcast! Today, we are talking with Robyn Sabel, who runs a meaningful business called Buttercup & Joy - Jewelry with Meaning. Robyn is a married mother of two (grown) children. With an empty nest on the horizon, Robyn has been trying to figure out what’s next. So far, it seems that what’s next is reconnecting with old friends, rediscovering things she likes to do, and starting a business dedicated to supporting the mental health community. Listen to this podcast to learn more about why she choose to do this type of work!

Website: https://buttercupandjoy.com/

No Shame On U Podcast 35: Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Survivor - Frank Pomata

No Shame On U Podcast 35: Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Survivor - Frank Pomata

Join us for the 35th episode of the No Shame On U Podcast! Today we talk with Frank Pomata. Frank Pomata is a Mental Health Advocate with 25+ years of experience working in the non-profit/human services sector in various capacities and settings and in the public sector for State and Local government. After a long journey coming to terms with his own mental illness, Frank embarked on a mission to utilize his writing and public speaking abilities to become a Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention speaker, trainer, author, and advocate. Since 2018, he has spoken to groups of non-profit/human services professionals, business leaders, fraternal organizations, and at school-based events for parents, students, and educators. Frank has also been interviewed on local radio, for podcasts, and has conducted both virtual and in-person trainings.

Several years ago, Mr. Pomata created and facilitates a Group on the Linkedin social media platform Mental Health Change Agents-Advocates-Motivational Speakers, whose purpose is to foster dialogue between Mental Health Clinicians and persons with “lived experience” like himself. His goal in writing and telling his story is to: educate and reduce stigma, normalize talking about mental health, and make it safer for those in emotional pain to ask for help AND for them to be treated with dignity when they do so.

Frank is also a Suicide Survivor.

LinkedIn Group: Mental Health Change Agents-Advocates-Motivational Speakers

No Shame On U Podcast 34: The Balance Project & The Stigma Documentary

No Shame On U Podcast 34: The Balance Project & The Stigma Documentary

Join us for No Shame On U’s 34th podcast! We are honored today to interview the founder of a Chicagoland nonprofit called The Balance Project, Agi Semrad, and two middle school students who created a short mental health documentary called The Stigma, made possible through the support of the balance project. Ari Braun and Eden Gunsberg …… are here with us today. 8th graders at Edgewood Middle School in Highland Park.

The Balance Project is a local non-profit organization helping families and individuals access emotional wellness support. We build mental health awareness through education and community programming. We connect you to resources and treatment. We work with you to try and eliminate financial barriers to access so you can find better balance. For more information about The Balance Project go to: https://thebalance-project.org/

No Shame On U Podcast 33: Michelle Cohen

Join us for our 33rd episode of the No Shame on U Podcast with No Shame On U's head blogger and mental health advocate Michelle Cohen! Michelle has been No Shame on U's head blogger for the last 3.5 years under the alias Ellie. Today, Michelle shares her mental health journey, advice and strategies for those who struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and her latest epic book project!

No Shame On U Podcast 32: Margaret Byrne

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Join us for No Shame On U’s 32nd Podcast with filmmaker Margaret Byrne. Margaret talks about her new documentary, ANY GIVEN DAY.

ANY GIVEN DAY, Follows the mental health crisis in Chicago and three participants of the Mental Health Court in Cook County who are working to rebuild their lives after being incarcerated for crimes related to their mental illnesses. While investigating the treatment of detainees, filmmaker Margaret Byrne befriends Angela, Dimitar and Daniel, participants in a mental health court probation program. Their friendship gives each of them the courage to be seen at their most vulnerable. In turn, Margaret begins to confront one of the most difficult periods of her life, culminating in a hospitalization for depression.

Margaret shares takeaways from this project and personal insights.

Premiere Broadcast: July 7, 2022 @ 8/7c America ReFramed on WORLD Channel Streaming: 7/7 – 8/6

No Shame On U Podcast 31: Heather Bodie

For our 31st Podcast, we met with Heather Bodie. Heather is the Executive Artistic Director of Erasing the Distance. Erasing the Distance is a non-profit arts organization based in Chicago that uses the power of performance to disarm stigma, educate, spark dialogue, and promote healing surrounding mental health. Since 2005 the organization has been dedicated to creating a space for real people to share stories about their experiences navigating mental health. Heather discusses her personal mental health journey and the inspiring work of Erasing the Distance.

To learn more about Erasing the Distance go to:

www.erasingthedistance.org

No Shame On U Podcast 30: Feder Sisters

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For our 30th Podcast, we had the true honor of meeting with Tyler (Instagram sensation) and Cody Feder, sister BFFs (best friends forever!!) Tyler Feder is an artist and author whose work explores big feelings, feminism, and pop culture! Cody Feder is a mental health advocate/ real estate professional. Listen as they share their mental health journeys, their work, and their new book project, “Are You Mad at Me?” Our guest co- host for the show is No Shame On U’s Director of Programming’s sister BFF, Dana Gitell a marketing professional from Natick, MA. Join us as all these sisters get real together.

To learn more about Tyler Feder’s work go to:

website: tylerfeder.com
shop: roaringsoftly.com
Instagram: instagram.com/tylerfeder
twitter: twitter.com/roaringsoftly

No Shame On U Podcast 29: Haley Epstein

For our 29th podcast No Shame on U is thrilled to speak with 22 year old college student and mental health advocate, Haley Epstein. Haley has been speaking for the past 3 years sharing her journey with mental health. As founder of the "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" Movement, Haley has spoken to thousands of teens, parents, educators, and communities about the stigma so many of us feel alongside our mental health, in hopes of normalizing a conversation that we so often shy away from. Through open and authentic story-telling, discussion, and conversation, Haley not only talks about how to support yourself and those you love while going through a difficult time, but creates a space in which you are reminded that you are not alone, that asking for help is the bravest thing you can do, & that most importantly, it is okay to not be okay. Here is a link to Haley's Instagram and Facebook accounts to learn more!

No Shame On U Podcast 28: Anouschka Bechtolsheim and Bela Duffy from SafeSpace Stories

For our 28th podcast, we had the privilege of talking with Anouschka Bechtolsheim and Bela Duffy. Anouschka and Bela are the creators and hosts of a teen podcast called Safespace Stories. Their podcast features mental health stories about teens, by teens, and for teens. Learn about their podcast and their organization Safespace. Safespace is a youth-led, mental health-focused organization that empowers young people to engage openly with their local schools and communities.