Courage Speaks

Courage Speaks Ep. 28: The Power of Vulnerability, Connection and Friendship with Brian Ray

In this episode of Courage Speaks, host Sam Sherman welcomes his long-time friend and future Courage to Connect clinical intern, Brian Ray. Together, they delve into Brian's journey into the field of mental health, highlighting personal experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. This conversation is not just about career choices, but also about the profound impact of friendship and the role of vulnerability and trust in personal and professional relationships. Listeners are invited to explore what it truly means to be seen and accepted, and how these dynamics manifest in everyday life and therapeutic settings. Join Sam and Brian for a genuine discussion on connection, support, and growth.

Courage Speaks Ep. 27: NFL Veteran Matt Skura's Journey from Undrafted Free Agent to Mental Health Advocate

On episode 27 of Courage Speaks, host Sam Sherman sits down with Matt Skura, NFL veteran and mental health advocate. Matt shares his journey from being an undrafted free agent in the NFL to becoming a powerful voice in breaking down mental health stigmas.
The conversation delves into Matt's time in the NFL, the challenges he faced, including severe injury, and his personal battle with mental health following his father's suicide. Matt emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, intentionality, and community in overcoming life's hurdles.
You'll be inspired by Matt's dedication to using his platform to foster mental health awareness, particularly among men, and learn how his experiences on and off the field have shaped his advocacy work. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the impact of sharing one's story.
 
To learn more about Matt's work in mental performance consulting, visit https://www.mattskura.com/. You can also subscribe to Matt's insightful newsletter at https://mattskura.substack.com/.

Courage Speaks Ep.26: Speaking of Change: A Conversation with Rep. Lindsey LaPointe on Mental Health

In this episode of Courage Speaks, host Sam Sherman sits down for a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Representative Lindsey LaPointe, a passionate advocate and dedicated legislator from Illinois. With a background in social work, Rep. LaPointe shares her personal journey and deep commitment to bridging the gap between mental health, advocacy, and policy.
Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in expanding mental health access, breaking down barriers in behavioral health care, and ensuring first responders get the support they need. Rep. LaPointe opens up about her legislative efforts to make mental health care more accessible and highlights why supporting providers is key to strengthening the system.
This episode takes a deep dive into the real-world impact of policymaking—from navigating the complexities of insurance to pushing for legislative changes that can truly make a difference for those struggling to access care. Tune in for an engaging discussion on what meaningful policy change looks like and how it’s shaping communities across Illinois.

Courage Speaks Ep.25: Turning Pain into Purpose: Jared Lurie's Story of Resilience and Growth

On episode 25 of Courage Speaks, host Sam Sherman dives deep into the journey of Jared Lurie, Clinical Director of Operations at Courage to Connect. Jared opens up about his personal experiences with mental health from a young age, sharing how a significant medical diagnosis in college became a pivotal turning point in his life. His recovery and the role therapy played in it became the catalyst for his career as a therapist.
Listeners gain insight into how Jared skillfully balances his professional responsibilities, managing both clinical and administrative tasks at Courage to Connect. He shares the profound impact his early therapy experiences had on his approach to helping others, underscoring the importance of expression and being heard.
Adding to the richness of his narrative, Jared discusses his passion for music and performing arts, revealing how these creative outlets harmonize with his professional life. This episode is a testament to resilience, growth, and the courage to embrace life's uncertainties, leaving listeners with powerful insights and inspiration.

Courage Speaks Ep.24: The Wonderful Marissa Kaelter Returns to Courage Speaks!

On Episode 24 of Courage Speaks, we invited Marissa Kaelter, a therapist from Courage to Connect, for her second insightful conversation on the podcast. The episode delves into Marissa's profound insights on play therapy, exploring its significance in helping children open up in a welcoming environment. Marissa also shares valuable advice for parents and educators on finding the balance between granting teenagers autonomy and setting necessary limits.
Beyond her therapeutic insights, Marissa opens up about her personal journey from aspiring to a theater career to discovering her true calling as a therapist. Her narrative is a testament to the unexpected paths that life offers, echoing the possibility of fulfillment in surprising turns. This episode is filled with heartwarming stories and practical advice, all wrapped up in a conversation that promises both wisdom and warmth.

Courage Speaks Ep.23: Dr. Paul Kachoris Returns: Unveiling the Shadow

One episode 23 of Courage Speaks, host Sam Sherman reconnects with Dr. Paul Kachoris for a profound exploration into "The Shadow Weekend," a transformational retreat deeply rooted in Carl Jung's teachings. Building on their previous conversation in episode 19, Dr. Kachoris delves into the life-changing experiences from this retreat, which invites participants to confront and embrace their inner "shadow" – the parts of ourselves we often reject.
Dr. Kachoris shares his insights on the necessity of forging a relationship with the shadow, emphasizing the courage it takes to bring these hidden parts to light. This second conversation unpacks the delicate process of integrating these aspects to achieve personal growth and wholeness. Offering a glimpse into his upcoming book inspired by these concepts, Dr. Kachoris illustrates how embracing the shadow can unlock a new sense of power and creativity.
Tune in to discover how acknowledging and celebrating the shadow can lead to a more authentic and powerful self-awareness.

Courage Speaks Ep.22: The Ripple Effect of Early Experiences in Mental Health: A Conversation with Micah Shapiro, LCSW

Welcome to Episode 22 of Courage Speaks hosted by Sam Sherman. In this conversation, Sam sits down with Micah Shapiro, a licensed clinical social worker, to explore the interconnectedness of our experiences, relationships, and moments that define our paths.
Micah shares his personal journey in the field of mental health, sparked by a childhood encounter with a mental health therapist after the loss of his grandfather. This profound experience set him on a path to help others navigate the complexities of life and mental health.
In their discussion, Sam and Micah delve into the challenges and rewards of mental health counseling, the impact of early life experiences, and the adaptation to telehealth services. They also touch upon the balance of professional and personal life, providing insights into self-care and boundary-setting.
Join them as they discuss how our relationships and experiences shape who we are and open avenues to self-discovery and healing.

Courage Speaks Ep.21: Have the Conversation: Insights into Gambling Addiction with Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC, IGDC,PC

On Episode 21 of Courage Speaks, we welcome Jody Bechtold, a leading expert in gambling addiction, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of problem gambling. We explore Jody's journey from corporate to clinical social work, her involvement with the treatment of gambling disorders, and the unique challenges posed by the rise of online gambling.
Jody shares insights into the changing demographics of problem gamblers, highlighting the shift from traditional casino patrons to younger, tech-savvy individuals engaging in online sports betting. She discusses the importance of financial literacy and the need for harm reduction approaches in treatment, emphasizing the role of family support and early intervention.
The episode also delves into the systemic issues surrounding gambling, including the lack of federal oversight and the responsibilities of the gambling industry in consumer protection. Jody introduces Upside, an innovative company focused on creating a culture of safe and responsible gambling from the ground up.
Listeners are encouraged to have open conversations about gambling, recognizing its potential risks and the importance of seeking help for both individuals and their loved ones. Jody's passion for her work and dedication to saving families one at a time is evident throughout this enlightening discussion.

Courage Speaks Ep.20: The Courage Speaks Halloween Spectacular Vol. 1

Welcome to The Courage Speaks Halloween Spectacular. In this thrilling episode, we delve into the enigmatic world of fear. Why are we drawn to the eerie and unsettling even when we know danger might be lurking? As a dedicated horror fan, Sam explores these questions with the help of some intriguing experts.
Join Sam as he converses with Mathias Clasen, a world-renowned horror researcher, Leonard Pickel, the godfather of haunted houses, and Dr. Steven Schlozman, a child psychiatrist, horror novelist and horror fanatic. These guests share their insights into the psychology of fear, the allure of horror, and the benefits of safely exploring our fears.
From childhood scares to the intricacies of haunted house design, this episode unravels the complex relationship between fear and fascination. Discover how horror can teach us about ourselves and our resilience in the face of fear. So, dim the lights, grab your candy, and dive into the dark with "The Courage Speaks Halloween Spectacular, Volume 1."

Courage Speaks Ep.19: Poetry, Healing, and the Courage to Feel: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Kachoris

This week on Courage Speaks: What happens when men are given permission to be vulnerable? Host Sam Sherman sits down with Dr. Paul Kachoris, a psychiatrist who spent years in a traditional medical career before a single weekend changed everything. That weekend led him to shift his focus toward helping men tap into something rarely talked about—emotions.
Dr. Kachoris tells the story of that pivotal moment, the surprising power of poetry in his life, and how creating a space for men to express their feelings can change the way they connect with themselves and the world around them. It’s a conversation about courage, openness, and the quiet strength of vulnerability.
Dr. Paul's Website: https://paulkachoris.com/
https://www.victoriesformen.org/