Courage Speaks

Courage Speaks Ep.11: Bridging Battles: General Gregg Martin's Bipolar Odyssey

Welcome to Episode 11 of Courage Speaks, where host Sam Sherman engages in an intimate conversation with one of the most inspiring military leaders, General Gregg Martin. In this episode, General Martin openly shares his personal experiences battling bipolar disorder, illustrating his struggles from exhilarating manic highs to challenging depressive lows. This discussion provides a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder and highlights the significance of courage in confronting mental health challenges.
General Martin's journey draws focus on the misconceptions about mental health and exposes the gaps in our medical system in diagnosing and addressing such concerns. He emphasizes the importance of shattering stigma, advocating recovery, and saving lives. This conversation is a testament to the power of personal narratives in shedding light on mental health issues.
Throughout his career, General Martin experienced manic episodes that propelled him to exceptional achievements, yet also led to self-destruction. Despite the difficulties, General recognizes the importance of resilience and persistence in managing bipolar disorder. He openly discusses how the military, an institution dear to him, unfortunately stigmatizes mental health. Today, he hopes his transparency can help combat this stigma and assist those dealing with similar conditions.
Delve into General Martin's personal journey of recovery and the significant changes he brought about for mental health care within the military. Discover the latest strategies and resources developed to counter mental health issues within military teams. Further, learn about the military's efforts in providing continuous care during transition from active military life to civilian life.
Bipolar General

Courage Speaks Ep.10 : Trailblazing Minds: Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, One of USA Today's Women of the Year

Welcome to Episode 10 of Courage Speaks.
Our host Sam Sherman engages in a conversation with Mayor Hillary Schieve of Reno, Nevada, who has been spearheading her community since 2014. A Woman of the Year named by USA Today, Mayor Schieve shares her personal journey with mental health and her thriving vision for improved mental wellness in her community.
Through her vivid anecdotes, Mayor Schieve talks about overcoming barriers to mental health care, navigating through a pandemic, and launching creative initiatives such as providing talk space memberships for her community. Her dedication to establishing 24-7 mental health urgent care centers and promoting a community-centric approach to mental wellness is truly inspiring. This episode shares an intriguing narrative of personal strength, resilience, vulnerability, and commitment. Join us as we uncover Mayor Hillary Schieve's audacious efforts to transform mental health care, one community at a time.
Despite mental health being a critical subject globally, the conversation around it is often hushed. Hence, Courage Speaks conducts a deep dive into the challenges enveloping mental health. We also introduce the United States Conference of Mayors, an alliance where mayors enlighten each other about their communities’ distinct difficulties and best practices. The goal is to improve community living, irrespective of political affiliations.
 

Courage Speaks Ep.9 : A Conversation with Keri Golding LCSW, Clinical Supervisor at Courage to Connect

In the 9th episode of Courage Speaks, we welcome licensed clinical social worker, Keri Golding. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of parenthood, the impact of social media on adolescents, and strategies to manage mental health.
Golding brings forth her expertise in ADHD, anxiety, parenting, and women's issues in an engaging conversation. She shares an enlightening discourse on her journey in the field of mental health and her devotion to working with mothers grappling with the challenges of parenthood.
The episode does not shy away from discussing the transformative impact of the digital age on the parent-child dynamic. It dives into the presence of societal stigmas around mental health and the increased anxiety levels in children due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We further explore the role of social media platforms in children's lives, the pressure they impose, and the need for limitation and healthy boundaries. The conversation morphs into an examination of self-care practices crucial to mental well-being.
This enlightening episode concludes with invaluable advice for thriving mental health professionals, stressing the significance of curiosity, exploration outside comfort zones, and valuing the wealth of knowledge available in the mental health arena.
Join us for a riveting episode brimming with insights that will underscore the complexities of parenthood, the impact of the digital age, and the importance of nurturing mental health.

Courage Speaks Ep.8: Solving the Equation for Math Anxiety with Dr. Molly Jameson

Welcome to another stimulating episode of Courage Speaks, a journey into the captivating world of math anxiety featuring Dr. Molly Jameson, a renowned educator and researcher. In this insightful discussion, we delve into the nature and implications of math anxiety, exploring its profound influence on academic expectations, career prospects, and even daily life activities.
As an early observer of the emotional hurdles of math anxiety, Dr. Jameson has led pioneering research in this area, significantly focusing on children. Her acclaimed work has led her to develop internationally recognized tools to assess math anxiety, paving the way for appropriate interventions.
This episode includes profound discussions about societal stereotypes surrounding math talents, impacts of teachers' attitudes towards math, and coded language that encourages math avoidance. We explore noticeable early signs of math anxiety, providing teachers and parents with tools to address it proactively, while acknowledging that onset can happen at any stage of life.
Finally, Dr. Jameson shares her revolutionary approach for handling student math anxiety, emphasizing the critical role of 'self-efficacy'. 
Join us as we deep dive into the world of Math Anxiety, unveiling strategies for reducing its impacts on student outcomes and promoting mathematical engagement in our thriving learners.

Courage Speaks Ep.7: Exploring the risks and rewards of AI Chatbots in Therapy: A Conversation with Science Journalist, Sara Reardon

On Episode 7 of Courage Speaks, we sat down with Sara Reardon, an accomplished freelance journalist from Bozeman, Montana, known for her captivating stories that straddle the realms of science and society. Sara's journey, which began with research on mouse sperm and retinas, has evolved into a dynamic career in science journalism.
With contributions to renowned publications like Nature, New Scientist, and Science, just to name a few, Sara brings a global perspective gained from reporting on five continents and across the United States. Her expertise lies in illuminating the intricate connections between science, law, ethics, culture, and society.
We delve into Sara's outstanding piece on AI therapy chatbots in, as featured in Scientific American. Join us as we explore the potential risks and rewards of AI in providing therapy while considering the crucial importance of caution in this rapidly evolving field. Sara Reardon's insights promise to shed light on the promising yet nuanced landscape of AI-powered mental health support.
Sara Reardon
Courage To Connect
 

Courage Speaks Ep. 6: Normalizing Mental Health with Amanda Stephans MSW, LCSW

On Episode 6 of Courage Speaks, we have the pleasure of welcoming Amanda Stephans, the Assistant Clinical Director at Courage to Connect, as our guest. During this episode, Amanda delves into her journey that has brought her to her current role within the organization. She candidly discusses her approach to cultivating strong therapeutic connections with her patients and offers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of burnout in her profession. Be sure to stick around until the conclusion of the episode, where Amanda shares a bonus anecdote about her unique high school experience, attending a school where her father worked as a teacher.
Amanda Stephans Bio

Courage Speaks Ep.5: Gender Magic with Rae McDaniel MEd, LCPC, CST

Rae McDaniel is a leading LGBTQ+ advocate, therapist, and author, renowned for their dedicated support of transgender and non-binary communities. Their most recent literary creation, "Gender Magic," delves into the realms of identity and self-discovery, presenting a profound and transformative outlook on the concept of gender. Rae's commitment to advocacy extends well beyond their writing, encompassing dynamic workshops, impactful speaking engagements, and grassroots activism, all with the shared goal of fostering a more inclusive world. With their potent words and unwavering advocacy, Rae serves as a guiding light, igniting change and fostering understanding, making them a source of inspiration and hope for many.
Gender Magic
https://rae-mcdaniel.com/

Courage Speaks Ep. 4: Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Dr. Kailyn Bobb and Dr. Jazzmin Cohen

On episode four of Courage Speaks we are joined by two outstanding women who have made a mark in the mental health field. Dr. Kailyn Bobb and Dr. Jazzmin Cohen share their unique journeys into mental health, their diverse backgrounds, and the deep friendship that has blossomed in their careers. Despite different paths and specialties, their shared passion for mental health advocacy has brought them together to make a profound impact. Discover what inspired them, the challenges they've overcome, and how their friendship strengthens their mission to make mental health support accessible to all.
Dr. Bobb-- Bio
Dr. Cohen-- Bio
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https://www.couragetoconnecttherapy.com/
 

Courage Speaks Ep. 3: Mariela Ruiz-Angel: Reshaping Community Safety

On episode three of Courage Speaks, we speak to Mariela Ruiz-Angel, Director of the Albuquerque Community Safety Department. For the last two years, Mariela and her team have been reshaping the city's approach to behavioral and mental health-related 9-1-1 calls.
Before taking on her role as Director of ACS, Ruiz-Angel served as the City Coordinator for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA).
In her current position, leading the third branch of public safety, Ruiz-Angel is dedicated to overseeing the department's efforts in adhering to their mission of advocating for and fostering a citywide culture that appreciates and respects the voices of all residents.
More information about ACS can be found here
Courage Speaks theme music written and produced by John Merikoski
Halloween Music by @geoffharveymusic from Pixabay 
 

Courage Speaks Ep. 2: Erin Borton- Heart for the Underdog

On episode two of Courage Speaks, Senior Clinician at Courage to Connect, Erin Borton joined the show to talk about her years of experience working in the mental health field. 
Erin discussed the stigmas around going to therapy for the first time, what she does to navigate the challenges of burnout, her "magic" question that she often utilizes with new patients, and so much more. 
Enjoy episode two of Courage Speaks! 
Erin Borton Bio