Recorded live at the Ascend Conference in Salt Lake City, this episode of ShiftShapers features John Troutman, Vice President of Business Development at Mind Club America. Host David A. Saltzman and John discuss the “mutual mystification” surrounding mental health solutions—and how employers and advisors can start cutting through the noise with real access, real engagement, and real outcomes.

From personal burnout to a professional mission, John shares how his experience as a former pastor helped shape his drive to help a million people get the mental health support they need. The conversation unpacks access issues, poor utilization reporting, stigma, and the vital importance of employer-led engagement.

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🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

📌 Access Delays Are Still the Norm
 Even with growing awareness, many plans make employees wait 3–5 months for help. Mind Club offers care within 2 business days.

📌 Engagement Starts at the Top
 Mental health solutions are most effective when leadership participates first and normalizes use among employees.

📌 Mental Health Month ≠ Mental Health Action
 Awareness isn’t enough. Employers must embrace solutions that proactively support emotional well-being year-round.

📌 Most Utilization Reports Are Useless
 John explains why vague or absent reporting leaves employers in the dark about what they’re actually paying for.

📌 Proactive Care Beats Reactive Cleanup
 Mind Club encourages regular mental fitness with assessments, gamification, and behavioral nudges before crisis hits.

⏱️ In This Episode
00:00 Live from Ascend: Introducing John Troutman
02:00 Burnout, personal healing, and a mission to help a million people
05:30 What is “mutual mystification” in mental health?
08:00 The real-world problems with EAPs and plan access
10:30 Access in two days—not months
12:00 Predictive vs. reactive mental health models
15:00 How Mind Club’s app keeps users engaged
17:30 Messaging employees: Start with leadership
20:00 Why reporting and data transparency matter
23:00 How to start the mental health conversation with skeptical employers
27:00 What employers want: happier, healthier teams
30:00 Looking ahead: personalization, AI, and robust networks
34:00 Mind Club’s flexibility across funding models
36:00 Final thoughts on solving the mental health crisis

This episode is sponsored by Benepower, the platform of choice for a modern benefits experience. Benepower is an AI-powered benefits platform offering access to top products and services, enabling consultants and employers to create customized plans, optimize usage, and measure effectiveness. www.benepower.com