Chapter 1: The Impact and the Silence (The Hospital & Immediate Aftermath)

Once per month, Host Vincent A. Lanci will release a solo episode. It will start out with his The Road Back: My TBI Recovery Journey series.

This week, Vincent dives into a vulnerable and honest conversation about:

• What happened
• What he remembers right before the accident (or the lack thereof)
• The coma & the confused reawakening
• The terror of realizing he can't walk, talk properly, or remember
• The Daily Battle for Basic Learning and the First Steps of Relearning Life
• What is a TBI?

If you are looking for inspiration and a beautiful perspective, click play now. Enjoy your break, right here on A Mental Health Break. Stay tuned next month for Chapter 2.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Join us for a deeply human and candid conversation with someone who has mental health experiences from every angle. Melissa Fors Shackelford is a healthcare executive and the author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller, Harnessing Purpose.

While Melissa is known for building compelling brands and advising Fortune 100 leaders, her path to purpose was forged through personal adversity. In this episode, we normalize the conversation on family mental health and substance abuse as Melissa shares:

• The Impact of Family Adversity: How growing up with family members affected by substance abuse profoundly shaped her life choices, empathy, and career path.
• The Power of Experience: Her invaluable perspective gained from working at institutions like Hazelden Betty Ford and how it taught her about the complexity of mental health and recovery.
• The Vital Tool: The role of journaling as a non-negotiable practice for processing difficult emotions and finding clarity in the face of chaos.
• Making the Leap: What inspired her to leave behind a high-level corporate career (at Optum, Cigna, etc.) to bet on herself and build her own purpose-driven consulting practice, Shackelford Strategies.
• Breaking the Barrier: Why making yourself available to ask for help is the most crucial step in activating your support circle and fostering true mental resilience.

Melissa brings a rare blend of corporate expertise and personal vulnerability, proving that leading with integrity requires you to first understand and embrace your own story. This episode offers essential encouragement for anyone seeking to blend their personal challenges into a foundation for meaningful impact.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Join us for a powerfully honest and incredibly relatable conversation with Will Craig of Mental Health with Will LLC and the host of Sunday Reset w/ Will & Friends.

Will is an open book, sharing his profound journey through mental health struggles that began early in life after being born with hydrocephalus, leading to six brain surgeries. He candidly discusses his battles with depression and suicidal ideation, the devastating loss of his partner, and his personal fight to overcome a deep-seated struggle with self-worth.

This episode is a testament to resilience, highlighting Will's belief in a common-sense, one-step-at-a-time approach to tackling your personal demons. We dive deep into:

• How enduring major physical and emotional trauma fueled his passion for mental health advocacy.
• The raw reality of grief and the process of moving forward after a tragic loss.
• Concrete, actionable ways to rebuild your sense of value and self-worth.
• Will's mission to lend a relatable voice to the mental health conversation, showing listeners they are truly not alone.

Will's vulnerability will resonate deeply, offering hope and practical encouragement for anyone navigating their own journey toward healing and growth. Don't miss this essential reset for your mental health.

Will Craig is also the author of One Step Forward: Ideally in the Right Direction and The Sunday Reset Journal: Writing Prompts for Your Inner Healing.

Connect with Craig here: https://www.will-craig.com/

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

The Shattering Point: What Happens When Childhood Trauma Finally Breaks Through

Meet Andrea Leeb, a successful Manhattan attorney, writer, and high-functioning adult who learned the hard way that survival is not the same as healing.

Andrea’s childhood was marked by severe sexual abuse and an environment of agonizing denial—a trauma so deep that when her mother discovered it, she was struck with literal "hysterical blindness." For decades, Andrea buried the pain under a polished exterior, achieving success while secretly battling PTSD, panic, and crippling repression.

This raw, honest conversation is about the moment the façade shatters, the psychological rebirth that follows, and the universal power of telling your truth.

In this essential mental health session, we discuss:

• The Perfectionism Trap: Why striving to appear successful and "fine" is a powerful, yet destructive, trauma response that delays healing for high-functioning adults.
• The PTSD in Plain Sight: Andrea explains how her PTSD hid behind a successful career, and how to spot the subtle signs of trauma in your own life that you might be labeling as "anxiety" or "burnout."
• From Silence to Self-Awareness: The essential tools that fueled her "psychological rebirth," including trauma therapy, EMDR, and the power of boundary work.
• The Incest Survivor's Lifelong Impact: How growing up in a home defined by abuse, silence, and not being believed shaped every corner of her mental reality.
• The Power of Truth: If you're stuck in silence, Andrea offers a profoundly moving reminder that it is never too late to begin your healing journey and become the person you were meant to be.

This conversation is a living, breathing testament to the fact that healing isn't linear, but it is always worth the fight.

Press play to give yourself the mental health break you need.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

What if your mental struggle isn't a personal failure, but a logical reaction to a broken society?

This week on A Mental Health Break, we are joined by poet, playwright, Yale graduate, and cultural critic D.C. Copeland, author of the forthcoming book, Societal Dropout: A Culture Manifesto for the New Millennium. D.C. brings a unique, potent voice to the show, leveraging the philosophy of Jung, Freud, and Nietzsche to dissect our modern anxieties.

In this profound and provocative discussion, we dive deep into:

• The Societal Roots of Illness: We tackle the core question: How do we fundamentally remove the negative stigmatization about mental illness by shifting the focus from individual flaw to systemic failure?
• The Millennial Divide: D.C. offers a compelling analysis of the generation caught between extremes—why are Millennials either doing incredibly well or struggling with housing insecurity, and what does this financial anxiety do to their mental health?
• Gender and Constraint: We dissect a powerful quote from D.C.'s book: "My experience of the feminine is one of deep pain and glorious power." We explore how rigid gender constraints limit not only art, but the soul, and why finding power requires creating outside those boundaries.
• Life Beyond the Line: D.C. defines what "dropping out of society" truly means—is it a physical exit, or a necessary philosophical break to protect your well-being?

If you've ever felt that you don't fit into the demands of modern life, this episode is your permission slip to rethink the system and prioritize your own mental freedom.

Find D.C. Copeland's upcoming book, Societal Dropout: A Culture Manifesto for the New Millennium, on Amazon today.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

We have listened to your feedback - you want to see solo episodes, too!

This week, Host Vincent A. Lanci dives into 5 major benefits of becoming a podcast guest, where to find potential shows to guest on, and HOW to reach out to the host.

No matter your path in life, podcast guest appearances have become more successful than traditional media or print. Learn all about how to level up your story or message today.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

You are not alone in your fight. This week, we welcome DK Kang, a martial artist, author, and wellness expert whose life story is a testament to unwavering human resilience.

DK’s journey is one of perseverance and purpose: He bravely navigated a decade of infertility, profound family losses, job loss, financial hardship, and the emotional isolation of becoming the full-time caregiver for his wife during her battle with breast cancer. He walked through every kind of devastation imaginable—and came out fighting forward.

In this powerful episode, DK shares his blueprint for not just surviving, but rebuilding, emphasizing the whole-person approach that saved his life:

• The Caregiver's Mental Battle: A rare, vulnerable discussion from a male caregiver on the emotional toll of showing up for others when you are personally falling apart.
• Mindset Metamorphosis: The practical tools he developed (detailed in his book) to shift his thinking, regulate emotion, and rewrite a mental story of survival into one of agency.
• The Body-Mind Connection: Drawing on his 30+ years in martial arts and experience in pain management, DK shares the science-backed and faith-informed strategies that connect daily movement, nutrition, and purpose to radical mental health.

If you are dealing with compounding grief, fatigue, or feel like you are at your limit, this conversation is for you. Learn to feed your mind, fuel your actions, and finally find your fire.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

How do you build a thriving life while navigating profound personal challenges? This week, we welcome a truly inspiring guest who embodies resilience, Dr. Michelle Taveras, founder of M Taveras, PsyD & Company Psychological Services.
Dr. Taveras shares her powerful, intimate journey of earning her doctorate and establishing a respected practice while living with cerebral palsy. It’s a candid look at what it truly takes to push past limitations and find your deepest sense of purpose.

In this essential mental health break, Dr. Taveras draws on her decades of clinical experience to give you actionable clarity:

• Stress vs. Anxiety: She breaks down the critical differences between these two common emotional states—and why misdiagnosing yourself is holding you back.
• The Power of Letting Go: Learn the mental practice required to release what you can’t control and redirect your energy toward constructive change.
• When to Get Help: Dr. Taveras offers clear guidance on recognizing the signs that you’ve moved past self-help and need to seek professional support.
• The Root Cause: Discover her belief that comprehending the origin of your emotional experiences is the most effective path to lasting empowerment.

This is an episode about achieving your fullest potential, regardless of the challenges you face. Tune in for expert psychological insight and a dose of real-world inspiration.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

What does it really mean to be well—and how do we get there? This week, we're taking a deep dive into the practical side of mental and emotional well-being with a true veteran of the field.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Aaron Gilbert, founder of Boston Evening Therapy Associates, who has spent 25 years helping tens of thousands of people live more constructively. In this episode, Aaron cuts through the noise and shares his definition of "good therapy," explaining what truly works both inside and outside the session.

He unpacks incredibly valuable concepts that you can apply to your own life, including:

• The profound difference between happiness and satisfaction.
• How to live constructively with difficult emotions rather than running from them.
• Why all relationships—and your mental health—are an "inside game."
• An introduction to his simple, yet powerful "Purpose, Acceptance, and Clarity" (PAC) model for single-session coaching.

If you've ever felt stuck or wondered if there's a better way to navigate life's challenges, this is a must-listen. Tune in for your mental health break and get ready to shift your perspective.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Are you carrying burdens that aren't yours? This week on A Mental Health Break, we sit down with Jennifer Schrappe, a licensed therapist, pastor, and the founder of Chrysalis Enterprises. With over two decades of experience, Jennifer is a compassionate guide who helps people find hope, healing, and freedom from life's struggles.

In this powerful conversation, Jennifer shares her personal battle with food addiction and the unique challenges of walking out of recovery while navigating the pressures and anxieties of running a business. She'll offer a candid discussion on imposter syndrome, the emotional connection to money, and what steps to take when you're struggling with a food addiction.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by external burdens or personal struggles. Jennifer’s insights provide a roadmap for managing your emotional well-being and finding a path to healing, all while pursuing your professional goals.

Support the show

Be sure to subscribe to stay current.

Have a question for the host or guest? Want their freebee? Are you looking to become a guest or show partner? Email Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Coming Alive Podcast Production.

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988