In this raw and powerful episode of A Mental Health Break, we sit down with author, veteran, and father Jeremy Bracamontes, whose life journey embodies resilience and self-reinvention. From growing up in California group homes to finding discipline and purpose in the military, Jeremy shares how he transformed trauma into strength—and how he now leads with compassion in both family and business.

We dive deep into:

• Jeremy’s powerful message from his book Resilient: A Story of Group Home Survival
• His battles with rage, how meditation and exercise became his lifelines
• The emotional toll of entrepreneurship and parenting—and the self-awareness it demands
• The importance of authentic support systems and how they anchor mental wellness
• His next chapter: blending truth with fiction to tell stories that matter

Whether you’re going through tough days or searching for a reason to keep going, Jeremy’s honesty will remind you that healing is possible—and that your past doesn’t define your future.

🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation about mental health, personal growth, and the strength it takes to rise again.

Happy listening, and thank you for stopping by. Remember to subscribe for the next conversation.

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This show is brought to you by the Empathy Set and Coming Alive Podcast Production.

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Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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Welcome back to A Mental Health Break! This week, we're so honored to chat with Dr. Lindsay Frey, the passionate owner of Finding Hope Wellness Center. With years of experience as a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Frey shares her inspiring journey to creating a beacon of hope for individuals and families in need.

 We'll dive into her encouraging and optimistic approach to therapy, discuss the powerful connection between mental and physical health, and explore how her diverse clinical background informs her work. Plus, Dr. Frey will shed light on some of her specialties, including CBT, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and the importance of psychological testing. Get ready for a conversation that's both insightful and incredibly hopeful!

She also touches on:

• Losing close friends at such a young age
• Her brand new AMAZING podcast, Mental Health Without Borders
• Why Less Screen Time is Important for Kids + Many Tactical Tips 
• Advice for opening a mental health practice and so much more. 

Happy listening, and thank you for stopping by. Remember to subscribe for the next conversation.

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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In this eye-opening episode of A Mental Health Break, Vincent welcomes licensed mental health counselor and founder of Blue Skies Brain Health, Colton Miller. Dedicated to helping younger adults find true fulfillment and purpose, Colton shares his own mental health journey—from the pressure of high school wrestling to witnessing his father’s cancer diagnosis—and how it inspired him to live life on his own terms.

Together, they unpack the impact of early-life adversity, burnout culture, the myths of the 40-hour workweek, and the emotional traps we often fall into in relationships. Colton also breaks down how small daily habits—like morning walks or spiritual moments—can lead to long-term mental wellness.

Whether you’re navigating a quarter-life crisis, stuck in people-pleasing patterns, or simply seeking more authenticity in your life, this conversation will leave you with tools and insights to start showing up more fully for yourself.

💡 "Our mental health is our happiness. It should be one of the top priorities when we make life decisions." – Colton Miller

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Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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From being told she wouldn’t survive past age four to earning multiple degrees and becoming a pioneering emotional well-being researcher, Dr. Tomi White Bryan is the embodiment of resilience. In this powerful episode of A Mental Health Break, host Vincent A. Lanci welcomes back a fan favorite to discuss her journey of overcoming impossible odds, the real meaning of emotional wellness, and how small practices—like six deep breaths—can transform your mental state.

Dr. Bryan also shares insights from her latest research, the difference between emotional intelligence and emotional well-being, and how her podcast The Sacred Gut Punch highlights stories of people rising after life’s hardest hits. Whether you're navigating burnout, seeking clarity, or just looking to breathe a little easier today—this episode is a must-listen.

✅ Key Talking Points:

• The path from emotional intelligence to emotional well-being: What’s the difference?
• Her book Emotional Intelligence 3.0 and how it expands the current model of EQ.
• Why The Sacred Gut Punch podcast was born and who it's for.
• The powerful distinction between being entangled and engaged—and why it matters.
• Easy and effective emotional resets: six deep breaths, silence, and self-awareness.
• Burnout and stress as signs of poor emotional health—and what you can do about it.

You’re not alone. Tune in and take the next step toward emotional clarity, resilience, and inner peace. 

Follow her journey with her first show on September 27, 2022

She joined Vincent during Hurricane Milton 

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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This week on A Mental Health Break, we're diving deep with the incredible Joe Sanok, the mind behind the top-rated Practice of the Practice Podcast!

Joe takes us on his journey from the ground up, sharing his experiences opening and successfully selling his thriving practice, Mental Wellness Counseling, which served angry kids, frustrated parents, distant couples, and just about everyone seeking support from 2006 to 2019. He offers invaluable insights into what it truly takes to build a practice that makes a real difference.

Joe also opens up about his personal journey navigating a difficult divorce as he is now a single father of two teens. He shares how he prioritizes healthy habits and focuses on setting a positive example for his children, offering a powerful reminder that personal well-being is paramount, both in life and in business.

Joe's story doesn't end there. He now dedicates his energy to helping fellow therapists and private practice owners build thriving, sustainable businesses without sacrificing their well-being. 

Get ready for an inspiring and incredibly practical conversation filled with wisdom, resilience, and actionable steps you can take today to create a more sustainable and fulfilling career. Tune in  – you won't want to miss this!

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Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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🩺 In this powerful episode of A Mental Health Break, we sit down with Claudia Holley, a fierce patient advocate, social media trailblazer, and medical admin professional who’s on a mission to transform the patient experience. Broadcasting from The Arthritis Center in Bridgeton, Missouri, Claudia opens up about how the tragic loss of her brother became the turning point in her life—igniting a deep passion for helping those suffering from invisible illnesses.

🧠 From battling the stigma around mental health to navigating the complexities of insurance denial, Claudia shares how her personal grief evolved into a full-time mission of service and change. She talks about her experience organizing a groundbreaking AI-driven appeals clinic, her journey through therapy, and why even a simple walk or playing a vinyl record can be a game changer for your mental health.

💡 Highlights include:

• The inspiring story behind Claudia’s passion for patient care
• How AI and patient appeals are shaking up healthcare
• Mental health tips from therapy to sourdough baking
• Claudia’s viral social media efforts to educate underserved communities
• Insider tips for dealing with insurance companies—and standing your ground

Whether you’re someone who’s navigating chronic illness, fighting for healthcare access, or simply trying to stay mentally healthy, Claudia’s raw honesty and dedication will leave you feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

📲 Stick around until the end to learn how to connect with Claudia and explore her educational healthcare content across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, and more.

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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“Just know that you have the capacity, the will, and the power to get through it. Don’t lose hope. Don’t lose faith.” — Andres Cintron

In this powerful episode of A Mental Health Break, host Vincent A. Lanci sits down with career counselor and community leader Andres Cintron—a passionate mental health advocate helping students navigate their own ups and downs in the higher education space.

From his early experiences growing up in Puerto Rico and adjusting to life in Connecticut after his parents’ divorce, to managing family challenges with depression, Andres shares how his upbringing shaped his understanding of mental health. He opens up about the importance of self-reflection, identifying internal and external stressors, and empowering others through education and empathy.

💬 Topics covered:

• Andres’ mental health journey from childhood to career
• Strategies for self-regulation and managing stress
• The importance of modeling mental wellness for students
• How he balances school, work, and podcasting
• His passion project: Being Yourself Podcast

Whether you’re a student facing academic stress or someone searching for tools to improve your mindset, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and equipped with real strategies to carry forward.

🌱 “Acknowledge your experience. Find what’s in your control. Then take action.” — Andres

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to check out Andres’ Being Yourself Podcast—a cozy coffee shop-style show highlighting identity, authenticity, and growth.

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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What happens when life changes in an instant? When a truck runs a red light, and everything—from your language skills to your sense of self—must be relearned? This week on A Mental Health Break, we sit down with Adrienne Falcone Godsell, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) warrior and the founder of The Food Whisperer LLC, to explore her powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and healing.

Adrienne shares her journey of recovery after surviving a traumatic brain injury—from relearning how to speak and socialize, to accepting a new version of herself. She offers heartfelt advice for others navigating life post-TBI: "We have to accept our new 'us'—because we’re never going to be the same ever again."

But Adrienne’s story doesn’t stop at survival. Her passion for holistic health began at 16 with a hypoglycemia diagnosis and evolved into a lifelong mission of helping others through mindful eating. She shares how her food journey intertwined with her mental and emotional recovery, and how she now uses her skills to support healing from the inside out.

In this episode, we discuss:
🧠 What it’s like to rebuild your life after a traumatic brain injury
💬 Relearning language and social skills post-TBI
🪞 The importance of knowing and accepting your “new self”
🥗 Adrienne’s journey into holistic food for health
💡 How nutrition supports mental and emotional well-being

This is an eye-opening, soul-nourishing conversation about trauma, healing, and transforming adversity into purpose.

🔊 Tune in now and be inspired by Adrienne’s courage, wisdom, and unwavering spirit.

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

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Are you struggling with burnout? Or perhaps you're seeking to enhance your coaching skills and deepen your understanding of yourself and your team.

Join us for a powerful episode as we welcome Dr. Irma Campos, a distinguished Licensed Psychologist who owns two practices and a Leadership & Business Management Consultant.

Dr. Campos brings a unique and invaluable perspective, bridging the gap between psychology and the workplace. 

In this episode, we delve into:

• Working through grief 
• Her goal of providing equitable healthcare
• Serving neurodivergent communities - ADHD, autism spectrum, learning disorders
• How to open your own office and also how to offer testing 
• Tips for finding the right therapist for you, and much more.

With her extensive experience in executive functioning training, behavioral psychology, neuropsychological functioning, and culturally diverse leadership, she offers actionable insights for leaders at all levels.

She obtained a Master’s and Bachelor’s magna cum laude and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida, developing experience integrating psychological research into practice with a social justice lens. 

Dr. Campos has native language competencies in English and Spanish, and she proudly identifies as Panamanian American. Dr. Campos often serves as an expert guest in Spanish-language and English-language media and within organizations.

Click play to improve your day with your Mental Health Break

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988

Join us for an incredibly powerful and raw conversation with Jess Ferretti, a force of nature who seamlessly blends her analytical prowess with a deeply compassionate heart. This a mother of two and survivor brings a unique perspective shaped by her journey from professional theater to driving positive change in the corporate world, particularly within the mental health sector.

Jess is certified in behavioral economics, trauma-informed leadership, and LGBTQIA+ leadership. But beyond her impressive credentials, she's a beacon of resilience. In this episode, she bravely shares her lifelong battle with mental health, including her experiences with CPTSD, Agoraphobia, and ADHD.

As a clean and sober individual, Jess demystifies the often-misunderstood world of EMDR therapy and illuminates the critical distinctions between CPTSD and PTSD, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and recovery. She opens up about her abusive childhood, her path to healing, and how she leverages her personal experiences to lead with empathy and strategic insight.

Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and empowered as Jess reveals her journey with honesty and strength, proving that even in the face of adversity, we can not only survive, but thrive. Get ready for a deeply impactful conversation that will leave you inspired.

Please join me in welcoming the remarkable Jess Ferretti.

Support the show

Thank you for being here. Don't forget to subscribe to stay current! You can email all questions for the host or guest to Danica at [email protected].

This show is brought to you by Living Proof TBI Coaching specializing in recovery for Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors, Families, and Caregivers

CRISIS LINE: DIAL 988