A Mental Health Break

This week on A Mental Health Break, we're honored to host a guest who has turned profound personal struggle into a mission to heal millions. Jason Hopcus, the founder and CEO of Connection Project, is a pioneering entrepreneur who's using cutting-edge technology to revolutionize access to mental health resources. 

His journey began in 2011 when a personal crisis led him to lose everything. From that moment, Jason transformed his story into a powerful mission to make support radically more accessible, blending his 25 years of business leadership with a deeply personal understanding of what it means to feel lost.

Jason’s work is a masterclass in turning empathy into action. As the President of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties, he's reached over 7 million people through strategic media campaigns, and his podcasts "Get Unstuck. Move Forward with Your Life" and "Nobody's Perfect" have resonated with countless listeners. He's also a bestselling author and a certified life coach who’s now building AI-powered solutions to make mental health support more efficient and human-centered, especially for vulnerable populations across Colorado.

In this powerful episode, Jason will share the moment that led him to shift from personal crisis to becoming a leading mental health advocate. We’ll explore his tech-driven approach to mental health support, discussing how AI makes care more accessible and how he balances technology with the deeply human side of healing. Jason will also offer practical steps for anyone feeling stuck, and he'll reveal the one key takeaway from his book, Get Unstuck and Move Forward with Your Life, that he hopes resonates most with readers. This is an essential conversation for anyone looking for hope and a roadmap to moving forward.

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Welcome! This week on A Mental Health Break, prepare for a profoundly transformative conversation on healing from within. We are incredibly honored to welcome Deborah Grassman, a distinguished author, contributing writer to multiple textbooks, and the compassionate voice behind the powerful concept of "Soul Injury." While her impressive resume includes three books, 25 published articles, four documentary films, and a TED Talk, none of these achievements compare to the profound wisdom she gained from caring for 10,000 dying veterans as a VA hospice Nurse Practitioner for three decades. As Deborah wisely says, "If anyone wants to learn how to achieve inner peace, ask a veteran who has successfully struggled to find it for the rest of their lives after they returned from war."

Deborah's invaluable experiences culminated in her groundbreaking concept of "Soul Injury"—a deep wound that separates an individual from their own sense of self, often causing unseen distress. She believes that these injuries arise from unmourned loss and unforgiven guilt/shame, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth. In this essential episode, Deborah will illuminate the phenomena of Soul Injury, exploring its causes and offering pathways to recovery. She'll share the profound lessons learned from her time with dying veterans, revealing how their journeys to inner peace can guide us all.

Join us as Deborah discusses realizing your life truly matters, making peace with your present and future, and effective ways to work through trauma. We'll delve into overcoming childhood pain, understanding how "hurt people hurt people," and crucially, how to courageously connect with your own hurt to begin the healing process. With her powerful tagline, "Don't waste your suffering...use it to help heal our hurting world," Deborah Grassman offers not just insights, but practical pathways to recover your lost self-worth and foster a profound relationship with yourself. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to transform their pain into purpose and find lasting inner peace.

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This week on A Mental Health Break, we're tackling one of the most frustrating and overwhelming hurdles to mental well-being: health insurance coverage. We're honored to welcome Louise Norris, a nationally recognized health policy analyst who has been expertly tracking and writing about health insurance and reform since 2006. With hundreds of educational articles for healthinsurance.org to her name, Louise is renowned for making complex topics like the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and Medicare understandable and actionable for everyday consumers.

Louise brings a unique "broker's perspective" to the conversation, drawing from over two decades of experience helping consumers in Colorado navigate their health plans. Her extensive knowledge and insights are especially valuable when it comes to mental health coverage, an area often riddled with confusion and mixed messages. What happens when someone finally reaches out for help, only to be overwhelmed by confusing restrictions and insurance barriers? Louise has the answers.

In this vital episode, Louise will help you understand what your insurance plans actually cover and why individuals with the same diagnosis can face vastly different hurdles depending on their plan type, state, or provider network. We'll delve into critical questions like what to ask your insurer before seeking therapy or substance use treatment, why coverage rules differ across various plan types (employer, Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid), and how short-term or limited benefit plans can leave consumers exposed.

You'll gain crucial insights into why even mental health parity laws don't always guarantee access and learn practical steps to find out if your health plan truly covers the mental health treatment you need. If you've ever felt lost or frustrated trying to access mental health care, this episode is your essential guide to understanding your rights and making informed decisions.

Explore more of her work here

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Ever feel like your brain's running a million miles a minute, or that anxiety is holding you back? You're not alone.

This week on "A Mental Health Break," we're joined by the insightful and fan-favorite, Josh Gryniewicz, founder of Odd Duck, a creative communication consultancy dedicated to driving social change through powerful storytelling. But beyond his professional prowess, Josh brings a deeply personal perspective to our conversation.

Josh opens up about his journey with ADHD and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), sharing how these experiences have shaped his path and led him to embrace his true self. He'll offer an honest look at the daily realities and challenges, as well as the unique strengths that can come with neurodiversity.

In this episode, Josh reveals:

• Practical tips and coping mechanisms for managing ADHD and anxiety in everyday life.
• How his work in social change communication and understanding complex narratives has uniquely informed his approach to mental well-being.
• The importance of leaning into your authentic self, even when grappling with mental health challenges.
• His journey co-writing Interrupting Violence, and how understanding powerful stories can help us understand ourselves.

Josh's story is a powerful reminder that our personal experiences, even the challenging ones, can become sources of strength and catalysts for positive change. If you're navigating ADHD, anxiety, or simply looking for inspiration on living authentically, this episode is a must-listen.

Press play now to gain new perspectives and practical insights from Josh on how to thrive with ADHD and anxiety.

You can enjoy his previous visit to the show by following his journey from April 13, 2021 here: https://amentalhealthbreak.buzzsprout.com/743867/episodes/8287624-a-d-h-d-g-a-d-don-t-have-to-hold-you-back

You can also enjoy his latest stop on Writing with Authors here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_NBtoROtC4&list=PLat9MDCRaOgII1QIa_8IhsoBZMPizmiQ2&index=26&t=359s

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Ever wonder what it's really like to build a mental health platform while navigating your own battles?

This week on "A Mental Health Break," we're joined by the incredible Tamar Blue, Founder and CEO of MentalHappy. Tamar's on a mission to bring affordable, community-based mental health care to everyone, especially underserved populations, through her HIPAA-compliant Telehealth platform for support groups.

But her journey isn't just about building a groundbreaking company. Tamar shares a raw, behind-the-scenes look at how leading MentalHappy forced her to confront her own emotional limits and develop healthier coping tools.

In this powerful episode, Tamar opens up about:

• Her personal experience overcoming panic attacks: what triggered them, how she recognized the signs, and the practical tools she used to regain control.
• The unexpected impact of small changes in diet, movement, and meaningful connection on her mental health routine, and how these habits created a foundation for strength and presence.
• What it truly takes to show up for others while learning to show up for yourself—and how you can find community and support, even when you feel misunderstood.

Tamar's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of connection. If you're an entrepreneur, a caregiver, or anyone looking to build a stronger mental foundation, this episode is for you.

Press play to hear Tamar's invaluable insights and learn how to foster your own mental well-being with practical, community-driven strategies.

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This week on A Mental Health Break, we're honored to welcome Scott Boddie, a remarkable individual whose personal journey from profound trauma has forged a powerful advocate for mental well-being and resilience, who made time for this interview on the road!

At just 13, Scott endured a life-altering plane crash that tragically took his father and left his brother in a coma, leading to four months spent in hospitals. This deeply formative experience, coupled with his father's scientific and spiritual guidance, instilled in Scott a profound empathy and a unique understanding of human perseverance.

Scott joins us to elevate the conversation from basic mental health awareness to crucial Mental Health Advocacy. He believes that truly impacting our communities and organizations requires empowering individuals to bring their best selves to their work. As an organizational development consultant, he specializes in building robust teams and fostering healthy cultures, often through impactful resilience workshops. His work is profoundly informed by his extensive volunteer service, including 13 years as a trauma counselor and medical mediator at a major hospital.

In this deeply insightful episode, Scott will illuminate how fundamental principles of resilience, often misunderstood, can be actively practiced to unlock an individual's full potential and create a ripple effect of open, authentic conversations. We'll explore the thinking methodologies from his youth that shaped his resilient mindset, and he'll share one crucial thing he wants everyone to understand about resilience. Most importantly, Scott will offer one practical step listeners can take this week to change the conversation around mental health for themselves and those around them, fostering confidence and growth into the future. Tune in for a powerful discussion that redefines strength and advocates for a healthier, more empathetic world.

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Backed by popular demand, Host Vincent A. Lanci stops in to check in and give you a preview of something he is working on.

Thank you for joining us for another week right here on A Mental Health Break.

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This week on A Mental Health Break, we're taking a vital step towards understanding a challenging, yet often overlooked, aspect of mental health. We're honored to welcome Dr. Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH, a distinguished Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Texas Tech University, and Sherland Peterson, who openly shares her personal journey of living with Tardive Dyskinesia (TD).

More than 14 million Americans live with serious mental illness, often treated with antipsychotic medicines. But what happens when treatment leads to another debilitating condition? Dr. Jain will illuminate:

• What Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is, its common signs and symptoms, and its profound connection to mental health.
• The critical findings from the IMPACT-TD study on challenges faced by patients and doctors.
• A revolutionary one-pill, once-daily treatment option that can integrate seamlessly with existing mental health plans.

Sherland will bravely share:

• Her personal story of living with TD, offering invaluable firsthand insight.
• The impact TD has had on her daily activities, mental health, and social life.

This episode is a crucial conversation for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental health treatment, the importance of holistic care, and the power of resilience. Join us for a break that truly educates and empowers.

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Ready for a refreshing pause? This week on A Mental Health Break, we're honored to welcome Janet Kathleen Ettele, a remarkable musician and author who gracefully bridges the wisdom of Buddhist dharma with the rhythm of contemporary life. Janet, a Berklee College of Music graduate and performer with esteemed artists like Tencho Gyatso and Nawang Khechog, shares her unique journey from the entertainment industry to becoming a profound voice in spiritual practice.

In this deeply calming and insightful conversation, Janet will guide us through:

• Practical ways to integrate spiritual teachings into your everyday routine.
• The true meaning of mindfulness and its transformative impact on well-being.
• Understanding universal truths that can positively reshape your life, regardless of your background.
• Cultivating equanimity amidst life's challenges and the power of examining your motivations.

Join us for a session dedicated to finding peace, purpose, and profound joy in the everyday. Janet's gentle wisdom offers a vital antidote to our fast-paced world.

Janet also touches on:

• Navigating disoriented time as a child
• We have the divine within us all
• The value of silence in providing the answers 
  
  

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Sometimes, all you need is a moment to feel understood. On this episode of A Mental Health Break, we're honored to welcome Cori Stuart, who truly gets what it's like to navigate the complexities of mental health. 

Cori opens up and offers a comforting and honest conversation that will make you feel seen. Join us for a candid discussion that reminds you it's okay not to be okay, and that finding support is a sign of strength.

Some areas she dives into are:

• How has your TBI impacted your outlook for yourself and others?
• What does being a plus one mean to you, and why do you want to assist others to alleviate this from their lives?
• What does reiki and energy work truly mean to you? Why do you feel it is so important for others to experience and be attuned to?

Cori Stuart is a TBI survivor who has found happiness in life again. She specializes as a holistic healer in releasing anxiousness, self-doubt and energetic blockages, utilizing the chakras as guides. She believes that life should be lived from the heart and is passionate about connecting individuals to their heart song to experience connection, and calm.

Cori is a master in taking clients from self-doubt to self-trust by providing holistic tools for daily situations. She designs long-term strategies which shift her client’s perspective and life from being reactive to proactive and living a life they love.

She received her Master’s Degree in Public History in 2005 and has been assisting individuals to learn from their past and create better futures ever since. She is a Master Usui Ryoho Reiki, Pet, & Crystal Reiki practitioner. Additionally, Cori is known for her crystalline and essential oil knowledge regarding the physical and emotional healing properties and is frequently asked to present at different events and on podcasts. 

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