A2A – A Podcast With Jeff Bell

After a lifelong struggle with mental illness, Bill Bernat used his background in stand-up comedy to return to the stage with a new mission: to share his mental health journey and make people laugh at the same time. Now Bill uses storytelling and public workshops to normalize mental illness and teach others how to relate to loved ones who may be struggling.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Rex Butler, whose younger brother Bill died of an accidental overdose of medication prescribed for his chronic back pain. After being trained by the National Safety Council Advocacy Program, Rex began sharing his brother’s story to educate people and save lives.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Norma Loeb, whose mother Lillian suffered from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) for 18 years and was misdiagnosed multiple times. Loeb is the founder of the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center which provides support for people impacted by LBD.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Susan Munsey, who was trafficked by a much older boyfriend when she was fifteen. Munsey is the founder of the non-profit GenerateHope, which provides housing, medical care, therapy and education for victims of sex trafficking.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Due Quach, founder of the non-profit The Collective Success Network. The organization supports first generation college students who experience culture shock. Prior to settling in Philadelphia, Due and her family lived in a refugee camp for two years after fleeing Vietnam.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights LeDerick Horne, who was diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade. Today Horne is a disability advocate, poet, public speaker and author who challenges people with disabilities to live their dreams.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Jesse Billauer, whose spinal cord was severed in a surfing accident when he was only 17-years-old. Jesse is the founder of the Life Rolls On Foundation which provides people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities the opportunity to surf and skateboard.

After having a daughter with special needs, Julie Lyles Carr realized there were few activities that her whole family could participate in. Today her organization 2dance2dream provides fun, free services to individuals with special needs.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Angela Grojean who underwent a double mastectomy in 2018. During her recovery Angela received a hoodie with inside pockets that held her post surgery drain tubes securely and comfortably. Today Angela offers other mastectomy survivors free ‘Abundant Pocket Hoodies,’ to make their recovery easier and more comfortable.

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Dr. Haidi Demain, the founder of Allergy Safe Kids (ASK): a non-profit that trains school nurses and teachers to recognize and treat severe food allergies. Dr. Demain started ASK shortly after her two-year-old daughter had a very severe reaction to salmon that required emergency room treatment.