In this important episode, Angelique Byrd talks about her experiences as a black woman in a predominately white space. She also talks about the many benefits of running including physical health, mental health, community, and purpose. She is a member of the Black Running Organization, which serves to organize, educate, and condition the Black community on the basis of running as a practical demonstration of unity. Their slogan is LETSGROW, which simply means collective development. More information about the Black Running Organization at:

  https://blkrun.org/

https://www.facebook.com/blkrunorg/

https://www.instagram.com/blkrunorg/

In this episode I talk to Kruti Kanojia who is the co-founder and CEO of Healthy Gamer, a mental health platform built to help the internet generation succeed. She provides practical advice for gamers, along with parents and therapists. Check out some cool resources below! 

Healthy Gamer's evidence-based resources can be found at https://healthygamer.gg/. 

For Gamers: 

Join the Discord community: https://bit.ly/3M0GQ9Z

Work with a Healthy Gamer Coach: https://bit.ly/3fEN6YT

For Parents

Learn about building an alliance: https://bit.ly/3RsNwi1

Work with a Healthy Gamer Parent Coach: https://bit.ly/3EdIT8v

In this episode, Andrew Bordt, m.ed discusses both the importance and the challenges of group therapy. Andrew has extensive knowledge of educational pedagogy and practice.  He has served as a teacher in public and private schools, teaching students from pre-kindergarten to the university level.   After receiving his MEd from the University of Illinois, Andrew became a Certified Disney Trainer through The Walt Disney Company, training teachers to deliver more effective instruction to their students through proven educational practice.  Andrew went on to lead training and development before advancing as a vice-principal, campus director, curriculum designer, and head of academics for a prestigious private school in Shanghai.  One commonality he found across all roles was the importance effective group delivery had on the learning result of class participants of any age and position.  From children to executive-level businesspeople, how information is delivered has a significant impact on whether or not and to what level participants achieve target learning objectives.  

Andrew's first experience with group therapy sessions and recovery meetings stemmed from his own personal struggle with addiction, anxiety, and his desire to live a healthier, more productive life.  In groups, Andrew couldn't separate his years of educational experience and training from what he experienced from the point of view of a student in recovery; the models used were outdated and ineffective, and the opportunity for improvement was significant.  The Institute for the Advancement of Group Therapy addresses shortcomings in current group-therapy models to allow patients to get more from their time in group sessions, impacting more patients more effectively while improving engagement and outcomes.  Andrew is proud to join The Institute's mission to help further the field of behavioral health and recovery. 

Find out more about Andrew and The Institute for the Advancement of Group Therapy below:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bordt/

https://grouptherapycertification.com/

Sharletta Evans tells her story of forgiveness as she not only forgave the stranger who killed her 3-year old son Casson, she now calls him son.

Because of the attention of her immediate public declaration of forgiveness towards her son’s shooters, Sharletta turned the spotlight both personally and politically towards fairness for juvenile offenders. 2012 Sharletta’s testimony was shared at the US Supreme Court case of Miller vs. Alabama, which the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for juveniles to receive life without parole sentences. The 2016 Miller vs. The Alabama case was ruled retroactive, where Sharletta heavily campaigned for both rulings in Washington DC. In 2012, she campaigned and testified for HB 1271, limiting direct file cases Colorado prosecutors can call against juveniles. HB 11-1032, a Colorado bill that expands restorative justice for adults, was also signed into law in 2011, and Sharletta was instrumental in sharing her testimony while working with Representative Pete Lee (D-Colorado).

In 2013 Sharletta became a national advocate, trained and volunteer lobbyist for the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth in Washington DC. Honored in November 2016 with The Hope and Healing Award by the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. In May of 2012, Sharletta was chosen by the Department of Corrections Executive Director to be the first crime survivor and victim family member to participate in the Pilot High Risk Restorative Justice Conference. she met with the boy, now a grown man who pulled the trigger that fired the fatal bullet, killing her son, making her one of the few people in the country who has been on both sides of the Restorative Justice process. In Sept of 2016 she met with the Co-defendant in a Restorative Justice High Risk Dialogue. 2016 was instrumental with the organizing of testimonies from crime survivors and victim families on bill HB 16- 181 that passed and gained a resentencing opportunity for 47 Juvenile Lifers with Parole in the State of Colorado.

Sharletta is a professional national speaker and is currently enrolled at community college of Aurora where she is majoring in Psychology. She continues to share her journey of healing, restoration, redemption, and forgiveness.

https://cfsy.org/

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/sharletta-evans-raymond-johnson-casson-evans-deadly-shooting/

https://theimagineproject.org/

Former Detroit Lions tight end Casey Fitzsimmons talks about his fight for his life after a career ending play. The injury did not kill him, but his mental and emotional battles almost did. His story in an inspiration to those who find themselves in a dark place and feel like there is no way out. Casey began his unlikely path to the NFL playing 8-man football in Chester, Montana. He made the Lions roster as an undrafted free agent and played in the NFL for 7 years and even started his first game.  He now advocates on the behalf of other players to have safe transitions from the NFL, both physically and psychologically. He believes the NFL should have a proactive program that monitors former players and removes hurdles to treatment and financial assistance. 

Scott Hays discusses the mental and physical recovery after being shot seven times. Scott is a mental health and addictions professional in the state of Colorado. His life was changed forever when he was shot at point blank range including two shots to the head. Hear his story of resilience, recovery, and heroism. 

The All in Ya Head podcast is designed to be an engaging platform for people to have real conversations about mental health. Guests  range from mental health experts, mental health advocates, and every day people with real struggles. This podcast is for anyone who cares about their own mental health and also advancing the field of mental health. Find out more about me by following me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-glick-lcsw-lac-lat-54605594/ .