Olympic bobsledder and mental health advocate William Person opens up about repeated crashes, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), and the terrifying mental fallout—panic, memory loss, “lost years,” and suicidal thinking—in this conversation with host Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) and co-host Tony Medeiros (“IndyPocket”). He explains how hyperbaric oxygen therapy changed his life, and why athletes need better concussion protocols, treatment options, and real support around racism, trauma, and brain injury.

William shares how going from track and field to Olympic-level bobsledding came with repeated head injuries, dementia-like symptoms, and feeling completely disconnected from time, reality, and the people around him. He opens up about leaning on caffeine just to function, losing friends to suicide, having his struggles minimized, and trying to navigate life while his brain and mental health were falling apart.

We also get into how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works, why it’s still treated as “experimental” despite powerful results, and the financial barriers that keep most injured athletes and everyday people from accessing it. William’s vision now? To build a wellness center where people with CTE, brain injuries, and serious mental health struggles can get real treatment instead of being dismissed, overmedicated, or left alone until it’s too late.

In this episode, we talk about:

– What CTE actually is and how repeated sports injuries can slowly destroy the brain

– How William went from track and field to bobsledding and Olympic aspirations

– The crashes that left him with memory loss, panic attacks, and feeling like he “lost some years somewhere”

– Why people around him minimized his symptoms and how isolating that was

– How hyperbaric oxygen therapy works, what it felt like, and the changes he saw in his brain and daily life

– The financial and systemic barriers to getting hyperbaric therapy and other innovative treatments

– Suicide in the athlete community and how many people are suffering in silence

– The role of racism in sports, medicine, and mental health, and how it shaped William’s experience

– His vision for a wellness center focused on athlete mental health, brain injury, trauma, and real recovery

Support William’s healing work and follow his journey:

Donate to William’s GoFundMe for CTE Recovery Therapy for Athletes and Veterans: https://gofund.me/9f3f3f476

Follow William on TikTok for updates on CTE recovery and hyperbaric therapy: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_r=1&_t=ZT-91qgIucMuKb

Content note: This episode includes discussion of brain injuries, racism, shootings and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you’re suffering with any brain-related trauma and want to be a part of a supportive community, hop on our Discord “The Struggle Bus” and share your journey (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

In this episode, our hosts dive deeper with Mike and Jeff—longtime guests and mental health advocates—to explore critical themes of empathy, respect, and culture change in schools and communities. We address how pressures from standardized testing, social media, and evolving societal values impact emotional learning and how these challenges require shifts in school culture and community support.

Mike and Jeff share practical strategies for embedding empathy in everyday school interactions, resetting communication norms to foster respect, and using simple behavioral scripts that promote dignity both online and offline. The discussion also includes the realities families face, such as financial strain and support networks, and highlights the importance of building student resilience and coping skills for sustained mental health.

If you're invested in transforming school culture, creating safer educational communities, and empowering students to navigate conflict respectfully, this episode offers actionable insights. For a comprehensive approach, listen to Part 1 on cyberbullying, accountability, and the school-to-prison pipeline as well.

If you’re ready to turn empathy into action, come workshop it with Mike, Jeff, and your hosts on our Discord, "The Struggle Bus." Post one respect-building micro-habit you’ll try this week (classroom, home, or online)—we’ll refine it, check in mid-week, and keep you accountable—and encouraged! (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

In this eye-opening episode, hosts dive deep into the intersection of cyberbullying and kids’ mental health, unpacking how bullying in the digital age has evolved and intensified. Join Mike and Jeff, longtime friends and experienced mental health professionals, as they explore the pervasive impact of online harassment on anxiety, depression, and identity pressures among youth. 

We examine the school-to-prison pipeline and the increasing involvement of law enforcement in educational settings. Parents and caregivers will discover practical strategies for recognizing early signs of mental distress, understanding when formal diagnoses are beneficial, and managing conflicts without escalating them. The discussion also extends to workplace mental health challenges faced by young adults and the pitfalls of digital communication, including why text fights spiral and how humor can diffuse tension.

Accountability stands out not as punishment, but as a catalyst for lasting behavior change across families, schools, and communities. If you’re seeking no-nonsense, practical steps to build safer and more supportive environments for children navigating bullying and mental health challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss Part 2, which will focus on empathy training and community-level solutions to these critical issues.

Turn text fights into calm conversations. Come to our Discord, "The Struggle Bus" with Mike, Jeff and your hosts! Let's commit to one reset (tone check, “call > text” for conflict, or a 10-minute cool-off), and we’ll hold you to it—gently. (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

In this episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we dive into the complex intersection of family trauma, mental health, and grief through an intimate mother-son conversation with Kim Wichman and host Nicholas Wichman.

Discover how family dynamics are shaped by protective parenting in the wake of loss and the profound impact of childhood trauma on mental well-being.

Kim shares her personal experiences of raising her son who was diagnosed with a severe mental illness at an early age. She expresses her profound difficulties with managing the loss of her mother and infant child while emphasizing the importance of open communication and support in strengthening family bonds.

She also delves into the complications of medical malpractice and the lasting impact prescription medications has had on her mental health.  

Nicholas reflects on his journey with Schizoaffective Disorder, shedding light on the role of family support during challenging medical circumstances surrounding his severe mental health condition.

We highlight recognizing critical mental health signs in children, fostering resilience without overlooking past traumas, and addressing the emotional complexities of protective parenting from both perspectives.

This episode is not just about sharing experiences; it's about cultivating understanding, showing love and navigating the delicate balance between grief and healing.

If this convo hit home, come grab a seat on our Discord "The Struggle Bus"  and share a fond memory of someone you love, and a lesson they taught you that keeps you afloat to this day. (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

Gender dynamics, trauma, and preparedness: why many women excel in the police force, the emotional toll of critical incidents, and how public safety has drastically improved over the last several years.

We talk perception vs. reality of danger, prevention limits with motivated offenders, lessons learned from past incidents, and the habits that protect officer mental health.

Episode focus: female-officer perception & strengths; trauma processing; safety perception vs. reality; active-shooter preparedness; the true motivation behind mass-murderers; multi-agency response; prevention limits; the power of positivity, resilience & officer wellness.

We cover:

• Female officers in policing: interview strengths, perception, and on-scene expectations
• The emotional toll: guilt, responsibility, and evidence-based ways to process trauma
• Safety perception vs. statistics: media cycles, mindset, and community fear
• Violence motivations: what prevention helps—and why some threats persist
• Not all assassinations need a motive: some people worship chaos
• Multi-agency coordination: how reps and shared language speed real-world response
• School safety readiness: threat assessment, drills, and post-incident learning loops
• Learning from past incidents: translating debriefs into training that actually sticks
• Positivity as a discipline: peer support, perspective, and daily mental-health hygiene
• Resilience tactics: routine and boundaries that last

Add one readiness tip (e.g., door checks, plain-language prompts) and one resilience habit to our Discord "The Struggle Bus" and we’ll pin the best. (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

Law enforcement meets real-world mental health. Training intimidation, what police authority really allows (and doesn’t), and how officers manage stress in high-pressure calls.

A candid, on-the-ground conversation about domestic violence cases, victim cooperation, bias, and community relations—humanizing the badge without sugarcoating the system.

Episode focus: police authority limits; civil vs. criminal disputes; domestic disturbances vs. domestic violence; victim cooperation & prosecution; stress management (box breathing); training intimidation; bias & community relations; law vs. culture; officer wellness & mindset.

We cover:

• Training & intimidation: what the academy really tests and why it matters
• Authority in practice: why cops can’t “fix” civil disputes (and the frustration that causes)
• Law that lags culture: messy enforcement when norms outpace statutes
• Domestic disturbance vs. domestic violence: what actually changes legally
• Victim cooperation & prosecution gaps: why cases stall—even when arrests happen
• Mandatory arrest policies: intent, reality, and unintended consequences
• Stereotypes vs. the human side: seeing people (and officers) beyond headlines
• Bias & community relations: building trust without losing accountability
• Protecting mindset: how cops avoid letting “worst-day calls” define their view of society

Share one de-escalation win or stress tactic (box breathing, after-call check-ins) on our Discord "The Struggle Bus" so you can help others cope in stressful situations. (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug most of us normalize. Recovery is daily and relentless—but it’s how you get your life back.

A candid mental health episode about what alcoholism really costs, losing your main coping skill to injury, life changes that isolate you, and what it takes to start over when this drug destroys your life.

Episode focus: alcohol as a drug (and why “legal” ≠ safe); the functioning alcoholic myth; pancreatitis as a brutal wake-up call; losing a core coping skill; life changes, social discomfort, and isolation; practical early-recovery steps when your old tools aren’t available.

We cover:

• Alcohol as a drug: normalization vs. danger; real costs to body, mind, and life
• “Functioning” that isn’t: showing up at work while everything else erodes
• Car wrecks & Pancreatitis (3x): deadly wake-up calls and why they forced the change
• Coping-skill loss: how do you survive when your outlet is gone?
• Life changes & isolation: shrinking circles and avoiding relationships
• Early recovery: tiny steps, accountability, and rebuilding routine without the old crutch

Share one song that helped you through your hardest time—and why. Your track (and your story) might help someone else push through a similar moment. Drop it in our Discord "The Struggle Bus" so we can build a lifesaving playlist together. (link below)

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

Adulthood after childhood trauma: a suicide attempt, single motherhood (with four kids), domestic abuse, a devastating divorce, custody and court battles, and what actually helped.

A candid mental health episode with trauma-recovery tools, boundaries, and co-parenting realities with an abusive ex-partner.

Episode focus: rebuilding after a life of trauma—what recovery looked like day-to-day, patterns to avoid, and practical steps that protect our children and learning self-respect.

We cover:

• Suicide attempt & aftermath—stabilization, shame, daily recovery
• Single motherhood (with 4 kids)—identity, burnout, support systems
• Domestic abuse patterns—red flags, safety, rebuilding trust
• Court & co-parenting—devastating divorce, boundaries, custody battles
• Triggers that linger—tools that help now; growth and setbacks

Draft one boundary that protects you and your kids this week. Save it, say it, and share the line on our Discord "The Struggle Bus". Help others grow by sharing what you've learned from abuse. (link below)

If you’re struggling (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7).

Sexual assault support: RAINN 800-656-HOPE or online.rainn.org (24/7).

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

In this episode, we delve into how sexual assault, childhood abuse, and early dissociation shape trust, identity, and coping mechanisms in trauma recovery—a survivor’s poignant story shared by Kristi Morris.

Join us for a candid discussion on the importance of language and validation in healing, and learn how finding safety is essential in navigating the aftermath of trauma. This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series.

In this episode, Kristi shares her journey through an unsafe home environment and the mistrust toward men that developed. She discusses how she used dissociation as a survival strategy and how immersing into a fantasy world provided an escape. 

We cover:

• Unhealthy home dynamics and caretaking burdens experienced before age 15
• Dissociation as a survival mechanism and steps toward grounding
• Using a fantasy world as a protective escape
• The critical role of language and validation in the trauma recovery process
• Resilience: how to face the past without erasing it

If this helped, share it with someone who needs to feel less alone, join our Discord "The Struggle Bus" (link below)—and FOLLOW us, so you don’t miss next week's episode with Kristi!

If you’re struggling, please reach out to the following resources (U.S.): Call/Text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or contact RAINN at 800-656-HOPE

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into men’s mental health and the intersection with toxic masculinity and feminism.

Join us as we uncover the critical issues of suicide risk and the strengths that men carry, challenging the notion that "toxic" equates to masculine. 

This candid conversation opens the door to emotional containers, respect, and personal responsibility—essential elements for showing up authentically in relationships, whether at home, on dates, or with friends.

We explore what it means to 'show up' for men today, discussing how vulnerability is supported by strong emotional containers, the costs of traditional strengths, and the realities of navigating dating dynamics filled with resentment loops. 

Furthermore, we cover essential communication skills such as boundaries, conflict etiquette, and the significance of consent and respect while demystifying real masculinity versus its cartoonish portrayals.

How can men achieve real courage, responsibility, tenderness, and self-control on their journey to equality among the sexes? 

Check on a man you care about today—ask one REAL question and stay for the answer. Then post your question (and his consented response style) on our Discord "The Struggle Bus" so we can help you build a better understanding. (link below) 

Beat The Mental Health Out Of It! is a candid mental health podcast with lived experience—schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, BPD, PTSD, trauma recovery, coping skills, and dark humor that fights stigma.

Hosted by Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) with frequent co-host Tony Medeiros, ("IndyPocket"), we talk serious mental illness, psych wards, religious trauma, bad therapy, meds, disability, and messy real-world coping.

New episodes drop every other Monday at 6am ET.

Want community and support? Join our Discord, “The Struggle Bus”: https://discord.gg/emFXKuWKNA

All links (TikTok, YouTube, Streaming, etc.): https://linktr.ee/BTMHOOI

Podcast cover art by Ryan Manning