Hope Starts With Us

Access to mental health care services has grown over time, but there is still work to be done. In this episode, guest host Dr. Christine Crawford, NAMI’s chief medical officer, speaks with Sara Imtiaz, NAMI’s director of innovation, about how NAMI is working to increase access to care. Throughout their conversation, listeners will hear from Sara about her personal experiences with mental health care services and why they drive her to expand access. Learn about how NAMI is innovating in mental health supports and how Sara hopes this work impacts mental health care.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

At the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season, five-time All-Star NBA player Kevin Love joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss athlete mental health. Rooted in his personal experiences, Kevin Love explores breaking the silence, moving past stigma, and finding help. Throughout their conversation, the pair talk about what it means to identify as an athlete, the pressure that comes along with athletics, and his advice for student athletes. Coaches, trusted adults, and student athletes will benefit from this open conversation full of Kevin Love’s lived experiences and his thoughts about how to best support young athletes.   

Learn more at kevinlovefund.org or sign up to bring “Real Talk: Strength in Seeking Support” to your teams here. 

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Tune in for a conversation between American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Senior Vice President of Research Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman and NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. During their conversation, the pair discusses the ways that both NAMI and AFSP turn science into hopeful action for people affected by either mental health conditions or suicide. Listeners will hear from Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman what research has been inspiring hope for her, themes of impactful interventions, and what helps her hold onto hope.  

Learn more about AFSP-funded research at https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-research/  

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

In this episode, Peloton instructor and singer Camila Ramón joins guest host, Dr. Christine Crawford, NAMI’s chief medical officer. Camila Ramón has led a lifelong journey with exercise and fitness at the core, first as a dancer in her youth and now as a cycling, running, and strength instructor with Peloton. Her experiences weren’t always full of acceptance and body positivity, though. Together, Camila and Dr. Crawford explore navigating Hispanic cultural expectations, repairing relationships between ourselves and fitness, and embracing health rather than appearance.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Ahead of National Voter Registration Day, this episode explores the importance of advocacy and taking action by voting for mental health. Brandon Graham, NAMI’s director of advocacy, joined NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. for a conversation about advocating about mental health and how people can get involved. Throughout their discussion, Brandon will also share the top reasons to vote for mental health and resources for making sure listeners are ready to vote this November.  

Learn more at vote4mentalhealth.org. 

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Anyone starting a business can expect to run into some hurdles along the way. Our guest for this episode, Michelle Hammer of clothing brand Schizophrenic.NYC, is a business owner living with schizophrenia and advocating for mental health. During this episode, listeners will hear from Michelle about her experiences receiving mental health diagnoses, what prompted her activism, how she navigates being a business owner, and what she wishes others knew about living with schizophrenia. 

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Kristen Doute joins NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Crawford to explore her first year of parenthood and the highs and lows that came with it. Throughout their conversation, Kristen and Dr. Crawford discuss Kristen’s experiences with mental health, infertility, and new motherhood. From making the decision to become a parent to understanding how one’s identity may change after parenthood, many parents may see themselves in Kristen’s journey. Tune in for a transparent chat about these experiences, guided by Dr. Crawford’s expertise in psychiatric care.

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Did you know that the NAMI HelpLine is staffed by trained volunteers? In this episode, hear from two volunteers, Jessica Clementino and Inigo San Gil, and National Director of NAMI HelpLine Services Megan Rochford about why the NAMI HelpLine is so critical. Listeners will also learn about the impact of the HelpLine, why NAMI launched the new Family Caregiver HelpLine option, the experience of volunteering, and more. 

Are you interested in becoming a NAMI HelpLine volunteer? Visit nami.org/volunteer to learn more.  

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

Through the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA), NAMI is working to reduce mental health crises nationwide, especially in Black/African Ancestry communities. One component of increasing access to mental health care and trust in mental health care systems is increasing representation among providers. By partnering with the Young Doctors Project, NAMI is helping to Pack the Pipeline with diverse mental health professionals. This episode highlights the partnership NAMI has with the Young Doctors Project, why this work to increase representation is crucial, how diversity in research leads to important findings, and more. Through this conversation with Dr. Sabina Berretta, Mahlon Williams (Young Doctors Project participant), and Dr. Malcolm Woodland, NAMI highlights the need for more representation and diversity in mental health professions and the notable impact increased diversity has on mental health care.  

 Learn more about the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA). 

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.

This episode highlights mental health systems and caregiving for loved ones with mental health conditions. As NAMI recognizes Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon and Christopher Hampton join NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine and Crisis Can’t Wait materials, as well as exploring advice about navigating mental health care systems. 

You can find additional episodes of this NAMI podcast and others at nami.org/podcast.

"Hope Starts With Us" is a podcast by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is hosted by NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. 

Co-executive produced by Traci Coulter and Connor Larsen.