I'm F.I.N.E.

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays with Melanie McCummiskey, the topic of discussion is parental vacation, also known as parentification. Melanie explores the concept of parentification, which refers to the responsibilities placed on a child that should be carried out by their caregivers. She provides examples such as watching siblings, providing emotional support, and taking over adult responsibilities like paying bills. Melanie highlights the potential issues and consequences of parentification, including confusion and power struggles for the child. She offers suggestions to prevent parentification, such as introducing age-appropriate chores, focusing on nurturing and parenting, and being aware of motivations behind assigning responsibilities to children. Tune in to gain insights into this important aspect of mental health and parenting.

Mental Health Mondays with Melanie are back on The I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast!

On this episode, Melanie dives into parenting preteens and teens.

When parenting preteens and teens, it is important to remember that their brains are still developing and they are going through a delicate time. Social media and phone use can be challenging, so monitoring and setting boundaries is crucial. Bullying and social pressure are also concerns, and it is important to have open conversations with kids about managing stressors. Ultimately, parents should make decisions based on their child's emotional maturity and safety, rather than societal norms.

Don't forget to subscribe for future Mental Health Monday episodes!

Happy 2024 FINE Family and welcome to our first episode of the year where we talk about something that instills fear in many this time of the year and beyond - starting over. 

Whether it's transitioning out of the military, sticking to a New Years Resolution, or finding yourself at a crossroad in your life that could lead you down a completely new path, starting over can be incredibly intimidating. But on today's episode we talk about why it doesn't have to be, and we do so with our friend, Marine, and Co-Owner of Wild Harts Farm and Beacon Training Group, Craig Zelhart. 

Craig and the boys discuss times in their lives where they have started over, what they believe the issues veterans have in starting over, why starting over can be so beneficial for your growth as a person, and how you can start over if you have been thinking about it yourself.

And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Find out more about all of the incredible things Craig is doing at:

https://www.wildhartsfarm.org/

https://beacontraininggroup.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

It's been a long year, and we've covered a lot of topics, so for this episode we wanted to take a moment to spread a little Christmas cheer. To do that, we called in a few favors and were actually able to get Santa Claus into the I'm F.I.N.E. studio for some milk, cookies, and conversation. 

We tackle some of the hard-to-ask questions like what Santa's favorite Christmas movie is, his favorite cookie, and also what his self-care routine is like. The boys also learn about the best and the hardest gifts Santa has ever been asked to deliver, and a lot more. 

We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this special holiday episode, and have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!

And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Get ready for a laughter-infused ride as Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek open the door to stress-free living on the latest I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast episode! Explore the unexpected therapeutic power of family dinners and bedtime chats, with Eric sharing heartwarming moments from his nightly routine with his daughters. Discover how laughter becomes medicine in Brad's life, especially through the zen of cooking and how is mom finds doing the dishes surprisingly relaxing.

Delve into the wisdom of saying 'no' to added responsibilities, Tim Allen-style neighbor vibes, and the joy of embracing one's authentic self within a supportive community. Don't miss Brad's amusing tattoo shop revelation and the transformative effect of a well-planned meal on his stress levels.

Tune in for a rollercoaster of insights, personal stories, and genuine camaraderie that will leave you not just informed but uplifted.

THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Thanksgiving Fine Fam!!!

For today's episode we wanted to shift our focus back to the reason for the season, and that is giving to others. For an episode like this, we could not think of a better person to discuss this topic with than our friend and CEO of another amazing nonprofit organization, Mike Murphy from Let's Ketchup. 

Mike shares his backstory and what caused him to create Let's Ketchup with his best friends, and what they do. The boys and Mike then discuss the benefits of giving for your mental health all the way down to the brain chemicals, why giving feels so good, what over-giving could mean, and how you can start giving more if you are searching for a little more worth.

Find out more about Let's Ketchup and their mission to eliminate student lunch debt at:

https://www.letsketchup.org/

And a huge Thanksgiving THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Hey there Fine Fam and Happy Monday!

On today's episode, Brad and Eric invite Navy Veteran and owner of Guardian Concepts John Haberkamp, to talk about something these three have dealt with, both with themselves and others: hating themselves.

The idea of hating yourself openly or I'm secret is much more common than one would think. The boys talk about some of the signs you may be showing if you hate yourself in secret, why people hate themselves, and some constructive ways that may help you go a little easier on yourself if you've ever felt like you too have hated yourself.

Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Monday FINE Family!!

On today's episode, Brad and Eric talk about arguing.

They discuss the relationship between arguing and one's mental health, how the arguing of parents can affect children, popular argument fighting styles, the positive side of arguing. And how to argue constructively.

As you know, with certain topics we do our best to bring in professionals, and we come through with flying colors on today's episode with the World Champion of arguing, Eric's wife, the beautiful Ashley Peterson. 

Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Hey there FINE Family! As we move into the spooky season the boys wanted to take an episode to talk about something that has helped them both on their journey to a better understanding of their own mental health: Spirituality. 

Eric and Brad talk about what spirituality is, the difference between religion and spirituality, the significant role spirituality has played in their lives, and then in honor of the season, the boys share a few of their favorite ghost stories to get themselves in the Halloween spirit!

Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Learn more by calling 708-235-3353 or visit:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Happy Monday FINE Family!!

Today the boys tackle one of the toughest topics they've had to discuss to date: veteran suicide. To help them dive into this, they enlist the help of their friend and member of the Project Headspace and Timing Family, Connor Chwaszczewski (pronounced ashj-kdnrbt-kdhrbni-dkrbke-ski). 

Our hosts join Connor in sharing their personal experiences with veteran suicide, some of the more alarming statistics out there (some of which may surprise you), and why they think that veteran suicide continues to be such an issue while making light through the use of their brand of humor in the process.

If you are a veteran that is struggling with the thoughts of suicide, please dial the Veteran Crisis Line. It is 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. To contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Thank you to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3353 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

And shoutout to our friend, veteran Tim Allsteadt at Elite Impressions & Engraving for hooking up Eric with a fitting birthday present! Check out his store and promo he is running for Project Headspace and Timing at:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550733008787&mibextid=ZbWKwL