It's Okay if You're not Okay

Keith, Kate, John and Renee decide to take on the popular opinion that 2020 stinks (or worse!) in this year-in-review episode. The bottom line: sometimes it's healthy to step away from comparing this year to other years and just appreciate 2020 for what it has been in its own right - even if all those scarfs you crocheted this year have curves.

Returning to their roots as hosts of "a mental health podcast with personality," the It's Okay Crew takes a break from talking about current events to address a broader mental health topic: schizophrenia. Keith, Kate, John and Renee use depictions of mental health in movies to underscore what's true (and what's not) about delusions, hallucinations and other realities typically associated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. 

The Johnson County community has been talking recently about the ways that mental health and public health intersect and compete in the time of COVID-19. Keith, Kate, John and Renee decide to take up this conversation for themselves, considering the two ideas from their professional and personal perspectives. They wrap up the episode by sharing practical skills and practices for self-care in the midst of the pandemic. Of course, the episode can't get too serious with this crew. 

Happy Birthday! The It's Okay if You're not Okay podcast turned one year old this week! The hosts believe that every single person can learn, change and grow. In this episode, the four hosts reflect on how they've experienced this personally in the last three months of the pandemic with increased awareness of racial injustices. Of course, it's been a bit, so Keith, Kate, John and Renee were a little rusty on the intro. 

Keith, Kate, John and Renee keep things lighter with a conversation on the meaning of hope. This episode was recorded several weeks ago, so it does not include references to current events. The hosts hope that listeners can take the themes of this episode and apply them to the struggle against systemic racial injustices. Also, don't tell anyone, but Keith might be a coffee thief. 

The It's Okay Crew keeps it light in this episode, sharing some favorite books, shows and songs that have been meaningful in these days. 

The gang's back together - well, virtually. Keith, Kate, John and Renee talk about what it's like to manage change and transition. There each have several skills they've been using personally to manage their emotions during this time. Of course, the podcast wouldn't be complete without some type of virtual faux paus; Renee's connection is interrupted and her face freezes in place. Then Kate and John can't stop laughing. 

An It's Okay first - an episode recorded live! Since the crew can't come together in one place during the pandemic, they decided to record using Zoom and broadcast it live on Facebook. Listen in as Keith, John and Renee welcome special guest Jessica Murphy to talk about the pros and pitfalls of positive reframing during the pandemic and beyond. You'll also get to hear what an episode usually sounds like before Keith does all of his editing!

Kate seeks redemption from Episode 4, when she confused self-care strategies for coping skills. In this episode, Keith and Kate discuss how self-care and coping might look in the midst of physical distancing and the stay at home orders. Knowing yourself is key to healthy application of these skills. Look out for the business pork at the end. 

Renee has her own way of processing her experience of this pandemic. Moving through stages of awareness, Renee unpacks what it's taken for her to return to her old self in the midst of the coronavirus. Of course, she also creates her own #COVIDcliche list.