It's Where I Am with Zandra Polard

Zandra Polard and Stewart Kosh discuss his book "The Four Narratives," which explores overcoming self-destruction in a postmodern world. Kosh outlines the four narratives: altruism, egoism, fatalism, and anomie, and their corresponding archetypes: pseudo-altruists, infallible egoists, hopeless fatalists, and self-sequestered anomics. Kosh emphasizes the importance of integrating these narratives to avoid burnout and isolation. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from his experience as a substance use disorder therapist, highlighting the challenges of people-pleasing and the need for self-compassion. The conversation also touches on the workbook accompanying the book, designed to help readers identify and manage their narratives and archetypes.

Zandra Polard hosts a mental health show where she interviews Stu Kosh, author of "The Four Narratives: Overcoming Self-Destruction in a Postmodern World." Kosh discusses his book, which explores the psychological narratives of pseudo altruist, infallible egoist, egoist, self-sequestered anomic, and hopeless fatalist, derived from Emile Durkheim's work on suicide rates. He explains how these narratives manifest in various professions and personal lives, leading to addiction and self-erasure. Kosh also mentions his nonprofit, which assists with disability claims and vocational rehabilitation. Zandra shares her personal connection to the book, highlighting its impact on her healing journey.

Zandra Polard interviews her cousin Ralph Edwards, the runner-up on "The Voice" season 26. Ralph shares his journey, including his initial attempts at 17, his eventual success at 30, and his experience performing with Snoop Dogg. He discusses forming his band, Vibe Check, and their growth from small gigs to performing for 15,000 people. Ralph emphasizes his commitment to community service, supporting local talent, and opening Vibe Check Studios in Fresno. He highlights his dedication to delivering high-energy performances regardless of audience size and his strategic approach to contracts and business deals. Ralph also mentions upcoming shows and his social media presence.

Zandra Polard and her co-host Ariana discuss Zandra's long-standing friendship with comedian Chris Spencer, who is talking about his new Hulu stand-up special "GOAT Adjacent." Chris shares that his children love the material and that he draws inspiration from comedians like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. He also mentions his upcoming series "Black Comedy in America" on YouTube, Roku, Vice TV, and the LOL Network, which explores the history of black comedy. Chris performs regularly at the America Theater in Inglewood, California, and has a history of writing for the Image Awards and producing "The Real Husbands of Hollywood."

Zandra Polard discusses the importance of civic engagement with Brad Combs, a candidate for Nevada State Assembly District 29. Combs, a lawyer representing unions, emphasizes the benefits of volunteering, such as cleaning up trash and working at senior centers. He highlights the need for better mental health support in Nevada, noting the limited capacity of existing facilities and the high demand for long-term care. Combs plans to focus on improving parks, schools, and infrastructure in Green Valley. He stresses the importance of voter registration, as Nevada is a closed primary state, and encourages community involvement to enhance mental health and overall well-being.

Zandra Pollard's radio show, "It's Where I Am," focuses on mental health and wellness, particularly women's safety. The show now airs every second Sunday at 8:30 am. Wesley Knight, the audio engineer, supports the change and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness. They discuss the higher anxiety rates in women compared to men, citing a 1.5-2 times difference from NAMI research. Wesley shares a personal story about his mother's experience with a manipulative tenant, highlighting the unique safety concerns women face. They also discuss practical safety measures for women, such as carrying a whistle and sharing location with trusted individuals.

Zandra Polard hosts a mental health show featuring Dr. Julia Kannard, Clinical Director of Sun Arch Academy, which treats adolescents aged 12-17 with various mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. The facility has 58 beds, aiming to operate at 53 to accommodate individual needs. Therapy sessions are 90 days, focusing on realistic goals. The academy offers residential treatment, with plans to expand to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. They emphasize family involvement, with 12 family therapy sessions over 90 days. The academy also offers telehealth for family sessions if needed.

Zandra Polard and Arianna discuss the challenges of implementing gentle parenting in educational settings. They highlight the benefits of gentle parenting, such as improved parent-child relationships and emotional regulation, but note the difficulty in managing multiple children and maintaining classroom order. Arianna emphasizes the importance of teaching children coping mechanisms and tenacity. They also discuss the cultural differences in education, comparing American and South Korean classrooms. Additionally, they touch on the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) and the use of calming tools like calm corners and sensory items to help children self-regulate.

Dr. David Gennis, guest hosting for Zondra Pollard, discusses identity formation with musician Mykee Wattz. Mykee shares his journey from classical music to hip hop, highlighting the challenges of hiding his sexuality and the impact of early fame. He recounts struggles with drugs, alcohol, and identity, leading to depression and internal conflict. Mykee's transition to authenticity involved marriage and personal growth, despite setbacks. They explore the importance of emotional regulation, mental health education, and the balance between honesty and tact. Mykee emphasizes the need for acceptance and forgiveness in personal development.

Dr. David Gennis, guest hosting "It's Where I Am" on 91.5 FM, discusses self-care with Carlos Padilla, activities director at Great Mind Counseling and Wellness Center. They emphasize that self-care extends beyond superficial activities, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Carlos shares practical tips, like taking breaks and engaging in physical activities like gym workouts, which boost endorphins and improve mood. David highlights the importance of emotional regulation and setting boundaries. They also discuss the impact of a therapist's mood on clients and the benefits of hobbies and journaling for mental and spiritual self-care.