In this episode of James’s Warriors Podcast – No One Walks Alone, Donna, Dawn, and John Burton sit down with Kerri, a social worker from a Capital Region high school, to talk about how to help your child successfully transition from middle school to high school especially if they have a mental illness diagnosis.

Welcome back to James’s Warriors: No One Walks Alone Podcast 💙

This week, Donna Thomas, Dawn Cavaccini, John Burton, and special guest Trish Burton dive into something we all feel but rarely talk about — boredom. Why does it creep in when life finally slows down? And what is it really trying to tell us?

👀 Hint: It’s more than just “nothing to do.”

Tune in now — this one’s thoughtful, eye-opening, and yes… definitely not boring.

New Episode This Week – Featuring Special Guest: John Irizarry

This week’s episode is a powerful one. We are honored to welcome musician and songwriter John Irizarry, who shares the deeply personal story behind the album he wrote for his daughter, Izzy, who died by suicide.

💿 The album, This Girl, is a beautifully written tribute—raw, emotional, and full of love. Listening to it gave me goosebumps.

This conversation is about more than music. It’s about grief, healing, and the journey of living after the unimaginable loss of a child. John opens up about how creating this album helped him process his grief—and how music can be a lifeline not only for the artist but for those who listen.

Please join me, Dawn, and our guest John Irizarry, for this moving and inspiring episode.

💛 You are not alone. No one walks alone.

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

“Are You Crazy? Is It Grief? Or Is It Menopause?”

You might be wondering: why is James’s Warr;ors – No One Walks Alone podcast talking about menopause?

Because mental health matters.

This 10-year journey can bring depression, anxiety, and over 60 other symptoms. It’s not just physical — it’s deeply emotional and psychological. That’s why this episode is a must-listen for women, mothers facing grief, and the partners who walk this path with them.

Join Dawn, John, and Donna as they dive into what this transformation really looks and feels like. Honest, raw, and empowering.

🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode11: Navigating Mother’s Day in Grief

On this episode of No One Walks Alone, James’s Warriors podcast, John, Dawn, and Donna explore the complex emotions surrounding Mother’s Day for moms who are grieving the loss of a child. They reflect on what the second year of grief can look like, the ongoing process of “grief work,” and how mourning evolves over time. Whether you’re a mother walking this difficult path or someone supporting a grieving mom, this heartfelt conversation offers compassion, understanding, and insight for the journey.

https://www.jamesswarriors.org/blog-3-1/navigating-mothers-day-in-grief-episode-11

On this episode of James’s Warr;ors: No One Walks Alone Podcast, we explore The Lifted Project created by John Burton. Join Donna, Dawn, and John as they share the powerful, emotional journey behind this inspiring “We Are the World” concept that took place in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Discover how a single room filled with people transformed into an unforgettable experience of unity, healing, and hope.

In this episode of James' Warriors, the hosts engage in a heartfelt conversation with Tim from Pieces to Wellness, exploring themes of mental health advocacy, personal growth, and the importance of community support. Tim shares his journey of self-publishing a book, the significance of journaling, and the challenges he faced during personal crises. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-compassion, the role of peer support, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. The conversation highlights that mental health treatment is both an art and a science, requiring a toolbox of strategies for effective management. In this conversation, the participants explore the themes of vulnerability, connection, and personal growth through various experiences and practices. They discuss the importance of breaking the cycle of silence in communication, the lessons learned from podcasting, and the healing power of music. The conversation also delves into mindfulness practices, the challenges of self-sabotage, and the necessity of routine maintenance for mental health. Ultimately, they emphasize the intrinsic nature of growth and the importance of acceptance in one's journey.

In this special episode of the James's Warrior podcast, John Burton interviews Donna Thomas and Dawn Cavaccini, the founders of James's Warriors, as they celebrate five years of impactful work in suicide prevention. The conversation explores the challenges of doing good, the importance of joy in their mission, and the evolution of their program. They share personal stories of healing through helping others and the significance of community support in their journey. The episode highlights the bravery required to confront grief and the hope they aim to instill in the lives of those they reach. In this conversation, Donna Thomas, Dawn Cavaccini, and John Burton discuss the profound impact of their work in suicide prevention through James' Warriors. They explore the importance of saving lives, community involvement, and the evolution of their approaches to mental health advocacy. The discussion highlights their aspirations for the future, the significance of community events, and the personal fulfillment they derive from their advocacy work. They also address the stigma surrounding suicide and the need for open conversations about mental health.

This conversation delves into the pressing issue of mental health in schools, exploring the challenges educators face in addressing students' mental health needs while maintaining academic standards. The discussion highlights the importance of communication between teachers, administrators, and parents, as well as the need for mindfulness and preventive measures in education. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on building trust with students, recognizing hidden struggles, and the necessity for comprehensive mental health resources within the school system. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complex interplay between mental health and education, emphasizing the need for better support systems for students, teachers, and parents. They highlight the challenges faced by students with mental health issues, the importance of creating a supportive educational environment, and the necessity for comprehensive teacher training. The discussion also touches on the role of community collaboration in addressing mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about these issues.

In this episode of 'No One Walks Alone', host Donna Thomas, along with Co-host Dawn Cavaccini, John Burton, and David Henry, delve into the critical relationship between exercise, nutrition, and mental health. They discuss personal experiences with dietary changes, the importance of accountability in fitness, and the role of sleep in overall wellness. The conversation also touches on the challenges of weight loss, particularly for women, and the misconceptions surrounding muscle and fat. David shares insights on effective training methods and nutritional strategies, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to health and wellness. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of caloric balance in weight management, the mental health benefits of exercise, and strategies for overcoming barriers to physical activity. They share personal stories of transformation and emphasize the significance of building healthy habits and finding motivation. The discussion highlights the need for relatable experiences and the role of support systems in achieving wellness goals. 

To learn more about James's Warr;ors please go our website: 

https://www.jamesswarriors.org/

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