It’s important to talk about mental health all year – but especially in May! With Mental Health Month in the United States, Mental Health Week in Canada, Mental Health Awareness Week in the United Kingdom, and events around the world, it’s a perfect time to put mental health front and centre. Mark is joined by former NIMH director Dr. Thomas Insel to talk about his new book, Healing: Our Path From Mental Illness to Mental Health. Then, One Mind EVP Daryl Tol stops by to talk about their One Mind at Work initiative. 

Depending on the approach, addictions may be seen as diseases to be treated, habits to be un-learned, or a mix of both. Mark discusses these conceptual models with two prominent researchers and physicians. First, neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jud Brewer talks about the conditioning approach to habit formation, and the mindful way out. Then, psychiatrist and psychedelics research Dr. Ben Sessa unpacks how we can re-open critical periods to loosen previously engrained maladaptive coping patterns.

Nearly a quarter of the population will deal with a substance related disorder at some point in their life. Mark explores various perspectives on addiction over two episodes of the show. This week, he’s joined by author, speaker, and mental health advocate Allan Kehler to talk about the personal journey from lived experience to helping others. Then, Dr. Jennifer Brasch stops by to share her perspective as a concurrent disorders specialist and addictions psychiatry lead for a major hospital.

During times of great change, there is a risk that people who have historically been marginalized are among the first to be forgotten. That's what makes this time so critical to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts continue to be expanded. Mark discusses with psychologist Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, conflict analyst Joyce Odidison, Paris Will from the London School of Economics and Jackie Delfosse on LifeWorks Learning DEI programs.

The future of work is changing. The typical workplace five years from now could be unrecognizable from what we knew just five years ago, driven by rapid adoption of remote work and changing mindsets. Mark discusses the changing nature of work with Sandy MacIntosh, Chief Human Resources Officer for Telus, and Zabeen Hirji, Executive Advisor on the future of work for Deloitte.

Executives leaders set the tone of the workplace as a healthy and safe social environment. While some leaders are born with this aptitude, for many it’s a skillset that must be learned and developed. Mark is discusses the role of executive coaching with Adrian Gostick, the world’s best-selling author on culture and employee engagement. Then, Mark has a conversation about how leaders of leaders are made with Dr. Woody Woodward, an organization psychologist  and Program Lead for the Executive Coaching graduate program at NYU.

In this first episode of 2022, Mark speaks with mental wellness advocate Lynn Keane. They discuss her new Radical Transformation photo essay series, and the power of pushing yourself physically to heal your mind. Then, regular Today Show fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour stops by to share some practical tips for getting motivated, staying on track, and making time to recover. 

Our wellbeing is intricately connected with other people - other people who happen to have other minds. Navigating these relationships successfully is a significant social determinant of our health. This is especially true in our most intimate relationships. This week, Mark is joined by renowned psychotherapist, podcast host, and author, Ken Page. They talk attachments, core gifts, being authentic with those we love, and bringing out the best in others.

Given the changes, stresses, and uncertainties of the last two years, many people are more mindfully choosing how they distribute their time, and the price they're willing to accept for it from a current or potential employer. Jessica Moorhouse, Accredited Financial Counselor & Host of the More Money Podcast joins Mark to talk about how this shift in our values impacts both our money and our wellbeing. They talk about entrepreneurial mindsets, millennial money management, and tips and strategies for getting control of your financial future - whatever that means to you.

Law enforcement and the justice system have become increasingly common mental health stakeholders. Mark explores this issue, and how to do better, with psychiatrist Dr. Javeed Sukhera. Then, pioneering mental health and human rights champion Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren stops by to discuss mental health courts, and how she established the first in the United States.