In this episode of Mind Matters, Kabir, Ben, and Ethan take a look at one of the most pervasive and misunderstood mental roadblocks of the modern era: procrastination. Far more than a lapse in time management or a marker of laziness, procrastination is a misalignment of identity: a hasty preference for the “present” self over the “future” self, rooted in anxiety about expectations and, frequently, concerns about self-worth. Join us for a revealing conversation steeped in our own experiences and enriched with a great selection of practical, productivity-enhancing tips.

Link to website with all socials: www.mindmatterspodcast.net

In this episode of Mind Matters, Ethan, Kabir, and Ben sit down to reflect on a timely and much-needed topic for the new year: goals. Evaluating the best ways to create, persist through, and find purpose in goals, they draw from both established literature (like James Clear’s Atomic Habits) and their personal paths to better goal-setting, while also offering tips for setbacks (which inevitably accompany any worthwhile goal). Join us for this personal—yet deeply practical—conversation, and start your year off with a fresh dose of mindfulness.

Mind Matters website: https://www.mindmatterspodcast.net/

In this episode of Mind Matters, Ethan, Ben, and Kabir sit down with Illinois State Senator Willie Preston of the 16th District for a powerful and wide ranging conversation. They explore how mental health is shaping current legislation and discuss practical ways people can influence political change. Senator Preston also shares his personal journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to becoming a state senator, offering thoughtful insights on resilience, perseverance, and mental well being along the way.

Senator Preston's website: http://www.senatorpreston.com/

Mind Matters website w/ all socials: https://www.mindmatterspodcast.net/

In this episode of Mind Matters, Ethan, Ben, and Kabir discuss socioeconomic disparities in mental health, their effect on suicide, and the power of tailored community action with Dr. Holly Wilcox, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the president of the International Academy of Suicide Research. They survey the current atmosphere of suicide, investigate discrepancies in access and interventions, and evaluate potential paths forward—including legal policy and creative, culturally sensitive grassroots efforts. Tune in for a conversation full of surprising insights and anecdotes from one of the country’s preeminent suicide-prevention advocates.

Website w/ all socials: www.mindmatterspodcast.net

In this episode of Mind Matters, we feature LoopLess, an app built to combat screen addiction and help people reclaim their focus. Founders Kabir Kutty and Zachary Basinger, a fellow high schooler, talk about cognitive behavioral therapy, the screentime epidemic, and how intentionality is often the first step on the path to renewal.

Download LoopLess: https://www.looplessapp.com/

Link to website with all socials: www.mindmatterspodcast.net

Listen as we feature the director of the Teen Mental Health Committee at our local JCC. Sam Savin's previous experiences as a school social worker in Chicago and her current job at the JCC provide an interesting perspective on today's topic. We asked questions like: “Are schools doing enough to value mental health?”, “Can talking about mental health sometimes increase the stigma?”, and “How can advocacy groups gain more traction?” Tune in to this unfiltered conversation.

JCC Chicago: https://www.jccchicago.org/

Link to website with all socials: www.mindmatterspodcast.net

In this episode of Mind Matters, we feature another High School student. Sushant Medikondla is a fellow senior at Glenbrook North. He has found great success in high school, taking on leadership positions in various clubs and becoming a state champion on math team. For this reason, it may be hard to believe that the topic of today’s episodes is insecurities, but even the most dedicated and successful among us can struggle with this issue. Listen to our and Sushant’s experiences and strategies in this transparent conversation.

Sushant's Email - [email protected]

On this episode of Mind Matters, Ethan, Ben, and Kabir sit down with David Artz, a passionate mental health advocate and fellow podcaster. Born in Tianjin, China, David immigrated to the U.S. at age seven after being adopted. He also lives with IFAP, a rare genetic skin condition, which has shaped his journey of resilience and self-discovery. Through his experiences, David has cultivated a powerful perspective on overcoming adversity and is dedicated to helping others prioritize their mental well-being. Tune in for an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

David's Links: http://www.storyaidhelp.info

https://m.youtube.com/@StoryAidHelp
https://linktr.ee/storyaidhelpinfo
https://www.instagram.com/storyaidhelp

In this episode Ben, Ethan, and Kabir discuss testing. They talk about what makes tests so stressful, their experiences with test-taking, and advice they have to anybody who is looking to improve. The truth is that tests open doors to one’s future, and they are not going away anytime soon. While recognizing and relating to the struggles people experience with testing, they emphasize that most people have a problematic approach. Learn how to prepare for and take tests better in this original Mind Matters episode.

Website w/ all socials: https://www.mindmatterspodcast.net/

In this episode, Ethan, Ben, and Kabir discuss the psychological consequences of social media with Debbie Strauss, LCSW. They evaluate the ways in which algorithms trap users in loops of scrolling and negativity, how social media drives inauthenticity, and how people’s digital identities intersect with (and even erode) their real-life experiences. But above all, they emphasize a better path forward, delivering strategies to cope with and develop resilience against an increasingly toxic digital environment.

Link to website with all socials: www.mindmatterspodcast.netDebbie's email: [email protected]

Debbie's Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/debbie-strauss-northbrook-il/276032