The longest sports drought in history - how are SPORTS TALK radio stations surviving?  What happens when one of Milwaukee's most popular sports talk show hosts is faced with a global pandemic, no sports, and a hefty case of anxiety?  Bart called me wanting to talk about it all...and it essentially turned into a therapy session.  Sports fans should listen to this.  Mental  health advocates should listen to this. MEN should listen to this.  Also, squirrels can listen to this, but probably won't.  I think that's nuts. 

As if the uncertainty of a global pandemic wasn't enough, add to that losing your DREAM job - how do you deal?  Especially when you're isolated and cannot rely on your social circle for comfort.  You've heard JMatt on some of my past episodes, and we're coming up on one month since he was laid off due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.  How has he been holding up, and the AMAZING new therapy app called "BetterHelp" he fell in love with are all discussed on today's episode.  

*NSFW LANGUAGE* You know those friends who you can pick up where you left off with EVERY TIME?  That's me and my friend Rayne.  Rayne and I have been friends for over 10 years.  We have the technology and the "talent" - why not do a podcast episode together while we're quarantined?  With no plan whatsoever - we managed to discuss: 

Standard COVID-19 discussion - differences between Milwaukee and Sacramento, CA (Where he resides)

Muppets.

McDonalds prizes and the McMillions documentary.

Self coping skills

80's and 90's movie plotholes

1990's Nickelodeon TV shows - wins and fails. 

Spendng $300 to meet Pee Wee Herman

Text messaging with Mark Summers of Double Dare. 

From making fun of it on facebook and downplaying it as "just a flu", to a flight for life trip to the hospital for SEVERE COVID-19 symptoms, to a now changed man...Billy Schulz, a 27 year old Truck driver from Jackson, WI got the worst of the worst when it comes to Coronavirus.  At one point given a 20% chance to live, and his doctor on a phone call PLEADING for life saving exeperimental treatment.  Billy has a heck of a story to tell, wanted to tell it UNEDITED...so, I gave it to him.  It's a long listen - but its an amazing story.  This is serious.  Take this serious.  Thanks for checking out another episode :o) 

When you think of smuggling, what comes to mind - drugs and weapons...and PEOPLE.  This is happening in our own backyard, oftentimes right under our noses, and the monsters who keep it going are outsmarting the system staying ahead of the authorities.  What is being done to help these men, women, and children who are trapped in this "modern day slavery"?  What exactly IS human trafficking?  Whats the difference between human and sex trafficking?  How are people brought into this dark world?  How can we help them get OUT?! I had so many questions, and Rachel had the answers - as she works closely with the Fight to End Exploitation.   >> www.fighttoendexploitation.org <<

If you listened a few episodes ago, I discussed the "Emotional Middle" and this totally applies to THIS WEEK'S episode.  There seems to be a lot of pressure out there for us all to write the next best screenplay, or to completely renovate our houses...to learn to play the flute or to pick up a second and third language...but the truth of the matter is that just isn't a possiblity for most of us, and that's OKAY.  Stop putting pressure on yourself!  Another mental health minisode this week.  Enjoy and take care of YOU :o) 

Stuff like this is comforting to hear from someone who works in Mental Health professionally, that's where Dr. Doreen Marshall comes in this week.  Great tips on managing your mental health with social media / news overload, keeping our anxiety in check, things to "look forward to", and for the parents - how do we talk to our CHILDREN safely about everything.  TAP HERE for more from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  

Happy #MENtalhealthMonday!  Times are strange, friends. We have lost our old way of life.  We must grieve that old way of life.  It's okay to be sad.  It's okay to be happy, too!  We live in a world of emotional extremes - it's one way or the other - but if we can find a way to live in the "emotional middle" - it just might help you cope with these uncertain times we are living in..don't be ashamed of the way you feel.  We're all in this together.  Enjoy this Minisode :o) 

I know you don't have a lot of time (sarcasm) - but give me 5 MINUTES, and I'll give you 5 simple steps that you can LITERALLY do anywhere, ANYTIME, and you can help to greatly cope with your anxiety.  Even if you aren't anxious, this is a great exercise in distracting your brain and centering yourself.  Promise, less than 5 minutes.  Thanks for checking a #MENtalHealthMonday mini episode.  xoxo - @RiggsRadio 

Lucas Robak is an author and keynote speaker, he's also a suicide attempt survivor.  He's learned to harness the power of his own thoughts and use them to change his mindset completely.  By using positive self help methods, thinking differently, embracing failure, creating personal affirmations, and more - he has truly shifted his life outlook.  He does a great job of relaying those tips to you in this week's episode.  www.lucasrobak.com