Normalize It Forward

Life’s biggest hurdles often leave us feeling stuck, but understanding the path to trauma recovery can unlock profound personal transformation. In this insightful episode, board-certified clinical psychologist Dr. Jaimie Lusk joins the conversation to explore how we can break out of avoidance loops and build true mental resilience. Drawing from her experience as a US Marine Corps Combat Veteran and VA PTSD clinician, Dr. Lusk shares powerful insights on navigating complex grief, moral injury, and life transitions. Discover why struggle is a normal part of the human condition and how embracing vulnerability can lead to wisdom. Tune in to learn practical strategies for cultivating resilience and accepting support when facing life’s unexpected setbacks.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Social media mental health has become one of the most pressing challenges facing teens and parents today. On this episode of Normalize It Forward, host Marc Lehman welcomes back pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Mariela Podolski to unpack how digital platforms influence adolescent brain development and emotional wellness. Excessive screen time can double the risk of depression and anxiety in young adults who lack fully developed executive functioning skills. Dr. Mariela Podolski shares concrete strategies for establishing family digital contracts, delaying smartphone access, and creating screen-free household routines. By prioritizing real-world social interaction and delayed gratification, parents can protect their children from digital burnout. Listen in to discover actionable tools for building healthier relationships with technology in your home.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Host Marc Lehman sits down with former NBA star and NCAA National Champion Ben Gordon to discuss the realities of athlete mental health and overcoming life transitions. Maintaining optimal athlete mental health requires honest conversations, intentional daily routines, and self-acceptance both on and off the court. Ben helped lead UConn to the 2004 National Championship before being selected third overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. In recent years, Ben has been open about his personal journey with mental health, using his experiences to advocate for greater awareness, understanding, and support. He candidly shares how early athletic mentorship shaped his perspective on the mental game, the challenges of navigating public pressure, and his shift toward holistic wellness practices like intermittent fasting and fascia stress therapy. Ben also offers crucial advice for young adults struggling in silence, emphasizing the power of self-surrender, intentional communication, and slowing down in a hyper-connected world. This powerful discussion highlights why true strength lies in accepting who you are and building a grounded foundation for lasting resilience.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

As students prepare to head off to school, the conversation around college mental health becomes more critical than ever. In this episode, Marc Lehman is joined by Laura Doyle, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with decades of experience counseling students, to discuss the realities of this major life transition. From managing academic expectations and social anxiety to the importance of self-care basics like sleep and hydration, Laura provides practical strategies to help students stay balanced. They also dive into the impact of social media and the vital role of building real-world connections on campus. If you are a parent or student looking for ways to foster resilience and wellness during the college years, this discussion offers essential guidance for navigating the challenges ahead.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Establishing a solid College Student Routine is essential for navigating the overwhelming pressures of higher education and performance. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Marc Lehman welcomes Boston College Strength and Conditioning Coach Russell DeRosa to discuss how structure builds long-term mental and physical resilience. Russell DeRosa shares his twenty-four years of experience training elite athletes, revealing why daily habits reduce anxiety during high-stakes transitions. The conversation explores how both athletes and non-athletes can manage uncharted academic waters by taking personal ownership of their time. By replacing chaos with intentional habits, young adults learn to face adversity on campus without becoming overwhelmed. Parents and students alike will gain practical insight on shifting from passive survival to proactive growth.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Navigating the complexities of student mental health is a challenge that many young adults and parents face today. In this episode, Marc Lehman is joined by clinician Brian Keiser from U Are Heard to discuss effective strategies for managing stress, overcoming academic anxiety, and fostering true wellness. Brian brings his unique perspective as a Guided Pathways Advisor II to shed light on how modern pressures, including social media and the desire for constant connectivity, contribute to the rising rates of anxiety in students. Together, they explore the importance of small, consistent habits—like prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and genuine human connection—as the foundation for long-term success. Discover actionable advice on how to support independence in students while maintaining the essential support systems they need to thrive in college and beyond.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Holistic mental wellness is more than just physical health; it requires balancing your physiology, psychology, and spirit to truly thrive. In this episode, we are joined by Matt Domyancic, a former police officer, strength coach, and wellness coordinator, to discuss his journey of resilience and his mission to support first responders and veterans. Host Marc explores with Matt why slowing down and prioritizing your inner self is essential in our fast-paced culture. We discuss the importance of self-love, the power of safe relationships in healing from trauma, and how we can all foster meaning and purpose even during our most uncomfortable times.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Touring life is often viewed through a lens of glamour, but the reality involves a grueling mental and physical balancing act. Developing true resilience in music requires grit, a disciplined routine, and the courage to chase the unknown even when the path is unclear. In this episode, we sit down with Jay Nazz, the longtime drummer for the acclaimed country Americana band Reckless Kelly. We explore his journey from his roots in Connecticut to the bustling stages of Austin, diving into how he maintains mental clarity on the road and why he believes vulnerability is a professional superpower. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sustain a career in the arts, Jay’s candid story on finding purpose amidst the chaos offers a powerful roadmap for your own journey.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

Human performance is often associated with pressure. People are pushed to their limits just to achieve the best results. Although such a challenge stretches you to do whatever it takes to succeed, you may also be putting your own well-being at risk. Marc Lehman sits down with Kyle Stark, former Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who shares his insights on working with professional athletes who are constantly pressured to give their peak performance every single game. He explains what it really takes to develop people, not just performers, into high achievers who have a real sense of identity, leadership, and resilience. Discover why you do not have to sacrifice your mental health just to deliver better outputs and unlock bigger goals, but by simply being yourself and enjoying the ride.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.

The silent battle of shame and secrecy behind high-functioning addiction is exposed as Emmy-award-winning journalist and podcast host of The Tangle, Kyle Ridley, sits down to share his truth. Joining host Marc Lehman, Kyle reveals how his bulimia—a struggle often compounded by the stigma against men being vulnerable—consumed his twenties and made him a prisoner in his own home. He walks listeners through the critical steps of his lifelong journey of recovery, from the terrifying moment of intervention to embracing therapy and finding the courage to talk about his anxiety and fear of rejection. This conversation offers powerful lessons on how building a solid foundation of self-acceptance and community can finally break the cycle, leading to the confidence and grounded happiness that only comes from deep, ongoing healing.

Reading about mental health is hard. Let’s schedule a free consultation.