Normalize The Conversation by Inspiring My Generation

Today we're confronting some pressing questions that society often shies away from.

Should the color of your skin dictate your perception of beauty? Should a routine traffic stop inspire fear for your life? Should the simple act of crossing the street require you to adjust your appearance to appear less intimidating?

In this episode, I'm honored to introduce our guest, Tyler Merritt. Tyler is not only an accomplished actor and comedian but also the visionary founder of the Tyler Merritt Project. You might recognize him from his impactful viral video, "Before You Call the Cops," which confronts the ingrained biases we carry and the dangers they pose.

Tyler's journey is one of profound insight and empathy, as he delves into his personal experiences growing up in America. As a staunch advocate for social justice, Tyler has committed himself to promoting understanding, compassion, and equity for all. His story is an inspiring reminder of the potential each of us has to contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

Join us as Tyler shares his powerful perspective on the systemic issues that persist, exploring why he's embraced the role of a social justice advocate. Together, we'll unravel the ways in which each of us can become advocates and allies in the fight against prejudice and injustice.

In a world that often shies away from these difficult conversations, "Normalize The Conversation" invites you to lean in, listen, and learn. Tune in to this episode to uncover the steps we can take, both individually and collectively, to pave the way for a more equitable and empathetic world.

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Today we're diving into a question that's often overlooked: "Is it ever too early to talk about mental health?"

The startling reality highlighted by the CDC is that mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders can take root in early childhood. In 2016, a staggering statistic revealed that 1 in 6 US children between the ages of 2 and 8 had been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. And as we fast-forward to 2018-2019, the CDC further brought to light that 15.1% of adolescents aged 12-17 had experienced a major depressive episode within the previous year.

I'm thrilled to introduce our guest for today's episode, Marie Shanley, a distinguished author, researcher, and passionate mental health advocate, better known to many as "Mxiety" from her influential work streaming on Twitch.

Marie's journey is an inspiring one. As an adolescent, she encountered her own battles with mental health, lending her a firsthand understanding of the struggles that young people face. Through her advocacy efforts, she's been able to leverage her experiences to initiate important conversations and ignite change.

In this episode, Marie shares her insights on why it's crucial to start age-appropriate conversations about mental health early on. She delves into her personal story, reflecting on her own challenges and how they've motivated her to make a difference. Join us as we explore the power of dialogue in dismantling stigmas, and learn about practical ways to engage with our youth in conversations that can shape their mental well-being.

The conversation about mental health can't wait any longer, and neither should we. Tune in to this episode of "Normalize The Conversation" and join us in taking the necessary steps toward nurturing healthier minds and brighter futures.

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Francesca is joined by an incredible guest, Tiffany Yu, the visionary CEO and Founder of Diversability. Diversability stands as a vibrant community, uniting individuals with disabilities and their allies in a collective mission to uplift disability pride and drive positive change. Tiffany's profound insights and personal journey provide a captivating narrative that sheds light on the intricacies of ableism.

In this episode, Tiffany Yu dives deep into the heart of the matter. She breaks down the multifaceted nature of ableism, elucidating its manifestations across various spheres of society. From subtle microaggressions to systemic barriers, the conversation uncovers the pervasive nature of ableism and its far-reaching implications.

Tiffany's wealth of experience and expertise allows her to offer tangible solutions to the challenges faced by the disability community. With a compassionate approach, she provides listeners with actionable steps to improve diversability – fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of ableism, its impact on mental health within the disability community, and how individuals and society at large can work together to dismantle these barriers. Join us as we *normalize the conversation* around ableism and empower the movement towards a more diverse, accepting, and compassionate world.

Normalize The Conversation is your platform for meaningful dialogues on pressing social issues, hosted by Francesca Reicherter. Subscribe now to stay informed and engaged.

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Kindness saves lives, and it is something that we are all capable of and in need of. Born This Way Foundation has developed various youth-led programs aimed at making kindness cool, validating the emotions of young people, and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health.