Off-Balance Podcast | Business Leadership, HR Strategy, and Entrepreneur Growth

Mental health deserves the same routine care we give our teeth and heart, and today’s conversation shows how to make that real. We sit down with Charlotte, a clinical therapist who serves at one of Alabama’s largest psychiatric hospitals and leads community initiatives to bring mental health education into the church. She breaks down the biggest myths holding people back, the early signs to watch for, and why anxiety spiked in recent years, from pandemic uncertainty to constant social comparison and financial strain.

Together we unpack the power of cognitive behavioral therapy and how a single thought can shape emotions, behavior, and outcomes. You’ll hear clear, practical tools: thought-challenging that asks “Where’s the evidence?”, grounding exercises that calm panic, journaling routines that contain racing thoughts, and short movement breaks that reset the nervous system. We also turn to family life, teaching kids to name feelings, share, and self-soothe, through Charlotte’s children’s book packed with real coping skills like bubble breathing and simple DBT-inspired techniques. For adults, we connect suppressed emotions to workplace behaviors and offer daily emotional check-ins, boundaries, and self-care strategies that actually fit a busy life.

Access is a central theme. Charlotte shares how to find help even without insurance, including pro bono options and sliding-scale platforms, and spotlights the 988 mental health lifeline. We also explore community programs like Hats Brunch and Mental, where grief, trauma, psychosis, and addiction specialists demystify care and restore hope. If you’re considering becoming a therapist, Charlotte maps the path and explains why doing your own grief and trauma work is essential for sustainable, compassionate practice.

If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that help is real, hope is practical, and healing starts with one brave step.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

What if raising kind, compassionate children could actually help combat the violence we're seeing in schools and communities? Teresa Ramirez, dubbed the "Kindness Guru to Watch in 2025," believes it can, and she's on a mission to show parents exactly how to do it.

When Teresa talks about parents becoming the "CEO of their family," she's not suggesting a corporate approach to child-rearing. Instead, she's advocating for intentional parenting that determines what kind of people you want your children to become and creating a roadmap to get there. Through real-world examples, like the viral moment of a father choosing peace over conflict at a baseball game. Teresa demonstrates how these seemingly small moments shape our children's understanding of what matters most in life.

The beauty of Teresa's approach lies in its simplicity. You don't need extra time in your already packed schedule to foster kindness. Small acts like leaving encouraging sticky notes, practicing gratitude before bedtime, or simply teaching children to acknowledge others with a smile create ripples that extend far beyond your immediate family. And there's science backing this up, kindness actually increases serotonin levels, not just for those involved but for everyone who witnesses the interaction.

For parents of teenagers, Teresa offers practical communication strategies that go beyond the typical "How was your day?" Her three key questions, "What was the best thing that happened today?", "What didn't you like today?", and "What made you laugh?" create opportunities for meaningful conversation without feeling forced. These check-ins, especially when done during casual activities rather than formal sit-downs, help parents take the temperature of their child's emotional state and catch potential issues before they escalate.

Perhaps most powerful is Teresa's technique of "the pause", teaching children to take a breath before reacting in challenging situations. For younger kids, she uses bubbles as a playful way to practice deep breathing, while teenagers benefit from learning to step back and consider their response rather than reacting impulsively. This simple practice, when established as a habit, can prevent harmful behaviors born from unprocessed emotions.

Teresa's personal story of choosing compassion for a rude server, only to discover the woman was experiencing deep personal pain, serves as a potent reminder that "personal pain is as unique as a fingerprint." This perspective, while never condoning harmful behavior, offers a more nuanced approach to addressing conflict in our communities and schools.

Join us to discover how practicing kindness as a lifestyle can not only transform your family but potentially create ripples that merge into waves of positive change throughout our communities. As Teresa reminds us, "We have to all create that ripple of kindness in our corner of the world."

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

What happens when you refuse to let physical limitations define your possibilities? Jess Silver's story answers this question with powerful clarity. Born three months premature weighing just two pounds, Jess entered the world facing cerebral palsy and later scoliosis - conditions that affected her ability to walk independently but never dampened her determination to thrive.

The founder and executive director of Flex for Access takes us on her remarkable journey from launching a social media campaign that gained global traction to building a nonprofit that has raised over $30,000 creating opportunities for adaptive fitness. Her perspective fundamentally reframes how we think about adaptation: "When we adapt a program, we create a program suited for the individual. We're adapting to their own learning styles and personal needs."

Jess reveals how her seven-and-a-half-year process of writing her bestselling memoir "Run an Uncharted Direction" paralleled her own evolving understanding of resilience. The book's cover deliberately makes no mention of cerebral palsy - not because she denies this aspect of herself, but because she refuses to be primarily defined by it. "It is a part of who I am. I don't deny that... But I have not allowed my challenge to stop me in any way, shape or form."

For listeners struggling with their own limitations or fears around fitness, Jess offers practical wisdom: break movements into smaller components, focus on your motivation, and remember that "the only way we can get over our fear is if we face that fear and try to do it." Her advice for gym owners and fitness professionals centers on conversation and creativity - asking questions rather than making assumptions about what people with disabilities need.

Whether you're facing physical challenges, feeling stuck in your fitness journey, or simply seeking inspiration to overcome life's obstacles, Jess's parting wisdom resonates: "Keep allowing adversity to blaze that fire stronger within you." By approaching challenges with intention, we transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Ready to rewrite your own narrative around limitations? Listen now and discover how your challenges might become your greatest strengths.

Purchase Tickets: Redefine, Re-Imagine, Re-Ignite: Flex for Access leveraging Impact

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

Welcome to this special episode of Off-Balance in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S., with over 316,000 new invasive cases expected this year. Sadly, more than 42,000 women and 500 men will lose their lives to this disease.

Behind every number is a story of courage, loss, and hope — and today, we honor the story of Laura Reutter. 

What defines a woman when cancer takes parts of her body? Laura Reutter faced this question head-on after her 2016 breast cancer diagnosis led to a bilateral mastectomy, fundamentally changing her life's trajectory. 

"Everything gets flipped upside down," Laura explains, describing how cancer reshapes not just your body, but your entire existence, from where you live to who remains in your life. The phenomenon of "ghosting" left her isolated as her 14-month treatment plan made maintaining friendships nearly impossible. When treatment ended, she faced an identity crisis: "I had to figure out what defined me."

Laura's journey from patient to certified senior patient navigator reveals profound insights about healing. Now having supported nearly 700 individuals through breast cancer, she shares startling truths, like how 85% of breast cancer cases have nothing to do with genetics, while offering practical wisdom for anyone facing life's unexpected challenges.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Laura describes discovering dragon boating, an ancient Chinese sport that has become a global competitive outlet for breast cancer survivors. The paddling motion, once discouraged for women who had lymph nodes removed, actually helps prevent lymphedema. Through this community, Laura found purpose, friendship, and competitive joy, even qualifying for international competitions.

Laura's perspective on "aesthetic flat closure" challenges conventional narratives about wholeness after mastectomy. Her powerful tattoo art transformed what society might view as loss into beautiful self-expression. "I wanted to look in the mirror in the morning and get my swagger back," she explains.

For anyone navigating cancer or life's upheavals, Laura offers this wisdom: stay flexible in your mindset, avoid comparing your journey to others', and intentionally make time for joy. "Different doesn't mean bad," she reminds us, sometimes it just means finding a new path to wholeness.

Ready to rebuild your confidence after life's challenges? Listen now to discover how even our deepest losses can lead to unexpected gifts of purpose and community.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

What happens when your life's mission collides with doubt, fear, and the practical demands of family? Rodrika Jones—author, certified life coach, and founder of Pearl Woman Ministry—joins us for a raw conversation about stepping boldly into purpose while battling both internal and external resistance.

Rodrika's journey began with a painful awakening when her daughter, whom she had raised as a teenage mother with complete devotion, expressed that she never wanted the life Rodrika had sacrificed everything to provide. In that moment of heartbreak, she heard God asking, "What are you going to do now?" His instruction was clear: stop focusing on what you lack and speak life into your future.

This pivotal moment birthed not only her first book, "My Choice of Words Changed My Life," but launched a ministry that exploded from a simple series of two-minute daily videos to reaching thousands of women worldwide in just 30 days. With disarming honesty, Rodrika shares how she navigated this unexpected calling while maintaining her roles as mother, wife, and full-time employee.

The conversation dives deep into practical wisdom for anyone struggling to balance multiple callings. Rodrika offers refreshing insights on establishing non-negotiables, being fully present with family, and recognizing the crucial difference between "good" opportunities and "God" opportunities. When faced with substantial investment offers that seemed beneficial on the surface, she explains how divine discernment protected her from paths that would "add sorrow" despite their immediate rewards.

Perhaps most powerfully, Rodrika challenges the common approach to resilience and vision. Rather than simply pushing through adversity or jumping from project to project, she advocates for thoroughly addressing wounds and maintaining consistent direction through writing out your vision. Her upcoming 365-day journal aims to help believers document divine guidance across all seasons, preventing them from being "tossed to and fro" by trends or misaligned opportunities.

Whether you're wrestling with balancing family and calling, struggling to overcome rejection, or simply seeking to live with greater purpose and authenticity, this conversation offers both practical strategies and spiritual encouragement to speak boldly, think differently, and embrace the life you were created for.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

What happens when your cup runs empty but everyone still expects you to pour? How do you reconcile faith with mental health struggles? And where do you find the strength to keep climbing when you can't even see the mountain peak?

Marissa Jones, founder of Girls Talk and women's empowerment motivator, joins us for a soul-stirring conversation about creating safe spaces where women can show up authentically, mind, body, and soul. With refreshing honesty, she dismantles the walls between spiritual well-being and mental health, offering wisdom for women navigating both realms simultaneously.

"You can't have a spiritual life if your mind is not right," Marissa shares, challenging the harmful stigma that often surrounds mental health discussions in faith communities. Her powerful testimony of overcoming personal brokenness through intentional community provides a roadmap for listeners in their own healing journeys.

The conversation delves deep into recognizing when you're depleted (frustration, exhaustion, emotional numbness) and the revolutionary act of setting boundaries—learning to say that "deep word no" as Marissa calls it. She introduces the concept of "battle buddies"—trusted friends who will pray with you, labor alongside you, and speak life into seemingly lifeless situations.

Perhaps most compelling is Marissa's vulnerability about her own journey through depression, anxiety, and a devastating divorce that left her broken. "Sometimes God will dismantle that relationship to save you," she reflects, offering hope that current pain might be protection from greater destruction ahead.

Whether you're struggling to balance faith, family and business, feeling isolated in your struggles, or simply craving authentic connection with other women, this episode offers both practical strategies and spiritual encouragement. Join our conversation and discover how to climb your mountain at your own pace while giving yourself the grace to breathe along the way.

Ready to find your own circle of battle buddies? Connect with Marissa's Girls Talk community and take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

Dr. Kayla Ballard's testimony will stop you in your tracks. From experiencing ten devastating miscarriages to literally dying on a hospital table, her journey reveals what happens when human resilience meets divine intervention.

The conversation opens with Dr. Ballard sharing her path from the Bahamas to Savannah, Georgia, where she's currently "in the motion of becoming" - discovering new dimensions of herself even in this season of life. What drives her? The profound question: "Why me, God? Out of all the billions of people you created, why did you choose me?"

When asked how she stays centered amid life's chaos, Dr. Ballard reveals her non-negotiable practice of Sabbath rest, calling Saturdays her "sacred" day. "I guard it viciously," she explains, comparing these moments of silence to putting on a snorkel to breathe God's presence like oxygen. This spiritual discipline has sustained her through seasons that would have broken many.

The heart of the episode unfolds as Dr. Ballard recounts her harrowing battle with barrenness. After connecting deeply with the biblical woman with the issue of blood, she experienced a life-threatening hemorrhage while alone. In what can only be described as supernatural intervention, she managed to drive herself to medical help despite severe blood loss. Most remarkable was her near-death experience - literally leaving her body as medical professionals frantically worked to recover her lost pulse. In that moment, she declared, "I shall live and not die to declare the works of the Lord."

Against all odds, Dr. Ballard eventually welcomed her son after 17 years of marriage, followed by her daughter at age 42. Her publishing journey proved equally miraculous, transforming from writing just to remember things during a period of memory loss to becoming an author of multiple books and journals sharing her testimony of redemption.

For anyone feeling stuck or questioning their purpose, Dr. Ballard offers this wisdom: make a genuine commitment to God, find positive community, set boundaries, prioritize rest, and journal honestly about your journey. "You don't have to be perfect," she reminds us. "We're people in need of a savior."

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Support the show

Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

When the nest empties and the daily rhythms of motherhood shift, who are you beneath the roles you've played for years? Erica Tatum joins us for a soul-stirring conversation about rediscovering your authentic self after your children leave home.

With remarkable vulnerability, Erica shares her journey through the emotional landscape of empty nesting, a transition many women navigate silently. "I had to decide if this was going to be my ending season or the beginning of my new season," she reflects, capturing that pivotal moment when purpose seems suddenly unclear. Through her story, we explore how easily women lose themselves in caring for others, forgetting who they are outside their titles.

The heart of our discussion centers on reclaiming identity through spiritual reconnection. Erica beautifully articulates how turning to God's word helped her find confidence beyond others' expectations: "Once I found that and put that in my heart and my soul, everything else didn't matter if it was outside the will of God." This foundation becomes the cornerstone for creating safe spaces both for yourself and others, where authentic healing and growth flourish.

We tackle practical challenges, such as setting non-negotiable boundaries around sacred time, rediscovering activities that once brought joy, and evaluating which relationships truly nurture your growth and development. Erica's wisdom on giving yourself grace while celebrating each step forward offers liberation to anyone feeling guilty about prioritizing their own needs.

Whether you're approaching empty nesting, currently navigating it, or simply feeling lost in your roles, Erica's parting reminder resonates powerfully: "You were made on purpose for a purpose." Her book "New Beginnings" and empty-nest journal guide women through this transformative journey of rediscovery.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

From the streets of Côte d’Ivoire to the bustling cities of China and the classrooms of the United States, Stéphane Akoki’s life is a testament to God’s grace and the power of perseverance. After being scammed and stranded in a foreign country, Stéphane chose faith over fear, learned a new language, and rebuilt his life from scratch. Today, as the founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, he’s helping others break free from poverty through education and opportunity. 

In this conversation, we explore how resilience without a roadmap can shape your destiny, why faith is the ultimate anchor in adversity, and how turning personal struggles into purpose can transform not just your life, but an entire community. 

Despite his success, Stéphane maintains a remarkable perspective on his complicated past: "If I were to re-architect my life, I would tell God I'm happy that I started where I started. I wouldn't have been able to appreciate life and the blessing of wealth if I had not started where I started."

Discover how faith, resilience, and purpose can transform not just a life but potentially an entire continent. Visit OneElevate.org to learn how you can partner with Stéphane's vision for an Africa where talent doesn't have to leave home to thrive.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

Ever notice how some family patterns create ripple effects that last decades? That's exactly what happens when older siblings become the default caregivers for their younger brothers and sisters.

The controversial practice of using older children as built-in babysitters touches countless families but rarely receives the critical examination it deserves. When does teaching responsibility become an unfair burden? What happens when a teenager's social development, academic growth, and personal interests take a backseat to childcare duties? These questions sit at the heart of family dynamics that shape not just childhood experiences but adult behaviors and relationships.

Scripture provides clear guidance on this matter. Parents are instructed to bring up their children without provoking them to anger (Ephesians 6:4), yet many don't recognize how outsourcing parental responsibilities to older siblings can create exactly this response. The resentment often extends in multiple directions - toward parents for the unfair expectations and toward younger siblings who unwittingly benefit from the arrangement. These feelings don't simply disappear with time; they transform into adult relationship patterns that can persist for decades.

Perhaps most surprising is how these childhood roles manifest in professional settings. Adults who spent their formative years as family caregivers often struggle with boundaries in the workplace. They overcommit, burn out, and find it nearly impossible to prioritize their own needs - patterns directly traceable to their family position. Some develop controlling tendencies as a response to having been forced into decision-making roles prematurely. Whether you were the older sibling carrying this weight or are a parent currently managing children of different ages, understanding these dynamics is crucial for breaking unhealthy cycles and creating more balanced family and work environments.

What patterns from your childhood caregiving experiences still affect your adult relationships and work habits? Share your thoughts or reach out with questions - I'd love to continue this important conversation with you.

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.