In this episode of Reinventing Mental Health, host Mary talks with Tom Cotter—founder of the nonprofit Backpack Friends and creator of Rebel 90—about functional approaches to mental health rooted in purpose, habits, and community. Tom shares how Backpack Friends began in 2014 after a Pflugerville High School student passed out from not having food over the weekend, leading him and his wife Heather to start feeding 12 kids and eventually serve about 190,000 kids across Central Texas. He explains Rebel 90 as a free 90-day protocol focused on small daily steps across body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing sustainable habit stacking, identity shifts, and accountability. They discuss loneliness, community’s role in longevity, and Tom’s book, Unleashing Your Creativity.

On Reinventing Mental Health, the host interviews friend Chris Evans, a janitorial company owner born in Philadelphia and raised in Killeen, Texas, about his difficult journey after college football, trouble finding work, and learning the janitorial business through trials and mentorship from Ravi Ward. Chris shares how he recognized his impatience and anger, became more patient by thinking situations through, and leaned into faith, prayer, and consistent church involvement encouraged by his gym partner Kevin. He describes finding community and self-reflection through church, discusses how community and purpose relate to longevity, and talks about staying physically active as you age. The host also offers practical advice on health, financial habits like saving 10–20% and delaying expensive rent, and finding purpose, while Chris mentions interests in travel, music, and possibly returning to school to coach football.

In this episode of Reinventing Mental Health, host Mary talks with Suzy, owner of Soulshine Rhythm Experience, about interactive group drumming programs used for all ages in corporate, community, and therapeutic settings. Suzy shares how drumming supported her through an abusive marriage and led her to research its benefits, citing a study by music therapist Christine Stevens and neuroscientist Dr. Barry Bitman showing measurable changes such as reduced anxiety, increased endorphins and neurotransmitters, bonding effects, and boosted immune markers. They discuss brain-body connection, creating new neural pathways, bilateral integration through movement, and how drumming and singing can help people in recovery or dementia settings feel engaged and connected, sometimes more than talk therapy. Suzy demonstrates building rhythms with words, explains facilitated structure versus unstructured circles, and invites viewers to learn more at soulshinerhythm.com and join the upcoming “Let’s Get Real” tour with community-nominated locations in early 2026.

In this episode of 'Reinventing Mental Health,' host Mary interviews educator and tutor Janet Alexander, delving into the root causes of mental health issues stemming from educational experiences. Janet shares her personal journey of overcoming dyslexia and spectrum tendencies, her challenges within the public school system, and her transition to running the Hearts and Minds Learning Center. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional educational systems, the impact of No Child Left Behind and Common Core policies, and the detrimental effects of excessive reliance on digital technology. They also stress the importance of functional, holistic approaches to teaching and mental health, and the necessity for learning environments that cater to neurodiverse students.

In this episode of Reinventing Mental Health, we meet Matt Melvin, who shares his extraordinary journey from childhood in Kingsboro, Massachusetts, to experiencing bullying, incarceration, and ultimately finding faith. Matt discusses his book 'Bullied Behind Bars,' his experiences being bullied in prison, and the life-changing moment that led him to embrace honesty and find God. He also touches on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and maintaining mental and physical well-being. Join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity and the power of faith and community.

In this episode of 'Reinventing Mental Health,' we dive into the intersection of agriculture and mental health with Chloe Parker, owner of Parker Pastures. Chloe shares her personal journey from growing up on a farm to taking over her family's business after her mom's cancer diagnosis. We explore the importance of clean, nutrient-dense food, the concept of regenerative farming, and the detrimental effects of processed foods on our health. Chloe also highlights the critical issues in our current food system, from the use of chemicals and growth hormones in meat to the lack of nutrition in conventionally grown produce. Tune in to learn more about how supporting local, responsibly-run farms can lead to healthier lives and a better environment.

In this episode of Reinventing Mental Health, host Mary reconnects with Beth Lambert, an author, educator, and former healthcare consultant who has documented escalating rates of childhood chronic conditions for over 15 years. Beth discusses her journey into holistic and integrative health practices spurred by her children's health issues. She shares insights from her books, 'A Compromised Generation' and 'Brain Under Attack,' and her work with 'Documenting Hope,' a nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing childhood chronic conditions. Beth highlights the importance of looking beyond symptom-suppressive pharmaceuticals to address root causes through diet, lifestyle changes, and personalized medicine. She also provides practical tips for reducing toxic exposure and improving health outcomes in children.

Welcome back to 'Reinventing Mental Health'! In this episode, we dive deep with Daniel Brown, who shares his unique perspectives on health and well-being. Despite not being a certified doctor, Daniel has spent over a decade helping people transform their health by identifying and addressing the root causes of mental and physical issues. They discuss common causes of illness, the profound impact of lifestyle and emotions, and practical ways to improve health naturally. Daniel emphasizes the importance of sunlight, movement, nutrition, and managing emotional health. Join us as we explore holistic approaches to better living and debunk common health misconceptions.

Welcome back to Reinventing Mental Health! In this episode, we chat with Kiri Shin, a former special education teacher turned stay-at-home mom, about her journey into natural health. Kiri discusses her personal health challenges, including postpartum preeclampsia, and how she turned to natural remedies instead of conventional medication. She highlights the benefits of essential oils, natural supplements, and in particular, products from Olive Tree People. Kiri delves into the importance of waterless, bioactive skincare products and shares her favorite products from Olive Tree People, explaining how they have helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle for herself and her family. Don't forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share this video for more insights into natural health solutions.

In this episode of Reinventing Mental Health, we welcome Donnie Young, host of the 'Spoken Like a Man' podcast. Donnie shares his journey from a financial services career to podcasting, driven by his Christian faith and commitment to traditional family values. He discusses the impact of societal issues on the family unit, his wife's candy business, and the importance of biblical leadership for men. Donnie offers insights into how men can stand firm in their roles and improve their mental health through faith, community, and responsibility. Join us for this profound conversation on shifting the mental health paradigm.