Scoot

Mental health support shouldn’t start when someone reaches a crisis.

Dr. Zainab Okolo of The Jed Foundation joins us to talk about creating a culture of care... from the people we surround ourselves with to the policies shaping college campuses across the country.
From everyday conversations to advocacy on Capitol Hill, Dr. Z shares what it takes to build environments where people feel comfortable asking for help, and why mental health isn’t something we simply “fix,” but something we continually learn to navigate.

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

From Cal Rugby National Championship to Doctors telling him he might never walk again, in this episode, Rob Paylor shares his journey of physical injury and mental fortitude.  

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Deona Hatley, a fitness and wellness coach rejoins the Scooty Fund - She's spent years helping students and employees at major universities build healthier and sustainable lives on campus.

In this episode, we dive into the power of movement in daily life, the hidden connection between reflection and real growth, and why most organizations get employee wellness completely backwards. From Georgetown’s GU Moves initiative to building healthier workplace cultures, Deona shares practical ways to create environments where people can sustainably thrive.

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

This week on Scoot, we sit down with Ethan Getchell, whose brother Austin’s death by suicide became the catalyst for a life devoted to helping others heal. Ethan shares how grief shaped his journey into therapy, speaking, and building mental health support for young people and the construction industry. 

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Dr. John Ogrodniczuk joins the Scooty fund for a conversation on Men’s mental health.  If you are a guy or know a guy, this episode is for you. 

Combating loneliness, simple keys to long term strength, and much more! 

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In this episode, Claire and Howard kick things off by reflecting on how overscheduling can be a coping mechanism—one that keeps us busy but not necessarily regulated.

We then welcome Morenike Olorunnisomo, a Dallas-based psychotherapist specializing in complex trauma, somatic therapy, and the mind-body connection. Morenike shares insights on the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD, particularly how trauma can shape a person’s sense of self from birth.

We explore the essential role of nervous system regulation in healing, how emotions serve as valuable information, and how the body naturally releases stored trauma through tears, shaking, and other somatic responses. Morenike also discusses why safety is the foundation of trauma recovery and how we can support ourselves and others in that process.

Join us for a deep, compassionate conversation on the body’s wisdom and the power of healing in safe, supportive spaces.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

Follow The Scooty Fund:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Follow Morenike:

• Instagram
• Website
• Somatic movement and meditation

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Today we sit down with Jackson Polatnick, a traveler, business school student, and dedicated member of The Scooty Fund, which he joined in honor of his late friend, Will. Jackson opens up about his journey with mental health, the misconceptions around masculinity, and how true strength lies in vulnerability and self-awareness.

He shares practical tips for initiating meaningful conversations, embracing routines like journaling and exercise while traveling, and finding peace through connection with others. Jackson also delves into the intersection of mental health and the corporate world, reflecting on how stepping away from unhealthy work habits—like nonstop emails and neglecting personal time—helped him rediscover balance and authenticity.

This episode is full of insights on building community, staying curious, and prioritizing what truly matters, whether in life, work, or personal growth.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

Follow The Scooty Fund:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In this episode, Claire and Howard sit down with Sarah Pribis, an actress, host, and content creator, to discuss her journey through sobriety and self-discovery. Sarah reflects on her 20s in New York City, navigating college and the hospitality industry, where drugs and alcohol were ever-present. She opens up about using substances to quiet her overthinking mind and the low moments that pushed her to seek help—like being sent home from work under the influence and fearing that one day she may overdose.

Now, Sarah has cultivated a toolkit of healthy habits, including walking, aromatherapy, and connecting with loved ones, that ground her and support her sobriety journey.

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

Follow The Scooty Fund:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Follow Sarah:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Website

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

In today’s episode, Claire and Howard dive into strategies for resetting your nervous system and finding calm after moments of high adrenaline, such as unexpected emergencies. They explore techniques like ice plunges, dopamine detoxing, and the importance of doing something uncomfortable every day—like staying off your phone while waiting in line.

The conversation touches on setting boundaries with screen time and social media, alternative therapies beyond talk therapy (like hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and exercise), and the benefits of singing, humming, and physical movement. Claire shares insights from teaching sculpt pilates and the mind-body connection, while Howard draws parallels to how animals “shake out” stress and relates it to his own experience running.

Tune in for practical tips and fresh perspectives on stress relief and nervous system regulation!

Learn more about The Scooty Fund and please consider supporting our work by donating.

Follow The Scooty Fund:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/

Episode 5 dives into the power of resilience, grit, and emotional vulnerability with guest Cason Crane, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and activist with a remarkable journey. Cason opens up about his personal mental health struggles, despite a life filled with privilege and achievements – such as being the first openly LGBT person to climb the Seven Summits, and founding an award-winning coffee business, Explorer Cold Brew.  

Cason shares how he navigates the complexities of being both grateful and sad, reflecting on his late mother’s battle with cancer and the lessons she taught him about perseverance. Together, they discuss the importance of holding space for dual truths—how something can be both painful and beautiful—and finding a personal “recipe” for mental health that embraces both grit and compassion. 

From the role of medication in his recovery to the value of leaning on others, Cason highlights the need for vulnerability and emotional intimacy, especially among men. Tune in as Cason, Claire, and Howard tackle what it means to embrace the messy, human side of mental health while striving for growth, balance, and connection. This episode is packed with insights for anyone seeking their own path toward healing. 

Follow The Scooty Fund on IG: @thescootyfund

See more online: https://scootyfund.org/