Episode #38: We too often think of forgiveness as an event between two people: Something like, “I forgive you,” or ”please forgive me.” In this show, we hear from our guests about how forgiveness is much more of an internal process, one that often occurs slowly, and frequently centers around forgiving ourselves. And why do […]

Ep. 37: One in six Americans are currently providing care to someone age 50 or older. The majority of these caregivers are women, and many find it difficult to balance with raising children and meeting work and family commitments. We’re joined by award-winning author, Laura Davis, who has a new memoir about reconciling her strained relationship with her mother as she cares for her through her dementia and death. We’re also joined by Chief Medical Officer at Hospice of Santa Cruz County and palliative care specialist, Dr. Karl Segnitz, who discusses ways families can navigate end-of-life challenges and find support.

Ep. 36: This show is a follow-up to a two–part series produced in 2020 that examined the effects of racism on mental health. Guest host Gail Borkowski welcomes back Black community members–activist Joy Flynn, psychologist Dr. Robert Bartee, and educator/activist Jason Seals–to talk about the detrimental effects of racism on mental health, the impact of the last year’s events, what’s changed, and what still needs to change to achieve greater health equity and well-being for Blacks and people of color.

Ep. 35: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and a preventable public health problem. In this show, we talk with suicide prevention and support professional, Carly Memoli, and with Leslie Nielsen whose adult son Ben died by suicide early this year. We discuss complicated grief and explore how one learns to cope after someone they’ve loved or cared about has died by suicide. This show is part 2 of a two-part series on suicide. We invite you to also check out last month’s show, Ep. 34: Suicide Prevention for Teens and Young Adults.

Ep. 34: For National Suicide Prevention Month, we focus on suicide prevention for teens and young adults. Being informed about suicide can help prevent many of these tragic deaths. In this show we talk about feeling suicidal, where to find help and support, and how to recognize warning signs. We also learn about how to help others who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings. This is part 1 of a 2-part series. Next month’s show focuses on complicated grief and recovering from losing a loved one to suicide.

Episode 33: Gender-based violence is an umbrella term that includes the more familiar descriptors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence and dating violence. It’s an extensive problem across our country and around the world, impacting one in every three girls. Teens and college students are particularly vulnerable. The coronavirus pandemic has amplified the problem and led to a rising number of crisis line calls and requests for services. For survivors, the mental health impacts are substantial and can include an array of symptoms. Join us to learn prevention tips and prepare yourself to help stop such violence.

Ep. 32: The effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) go way beyond making someone a neat freak. This anxiety disorder is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that consume hours of people’s days, restrict their lives, and increase isolation and suffering. Join us as one woman shares her experience of having OCD since childhood and describes how she’s living a productive and fulfilling life. We’ll also learn from an anxiety specialist about OCD symptoms and evidence-based treatment approaches. This episode features a moving, original song written and performed by our guest about her experience of living with OCD.

Ep. 31: After more than a year of online schooling, we look at the impact the pandemic is having on LGBTQ+ Teens and how schools and communities are responding. Teen guests courageously share the struggles they’ve faced and how they've persevered to find their voices as leaders and advocates. Joining us as guest host for this conversation is queer community member, recent college graduate, and former State of Mind guest, Adam Lanfear. In honor of Pride Month, come along with us to learn how gestures that may seem small, signal acceptance in big ways... and could help save a life.

Ep. 30: First Responders arrive at the scene of some of the most dangerous and demanding situations, providing immediate care, support, and medical assistance to survivors in the aftermath of a crime or disaster. This kind of work can take a toll on mental health. You’ll hear directly from police officers about their mental health challenges and learn from a critical incident specialist about the mental health needs of first responders and what support workplaces are providing.

Ep. 29: Continuing our series on intimacy in the pandemic, we hear from young adults about how their relationships are being shaped and changed by these unprecedented times. Guests speak about the ways social distancing and the pandemic have made forming new relationships hard and pushed people together in new ways.