Welcome to The Iferia TechCast with Gretchen Schoser, co-host of an award-winning mental health podcast and a dedicated advocate for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As a suicide attempt survivor, Gretchen powerfully combines her rich tech background with personal experience to inspire and empower. At 61, she created a company that champions resilience and growth, proving it's never too late to make a profound impact.

In this episode, Gretchen shares her profound journey from surviving to becoming a powerful advocate, revealing the catalysts of sharing her story and the healing power of laughter. She delves into how her technical problem-solving brain influences her approach to mental wellness advocacy, including creating HIPAA-compliant applications for mental health check-ins. For students and young professionals, Gretchen offers invaluable advice on pursuing joy over money and embracing curiosity. Discover the common threads of human struggle and resilience she's found through countless podcast conversations, and how technologies can build better systems for mental health crisis intervention by adopting a "people-first" perspective.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

· Gretchen's profound personal story: from suicide attempt survivor to powerful mental health advocate and podcaster.

· The catalyst for her transformation: sharing her journey, the healing power of laughter, and the 988 lifeline.

· How her tech background influences her mental wellness advocacy, including developing HIPAA-compliant applications and toolkits.

· Invaluable advice for young professionals: "Stop chasing the money; chase your joy" and embrace curiosity.

· Common threads of human struggle and resilience: the desire to remove stigma and the power of vulnerability and laughter.

· How technologies and engineers can build better mental health crisis intervention systems by prioritizing accessibility and human touch.

· What integrating technology with mental health looks like in practice: creating platforms and changing communication styles.

· The "perfect tech" for mental health: a daily mood tracker for employees that provides anonymous, actionable insights for managers.

· Actionable steps for leaders in technical fields to create a more mentally supportive workplace culture, including mental health toolkits and safe spaces.

· Gretchen's personal definition of innovation: using current and new tools for good, making work and life better.

This is a must-listen for anyone in tech, students, leaders, or individuals seeking inspiration, practical mental wellness strategies, and a deeper understanding of resilience and purpose-driven work.

Connect With Gretchen Schoser:

· Podcast: Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads: https://goesoninourheads.net/

· Website & Free Consult: https://schosersolutions.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome Gretchen Schoser: Tech, Mental Wellness & Resilience

00:55 Catalyst for Advocacy: From Surviving to Thriving

05:40 Tech Background & Mental Health Advocacy Approach

08:02 Starting a Company at 61: Advice for Young Professionals

10:21 Common Threads of Struggle & Resilience in Podcast Conversations

12:00 How Tech & Engineers Can Support Mental Health Crisis Intervention

14:08 Integrating Tech with Mental Health in Practice

16:20 Practical Mental Well-being Advice for Tech Professionals

17:56 Significant Challenges in Bridging Tech & Human Conversations

19:31 Designing the Perfect Tech for Mental Health Support

21:22 Actionable Steps for Mentally Supportive Workplace Culture

22:48 Innovation Defined: Using Tools for Good and Making Life Better

24:15 Connect with Gretchen Schoser: Podcast & Company Resources

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