Artificial intelligence is changing everything — including how we connect, cope, and care for ourselves. In this episode of The Mental Fitness Podcast, hosts Dave Barney and Luke Olson sit down with Br33 Jon3s, tech anthropologist, AI ethicist, and Chief Experience Officer at ElizaChat, to explore the future of emotional intelligence in a machine-driven world.

Together they unpack the rise of AI companions and digital therapy tools — what they offer, where they go wrong, and how to use them without losing our ability to think, feel, and connect. Br33 offers a deeply human perspective on designing technology that serves wellbeing rather than exploiting it, and on why critical thinking and balance are the true foundations of mental fitness in the age of AI.

Chapters
[Start] A Human-First Approach to AI: Br33 shares her background in anthropology and why ethical design must shape how we build new technologies.
06:50 The Emotional Risks of AI Companions: When digital “friends” replace real human connection, the consequences can turn dangerous.
13:40 Reverse Engineering for Good: How gamification and neuroscience can be repurposed to strengthen, not exploit, our mental health.
21:00 Staying Generative in the Age of AI: Why users must remain thinkers, not just consumers, and how to build healthier digital habits.
36:00 The Future of Feeling: Br33 and the hosts imagine a future where AI augments empathy, creativity, and self-awareness — without replacing humanity.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Br33 Jon3s on LinkedIn

Nutrition isn’t just about physical health — it’s about how you think, feel, and show up every day. In this episode, hosts Dave and Luke sit down with Dr. David Wiss, founder of Nutrition in Recovery and Wise Mind Nutrition, to explore the powerful connection between food, inflammation, and mental wellness.

Dr. Wiss explains how gut health, nutrient balance, and even meal timing influence your mood, energy, and focus. From understanding the dopamine cycle behind cravings to rethinking what a “healthy relationship with food” really means, this conversation breaks down the science in practical, empowering ways. If you’ve ever wondered how to eat not just to live but to feel better, this is the place to start.

Chapters
[Start] The Path to Nutrition and Mental Health: Dr. Wiss shares his personal journey from nightlife and burnout to becoming a leader in nutritional psychology.
06:00 The Gut–Brain Connection: Exploring how inflammation and gut health shape mood and cognitive performance.
13:00 Food, Addiction, and Emotional Awareness: Why stress, cravings, and dopamine are deeply linked to eating habits.
28:30 Bridging Nutrition and Psychology: How practitioners can integrate mind and body science for better outcomes.
38:00 Practical Nutrition for Mental Fitness: Dr. Wiss offers three guiding principles: when to eat, what to eat, and how to eat with mindfulness.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach

Hosts Dave and Luke sit down with Dr. John Sanders, a family physician pioneering a preventive, human-centered approach to healthcare. Instead of reacting to crises, Dr. Sanders champions a model rooted in deep relationships, trust, and time, arguing that true wellness begins long before symptoms appear. He explains why today’s “sick-care” system struggles to prioritize mental fitness, how direct primary care revitalized his career, and why emotional health must be woven into every level of care, from childhood through adulthood.

Using real stories from his clinic, Dr. Sanders illustrates the powerful overlap between mental and physical health and outlines simple daily habits that support whole-person well-being, including sleep, walking, and limiting screens. He also examines trauma, early-life emotional patterns, and the neuroscience behind prevention, offering an accessible and hopeful blueprint for taking back your health before life becomes overwhelming.

Chapters
[Start] Rethinking “Sick-Care”: Why our healthcare system waits for breakdowns instead of building strength ahead of time.
03:15 The Fence vs. the Ambulance: An insightful metaphor for prevention and why current incentives hold us back.
08:40 Emotional & Physical Health Are One: From childhood trauma to metabolic health—how body and mind shape each other.
14:45 Time, Trust, and the Magic of Connection: Why 30–60 minutes with a doctor can change everything compared to a rushed 5-minute visit.
30:00 Practical Habits for Mental Fitness: Sleep hygiene, screen limits, movement, whole foods, and nature as medicine.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Voyage Clinics: Dr. Sanders’ Practice

In this episode of The Mental Fitness Podcast, hosts Dave and Luke sit down with psychologist Dr. David Morgan, who brings over two decades of experience in forensic and workplace mental health. Together, they unpack one of today’s most misunderstood topics, burnout, and reveal how it differs from depression, what early warning signs to look for, and why most people wait too long to act. From startup culture to corporate HR, Dr. Morgan explains how the myth of constant hustle can quietly erode emotional energy and productivity, and what leaders can do to change the narrative.

Listeners will come away with practical insights for recognizing emotional fatigue before it turns into something more serious. Dr. Morgan shares simple, research-backed ways to create mental “active recovery,” foster resilience, and shift from distraction to genuine restoration. Whether you’re a high-achieving founder, a working parent, or someone just trying to find balance, this conversation offers a new framework for mental endurance that goes beyond quick fixes or time off.

Chapters
[Start] The Hidden Cost of Emotional Energy: Dr. Morgan introduces the concept of emotional energy as a limited resource, and why ignoring it leads to burnout.
07:50 Burnout vs. Depression: Dave shares his own experience mistaking burnout for depression, and Dr. Morgan explains how professionals can tell the difference.
15:30 Redefining Resilience: The conversation reframes resilience not as endurance, but as learning to thrive through adversity, with lessons from COVID and beyond.
29:00 Active Recovery & Mental Rest: The hosts and Dr. Morgan discuss what true mental recovery looks like, why “doomscrolling” doesn’t count, and how intentional rest rewires the brain.
39:00 Escaping the Burnout Cycle: When rest isn’t enough, how to recover from burnout, reframe your workload, and rebuild sustainable mental strength.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Dr. Morgan’s website
• The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale
• Headspace guided meditations

Connect with Dr. Morgan: 

• LinkedIn 
• Facebook
• Instagram 
• X

Former NFL and BYU linebacker Sae Tautu spent years chasing the dream that defined his life, until one injury changed everything. What happens when your identity is built on something that suddenly disappears? In this episode, Sae opens up about the silent struggle many high performers face after stepping away from what they love most.

Through stories of grit, grief, and growth, Sae shares how he rebuilt his sense of purpose, found peace through breathwork and vulnerability, and redefined success outside of the locker room. His reflections remind us that strength is about learning to feel, adapt, and grow when life takes a turn you never saw coming.

Chapters
[Start] From Friday Nights to the NFL: Sae shares how his lifelong dream of playing football began.
07:00 When the Dream Ends: An injury cuts Sae’s professional career short, forcing him to confront loss, identity, and the emotional fallout of stepping away from the game.
20:00 Breathwork and Breaking Open: Sae describes how breathwork helped him release years of suppressed emotion and grief.
30:00 Rebuilding Purpose: He reflects on the transition from athlete to entrepreneur. 
38:00 The Warrior Routine: Sae shares his daily mental fitness practice, a simple 15-minute ritual of breathwork, gratitude, and visualization.

Links & Resources

• Ortho Athlete – Sae’s company supporting athletes through recovery and rehabilitation.
• The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson – Book on the power of small, consistent habits.
• Widen the Window by Dr. Elizabeth A. Stanley – On resilience and the nervous system.
• Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke – Exploring the balance between pleasure and pain.
• Jimmy Rex’s “We Are The They” Community – Men’s group Sae references for breathwork and growth.

When life moves too fast, our bodies often tell the story before our minds catch up. In this episode, hosts Dave and Luke sit down with trauma and nervous system specialist Todd Olson, who brings more than 35 years of experience helping people heal through evidence-based practices like polyvagal theory, somatic training, and trauma-informed care. Together, they unpack how slowing down, noticing small shifts, and understanding our body’s natural responses can create lasting resilience in a chaotic world.

The conversation explores why entrepreneurs sometimes self-sabotage, why our first instinct under stress isn’t fight-or-flight but connection, and how practices like breathwork, gratitude, and vagus nerve stimulation can restore balance. Todd shares stories from decades in the field, ranging from probation work to advanced trauma therapy, and highlights tools that anyone can use to widen their “window of resilience” and re-engage with life in meaningful ways.

Chapters
[Start] Welcome & Introduction: Dave and Luke set the stage for an exploration of mental fitness through the lens of the nervous system.
05:54 Polyvagal Theory in Action: Todd explains how our nervous system constantly scans for safety and why social engagement is our first line of defense.
29:41 Entrepreneurs, Trauma, and Flight Responses: A discussion of why busy lives and repeated ventures can mask unresolved nervous system patterns.
31:00 Practical Tools: Gratitude and Breathwork: Todd demonstrates simple, science-backed strategies like the “4-3-2-1” gratitude practice.
35:30 Chemicals, Habits, and Healing: From oxytocin to dopamine, Todd breaks down the brain chemistry of connection, addiction, and small daily habits.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Circles of Grace - Todd's therapy practice
• Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Habits of a Happy Brain by Loretta Granziano Breuning
• Links to Martin Seligman’s bio, videos, and books

Dave and Luke sit down with Dr. Jenna McGinnis of the University of Utah to discuss why the teenage years are such a critical window for mental health. Drawing on her work overseeing school-based mental and behavioral health services, Jenna shares insights into adolescent development, the role of neuroplasticity, and why prevention at this stage makes such a lasting difference.

The conversation unpacks the unique pressures today’s teens face, from the constant connection of smartphones and social media to the aftershocks of major global events like COVID-19. Jenna offers guidance on recognizing signs of struggle, reframing “laziness” as overwhelm, and building resilience through everyday wellness habits. With practical tools for teens, parents, and caregivers, this episode provides a thoughtful look at how to nurture mental fitness during one of life’s most transformative stages.

Chapters
[Start] Introducing Dr. Jenna McGinnis: Jenna shares her journey into psychology and her focus on supporting teens through school-based care.
05:00 The Teenage Brain Under Construction: Why adolescence is a critical window for mental fitness and building lifelong resilience.
13:00 Tech, Stress, and Social Media: How constant connectivity, social media, and global events shape today’s teen stressors.
20:00 Recognizing Struggle and Supporting Teens: Key signs of mental health challenges in teens and the role of adult modeling.
35:00 Building Resilience and Identity: Tools for emotional regulation, cultural identity, and everyday wellness practices.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Connect with Jenna on LinkedIn
• University of Utah – School Psychology Program
• Libby App – Free ebooks and audiobooks

(00:00:00) Code Switching, Identity, and Mental Fitness with Dr. Kimberly Applewhite

(00:05:16) Defining the practice, why people do it, and how it impacts mental health.

(00:15:23) Identity, Culture, and Belonging

(00:43:25) Practical Mental Fitness Tips

Guest: Dr. Kimberly Applewhite

In this episode of The Mental Fitness Podcast, hosts Dave and Luke sit down with Dr. Kimberly Applewhite, a licensed clinical psychologist and community leader, to explore the hidden emotional costs of code switching. Drawing from her own journey as a Black woman, a therapist, and a TEDx speaker, Dr. Applewhite unpacks how constantly adapting language and behavior in different environments can shape identity, belonging, and mental wellbeing.

The conversation dives into the unique challenges marginalized communities face, from cultural and religious dynamics in Utah to broader systemic issues in workplaces and healthcare. Dr. Applewhite also shares practical strategies for cultivating joy, centering personal values, and building resilience. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how identity, culture, and mental health intersect—and how small daily practices can help create space for authenticity and strength.

[Start] Introducing Dr. Kimberly Applewhite: Her background in psychology, community involvement, and passion for helping others.
05:16 Understanding Code Switching: Defining the practice, why people do it, and how it impacts mental health.
15:23 Identity, Culture, and Belonging: The toll of compartmentalization, coping strategies, and experiences as a Black woman in Utah.
43:25 Practical Mental Fitness Tips: Value-centered action, cultivating joy, and finding spaces for authentic connection.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• TEDx Salt Lake City – Kimberly Applewhite
• Encircle – LGBTQ+ community support
• Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome – Dr. Joy DeGruy

Guest: Dr. Jade Wu

Hosts Dave and Luke welcome Dr. Jade Wu, an internationally recognized behavioral sleep medicine specialist and author of Hello Sleep. Together, they explore why sleep is a foundation for mood, focus, creativity, and resilience. Dr. Wu explains how our relationship with sleep matters more than chasing perfection, and why treating sleep like an engineering project often backfires.

Listeners will learn what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) really involves, why common “sleep hygiene” tips are misunderstood, and how flexible routines, not rigid rules, create healthier sleep. Along the way, Dr. Wu shares insights from her clinical work, stories from her book, and practical advice for anyone who has ever felt “tired but wired.

Chapters
[Start] Introducing Dr. Jade Wu: Her journey into sleep science, inspired by her father’s research with astronauts.
03:13 Sleep and Mental Fitness: Why good sleep is fuel for mood, memory, creativity, and relationships.
12:13 Myths About Sleep Hygiene: Why gadgets, perfect environments, and rituals can actually backfire.
20:57 Practical Tools for Insomnia: How CBT-I and low-tech tracking can help reset your relationship with sleep.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Hello Sleep by Dr. Jade Wu
• DrJadeWu.com

In the first full episode of The Mental Fitness Podcast, Dave and Luke dive into the concept of “mental fitness” and why it matters now more than ever. They explore the parallels between physical and mental health, highlighting how habits like sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact not just our bodies but also our minds. with a focus on prevention; developing everyday practices that protect against anxiety, depression, and burnout, rather than waiting for a crisis to arrive. 

Drawing on recent studies, personal experiences, and lessons from their work in mental health and AI, Dave and Luke unpack the societal pressures shaping today’s mental health crisis. From the effects of the pandemic and digital overload to the role of comparison and social media, they share candid insights into how awareness must translate into action. We start here, laying the foundation for the series, offering listeners both encouragement and a roadmap for building resilience through small, consistent steps.

Chapters
[Start] Defining Mental Fitness: How it compares to physical health and why prevention is key.
08:00 Fences vs. Ambulances: The importance of proactive strategies to avoid crisis.
12:00 Pressures of a Modern World: Pandemic, social media, and the impact of information overload.
20:00 Progress Equals Happiness: Why focusing on what you can control leads to resilience and fulfillment.

Links and Resources

• ElizaChat - Your Personal Mental Fitness Coach
• Gen Z Mental Health Statistics – APA