the WONDER podcast

Kristen Moore is back on the podcast! This time Deirdre Catlett will be joining Sydney in the conversation as they follow up last week’s episode. The three of them will be talking about the stigma surrounding mental health, the warning signs parents and guardians should be looking for, and how creating space for intentional connections and conversations is crucial.

Kristen also shares the importance of phrasing words carefully, especially within the topic of suicide. This episode is meant to be an encouragement for you to see it’s okay to make mistakes. Life is a learning process, so learn from the experience, and move toward more conversations.

If you’re a parent of a teen who struggles with depression, this podcast is for you. Sydney's parents, Deirdre Catlett and Jamie Guerrette, talk about their journey with their son, Brayden, beginning with what we refer to as “the kitchen floor moment.” They also share, for the first time, about their unsuccessful attempt to get help from our pastor, and why Jamie decided to leave his dream job at the Department of Justice.

This interview shows a side of Sydney's parents that’s rarely seen. Especially Jamie. There's laughter as well as some tears. It’s an honest conversation reflecting their love for their kids and their deep desire to encourage and support other parents who might find themselves completely blindsided by a mental health crisis in their family. Please share this with a family member or friend. 

On this week’s episode, Sydney's introducing you to Kristen Moore. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN. Since this podcast series is used as a place to hold conversations surrounding heavy topics, it’s important to have resources and information to help listeners process them. There’s a lot of responsibility in creating a space where one of the main focuses is encouraging others to share what they’ve experienced, so it's necessary to provide help in doing so. This is one of the many reasons why Kristen is coming on and speaking about mental health; how to be aware of signs, how to be proactive if you or someone you know is struggling, how to be there for someone by starting a conversation. 

Sydney's brother, Brayden, is one of the sweetest people. He genuinely understands the importance of sharing your story and how it can impact someone else’s life. This week, you’ll get to hear more about his experiences with mental health and his heart for others who think they’re alone in what they’re struggling with. Brayden has a gentle spirit, and because of his own experiences, he comes into this conversation with open arms and a genuine desire for people to feel loved.

Meet Sydney Guerrette, founder of Be The Change Youth Initiative, and her mom, Deirdre Catlett, as they describe the evolution of Be the Change Youth Initiative based on the consequential experiences and conversations they had while traveling the country. They are excited to share the new direction for the organization!