Cortez is back for Part 2 of his incredible story of strength and resilience! Be sure to check out Part 1 before listening to this episode!

Cortez Patton is a 17 year old entrepreneur in the 12th grade; born and raised in West Philadelphia. He started to pay more attention to the importance of mental health after he began to see people close to him struggling. Even though he had dealt with his own mental health in the past, he hadn't truly understood the importance until he really saw the people he cared about struggling. So, since he likes seeing people happy and coming together, he started a event called Philly Showcase, which is a talent show to highlight the unique talent within teens in Philadelphia, but the main goal is to raise awareness about teen mental health. He believes that teen mental health often gets overlooked and so now it’s time to END THE SILENCE! Cortez believes that his past has led him to do great things in life and that while he may not be THE change, he can at least be 1% of it!

CORTEZ:

Instagram: @_.Moetez._  or @philly.showcase

Website: www.thephillyshowcase.com - where you can find out more details about his upcoming events and other places to find him online

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

In this episode, our guest is Cortez Patton - a 17 year old entrepreneur in the 12th grade; born and raised in West Philadelphia. He started to pay more attention to the importance of mental health after he began to see people close to him struggling. Even though he had dealt with his own mental health, he hadn't truly understood the importance until he really saw the people he cared about struggling. So, since he likes seeing people happy and coming together, he started a event called Philly Showcase, which is  a talent show to highlight the unique talent within teens in Philadelphia, but the main goal is to raise awareness about teen mental health. He believes that teen mental health often gets overlooked and so now it’s time to END THE SILENCE! Cortez believes that his past has led him to do great things in life and that while he may not be THE change, he can be at least 1% of it!

To find out more about Cortez... stay tuned for Part 2 of his story in the coming weeks! And in the meantime, check him out online at:

Instagram: @_.Moetez._ or @philly.showcase

His website: www.thephillyshowcase.com - where you can find out more details about his upcoming events and other places to find him online!

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Today's guest is our very own NAMI Philly Ending the Silence presenter, Shadiqua Smith-Spann. Shadiqua's passion for mental health began with her own struggles. Growing up in an environment where mental health discussions were rejected, she didn't have any support to guide her in the process of healing. However, a series of traumatic events and numerous suicide attempts gave birth to a strong desire to improve the conditions of Shadiqua's life. As for many others, the process of seeking support became more and more discouraging. The countless obstacles as well as not knowing where to start triggered a severe mental breakdown. During her recovery,  Shadiqua discovered where and how to begin her journey. Shadiqua's own path was revealed to her and many of the doors that were once closed, opened. Her experiences gave her the necessary resources and insight to enrich her community.  

Shadiqua is now certified as a Certified Peer Specialist and Community Health Worker. She used both her training and experience to started her own Nonprofit Uponyaji, which means "healing" in Swahili. Shadiqua's nonprofit is based in Philadelphia, Pa and it aims to provide mental health resources and spread awareness within the black community. Her goal is to share her stories, experience, and knowledge with her community through her nonprofit. 

SHADIQUA: 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/_uponyaji 

Facebook: Shadiqua Smith-Spann 

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Komal Gulati is a 24 year old writer, mental health advocate, and future physician. Her writing has been published in Scientific American, KevinMD.com, NAMI Blog, NLI's 'Your Brain at Work' blog, and is coming soon to Temple Health Magazine. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, she leveraged her background in neuroscience and human rights in her role with the NeuroLeadership Institute, a consultancy in Manhattan, to help organizational leaders become lifelong learners, effective and honest communicators, and keepers of inclusivity. Now, she is working towards a combined degree in medicine (MD) and a master’s in Urban Bioethics (MAUB) from Temple University's Katz School of Medicine. Recently, she became a Founding Board Member of an up and coming nonprofit, Medical Minds Matter (link), a group dedicated to advocating for mental well-being within the medical community. She also remains a mental health advocate with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Philadelphia, where she is grateful to be able to serve her local community. 

In her spare time, Komal enjoys spending time with loved ones, trying out new recipes, traveling, online shopping, watching Netflix, and writing. She loves meeting new people and would be happy to hear from you via LinkedIn or her website, KindlyKomal, where she offer services including: commissioned writing and speaking engagements, mentoring, mental health support, and research consulting. She looks forward to hearing from you and is happy to have you along for this journey!

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Today's episode of The YANApodcast features Brittney Moses! Brittney is a Los Angeles native, passionate about seeing this generation live on purpose. While in the study of Psychology and research assisting at UCLA, she leverages her platform to reduce stigma and assist with helpful information at the intersection of faith, culture and mental health. Brittney is also a certified recovery support group facilitator with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and a Crisis Counselor with the Crisis Textline. Still, her favorite part of life is being called Mommy to her sweet son, Austin. 

You can find Brittney at www.brittneymoses.com or...

Instagram: @BrittneyMoses

Twitter: @Brittney_Moses

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Marcus Cinque Harris aka MH the Verb joins us to talk about anxiety, depression, substance abuse, intergenerational trauma and mental health in the black community. A world class multi-media artist, MH also discusses how music and the arts has served as a coping tool for not only himself but his community at large.  

BIO: Multi-media artist, MH the Verb uses afro-futurism to build community while blending jazz, funk, hip hop, and electronic arts. The MC/DJ/Producer has built a spacey catalog by mixing live instrumentation & studio production featuring musicians from from his Philadelphia-based collective, ArtHouse95. Complimented by his deep voice and poetic activism, MH the Verb speaks to multiple generations with anthemic power delivering flows like affirmations. His empowering series, #AFRONAUT has been acclaimed by Afropunk, Okayplayer, Complex, Mass Appeal, HipHopDX, and NPR. MH the Verb is a full live experience mixing multiple vocalists, rappers, a fusion band, live visuals and a DJ. Imagine what you'd see & hear from a collaboration between The Roots, Parliament Funkadelic, and Flying Lotus... MH the Verb is truly out of this world.  

MH THE VERB:

www.MHtheVerb.com 

afronautmedia.com Instagram: @MHtheVerb 

Twitter: @MHtheVerb facebook.com/mhtheverbmusic 

youtube.com/mhtheverb 

mhtheverb.bandcamp.com 

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

A Philly native, Teena Weisler is an educator, social worker in-training, and advocate for those who experience oppression. For the past 12 years, Teena has worked in high school settings and currently, she is interning in Kensington working with clients in active drug use. Teena is passionate about breaking the stigmas around mental health and addiction and loves talking about her own recovery journey. Teena can always be found enjoying the urban outdoors and indulging in fancy coffee!  

TEENA:

Instagram: @teenav_1020

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

In the Spring of 2018, singer, songwriter, and Strange Main artist Mackenzie Nicole unveiled her full-length debut album, The Edge, to critical acclaim. Its songs tallied over 1 million Spotify streams, and her videos totaled over 8 million-plus views as she played to sold-out crowds coast-to-coast. After nearly a decade of diligently grinding, the year marked a much deserved and significant artistic breakthrough for the then 18-year-old. All her hard work was starting to pay off, however, for Mackenzie it was the worst time in her life. On a deeper level, she suffered a mental breakdown and fell into thoughts of suicide. Through a combination of self-actualization and therapy, she returned stronger than ever before.  When her psychiatrist diagnosed her with bipolar 1 disorder, she says she felt a sense of relief. She started writing and recording and shares this struggle and subsequent victory by way of her latest full-length album Mystic. 

https://www.instagram.com/therealmackenzienicole 

https://www.facebook.com/realmackenzienicole 

https://twitter.com/mackenzienicole

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Ben Rubin was born and raised in Philadelphia and is a graduate of New York University where he was a member of the Varsity Wrestling team, Athletic Department's Strength and Conditioning staff, and graduated with dual degrees in English literature and political science. After college, Ben went on to work for a global advisory firm, specializing in technology and management consulting for the public sector. He is now the founder of a clean energy management start-up called OurGrid and enjoys doing triathlons and volunteering with NAMI in his spare time. 

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.

Rx Mundi (Rohan Sharma) is a rap artist, published author, and mental health advocate from Bucks County, PA. He began public speaking subsequent to serving a twenty-three month jail sentence after pleading guilty to an armed robbery that took place in the Fall of 2011. At the time, Rohan was a medical student at Drexel University. However, due to his mental illness being misdiagnosed, he was given the wrong medication which induced a psychotic episode. It was during his jail sentence that Rohan read over 60 books, including many from the self-help genre, which ignited his passion for mental health. He now shares his story as an example of what happens when you don’t speak up and get help for your mental health issues, as well as to demonstrate the amazing potential we all have when we utilize the power of positive thinking. Having now been a speaker for over three years, his story of hope and resilience has inspired thousands in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond. Since then, Rx Mundi has launched his music, as well as public speaking career, helping his audiences achieve mental health success. Aside from reading self-help books, Rohan also learned to express himself in jail through poetry and rap. He now has a Youtube Channel under the rap name 'Rx Mundi', where you can find a preview of his debut EP "The Mandela Effect". Last, he has documented his story in a memoir titled "A Very Thin Line: My Journey With Bipolar", which was published in November of last year. 

ROHAN:

Website: www.rxmundi.com 

Youtube Channel: Rx Mundi 

Instagram: @rx.mundi 

Book: https://www.rhythmnbone.com/product-page/a-very-thin-line-my-journey-with-bipolar (also can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, etc)

The YANApodcast:

Instagram: @the_yanapodcast 

New episodes every Tuesday!

NAMI Philly:

Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphilly_ETS

Website: www.namiphilly.org 

NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 267.687.4381 OPTION 1

CRISIS RESOURCES:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text, “NAMI” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.

Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - available 24/7 to help those suffering from addiction find immediate help.