We're keeping the conversation going. In this third installment on Advocacy, I'm diving even deeper—into the quiet battles, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the personal growth that comes when you decide to speak up and stand firm. This isn't just about big movements—it's about everyday courage. If you've ever wondered how to keep showing up when the road gets heavy or when your voice shakes, this one's for you.

In this episode, Advocacy – From the Trenches, we take you inside our lived experience as parents supporting our son through a critical transition in his Schizophrenia treatment. We open up about a deeply personal chapter—supporting our son as he transitioned to new medication for Schizophrenia. My wife and I share what it meant for us to step in, have him stay with us, and walk alongside him through this challenging but important change. We talk about the realities of navigating mental health care as a family, the importance of showing up as advocates for our loved ones, and the lessons we've learned about patience, resilience, and hope.

This conversation isn't just about medication—it's about love, advocacy, and standing together through the ups and downs of living with Schizophrenia.

In this 1st episode of three, we dive deep into the power of advocacy—what it means, why it matters, and how each of us can use our voice to create change. Its not just a buzzword, but something real and necessary. Whether you're standing up for a cause, speaking out for others, or championing your own rights, advocacy is more than action—it's a mindset. Join us as we explore how advocacy shows up in big and small ways, and why staying silent isn't an option.

What does it really mean when someone stares? Is it a sign of curiosity, confrontation, connection—or something else entirely? Wendy and Marvin dive deep into the quiet language we all speak—body language, glances, gestures, and the invisible rules of human interaction. Why do we instantly know when a room goes quiet… or when someone's stare lasts a little too long?

Marvin and Wendy share their journey of meeting with Sages including Deepok Chopra to understand if the field of Spiritual Awakening and functional medicine could heal schizophrenia.

Meditation | ˌmedəˈtāSHən | A practice that involves training the mind to achieve a state of mental clarity, focus, and inner peace.

Join Wendy and Marvin while they travel to NYC to meet the scientists researching cures for schizophrenia. They will introduce you to the Brain Behavior foundation and several scientists to learn what work is being done to find the cure for schizophrenia.

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

The podcast episode travels with the community to explore the NAMI Walks 2024 events. This is an annual event that is hosted by the National Alliance for Mental Illiness. There are several chapters throughout the US that host the event. Enjoy meeting the families and learn why people walk. The podcast allows you to experience the events real time in both Minnesota and Phoenix, AZ.

https://www.namiwalks.org Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Struggling to handle your mental health journey? We're here to help. This week, we're joined by Lori Mason, founder of Sounding Board and author of Leadership Revolution. Lori discusses how her early experiences in mental health and leadership coaching have shaped her approach to helping families and leaders navigate life's challenges. Tune in for advice on dealing with schizophrenia, embracing self-acceptance, and focusing on your strengths. Key Takeaways: Navigating schizophrenia in family life The role of acceptance in mental health How coaching brings unique support Leadership lessons for growth.

"Acceptance lets the shields go down."

#MentalHealthJourney #SchizophreniaAwareness #LeadershipThroughChallenges #CoachingForLife #FamilySupportMatters #BreakTheStigma #LeadershipRevolution #MentalHealthMatters #SelfAcceptance #ResilienceAndStrength

This episode of the podcast explores the complex relationship between culture and mental health, particularly in the context of schizophrenia. Marvin and Wendy, broadcasting from Myrtle Beach, discuss these themes with Rick Yang, a young mental health advocate. Yang shares his personal experiences with mental health advocacy and highlights the cultural barriers that can prevent people from seeking help. The conversation covers the stigmas within Asian American communities, the importance of youth voices in mental health, and the broader societal implications of untreated mental health issues.

The podcast episode explores the genetic aspects of schizophrenia, discussing how it affects families and the ongoing search for a cure. Wendy and Marvin introduce the concept of "the code," relating to genetic predispositions, and emphasize the importance of understanding schizophrenia not only for their son but also for their family. Dr. Sheila Becking, a psychologist, shares her insights into the genetic and environmental factors influencing mental health. The discussion covers the impact of nutrition, the need for more qualitative and longitudinal studies, and the reduction of stigma surrounding mental health. The episode encourages listeners to seek support from organizations like NAMI and highlights the role of community and advocacy in managing mental health challenges.

Episode Links:

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness www.namimn.org

Brain Behavior Monthly Podcast: Discusses scientific insights into mental health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hQfe9_HC98

NPR Article: Genetic analysis of African-American ancestry and brain disease https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1252987494:1252991435