Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation

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Uncover the true power of generosity and how it can transform lives—starting with yours.

In this special end-of-year episode, Hillary sits down with Brooke, V.P. of Advancement, and Judy, a passionate supporter, to explore the many forms of generosity.

Through personal stories, they share how 'giving' goes far beyond monetary gifts. From simple acts of service to moments of kindness and offering your time, discover how even the smallest gestures can create ripples of hope in someone's life.

Tune in and be inspired to make a difference!

For more information about this podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For merch, please visit:
https://wcb.myprostores.com/

Volunteer Opportunities at Wedgwood:
https://www.wedgwood.org/get-involved/

Your gift today creates hope for tomorrow.​ Make a gift:  https://www.wedgwood.org/share-your-light/

Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/wedgwoodcs

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Hillary sits down with Jacklyn, a clinician at Wedgwood who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression. Together, they explore the impact that social media has on mental health, particularly how "compare and despair" patterns can harm self-esteem and lead to anxiety.

Jacklyn offers insights on recognizing when comparison becomes unhealthy, along with practical strategies to build a healthier relationship with social media. They also discuss how practicing gratitude can counteract the negative effects of comparison.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

To learn more about Counseling at Wedgwood, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

For podcast and/or Wedgwood merch, please visit: https://wcb.myprostores.com/

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Hillary talks with Emily Nykamp, a therapist within Wedgwood's Counseling Team, about her passion for helping clients—especially kids and teens—find creative ways to overcome challenges, build resilience, and grow.

Emily explains burnout as a result of prolonged stress, especially in fields like healthcare, education, and caregiving, where people often feel overworked and undervalued, especially post-pandemic. They discuss recognizing burnout early and managing it through self-reflection, understanding triggers, social connections, and setting work-life boundaries.

They also talk about how organizations can support employee well-being by providing mental health resources and a culture that promotes recharging.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

To learn more about Counseling at Wedgwood, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

For podcast and/or Wedgwood merch, please visit: https://wcb.myprostores.com/

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Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!

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Hillary sits down with LeRae, the Director of Spiritual Formation, to explore the connection between faith and mental health. LeRae shares insights on how spiritual health can enhance mental well-being and offers practical advice for balancing faith with mental health challenges.

Together, they discuss how spirituality can help find meaning in both joyful and difficult seasons, the importance of compassion, and how to navigate challenging conversations during stressful times like holidays and elections. Tune in for an enriching conversation that blends faith, emotional intelligence, and self-care strategies.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

To learn more about Wedgwood, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/

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Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!

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In this episode, Hillary and Nick Bayer explore the rising trend of substance use disorders among adolescents, focusing particularly on marijuana use. They discuss the environmental and mental health factors contributing to this trend and highlight the importance of addressing these issues to provide effective support for individuals struggling with addiction.

The conversation covers the complexities of addiction recovery, including recognizing signs of addiction, addressing underlying issues, and offering ongoing support to prevent relapses.

Nick emphasizes that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and underscore the significance of continuous support and interventions.

Join us for an insightful discussion on how to support teens through addiction and recovery, with practical tips and strategies for caregivers and community members.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For more information on Wedgwood's Counseling Services, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

For more information on Wedgwood's substance Use Treatment Services, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/substance-use/

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In this episode, Hillary and Brina Tiemeyer discuss the critical topic of framing suicide as a public health issue. They highlight the importance of using language that de-stigmatizes suicide and providing trauma-informed care.

The conversation covers the need for understanding and intervening in suicidal thoughts, particularly among teenagers and adolescents, and emphasizes approaching the topic with empathy and sensitivity.

Brina and Hillary address the challenges of discussing suicide and suicide prevention, including the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of open, honest conversations.

Tune in for insights on how to approach these difficult conversations and strategies for supporting those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For more information on Wedgwood's Counseling Services, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

For immediate help if you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/

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In this episode, Hillary and Gina Boscarino discuss the complex challenges of raising teenagers in the digital age. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for teens to talk about the issues they face and offer guidance on navigating social media and technology use. Emphasizing the need for strong relationships with teachers, classmates, and community members, they explore strategies to help teenagers build resilience.

The conversation also highlights the importance of educating both parents and children about the dangers of teen substance abuse, including the increased potency of vaping and alcohol, and the role of peer pressure. Tune in for practical tips and insights on supporting teenagers in today's fast-paced, digital world.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For more information on Wedgwood's Positive Youth Development Program, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/services/community-programs/positive-youth-development/

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In this episode, Hillary and Katrina discuss the unique challenges that back-to-school transitions pose for both kids and adults, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Katrina offers practical tips for helping children prepare, such as communication, preparation, and setting expectations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for raising neurodivergent children.

They also touch on the need for accommodations in schools to create a welcoming environment for children with ASD. Tune in to learn actionable strategies and insights to make the back-to-school season smoother for everyone involved.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For more information on Wedgwood's Autism Center for Child Development, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/autismcenter/

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In this episode of "Coffee Break Conversation," Hillary sits down with Asha to discuss the unique challenges faced by diverse communities in accessing mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, education, and community engagement. Asha shares her personal journey of becoming a mental health therapist, shedding light on the specific obstacles encountered by people of color within the foster care system and the mental health field.

The discussion dives into the critical role of cultural competence in mental health care and encourages white community members to support mental health services in diverse communities. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to better understand and address mental health disparities in marginalized communities.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast/

For more information on Wedgwood's Counseling Services, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

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Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!

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Join Hillary for a special episode of Wedgwood’s Coffee Break Conversation as she sits down with Maranda, a beloved figure in the West Michigan community, and long time partner with Wedgwood.

In this episode, Maranda shares her experiences and passion for empowering kids and families through her work in local media.

With nearly 40 years of experience working for WOODTV8, Maranda discusses the evolving challenges children face today, from cultural shifts to mental health issues, and the importance of genuine communication and connection.

We dive into her new initiative, "How’s It Really Going?" is bridging the gap between families and essential resources, offering a "digital warehouse" for mental health resources and content.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and practical tips on how to effectively connect with and support the children in our lives.

Grab your coffee or tea, and join us for this meaningful conversation.

If you would like to learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services, please visit www.wedgwood.org. Wedgwood's Coffee Break Conversation is available wherever you listen to podcasts.

For more information on the podcast, please visit: https://www.wedgwood.org/podcast

For more information on Wedgwood's Counseling Services, please visit:
https://www.wedgwood.org/counseling/

Maranda's resources and mental health content: https://www.woodtv.com/abc4/maranda/hows-it-really-going/

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Don't forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes!