Behavioral Health Brief

About Behavioral Health Brief

Behavioral Health Brief, brought to you by TURN Behavioral Services, an organization dedicated to improving lives every day, is the podcast where industry professionals, philanthropists interested in impact investing, and the community can listen to curated conversations meant to inform, inspire, and illuminate the path to mental health wellness for all us. About TURN Behavioral Health Services: Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available.

Publisher

Cloudcast

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 May 2026

Latest episode

16 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Episode 10 | From Tech Exec Skeptic to Champion for Behavioral Health

   Jim Callaghan, President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, discusses his unexpected path from international business, tech, real estate, and finance into leading a mission-driven behavioral health organization. He reflects on how board service, fundraising efforts like Benavon, and witnessing the impact of programs such as the FRC shifted his perspective on people seeking help and deepened his commitment to leadership that centers dignity, recovery, and community impact in behavioral health services. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.

2. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Ep. 9 | Why Behavioral Health Needs Leaders With Lived Experience

   Danny Stone, Vice President of TURN Behavioral Health Services, and Tim Bryson, Program Manager at TURN Behavioral Health Services, discuss their journeys from homelessness—and, in Danny’s case, incarceration—to leadership in California’s behavioral health system. From Danny’s turning point on the edge of a ten-story building to both leaders’ commitment to giving back, the conversation examines recovery, second chances, and how lived experience strengthens support for people facing behavioral health challenges, homelessness, and justice-system involvement in San Diego and across California. Listen Where You Live! About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | The National Leader In Local Podcasting | Listen Where You Live.

3. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Ep. 8 | See The Person, Change The System

   What if the difference between reaching recovery and reaching a breaking point is not simply willpower—but whether someone is seen soon enough and whether help is built to reach them? In this special compilation episode of Behavioral Health Brief, seven conversations come together to tell one connected story about lived experience, human dignity, and the systems that determine whether people receive support before crisis. From military service and family experiences to personal recovery, homelessness, clinical care, veteran support, and health policy, the episode explores how what people live through can become a responsibility to serve others. The compilation moves through three themes: what we live through becomes what we give, being seen is the beginning of change, and care must arrive before the breaking point. Guests share how personal experiences can shape professional purpose, how a single interaction rooted in dignity can restore someone’s sense of worth, and how lived experience can strengthen behavioral health care when paired with professional expertise. Their stories show that trust begins when people feel seen as human beings rather than defined by addiction, homelessness, mental illness, or other labels. The conversation then expands from individual compassion to the larger systems surrounding care. Through examples of community organizations bridging gaps in housing and basic needs, as well as a deeper look at financial incentives that can discourage early behavioral health intervention, the episode asks what it takes to make support dependable before someone reaches crisis. Across all seven stories, the message is clear: experience can become purpose, dignity can create trust, and lasting change requires communities and systems designed to act earlier. See the person. Build the path. Change the system before the breaking point. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting | Listen Where You Live. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People,...

4. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Ep. 7 | Behavioral Health In Crisis: Rethinking How Healthcare Defines And Delivers Care

   For more than 15 years, Dr. Luke Bergmann has worked inside public health systems in New York and California, confronting a troubling contradiction: behavioral healthcare is designed to respond to emergencies, but not always to prevent them. While nearly every other area of medicine focuses on managing conditions before they become critical, behavioral health continues to organize itself around the language of “crisis.” For Bergmann, this is more than a professional concern. His family’s experiences with mental illness and substance use have shown him what happens when people are forced to navigate a fragmented system during the moments when they need coordinated care the most. That fragmentation became painfully clear while Bergmann was trying to help his stepfather, whose severe anxiety was worsening alongside his declining physical health. His stepfather did not experience those conditions as separate problems, yet the healthcare system treated them as though they belonged to two different people. Billing policies prevented his physical and psychiatric needs from being addressed together during the same appointment, forcing him to move between disconnected providers and systems. Eventually, the difficulty of receiving coordinated care became too much, and he stopped pursuing treatment. The experience reinforced Bergmann’s belief that no person should have to be “split in two” simply because the healthcare system has separated the mind from the body. Bergmann now challenges behavioral health leaders to replace a crisis-driven model with one built around continuous, integrated support. He argues that hospitals and treatment programs should not be rewarded simply for keeping beds full or repeatedly treating the same emergencies; success should be measured by whether people remain healthy, stable, and connected to care. That change will require behavioral health departments, community health centers, hospitals, and primary-care providers to work together instead of operating as separate institutions. For Bergmann, the future of behavioral healthcare begins when the system stops waiting for people to reach a breaking point and starts building the relationships and services that can keep them well. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting | Listen Where You Live. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and...

5. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Ep. 6 | Recovery In Action: Finding Strength, Purpose And A New Beginning

   Jennifer Robbins knows firsthand that recovery is about far more than overcoming addiction—it's about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding trust, and believing that change is possible. On this episode of *Behavioral Health Brief*, Jennifer shares her extraordinary journey from repeated arrests and addiction to becoming a substance use disorder counselor at the very North County Center for Change that helped save her life. Through honesty, resilience, and unwavering determination, she reveals how one difficult decision to ask for help became the turning point that transformed her future. Jennifer reflects on the demanding structure of drug court, the mentors who challenged and encouraged her, and the personal growth that came from embracing accountability, faith, and recovery one step at a time. From earning the keys to her first apartment and first car to reconnecting with hope after years of feeling lost, she explains how each milestone represented more than success—it represented a new life. Today, she draws upon those same experiences to connect with clients facing similar struggles, proving that empathy and lived experience can become powerful tools for healing. The conversation also highlights the life-changing impact of the North County Center for Change and its collaborative approach to behavioral health, justice, and recovery. Jennifer discusses becoming a published author, mentoring others through their own recovery journeys, and the profound fulfillment of returning to the program as a counselor after once standing in a courtroom as a participant. Her story is a powerful reminder that second chances are real, recovery is possible, and with the right support, compassion, and commitment, people can not only change their own lives—they can inspire others to do the same. About TURN Behavioral Health Services Since our founding in 1978, TURN Behavioral Health Services has become an established provider in prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services. We do this by offering innovative services focused on mental health, supportive housing, substance use disorders and assisting those involved in the justice system. Our clients share the commitment to a life of resilience and thriving. TURN is a leading 501(c)3 non-profit agency with the goal of improving lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health challenges. Our diverse workforce and client-centered programs embody our guiding principles of People, Culture, and Growth. TURN operates 60+ community-based programs throughout California for people who either cannot afford privately paid services or for whom services are not otherwise available. About Cloudcast Media @Cloudcast-Media "Behavioral Health Brief" is produced by Cloudcast Media and joins its line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local. For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting | Listen Where You Live.

6. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Ep 5 | The Power Of Lived Experience: Inspiring Hope, Healing And Change

   Jim Callahan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, interviews Dr. Wendy Broughton, COO, about her journey and leadership. Wendy shares her pride in her daughter's graduation and the impact of TURN's work on her family. She discusses the recent strategic retreat, highlighting the board's engagement and vision. Wendy emphasizes the importance of compassion in treatment, noting that therapeutic relationships are crucial for client success. She recounts her 28-year career at TURN, from program manager to COO, and stresses the value of lived experience in the workforce. Wendy also touches on the use of AI in therapy and the rewarding aspects of her role.OutlineIntroduction and Welcome Jim Callahan introduces the Behavioral Health Brief podcast, emphasizing the mission of TURN Behavioral Health Services to improve lives through compassion and expertise. Jim welcomes Dr. Wendy Broughton, TURN's Chief Operating Officer, to discuss leadership, lived experience, and the journey of turning personal recovery into a lifelong commitment to helping others. Wendy expresses her excitement about being on the podcast and reflects on their 10-year working relationship. Jim highlights the growth of TURN from 2006 to 2026, noting the significant achievements and challenges they have faced together. Wendy's Personal Milestone Wendy shares her recent personal milestone of her daughter graduating from UCSB, expressing pride and mixed emotions about her daughter growing up. Wendy recounts how her daughter has been involved with TURN since childhood, donating toys and clothes to the women's residential program, which helped shape her character and sense of giving back. Jim asks Wendy to reflect on specific moments during her daughter's college years, and Wendy shares her daughter's inclusive nature and how she always made sure everyone had a friend. Wendy proudly mentions her daughter's achievements, including finishing her classes early and securing a full-time job in wealth management. Strategic Retreat Insights Jim asks Wendy about the recent strategic retreat with the board, and Wendy praises the board members for their personal experience and dedication to the cause. Wendy describes the retreat as highly engaging, with board members actively participating and providing valuable feedback. Jim and Wendy discuss the importance of the board setting a clear vision and direction for TURN, which they refer to as the "North Star." Wendy highlights the board's commitment to leveling up and engaging at a higher level, contributing to the organization's growth and success. Compassion and Therapeutic Relationships Jim and Wendy discuss the importance of compassion in their work, emphasizing the need to provide a soft place for clients to land without judgment. Wendy explains that the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of successful treatment, and the counselor's empathy and compassion are crucial for client success. Jim shares a story from a guest on his previous podcast, illustrating how compassion can change a client's perception of a program. Wendy reflects on her own journey at TURN, starting as a program manager and evolving into the COO, highlighting the growth and changes she has witnessed over the years. Mentorship and Career Development Jim and Wendy discuss the importance of mentorship and coaching within TURN, with Wendy emphasizing the privilege of imparting wisdom and lessons learned. Wendy shares a personal story about encouraging a program manager to take her licensing exam, which she passed, and how this boosted her confidence and career prospects. Jim and Wendy talk about the value of aligning personal missions with the company's mission, creating a win-win situation for both the employee and TURN. Wendy advises new...

7. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Ep. 4 | Recovery In Action: Turning Second Chances Into Hope, Purpose And Change

   Jim Callahan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, hosts a podcast episode featuring Sharon Hill, a program manager with 26 years at TURN. Sharon shares her journey from Compton to addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. She highlights her recovery, starting with a pivotal conversation with a police officer and treatment at California Institute for Women. Sharon discusses her work at Casa Aurora, a reentry program for women, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, vocational training, and community partnerships. She notes the program's success, including five participants now employed by TURN. Sharon stresses the need for honest observation and treatment for those struggling with addiction. Sharon Hill's Introduction and Personal Background Jim Callahan introduces the podcast, emphasizing the mission of TURN Behavioral Health Services to improve lives. Jim introduces Sharon Hill, the program manager at TURN and Casa Roi, highlighting her 26-year tenure with the organization. Sharon begins her story, sharing her birth in Pensacola, Florida, and upbringing in Compton, California, emphasizing the stability and love in her home. Sharon discusses her early introduction to alcohol at age 13 and how it led to her addiction to crack cocaine and other substances. Sharon's Struggles with Addiction and Homelessness Sharon describes her rebellious teenage years, seeking freedom from her parents' rules, and her eventual departure from home at age 18. She recounts her experiences with addiction, including her inability to maintain employment and responsibilities due to her substance use. Sharon shares her journey through multiple locations, including West Covina, La Puente, and Pasadena, as she chased drugs and alcohol. She discusses the impact of her addiction on her family, including her son being placed in the child protective services system. Sharon's Incarceration and Turning Point Sharon details her multiple incarcerations, including jail and prison, and how her addiction led to homelessness. She recounts a pivotal moment with a police officer, Officer Williams, who treated her with kindness and humanity, leading her to reflect on her life. Sharon describes her eventual incarceration in the state system and her introduction to the Forever Free program at California Institute for Women (CIW). She shares her initial skepticism about treatment but eventually found value in the program, including the 12-step fellowship and the concept of love and accountability. Sharon's Recovery and Career with TURN Sharon discusses her transition from homelessness to treatment, including her participation in the Forever Free program and her subsequent employment with TURN. She highlights the importance of her work in recruiting women for treatment and her role in the Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program (FOTE). Sharon shares her experiences working in various programs, including the Drug Treatment Furlough Program and the ACT program in Kern County. She emphasizes the importance of providing structure, support, and vocational training to help participants become productive citizens. Casa Aurora and Its Impact Sharon provides an overview of Casa Aurora, its mission, and the services it offers to women transitioning from incarceration to reentry. She describes the program's focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, vocational training, and community partnerships to help participants find employment and stability. Sharon highlights the importance of the team at Casa Aurora, including facility monitors, vocational teachers, and administrative staff, in providing comprehensive support. She shares her pride in the program's successes, including the growth and development of participants, and her ongoing...

8. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Ep 3 | Mental Health In Action: Connecting People To Care, Hope, and Recovery

   Jim Callaghan, CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, and Dr. Laura Otis-Miles discuss mental health awareness, the ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) model, and the challenges and successes in behavioral health. Dr. Otis-Miles shares her personal journey, inspired by her sister's struggles, leading to a career in psychology and community mental health. They highlight the importance of early intervention and the effectiveness of the ACT model, which provides community-based support for individuals with serious mental illnesses. They also address common misconceptions about mental health, such as the rarity of mental illness and the effectiveness of treatment. The conversation concludes with a call to action for mental health awareness and advocacy. Introduction to the Behavioral Health Brief Jim Callaghan introduces himself as the CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, emphasizing the organization's mission to improve lives. The episode focuses on mental health awareness, its misconceptions, and the need for greater understanding and action. Jim introduces Dr. Laura Otis-Miles, Executive Vice President at TURN, highlighting her extensive experience in the field. Laura's background includes working with veterans experiencing homelessness and complex needs, and her journey into the field is personal and professional. Laura's Journey into Behavioral Health Laura shares her personal story, starting with her younger sister who had mental health and learning disabilities. Laura's parents struggled to find appropriate care for her sister, leading to misdiagnosis and refusal to engage in treatment. Laura's father, a law enforcement officer, encouraged her to pursue psychology and public service, which influenced her career path. Laura earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California - Berkeley, and her doctorate from the University of South Carolina, focusing on clinical and community psychology. Professional Career and Impact Laura discusses her pre-doctoral internship at the University of California - San Diego, and her post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She worked with Vietnam era veterans, helping them navigate the VA system and addressing stigma and discrimination. Laura joined TURN Behavioral Health Services 15 years ago, starting as a Vice President and overseeing various divisions. She emphasizes the fulfillment and reward she finds in her work, particularly in investing in the workforce and creating impact at scale. Veterans and Mental Health Awareness Jim asks Laura about her reaction to Sheldon's story on PTSD (Episode 1), which reminded her of her work with veterans at the VA. Laura explains the differences between returning veterans from the global war on terrorism and Vietnam veterans, noting the reduced stigma. She highlights the importance of outreach and creating accessible services for veterans and their families. Laura discusses the Courage to Call program, which provides support for veterans and military families, and the impact of early intervention and prevention. Mental Health Awareness Month Jim and Laura discuss the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to reduce stigma and encourage early support. Laura emphasizes the importance of engaging in stigma reduction and advocating for funding opportunities. TURN Behavioral Health Services distributes green ribbons to support clients and honor their lived experiences. Laura shares examples of how TURN supports clients during Mental Health Awareness Month, including graduation ceremonies and storytelling opportunities. Myths and Misconceptions in Mental Health Jim and Laura address common myths about mental health, such as the belief that...

9. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Ep 2 | The Mission After Service: Connecting Veterans To Hope, Purpose And Community

   This episode of the "Behavioral Health Brief" offers up a wonderful conversation between Jim Callaghan, President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services and Jon Aasted, Veteran Engagement Coordinator for Mayor Todd Gloria's office in San Diego. Jon shares his journey from joining the Navy after a bomb threat incident to his current role, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships and resources like the Wounded Warrior Project. They discuss the significant challenges veterans face, such as job transition, food insecurity, and housing instability, while also highlighting the potential impact of hosting the 2029 Invictus Games in San Diego. Jon also stresses the need for veterans to ask for help and the role of community organizations in providing essential support. Outline | Jon Aasted's Journey to Service Jim Callaghan introduces Jon Aasted, the Veteran Engagement Coordinator for Mayor Todd Gloria's administration, and asks about his background. Jon shares his decision to join the Navy after finishing his Associate's degree in Santa Clarita, including a memorable experience with a bomb threat during his MEPs screening. Jon describes his initial excitement and the long days he spent at MEPs, which included being locked in a building for 12 hours. Jon explains his career path in the Navy, including his role as an intelligence specialist and his ongoing service as a reservist. Current Role and Community Impact Jon discusses his current role in Mayor Todd Gloria's office, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships and organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project. Jim and Jon talk about the challenges veterans face, such as finding jobs that provide purpose and dealing with issues like food insecurity and housing instability. Jon highlights the importance of connecting veterans to resources and the role of community organizations in providing immediate help. Jon shares his personal interests, including jiu jitsu and spending time with his family, and how these activities help him unwind. Challenges and Opportunities for Veterans Jim and Jon discuss the significant number of veterans and active military personnel in San Diego and the various challenges they face. Jon emphasizes the importance of finding jobs that align with veterans' skills or passions and the role of community organizations in bridging the gap between military experience and civilian employment. Jon mentions his work with organizations like Vet Tap, which helps veterans with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interview skills. Jim shares information about the Courage to Call program, which lost its funding from the County of San Diego but is now expanding its services with new donors. Invictus Games and San Diego's Role Jim and Jon discuss the Invictus Games, an Olympic-style event for wounded, ill, and injured veterans from 25 different countries. Jon explains the significance of hosting the games in San Diego and the positive impact it would have on the community. Jon shares his optimism about San Diego's chances of winning the bid to host the 2029 Invictus Games, despite competition from South Korea and Denmark. Jon highlights the strong community support for veterans in San Diego and the unique opportunities the city offers. Community Support and Coordination Jon discusses the importance of community-based organizations in supporting veterans and the role of government in providing resources. Jon shares a personal story about helping a veteran in need by connecting him with the Support The Enlisted Project for food and clothing. Jim talks about the Courage to Call program's efforts to provide food and clothing to veterans, including their partnership with Feeding San...

10. 

    13 May 2026

    Ep 1 | The Courage To Call: Healing Our Heroes On Their Road To Wellness

    In the very first episode of the Behavioral Health Brief, Jim Callaghan, President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, hosts a detailed interview with retired US Navy Captain Sheldon Margolis, exploring Margolis’s extensive 30-year military career, his leadership experiences, and his ongoing advocacy for veterans. Margolis recounts his entry into the Navy through the ROTC program, initially intending to serve only four years, but ultimately building a distinguished career that included combat service in Vietnam, where he led river patrol units and was awarded honors such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and three Legions of Merit. He describes the challenges of leading young sailors in combat, the emotional toll of sending others into danger, and the long-term psychological impacts of war. Margolis discusses his post-military transition, including leadership roles at the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park and as CFO for the Navy League San Diego Council, as well as his work with Lockheed Martin overseeing the Aegis weapons system. He shares his personal journey with PTSD, noting that he only recognized its effects after retiring from work, and credits the VA and mental health professionals for helping him address longstanding symptoms. Margolis emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles, encouraging veterans to seek help, and highlights the role of peer-to-peer support programs like Courage to Call, which provides confidential assistance to veterans and active duty personnel in San Diego. The conversation also addresses broader issues facing veterans, such as the stigma around seeking mental health support, the generational nature of military service, and the need for community and legislative support. Margolis and Callahan discuss Senate Bill 1407, which proposes exempting military retirement pay from California state taxes to help retain veterans in the state, noting the economic and social benefits of such policies. Margolis advocates for greater community involvement in supporting veterans, stresses the value of programs like Courage to Call, and shares personal stories about family, the significance of memorials like Mount Soledad, and the transformative experience of participating in the Honor Flight program. The meeting concludes with audience questions, where Margolis reiterates the importance of speaking up about mental health, seeking support, and the collective responsibility to care for those who have served. Introduction and Overview Jim Callaghan introduces himself as the President and CEO of TURN Behavioral Health Services, emphasizing the organization's mission to improve lives. The podcast episode focuses on courage, particularly the courage to serve, lead, and seek help. Jim introduces the guest, retired US Captain Sheldon Margolis, a Vietnam War combat veteran and lifelong public servant. Sheldon's military achievements are highlighted, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and multiple Legions of Merit awards. Sheldon's Naval Career and Early Leadership Opportunities Sheldon shares his initial lack of interest in serving but his desire to go to college, which led him to the Navy ROTC program. He describes his early leadership roles, starting as a division officer on a ship and later being deployed to Vietnam. Sheldon recounts his experience leading a river division in Vietnam, managing 60 to 70 people, and the challenges of sending young men into combat. He reflects on the mental impact of sending young soldiers into dangerous situations and the long-term effects on his own mental health. Major Achievements and Training Commands Sheldon discusses his pride in running major training centers, including the Aegis Training Center and Fleet Combat Training Center. He explains the significance of the Aegis Weapon System and its...

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