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.
4 Sept 2025
Advocacy - From the Trenches
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.
29 Jul 2025
Advocacy - Not just a Buzzword
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.
25 Apr 2025
The Stare - Social Cues
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?
19 Feb 2025
Is The Answer in the Gap?
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.
28 Jan 2025
In the Room Where it Happens
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.
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18 Nov 2024
If you don’t move your body, you may lose your mind! NAMI Walks 2024
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
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22 Oct 2024
Put me in the Game Coach with Lor Mazan
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
1 Sept 2024
Culture and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma
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.
31 Jul 2024
Cracking the Code: Understanding Schizophrenia's Genetic Puzzle
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
12 Jun 2024
Music Therapy: Healing the Mind and Soul
How can music and meditation improve mental health? In this episode, Onegun and Wendy are joined by Helmut Wolf, a musician and advocate for music therapy. They delve into the therapeutic benefits of music, discussing how it can help release suppressed emotions and lift spirits. Helmut shares his experiences with different emotional release techniques and the profound impact of meditation on mental clarity. The conversation also explores cultural differences in addressing mental health, particularly between American, French and German approaches. Listeners are encouraged to consider integrating music and meditation into their routines for better emotional and psychological well-being. This episode is a testament to the power of music and mindfulness in fostering a healthier mind.
14 May 2024
Fry my Brain to a Fricassee
In this podcast, the family settles into the reality of learning about Schizophrenia medicine and its side effects. This begins their journey of research options for a cure.
Episode Links:
Pfeiffer Treatment Center - http://hriptc.org
Health Research Institute
28369 Davis Parkway, Unit 407
Warrenville, IL 60555
Phone: 630-505-0300
Fax: 630-836-0667
Email (mailto:Email:info@hriptc.org):info@hriptc.org
Abram Hoffer Bio: https://isom.ca/profile/abram-hoffer/
CNN Weed Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxrKyjeClTk
Oaksterdam University: https://oaksterdamuniversity.com
NORML: http://mnnorml.org
9 Apr 2024
The Thin Line: Creativity, Genius & Schizophrenia
In this podcast episode, we take a closer look at the intriguing intersection between creativity, genius, and schizophrenia. Drawing from our family’s quest for understanding and solutions, we share insights gleaned from research that explores the realm of creative genius and how it can be intertwined with mental illness. This thought-provoking episode encourages listeners to question conventional notions of mental health and creativity, challenging them to embrace a more holistic understanding of the human experience and the quest for healing.
Connect with us on: Facebook https://bit.ly/Functioning
Facebook Instagram https://bit.ly/FunctioningInstagram
22 Mar 2024
The Diagnosis: The 72-Hour Hold
In this episode, Lovey and OneGunn share the experience of the 72-hour hold and the journey of a schizophrenia diagnosis.
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15 Mar 2024
The Diagnosis: I Feel Evil
This episode explores the energy and emotional roller coaster around a schizophrenia diagnosis.
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8 Mar 2024
The Diagnosis: Crazy or Eccentric
Our family's attempts at "Functioning" take center stage as we navigate the zigzags that schizophrenia introduces into our lives. We invite you to join us on this rollercoaster ride, where we openly share our experiences and strive to break down barriers associated with schizophrenia.
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28 Feb 2024
We are Functioning: Searching for a Cure for Schizophrenia
On our first episode of Functioning, Wendy (Lovey) Cannon-Gunn and Marvin (OneGunn) Gunn set the stage for how "Functioning" is not just a podcast; it's a call to action for a cure while we share a heartfelt exploration into our family's experiences in navigating the challenges of schizophrenia. We are a family that has undergone a crash course in understanding and living with schizophrenia that started when we sent our son off to college and he came back with schizophrenia. This 20-year journey has fueled our passion to create a safe space and remove the stigma surrounding this condition.
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
19,100
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
1.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
54
Social presence
0
YouTube
85
Engagement
32
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