Mental Health Today

About Mental Health Today

Mental Health Today… is hosted by Ken Stearns and aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental illness through open discussion, education, and tools. The show will feature guests who share their experiences within the mental health field, including treatment professionals, funding experts, activists, advocates, patients, and policy makers. Each episode is LIVE across Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube. Mental Health Today is sponsored by Jar Foundation LLC, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing mental illness and improving access to mental health resources. The show will help to build the foundation's strategy, structure, and direction while raising awareness and promoting education about mental health.

Category

business · education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Mar 2023

Latest episode

26 Apr 2024

Latest episodes

121 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Apr 2024

   #123 Unlocking Wellness: A Journey with Peggy Van de Plassche

   In the latest installment of "Mental Health Today" hosted by Ken Stearns, listeners are treated to a thought-provoking conversation with Peggy Van de Plassche, a trailblazer in the realm of mental health and holistic wellness. Peggy's journey from a successful career in finance to becoming a passionate advocate for alternative medicine and psychedelics is nothing short of inspiring. As Ken sets the stage, reflecting on his recent travels and encounters with individuals sharing their intimate life stories, the conversation seamlessly transitions into Peggy's narrative. With over two decades of experience in the financial services and technology industries, Peggy's pivot towards psychedelics and the creation of The Microdose Diet is a testament to her unwavering commitment to personal growth and wellness. Opening up about her struggles with stress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression during the pandemic, Peggy reveals how her exploration of microdosing psilocybin became a catalyst for profound transformation in her life. Drawing from her own experiences, Peggy shares how combining microdosing with practices like tapping meditation, journaling, and visualization helped her enhance performance and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being. Throughout the episode, Peggy and Ken delve into the societal stigma surrounding mental health and the shortcomings of traditional treatment approaches. With candor and conviction, Peggy advocates for greater access to psychedelic therapies and emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in mental health care. She highlights the potential of psychedelics to address underlying psychological issues and foster profound healing experiences, challenging listeners to reconsider their preconceptions and embrace alternative modalities for mental wellness. As the conversation unfolds, Peggy and Ken explore the intersection of mental and physical health, underscoring the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management in achieving holistic well-being. Peggy's insights into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit resonate deeply with listeners, inspiring them to take proactive steps towards cultivating resilience and vitality in their own lives. Through her work with The Microdose Diet and advocacy for psychedelic therapy, Peggy continues to empower individuals to reclaim agency over their mental health journey and pursue paths of self-discovery and transformation. In closing, Ken and Peggy reflect on the potential of psychedelics to revolutionize mental health care and envision a future where these therapies are integrated into mainstream treatment protocols. With her forthcoming book, "MORE! The Microdose Diet - the 90 Day Plan for Success and Happiness," Peggy aims to share her wisdom and insights with a wider audience, guiding readers on a transformative journey towards greater fulfillment and well-being. As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a renewed sense of hope and possibility, inspired to explore new avenues of healing and growth on their own paths to mental wellness. For more about Mental Health Today, visit our: Website: https://www.thejar.live/about-mental-health-today-by-the-jar-foundation (https://www.thejar.live/) Full episodes with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqcH5Tu6idFbS4K3VhcplA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqcH5Tu6idFbS4K3VhcplA) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar (https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/) Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation. Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.

2. 

   23 Apr 2024

   #122 Embracing Vulnerability: A Journey to Mental Wellness with Frank C. Pomata

   Mental Health Today with Frank C. Pomata" offers listeners a deeply insightful exploration of mental wellness, guided by host Ken Stearns. In this episode, Frank C. Pomata, a mental health advocate and seasoned professional, joins the conversation to share his personal journey of living with mental illness. Frank's story is one of resilience and courage, as he opens up about his struggles with denial, fear, and the societal stigma surrounding mental health. From his early experiences of hiding his condition to his eventual decision to embrace vulnerability and share his story, Frank's narrative resonates with authenticity and empathy. As a facilitator of an online community dedicated to mental health, Frank sheds light on the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and seek support. Through his own journey of self-discovery and healing, Frank emphasizes the transformative power of connection and the profound impact of destigmatizing conversations around mental illness. By sharing his insights and reflections, Frank encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their own journeys toward mental wellness. Throughout the episode, Frank and Ken engage in a candid dialogue that touches on various aspects of mental health, from the challenges of seeking therapy to the significance of workplace accommodations and the evolving landscape of mental health awareness. Frank's commitment to advocacy and education shines through as he shares practical strategies for fostering understanding and support within communities. With a blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and thought-provoking reflections, Frank inspires listeners to challenge societal norms and cultivate environments of empathy, acceptance, and inclusion. In addition to his work as a mental health advocate, Frank is also a dedicated writer and speaker, leveraging his platform to amplify voices and create positive change. His journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of embracing one's truth. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of mental health and consider the role they can play in promoting mental wellness within their communities. Through meaningful dialogue and shared experiences, "Mental Health Today" continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals navigating their own paths toward healing and wholeness. For more about Mental Health Today, visit our: Website: https://www.thejar.live/about-mental-health-today-by-the-jar-foundation (https://www.thejar.live/) Full episodes with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqcH5Tu6idFbS4K3VhcplA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqcH5Tu6idFbS4K3VhcplA) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar (https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/) Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation. Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.

3. 

   19 Apr 2024

   #121 Nurturing Organizational Wellbeing: Insights from Tara Davis of the American Psychological Association

   In the latest episode of the Mental Health Today podcast hosted by Ken Stearns, Tara Davis, the Senior Director of Internal Communications & Staff Wellbeing at the American Psychological Association (APA), joins as a guest to shed light on the critical intersection of employee mental health and organizational success. With nearly two decades of experience, Tara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion, sharing insights garnered from her extensive career in industrial organizational psychology, wellness, HR, and internal communications. Throughout the episode, Tara emphasizes the importance of adopting a science-led, empathy-based approach to address the complex challenges surrounding employee mental health and wellbeing. In her role at the APA, she utilizes a comprehensive strategy that intertwines internal communications with employee wellbeing initiatives, aiming to create a work environment that promotes both psychological and physical health. By leveraging foundational principles of science, measurement, and employee feedback, Tara designs programs that empower employees to prioritize their wellbeing while also driving organizational impact. Tara highlights APA's overarching mission of using and advancing psychological science to improve people's lives, both internally within the organization and externally in society. With a membership base of over 120,000 psychologists, practitioners, scientists, and educators, APA plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, conducting research, and disseminating information to address pressing societal issues related to mental health. One of the key initiatives Tara discusses is APA's Stress in America survey, which tracks the evolving landscape of stressors impacting individuals, families, and communities, particularly in the wake of events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Through data-driven approaches such as employee experience surveys and focus groups, APA strives to gain deeper insights into the needs and preferences of its workforce, enabling the organization to tailor interventions and support systems accordingly. Moreover, Tara underscores the importance of fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing as a foundational element of organizational success. By soliciting input from employees and actively involving them in decision-making processes, organizations can create a sense of ownership and empowerment among their workforce, leading to higher levels of engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. In addition to her professional insights, Tara shares personal anecdotes and experiences that underscore her passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in the workplace. She encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter (@letswearlove) and explore APA's extensive resources, including research findings, educational materials, and podcasts, aimed at promoting mental health and wellbeing. In conclusion, Tara Davis's interview on the Mental Health Today podcast provides a compelling overview of the critical role that internal communications and employee wellbeing initiatives play in fostering a supportive and thriving workplace culture. Her blend of expertise, empathy, and commitment to social justice serves as an inspiring example for organizations seeking to prioritize employee mental health and create environments where employees and organizations can truly thrive. For more about Mental Health Today, visit our: Website: https://www.thejar.live/about-mental-health-today-by-the-jar-foundation (https://www.thejar.live/) Full episodes with video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqcH5Tu6idFbS4K3VhcplA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqcH5Tu6idFbS4K3VhcplA) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar (https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejar) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/) Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation. Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings