MHAI is dedicated to promoting care and treatment for persons living with or impacted by mental and emotional disorders. The podcast provides education and discussion with experts in the field promoting wellness and to end stigma.
In this episode, we explore the realities of caregiving through a deeply personal and powerful conversation.
Host Morayo Orija sits down with Kayla Frantz, a woman who describes herself as “just a stay-at-home mom” but, who in reality, is a relentless champion caregiver for her daughter Gabriella, who was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, shortly after birth.
Kayla shares the emotional and physical challenges that come with caregiving, alongside the moments of joy and deep connection that sustain her family.
From navigating medical systems to coping with isolation and finding community, this episode offers an honest look at what it means to care for a loved one with complex needs.
Kayla shares what she’s learned about:
• Building routines and managing daily caregiving demands
• Finding support networks and community resources
• Embracing gratitude and redefining expectations
Whether you are a caregiver, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to better understand the caregiving experience, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and that hope can be found even in the most challenging moments.
Episode Transcript: https://mhai-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/info_mhai_org/IQBNfauIiZ8kS4iVGs1Pkgs6AelM1hxYduBzL5BQLTSMJLI?e=Gz3jmU
Sadie McCann Fund
www.sadiemccannfund.org
Caregiver Syndrome
www.mhai.org/post/suffering-from-caregiver-syndrome-it-s-time-to-take-care-of-yourself
24 Feb 2026
Happiness is Free
"Happiness is choosing peace — every single time.”
In this episode of MHAI Talks, Eunice Atuejide joins us for an honest and empowering conversation about happiness, healing, and personal freedom. We explore how mindset and intentional action shape our mental well-being, how unresolved trauma can limit growth, and why people-pleasing leads to burnout.
Eunice also discusses forgiveness, boundaries, parenting through example, and the importance of living fully in the present moment. This episode is a reminder that happiness isn’t reserved for “someday”—it’s available right now.
Listen in for practical insights and gentle reminders that peace, joy, and healing are within reach.
Eunice's coaching website - https://www.vipeunice.com/
Episode transcript: https://bit.ly/3MJcXje
30 Oct 2025
Hey Cover My Mental Health
Episode: Hey, Cover My Mental Health — Overcoming Insurance Denials
When his child’s mental health care was denied by insurance, Joe Feldman fought back—and won. That experience inspired him to create Cover My Mental Health, a nonprofit helping families and clinicians appeal denials and access the care they need.
In this episode, Joe shares his journey from parent to advocate, practical tools for navigating insurance barriers, and the importance of self-advocacy in mental health care.
Explore his free resources at CoverMyMentalHealth.org
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25 Aug 2025
Salud Mental sin Estigma
En este episodio de MHAI Talks, la conductora invitada Zulivet Diaz conversa con Daisy Gomez, LCPC, una profesional de salud mental bilingüe, sobre la importancia de la atención culturalmente competente en la comunidad latina.
Desde su trayectoria personal como hija de inmigrantes mexicanos en Chicago hasta convertirse en profesora, terapeuta y defensora comunitaria, Daisy comparte cómo la identidad cultural, el estigma y las experiencias vividas moldean la conversación sobre la salud mental.
Juntas hablan de cómo derribar conceptos erróneos, reconocer señales de advertencia tempranas, los retos únicos de los profesionales de primera generación y por qué el acceso a terapeutas bilingües y biculturales es esencial. Los oyentes obtendrán herramientas prácticas para apoyar a sus seres queridos, reducir el estigma y dar pasos hacia el bienestar—porque la salud mental es para todos.
Encuéntrate Counseling & Consulting www.encuentratecc.com
Transcript: https://bit.ly/41oIKdl
4 Aug 2025
Sound Therapy 101: The Healing Power of Vibration
Ever wondered how sound can actually help you feel better—mentally, physically, and emotionally? You're not alone.
In this episode, we sit down with sound practitioner Victoria Kowalska from Inner Peace Counseling Center and Lunar Sol Bloom to explore what sound therapy is all about. From tuning forks and singing bowls to brainwave shifts and emotional release, Victoria breaks it down in a way that's easy to understand (and even easier to get excited about).
We talk about how sound therapy can help calm the nervous system, support your healing journey, and even complement traditional talk therapy
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a sound practitioner yourself, Victoria shares honest, heart-centered advice on how to get started.
What you’ll hear about:
*What to expect during a sound therapy session
*The science of sound and vibration
*How group and one-on-one sessions differ
*Ways sound therapy can support emotional healing and self-connection
*Victoria’s personal path into this work—and how you can explore it too
Tune in and find out why more people are turning to sound for healing, clarity, and a deeper sense of peace.
Instagram: LunarSolBloom
Email: VKowalska@InnerPeacePsych.com
Episode Transcript: http://bit.ly/4lVUBaX
13 Jul 2025
Undocumented No More
In this powerful episode of MHAI Talks, our host, Morayo Orija, sits down with actress and advocate Mariel Martinez to explore the deeply personal journey of immigration, identity, and mental health. Born in Mexico and once undocumented, Mariel shares her experience of moving to the United States as a child, the emotional cost of leaving home, and the psychological toll of growing up in the shadows.
With candor and grace, Mariel reflects on the realities of navigating life without documentation, the transformative impact of DACA, and her passion for telling untold stories through film and theater. The conversation also touches on her current work as a Spanish interpreter in immigration courts, where she witnesses firsthand the trauma many asylum seekers face.
We confront common misconceptions about immigrants and discuss rising mental health needs among immigrant youth and the critical role of community support and culturally competent care.
24 Jun 2025
Stronger Together Initiative
The Chicago Lighthouse introduces the Stronger Together Initiative, aiming to provide greater access to mental health services for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in Cook County in this interview episode.
13 May 2025
Divine Wellness with Rev. Jodi Suson
“My life was divinely guided from the day I was born — and so was yours.”
After living for two decades with a major misdiagnosis and unknowingly adopting habits that deteriorated her mind and body, Rev. Jodi Suson made a life-altering decision: to reconnect with her divine spirit and align it with her physical well-being.
Now a nutritionist, brain health professional, and quantum energy healer, Jodi empowers others through her practice, coaching, workshops, and her new book, Emotional Healing: Toxic-Free Living – Model New Behaviors & Reset Old Belief Systems.
In this inspiring episode, Jodi shares the powerful tools and insights that helped her transform her health and life. Discover how to reframe your relationship with food, energy, home, and thoughts to become the healthiest, most authentic version of yourself.
13 Mar 2025
Reversing the Mental Health Worker Shortage
Illinois, like many states, is facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals, including counselors, therapists, and behavioral health specialists—leaving many in need without access to care.
But what’s being done to address this growing crisis? In this episode, we explore efforts from schools, professional associations, and the state of Illinois aimed at expanding the mental health workforce.
Listen as Brooke Werner, a current student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and Dr. Joseph Troiani, Associate Professor of Psychology at Adler University, share their insights, real-world experiences, and potential solutions to help bridge the gap.
Tune in for an informative and inspiring conversation about the future of mental health care.
27 Feb 2025
What's new from Springfield in 2025?
MHAI board member and retired clinical law professor Mark Heyrman walks through top mental health legislation signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Topics:
3:20 Health Care Protection Act
7:56 Appeals
11:02 The end of step therapy ("Fail First") policies
13:18 Medicaid, the state, federal partnership
16:09 Mental Health Summit
19:33 Worker shortage
23:50 Criminal justice legislation
30:24 Youth Screening
35:20 988 dedicated funding proposal
41:00 Fitness for trial
45:52 Additional changes to Prior Authorization
7 Oct 2024
Murder-Suicide: The Unique Grief Model
Tina Chevalier, Kristina Faulkner and Michael Vinton were once three strangers from distant corners of the U.S. Then, remarkably tragic events united them. Their lives were changed by acts of murder-suicide and loss of loved ones.
They soon found they were also united in the need for understanding and support that fit their grief journey.
Through their pain and unmet needs, they created help and purpose by founding Impacted Survivors - a support group to help people who find themselves members of this tragically exclusive group.
Listen as they share the story of their coming together, healing and how others can learn from their experiences and connect to a new community of hope.
8 Aug 2024
Access for all in Illinois?
Jessica Gimeno is an unrelenting advocate for the disabled community. She seeks equality and representation for the individuals who historically do not "have a seat at the table".
The search for justice and inclusivity drive her work as the Mental Health Policy Analyst at Access for Living in Chicago. There she focuses on mental health parity, child and adolescent mental health, and the implementation of the Community Emergency Services & Supports Act (CESSA).
She joined MHAI Talks to highlight the services and mission of Access for Living and share the progress of CESSA implementation since the law passed in 2021.
16 May 2024
Mental Health in the Workplace
Naomi Ruth Cohen Institue's Executive Director Tracy Levin shares information about their 2024 conference that focuses on the definition of work and workplace, work cultures, challenges, and the importance of valuing mental health.
10 Apr 2024
A Suicide Loss Survivor Talks to Save Others
Dr. Dimple Patel is many things. She's a proud, first-generation Indian-American, a daughter, sister, mental health advocate and a suicide loss survivor.
Through the struggles of a tragic family event, Dimple confronted many
emotions, including the courage to step beyond her South Asian traditions to create a place of healing and purpose for her life.
In this episode, we discuss the impact that a death by suicide can leave on survivors, as well as some signs of depression and suicide risk signs in others or yourself.
Follow Dr. Patel on Instagram where she advocates and educates on mental health and suicide prevention at @MentalHealthBhavanas .
22 Feb 2024
Humor and Healing the Anxious Mind
Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr. David Carbonell, practices therapy with a style of hope that focuses on clients' present-day issues. He shows clients and therapists that phobias and anxiety can be approached with humor. He joined MHAI Talks to share more of his thoughts on healing with humor and founding The Therapy Players, a group of improv-performing therapists who bring laughter to the practice and audiences.
8 Dec 2023
Alexander Technique: Mind and Body Connection
Alexander Technique instructor and body wellness expert, Sharon Jakubecy, M. AmSAT, discusses the impact of stress and tension on our bodies and the practice that we can use to ease pain, calm the nervous system and alleviate stress symptoms.
7 Nov 2023
CIT in our Communities
Retired Orland Park Police Lt. Troy Siewert discusses the efficacy of CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams) in our communities when the model is used properly and goes beyond law enforcement. He also shares how he uses his new endeavor Insightful Crisis Response to train the community to prevent and reduce crises in individuals.
16 Oct 2023
Mental Health and the Law
Law expert and Mental Health America of Illinois Board Member Mark Heyrman discusses major advancements and new mental health laws that take effect this year.
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
46
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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