A group of global mental health and tech professionals recently united to explore virtual reality in mental healthcare—sparking the creation of MHVR Bytes. This podcast explores how VR is transforming mental health through expert interviews, real-life stories, and cutting-edge research. Whether you’re a therapist, developer, educator, or just curious, MHVR Bytes is your go-to source for the ethical, practical, and innovative ways VR is reshaping the future of mental well-being.
Publisher
Adam Baldowski, MA, PhD, CGT, LMHC and Jessica Stone, Ph.D., RPT-S
What happens when your personal story becomes the reason you change the future of mental health? 🧠✨
In this episode of MHVR Bytes, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Stone and Leslie Baker for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about how lived experience can shape the way we approach healing, connection, and virtual reality.
We go beyond theory and research…
This is about real moments, real struggles, and real transformation.
From personal turning points to stepping into the world of VR and mental health, this episode explores how technology isn’t just a tool… it becomes a bridge to understanding, empathy, and change.
If you’ve ever wondered:
How personal experiences shape the work we do
Why VR is becoming such a powerful space for healing
What it really looks like behind the scenes of this field
This one hits different.
🎧 Tap in and experience the story behind the work.
#MentalHealth #VirtualReality #HealingJourney #SelfGrowth #TraumaHealing #Psychology #Storytelling #Podcast #Mindset #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #LifeStories #DigitalHealth #VR #MentalHealthAwareness #Therapy #HumanConnection #TechForGood #InnerWork
24 Nov 2025
MHVR Episode 13 - Fiona Hill
Fiona Hill discusses how virtual reality experiences reshape her therapeutic approach to connection and healing, offering insights into empathy and presence in mental health as Dr. Jessica interviews her.
6 Oct 2025
MHVR Episode 12 - Dr. Richard Lamb
Dr. Richard Lamb discusses immersive education and cognitive research with hosts Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone, exploring how VR and cognitive modeling transform teaching and learning in this interview.
22 Sept 2025
MHVR Episode 11 - Tyler Tooley
Tyler Z. Tooley, a licensed professional counselor, discusses with Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone how gaming and virtual reality create connection, promote healing, and encourage self-expression in therapy; this is an interview.
8 Sept 2025
MHVR Episode 10 | Marie Bonner - Horon
Host [Host Name] interviews Marie Bonner-Horon, LPC, RPT-S, exploring how digital play and virtual reality transform therapy for children and parents.
11 Aug 2025
MHVR Episode 9 - James Perez and Dr. Deanne Canieso
Host Dr. Jessica Stone interviews James Perez and Dr. Deanne Canieso about VR's role in chronic pain management and personal healing journeys.
28 Jul 2025
MHVR Episode 8 - Marzena Michalewska
UX/UI designer Marzena Michalewska discusses using VR and biofeedback to reframe healing approaches, highlighting the importance of safe technology and the connection between personal healing and immersive tool design in this interview.
14 Jul 2025
MHVR Episode 7 - Dr. Kimberly Hieftje
Dr. Kimberley Hieftje shares her personal journey through loss and how it inspired Year of the Cicadas, a VR narrative experience that transforms grief into immersive healing, in an interview with Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone.
23 Jun 2025
MHVR Episode 7 - Lebogang Mokgatle and Monique Hill
Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone interview Monique Hill and Lebogang Mokgatle about drama therapy using virtual reality to heal trauma through embodied healing and storytelling.
9 Jun 2025
MHVR Episode 6 - Dr. Skip Rizzo
Dr. Skip Rizzo discusses the use of virtual reality and AI in mental health therapy, including PTSD treatment and the challenges of integrating technology, in this interview episode.
26 May 2025
MHVR Episode 5 - Dr. Howard Gurr
Dr. Howard Gurr discusses his pioneering use of virtual reality in therapy with Dr. Jessica Stone, revealing how it accelerates treatment for phobias and other mental health challenges in this interview.
12 May 2025
MHVR Episode 4 - Dr. Elizabeth McMahon
Welcome to the show! I’m Adam Baldowski, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Media Psychologist, joined today by Jessica Stone, mental health expert and author. In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the world of Virtual Reality Therapy with Dr. Elizabeth McMahon — licensed psychologist, author, and pioneer in using VR for mental health treatment.
Dr. McMahon explains how VR is transforming therapy — from overcoming fear of flying, anxiety, and panic attacks to helping clients master breathing techniques, mindfulness, and exposure therapy. Through powerful examples and science-backed insight, we explore how virtual reality can create life-changing breakthroughs in a safe, controlled environment.
Whether you're a therapist, tech lover, or someone curious about mental health innovations, this episode is packed with fascinating insights, personal stories, and therapeutic strategies.
🎧 This episode was recorded prior to Dr. McMahon’s passing. We honor her groundbreaking work and lifelong dedication to helping others. Her legacy continues to shape the future of therapy.
🕊️ In loving memory of Dr. Elizabeth McMahon.
🔗 Books Mentioned:
Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety
Overcoming Anxiety and Panic: An Interactive Guide
Please like, comment, and subscribe!
#VirtualRealityTherapy #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyRelief #TherapistTalks #VRHealing #DrElizabethMcMahon #InMemoriam #FearOfFlying #ExposureTherapy #PsychologyPodcast #TraumaHealing
28 Apr 2025
MHVR Episode 3 - Dr. Rachel Altvater
🎉 Buckle up, friends — today's episode of MHVR Bytes is basically a virtual joyride! 🛼💨 Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone are hanging out with the brilliant, hilarious, and wonderfully sparkly Dr. Rachel Altvater!
We’re talking about how a random social media scroll turned into a life-changing career pivot, the fateful moment she met Dr. Stone (it’s giving destiny ✨), and how she became one of the leading voices in digital play therapy and virtual reality magic.
Ever wonder if you can form real human connections through a headset? Spoiler alert: YES, you absolutely can — and Dr. Altvater is here to explain the science, the feels, and why your brain thinks your avatar is actually you. 🧠💥
Expect lots of laughter, some serious brainy moments, Target shopping sprees gone VR-wild, and behind-the-scenes peeks at the upcoming MHVR book! 📚🚀
🎧✨ Ready to level up your brain and your inner child?
Hit play now, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a (glowing, obviously) review! 🌟💬
Let’s make some virtual magic together!
#MHVRBytes #PlayTherapy #VirtualReality #DigitalPlayTherapy #TherapyIsCool #MentalHealthMatters #BrainScience #VRMagic #AltvaterAdventures #DrAdamBaldowski #DrJessicaStone #MHVR #HealingThroughPlay #FutureOfTherapy
14 Apr 2025
MHVR Episode 2 - Triton Ong
"We're in an adjustment phase of what this is... and there are a lot of things we're giving up in exchange."→ 💡
Technology is powerful, but it’s not without trade-offs.Join Dr. Adam Baldowski, Dr. Jessica Stone, and guest speaker Triton Ong for this eye-opening podcast episode! 🎧
This conversation dives deep into the evolving nature of community, connection, and identity in the digital age — especially for younger generations. 💬👾💻From VRChat, Discord, and TikTok to telehealth and virtual reality therapy, we explore how people are reshaping how they socialize, express themselves, and find true belonging. 🌍💙
Don’t miss it! 🔗🎙️ Please click follow, like, and comment!
#DigitalIdentity #VirtualReality #CommunityMatters #MentalHealthTech #VRChat #GenZTalks #Telehealth #TechAndTrauma #PodcastDrop #MHVRPodcast #OnlineConnection #TherapistsInVR #FutureOfHealing
31 Mar 2025
Episode 1: Origin Story
In this inaugural episode, hosts Dr. Adam Baldowski and Dr. Jessica Stone introduce MHVR Bytes—a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of virtual reality and mental health. They share the story of how a global group of mental health and tech professionals came together to explore the role of virtual reality in caring for our mental health. Tune in to hear their vision, what listeners can expect in future episodes, and how MHVR Bytes aims to inform, inspire, and connect those interested in virtual reality and mental healthcare.
Who has been a guest on MHVR Bytes
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Fiona Hill
Dr Richard Lamb
Tyler Z Tooley
Marie Bonner-Horon
James Perez
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
9
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Host of MHVR Bytes?
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