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It's become an October tradition. In the second installment of our annual Mental Health & the Media series, we explore how television is shaping the way we think and talk about mental health. From groundbreaking portrayals to lingering stereotypes, we discuss the shows driving today's conversations and why authentic storytelling can help reduce stigma, build understanding, and create meaningful change. Connect with The Green PhoenixFor more information about The Green Phoenix, or if you'd like to join Heather as a guest on a future episode, please don't hesitate to reach out. 📧 Contact Us: [email protected]

Welcome back to our annual Mental Health & the Media series. In this first of two episodes, we're diving into the world of movies to explore how mental health is being portrayed on screen today. From standout performances to outdated tropes, we'll discuss the portrayals that move the conversation forward and the ones that still miss the mark. Be sure to join us for Part 2, where we'll turn our attention to television. Connect with The Green PhoenixFor more information about The Green Phoenix, or if you'd like to join Heather as a guest on a future episode, please don't hesitate to reach out. 📧 Contact Us: [email protected]

Suicide thrives in isolation, but healing happens in community. In this moving live discussion, panelists share lived experiences, professional expertise, and hard-earned wisdom about navigating suicidal thoughts, supporting loved ones in crisis, and finding hope after unimaginable loss. Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone else, or simply want to better understand mental health, this conversation offers compassion, practical resources, and a powerful reminder that every life matters. Connect with The Green PhoenixFor more information about The Green Phoenix, or if you'd like to join Heather as a guest on a future episode, please don't hesitate to reach out. 📧 Contact Us: [email protected]

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, suicide loss, suicide attempts, grief, and mental health crises. Listener discretion is advised. What happens when the thought"I need help" collides with the fear of reaching out? In this episode, Heather and Larry are joined by Michelle Cleveland, founder of Project 24SEVEN, a mental health app built to help people connect with trusted support before a crisis becomes overwhelming. After losing two sons to suicide just 30 days apart, Michelle transformed unimaginable loss into a mission to help others find hope, connection, and community. Together, they discuss mental health, grief, recovery, and why no one should have to struggle alone. Guest Information Michelle Cleveland Founder, Project 24 7 inc. Project24seven.org https://apps.apple.com/us/app/project-24-7-inc/id6755139507 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=project.twentyfour.seven Instagram @Project24SEVEN Facebook Project 24SEVEN Connect with The Green Phoenix For more information about The Green Phoenix, or if you'd like to join Heather as a guest on a future episode, please don't hesitate to reach out. 📧 Contact Us: [email protected]

Suicide thrives in isolation, but healing happens in community. In this moving live discussion, panelists share lived experiences, professional expertise, and hard-earned wisdom about navigating suicidal thoughts, supporting loved ones in crisis, and finding hope after unimaginable loss. Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone else, or simply want to better understand mental health, this conversation offers compassion, practical resources, and a powerful reminder that every life matters. Connect with The Green PhoenixFor more information about The Green Phoenix, or if you'd like to join Heather as a guest on a future episode, please don't hesitate to reach out. 📧 Contact Us: [email protected]

In this episode, Heather talks with Patti Willig of LogoMotion about building a career through growth, creativity, and unexpected change. Patti shares how her path moved from science and corporate roles into graphic design and running a custom apparel business. Her journey is a reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight line, and sometimes the best opportunities come from simply being willing to try something new. They talk about learning by doing, adapting along the way, and how paying attention to people and their needs can shape both a business and a life. Topics include: Nonlinear career pathsCreativity and self-taught skillsSaying yes to new opportunitiesBuilding a business through relationshipsGrowth through experience and changeIf you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your direction, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan. Sometimes you just need to say yes and see what happens. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

In this episode, Heather talks with Kathy Lathem about finding your voice and growing into who you are. Kathy shares her journey from being labeled “Chatty Kathy” to working in radio and navigating major life transitions. They talk about building confidence, moving through fear, and staying curious even when things feel uncertain. Heather also reflects on mental health, self-expression, and how art can become a voice when words are hard to find. Topics include: Finding your voiceBuilding confidence over timeMental health and self-expressionLife transitions and identityWhy your story mattersIf you’d like to connect with Kathy or learn more about what she’s doing, you can find her here: Email: [email protected] For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

In this episode of 412 Connections, Heather talks with artist and entrepreneur David Clarke about creativity, photography, and the realities of pursuing a passion-driven life. They explore burnout, perfectionism, and why failure is a necessary part of growth—for artists and business owners alike. This conversation dives into storytelling through art, overcoming creative blocks, and learning to let go of the need to be perfect. If you're navigating self-doubt, creative struggles, or building your own path, this episode offers insight, honesty, and encouragement to keep creating. 🔗 Learn more about David: For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

Heather talks with Michelle Garland about community, courage, and showing up during life’s hardest moments. Michelle shares her breast cancer journey, survivorship, and the emotional impact of serious illness, along with the friendships and support that carried her through. A thoughtful conversation about identity beyond diagnosis and the power of simply being present. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

Heather sits down with Evan Summers, founder of Now Schmear This, to explore the connection between food, comfort, mental health, and relationship. From aromatherapy to flavor science, Evan challenges one-size-fits-all wellness culture, quick fixes, and shame around comfort. A thoughtful conversation about balance, individuality, and why relationship matters more than perfection. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

In this powerful episode, Heather talks with Jennifer Greenberg, suicide loss survivor and owner of Green Dragon Marketing, about suicide awareness, mental health stigma, and lived experience. Jennifer shares her story of losing her husband to suicide, navigating grief as a parent, and the importance of peer support, shared stories, and compassion. This honest conversation challenges misconceptions about suicide and reminds listeners they are not alone. Content note: This episode discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and loss. Listener discretion advised. 🔗 Learn more about Jennifer:email: [email protected] phone: 770-634-4855 For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

What do you do when words are hard? This episode is the audio recording from the 5th Annual Words Are Hard event, held on May 9, 2026. Artists, writers, and community members came together to share deeply personal experiences through poetry, visual art, and storytelling. The event moves through three connected themes: IdentityFighting the DarknessFinding Hope Each speaker brings their own perspective, sharing what it means to lose your sense of self, sit in difficult moments, and slowly find a way forward. You will hear stories about: learning how to express what feels impossible to sayusing art as an outlet when words fall shortliving with mental health challenges and navigating recoveryfinding connection in a space where honesty is welcome This was not just a performance. It was a room full of real people choosing to be seen and heard, sometimes for the first time. If you have ever struggled to explain how you feel, this episode is for you. If something in this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it too. What part of this episode stayed with you? This podcast episode is audio only. The full video from the event is available on YouTube if you want to experience the artwork and live moments as they happened. For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

In this episode, Heather Croas sits down with Astrid Ross, Georgia Senate candidate, certified peer specialist, and founder of the Mental Health Support Network. Astrid opens up about her experiences as a suicide loss survivor, a mother of five, and a longtime mental health advocate, sharing how trauma, anxiety, and depression have shaped her work. Astrid’s nonprofit provides free mental health resources, community education, and advocacy, aiming to normalize conversations about behavioral health and create safe spaces where people can seek support without stigma. She discusses practical ways to support mental wellness, break cycles of trauma, and build compassionate communities that prioritize connection and prevention. This conversation goes beyond inspirational talk, diving into the realities of behavioral health, the importance of peer support, and why safe spaces can literally save lives. Tune in to hear honest, real-world insights on mental health awareness, advocacy, and the everyday work of building networks that make a difference. Whether you’re a caregiver, advocate, or simply interested in mental wellness, this episode offers perspective, practical guidance, and a candid look at what it takes to support yourself and others through life’s hardest moments. 🔗 Learn more about Astrid For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

In this episode, we sit down with community mentor and advocate Akella Clore to talk about foster care, creativity, connection, and what it really looks like to support others while carrying your own challenges. Akella shares her journey as a mother of nine, a former foster parent, and the founder of Colorful Creations, a program built around confidence, art, and youth empowerment. We explore her passion for working with teens, the emotional realities of caregiving, and the quiet strength behind the smile she’s known for. The conversation opens up into emotional masking, burnout, the importance of healthy boundaries, and why community plays such a vital role in recovery. Akella also reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the kids who changed her life, and how creativity helps young people find their voice. This is a warm and honest discussion about resilience, belonging, and the power of showing up for one another through both the easy and the messy parts of life. It’s a reminder that healing grows stronger in community. 🔗 Learn more about Akella or your contact via emailFor more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.

In this episode, we talk with professional networker Sara Branch about connection, community, and why networking is far more than business cards and elevator pitches. Sara shares her transition from corporate life to building a networking franchise and developing her own curriculum to help business owners connect with clarity and confidence. We explore social awkwardness, storytelling, mindset shifts, and why structure can create freedom for both introverts and extroverts. The conversation moves beyond business into belonging, examining how face-to-face interaction builds trust, why community matters for mental health, and how learning to relate to others is truly a life skill. This is an honest discussion about reframing networking from transaction to relationship and rediscovering the power of authentic connection. 🔗 Learn more about Sara and Branch Consulting Group or connect with her on LinkedIN For more information about the Green Phoenix or if you'd like to join me as a guest on a future episode  please don't hesitate to shoot me an email. ⁠Contact Us⁠.